The Thanksgiving dinner is one that holds a very special place in foodies’ hearts across the nation. Getting together with the people you love the most, sharing food you love just as much —what could be better?
As great as that sounds in theory, we know that not everyone loves the same things that you do, and it’s hard to sit a big number of people around a table who all agree on their favorite dish to enjoy on Thanksgiving, or on any day. Luckily, there’s an easy way to make sure everyone is happy with their meal: side dishes! With the right all-star side dishes, everyone will be able to build a meal that they love and that will leave them more than satisfied. Here are 5 side dishes that are sure to leave everyone happy.
Mac n Cheese
Whether you’re 7 or 70, chances are, a hot plate of macaroni and cheese will bring your mood right up. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with a classic box of Kraft, a few extra ingredients and a bit more effort can leave you with an absolutely amazing side dish that certainly deserves a spotlight of its own.
For some people, gooey mac n cheese is the only way to go. For the absolute gooiest mac, check out this recipe that pushes the limits of gooey, silky stovetop mac. For others, a little crunch is what takes mac n cheese to the next level. Here’s a classic baked macaroni and cheese recipe that will leave the bechamel silkiness tucked beneath the crunchy top.
Potatoes
Thanksgiving or not, who doesn’t love some spuds? From fries to casseroles to everything in between, potatoes show up in just about any shape and form possible throughout different culinary scenes across the country. On Turkey Day, this is no different!
Some people swear by mashed potatoes, and it’s not difficult to see why. A mouthful of rich, creamy mashed potatoes can really feel like heaven in a spoonful. Here’s a recipe for the richest, creamiest mashed potatoes you’ll ever make. If roasted potatoes so crispy they crunch like glass is more your speed, we’ve got you covered too.
Cheesy Broccoli Soup
We love broccoli, but we also know that not everyone feels the same way. Luckily, there are a few ways to sneak this delicious green into our favorite dinner.
The hearty, heart-warming, comforting taste of cheesy broccoli soup marries the all-popular, delicious taste of cheese with all of the tasty parts of broccoli and none of the health benefits. If ever there were a day most worthy of eating unhealthily, though, Thanksgiving is it! Check out this recipe that really lets the broccoli shine.
Stuffing
Maybe it’s a controversial take, but we prefer out stuffing not stuffed inside our turkey. We think it’s a great side dish that deserves to be served on its own in all its glory. Mouthfuls of bread, sausage, and onion make us forget, even if for just a moment, that there are other dishes on the table at all.
For a classic take on sage and sausage stuffing, check out this recipe. If you want to make sure your stuffing is vegan friendly while being so delicious that even the most devout carnivore falls in love, this recipe is the one for you.
Cornbread
A southern specialty but enjoyed wherever tastebuds exist, hearty bites of cornbread between gooey mac and silky mashed potatoes are what dreams are made of.
Cornbread certainly doesn’t have to be sweet in order to be great. In fact, something a bit further from the sweet end of the spectrum is where we like to be. Here’s a recipe to achieve just that.
