I can not believe Thanksgiving is in 2 days…TWO! It is one of my favorite holidays to spend with family and enjoy being gluttonous! My family typically makes a million side dishes, because lets face it, the sides make the meal! Everyone has their favorites and if we don’t make them, someone will be mad! A few years ago, my mom didn’t make one of my favorite side dishes: biscuits (Only the Pillsbury kind)! She subbed it for a different brand of biscuits and I almost threw a tantrum – the kind a three year old throws when you don’t let them have a gummy bear or something. Well, I love making turkey, cranberry, stuffing and green bean casserole sandwiches around 7:30 pm after my turkey induced coma has run its course from eating at 4 pm. I look forward to these sandwiches every Thanksgiving and over the years a few other family members have joined in on my tradition. Now you are probably thinking, a biscuit is a biscuit, why would I even complain. Well, you can’t make these sandwiches on just any kind of biscuit. You need those Pillsbury Grands to hold all the Thanksgiving goodness!
So after the Biscuit Fiasco of 2011, my mom always makes sure to have an extra container of biscuits and always makes whatever the rest of the family requests to avoid future disasters! It can be overwhelming but it’s what makes Thanksgiving so delicious.
I know it can be chaotic cooking for the masses, so I thought I’d help you out with five of my favorite and easy Thanksgiving side dishes that won’t take but 30 minutes to make. Most just have minimal ingredients and will please the crowds, no matter how big or small.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Brussel sprouts may smell like farts, but they taste so darn good when you roast them. Roasting veggies make for some quick prepping and easy cooking.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Clean sprouts and trim any leaves that look yucky. Pat them dry, then toss in about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper and 1 grated garlic clove. Lay on a baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on them, so they don’t burn. The leaves will get crispy looking, don’t worry, those are the tastiest.
After they are done cooking, place in a bowl and grate fresh parmesan cheese over them.
Roasted Asparagus
This is so simple! Who doesn’t love some yummy veggies to balance out all the carbs.
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Clean asparagus and cut a little off the ends (not the flowery ends!). Toss with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt and pepper. Lay flat on a baking sheet and cook for about 20 minutes.
Shave some parmesan cheese over top and serve!
Balsamic Glazed Portobello Mushrooms
I love making these! Sweet and vinegary baby portobellos are such a nice change up from the regular mushrooms we eat. Check out the recipe here!
No Brainer Sweet Potato Mash
I make this for the family on weekdays and we gobble it up! Boil water in a large pot, add salt. Clean, peel & cut 4-6 sweet potatoes into about 2 inch pieces. Toss in the boiling water and cook for about 20 minutes. Check to see if they are cooked with a fork – if it goes through easily, they are done!
Drain potatoes and use a masher or ricer – if you don’t have either a good old fork will do! Mash away and add about 4 tablespoons of butter. I know, you think it’s a lot but it makes it taste SO good! If you want it more creamier, add a little milk or another 1-2 tablespoons of butter. This makes about 6 servings, so if you are making for more than that, adjust accordingly.
This is my go-to side dish when ever I need to bring something to someones house. Not many people may want to eat quinoa or even try it, but its so cheesy and delicious, you will convert them to quinoa lovers, I swear! You can even spice it up a bit with adding broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, green beens, carrots – whatever kind of veggies you love. Check out the recipe here for cheesy quinoa and here for cheesy, veggie quinoa!
There you have it – easy Thanksgiving side dishes that are delicious, quick to make and be perfect additions to your bird or Tofurkey or whatever you may be eating!
What are your favorite side dishes to eat on Thanksgiving?
– Amanda
