Delicious Thanksgiving Sides

Holiday side dishes bring comfort and nostalgia to the table. This lineup includes roasted veggies, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and green beans—all the perfect extras for your festive meal. Each one brings its own tasty twist and texture to make the meal feel complete and cozy.

The first time I put together this feast for the family sticks with me. Seeing everyone happy and full made all the kitchen hustle worth it and turned it into a yearly must-have.

Needed Ingredients

• Roasted veggies: A couple of cups of carrots and Brussels sprouts roasted until golden and full of flavor—perfect for a touch of warmth and sweetness
• Green beans: Two cups trimmed and blanched so they're crisp but tender—pick firm, bright green ones for best taste
• Mashed potatoes: Four cups of fluffy potatoes boiled and mashed with butter and milk for creamy goodness
• Gravy: One cup of smooth, warm gravy—homemade or store-bought, it brings everything together with a savory boost
• Cranberry sauce: One cup cooked until thick with a perfect balance of tart and sweet—fresh or canned works if you heat it slowly
• Stuffing: One cup pre-made stuffing cooked as the package says for that classic herb flavor and easy prep

How To Cook It

Green Beans:

Drop your trimmed green beans into boiling water for a few minutes until they're vibrant and just soft. Plunge them right into ice water to keep that color and stop cooking.

Cranberry Sauce:

Cook the cranberry sauce over low heat in a pan, stirring gently until it thickens and shines, bringing out the sweet and tart mix.

Mashed Potatoes:

Boil peeled, chopped potatoes in salted water until soft. Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth. Add salt and pepper to get that classic creamy taste.

Stuffing:

Heat one cup of stuffing following the package directions to make sure it's just right—moist and flavorful without fuss.

Roasted Vegetables:

Lay out your veggies on a baking tray and roast them in a hot oven till their edges are golden and the flavors get richer. This cooking brings out a nice caramelized taste.

Gravy:

Warm the gravy slowly in a saucepan, stirring now and then to keep it smooth. Make sure it’s hot enough to finish the meal when poured over the sides.

I love to toss some fresh herbs on the roasted veggies right before serving. It lifts the taste and feels like a little extra care in every bite. This spread always reminds me of cozy family dinners where stories and laughter fill the room.

Storing Advice

Keep each side chilled in airtight containers once cooled to stay fresh. Reheat gently, especially mashed potatoes and gravy so they don't dry out. Cranberry sauce actually keeps better over time and tastes even nicer the next day when flavors mix.

Ingredient Swaps

You can switch green beans with snap peas or asparagus for a seasonal twist that still keeps that snap. Adding roasted sweet potatoes or parsnips to the veggies gives extra sweetness and variety. For gluten-free stuffing, look for cornbread or rice-based options that keep that familiar taste.

Pairs Well With

Go with roasted turkey or ham so you get rich meats balanced by fresh and creamy sides. A crisp white like Chardonnay goes great with the mashed potatoes, and a fruity red like Pinot Noir is lovely with the veggies and stuffing. Don't forget warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to finish it off.

Seasonal Swaps

Use fall favorites like squash or cranberries in your roasted veggies for a true autumn feel. In warmer weather, swap some roasted veggies for a green salad or green beans almondine. Sprinkling toasted nuts on the stuffing adds crunch and a nice surprise.

Let the mashed potatoes sit for a few minutes after mashing—it helps make them smoother and creamier. And don't rush roasting the veggies—waiting brings out the best deep caramel flavor.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ What's an easy way to keep green beans crisp but tender?

Start by trimming the beans, then quickly boil them and drop into ice water to keep their color and snap.

→ How do you get cranberry sauce nice and thick?

Cook the sauce on medium heat and let it thicken on its own as the berries break down and release natural jelly-like stuff.

→ Any tips for making mashed potatoes creamy?

Boil the potatoes till soft, then mash with warm butter and milk to get a smooth texture.

→ Which veggies are best for roasting for these sides?

Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes are awesome—they caramelize well and bring out rich flavors.

→ How can I boost the gravy's flavor?

Let it simmer gently and season with herbs or pan drippings for a deeper, savory taste.