A Dozen Sides to Impress Your Guests on Turkey Day

Love it or hate it – it is time to play host, and with the holidays right around the corner, you are going to need a plan to prevent any last-minute meal mishaps. Whether entertaining guests is a favorite pastime or an anxiety-ridden obligation, a recipe refresh will keep that Thanksgiving tradition from going stale. To help, we have compiled a dozen tasty ideas to perk up your Turkey Day table as you host this upcoming holiday.

The Main Event: Gobble, Gobble

Braised, roasted, or deep-fried, turkey is still turkey. Regardless of how you prepare it, the bird sits center stage on Thanksgiving, but we all know the supporting actors are really where it’s at, so why waste time reinventing the wheel? Throw it in the oven and focus your attention on all those tasty sides like:

Carb Loading: Delectable Starchy Sides

Let’s start with turkey’s favorite side kick—the stuffing. While the bread and broth base for this classic is fairly standard, there are tons of ways to get creative with this carb-heavy delight. For an autumnal take, throw in diced granny smith apples, pecans, sage, and crumbled sausage. For an Asian-inspired shift, try sliced almonds, green onion, water chestnuts, and a sprinkle of soy sauce. Short on time or space? Try this option that goes right in the crockpot!

To go with that helping of carbs—how about potatoes with a side of potatoes? Russet or sweet, red-skinned or fingerling, with so many varieties to choose from, why limit yourself? Toss them together and create something fresh this holiday season by checking out this Sweet Potato and Yukon Gold Bake from Simply Recipes.

To round out the buffet of starches, you are going to need a bowl brimming with buttery rolls. When it comes to a dinner roll, there is no need to overcomplicate. Simple is best, so go with King Arthur’s Big Batch Dinner Rolls to wow the crowd.

Veggie Variety: Colorful and Nutritious Additions

Brussels sprouts may have peaked a couple years back, but that is no reason to count them out this year. Pan fried sprouts are always yummy, but they become irresistible when combined with two breakfast favs—bacon and maple syrup. Simply rinse and halve the sprouts, toss them in a pan with a heaping drizzle of syrup and a half pound of bacon cut into two-inch strips. Cook until everything is caramelized and slightly crispy, then wait for the compliments to come pouring in.

Now on to a dish that hasn’t trended since the 1950’s—that Campbell’s soup green bean casserole. While it may remain a top five for older generations, might we suggest something a bit more modern this year? Combine fresh green beans or a bag of frozen haricot verts with shallot and lemon to dress up those boring beans. Even squash gets stylish with Taste of Home’s take on this late season vegetable. Whip up a side of their Roasted Butternut Squash Panzenella which partners pumpkin seeds and cranberries to create a dish fit for fall.

We know that stove space can be limited on holidays, so save on pots and pans with this Slow Cooker Creamed Corn recipe from Delish. Dump and go sides help make big meals so much easier, especially around the holidays.

Pleasing the Pickiest of Picky Eaters

Let’s not forget about the kids’ table (or they will make sure you regret it). Turkey dinner is not always the most popular meal on a child’s plate, so how does a host accommodate even the tiniest taste buds? Go with macaroni and cheese for an obvious hit, but keep it easy with this crockpot mac and cheese that won’t dry out like other oven-baked options. Promoting a healthier menu? Try The Pioneer Woman’s homemade applesauce, a recipe rich in tradition, nutrients, and cinnamon-y goodness.

Sweet Endings: Tradition and Innovation

You might as well cancel Thanksgiving if you aren’t serving pie. It is why we all gathered here today, no? Landing on which flaky shell or graham-cracker crust is right for your big day is not the easiest decision to make, especially when you take a peek at the masterpieces Martha Stewart is cooking up this year. We are big on tradition, though, and what says November like this tart and colorful Nantucket cranberry pie? Plus, without the traditional pie crust, it cuts your kitchen time in half!

The After Dinner, Dinner

The Thanksgiving leftovers late night sammy might just be the very best part of this food-heavy holiday. Once all the guests have gone home and the house is quiet, it’s time to bring out the leftovers and get to work.

Those looking for a little snack can grab the dinner rolls, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy, then smash together a Turkey Day slider. Folks in the mood for a slightly larger treat should come prepared with crusty sourdough or Italian bread, pepperjack cheese, and pickled jalapenos. Add in the juiciest cuts of turkey breast, then grill up a mouth-watering sandwich. Prefer sweet and savory? Try brie, sliced granny smith apples, and cranberry sauce atop that leftover bird pressed together and warmed between fresh Ciabatta.

Hosting this holiday doesn’t have to feel like a chore. To keep things fresh for everyone at your Thanksgiving table this year, try a couple of these tasty recipes that your guests are sure to be thankful for.