5 Creative Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas

Thanksgiving is one of the most beloved family holidays. Whether you live in Canada and celebrate in October, or you reside in the United States, and observe in November, Thanksgiving is a chance to remember all that you have and to enjoy the warm company of close friends, family and loved ones.

Turkey and dressing may be a standard fare for most Thanksgiving celebrations, There can be much more to Thanksgiving dinner than just run of the mill offerings that we are accustomed to. It’s pretty hard to go wrong with the standard Thanksgiving day menu, but this year, why not add a little creative flair and unique charm to your Thanksgiving smorgasbord. Keep reading for 5 simple and creative dishes that will charm and delight your guests.

1. Mashed Potato Casserole

Mashed potatoes are a staple of almost any fall and winter holiday meal. Who can resist creamy, buttery, potato goodness? Certainly not us. But how do you improve on something that is already so delicious? The answer: cheese and bacon.

the basis for this recipe starts with creamy mashed potatoes. We recommend Russet potatoes, but you can use your favorite. After you have boiled and mashed your potatoes as you normally would, combine them in a blender with milk, butter, and your choice of seasonings until the mixture is an even, creamy consistency. If you so desire, you can also add a bit of shredded cheese to the potato mixture while it is blending.

once your potatoes have reached their desired consistency, pour the mixture into a casserole dish. Top with shredded cheddar and a generous portion of crumbled bacon. Bake for 12-15 minutes at 350ºF or until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown on top. Finish with some fresh green onion as a garnish, and serve. This loaded mashed potato casserole is hearty and delicious take on a beloved classic that is sure to be a hit with your guests.

2. Corn Souffle

Also known as creamed corn casserole, spoon corn, or corn pudding, this tasty dish is a sweet and savory bit of heaven that is very simple to prepare. The first time I experienced this dish was a few years back at a family gathering, and it was so good, that I went back for seconds…and thirds.

To prepare, in a large mixing bowl combine one 15 oz can of corn, with liquid, one can creamed corn, 1 box of Jiffy corn muffin mix, 1 cup sour cream and a ½ cup melted butter. Pour all ingredients into a lightly greased 9-inch casserole dish and bake at 350ºF for approximately one hour, or until the top is golden brown and the center has set. This recipe can be easily doubled by simply using a 9×13 inch casserole dish, and adding about 15 minutes to the cook time.

3. Apple, Walnut, and Cranberry Salad

Kiss the can goodbye. Nobody Really likes cranberry jelly anyways. Instead of a congealed jiggly blob, you can incorporate your thanksgiving cranberries into a deliciously sweet and tart salad that even the kids will love!

Begin by washing and chopping 2-3 of heads of romaine, or your favorite mildly flavored lettuce. In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce with 2 – 3 tart apples, cored and chopped into one-inch chunks. Golden Delicious, Jazz, or Pink Lady apples are especially tasty in this salad. Next, add one cup chopped walnuts,1 cup dried cranberries, and one small can of mandarin orange slices in light syrup. Toss all the ingredients with 2 tsp lemon juice to prevent the apples from browning. Serve with a citrus-ginger vinaigrette or your favorite light salad dressing for a mouth-watering and refreshing alternative to canned cranberry sauce.

4. Orange-Ginger Glazed Carrots

Carrots are a favorite root vegetable to have for Thanksgiving, and this recipe takes them off the roasting pan and gives them a delicious glaze. You can save a great deal of prep time on this recipe by using trimmed and peeled baby carrots.

Use a zester to grate orange zest and the fresh ginger. Then, in a saucepan, reduce orange juice, butter, and honey to a beautifully sweet and tangy glaze that enhances the taste of these fresh baby carrots. While the recipe for orange giniger carrots suggests fresh ginger, you may substitute ground ginger as necessary. These carrots melt in your mouth, and will make a fine addition to the Thanksgiving spread.

5. Baked Apples

Baked apples are a great dessert option for finishing off your Thanksgiving meal, and they are so simple to make that any old turkey could do it! Start by coring a few Red Delicious apples, Next, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger in a large bowl, mixing thoroughly.

Place your apples in a lightly greased baking dish and fill the hole left over from coring with a generous portion of the sugar and spice mixture. Gently pack the sugar into the hole, but not too firmly. cover the tops of the apples with the remaining dry mixture, and place a small pat of butter on top of each apple. Cover with foil and bake at 350ºF for about 30-45 minutes, until the apples are soft and the sugar has caramelized. Serve with your favorite vanilla ice cream for a little taste of heaven.

Bird is the Word

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, so don’t hesitate. Start planning your menu today and making memories to last a lifetime! What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish? Share a comment with your best suggestions in the section below.