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From classic family favorites to new additions folks will love, these Easy Favorite Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes are sure to make your celebration extra special! This collection of my BEST side dishes is all you need to make this holiday delicious.
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The countdown has started, and I couldn’t be happier. Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away. I’m giddy about all the good things to come, and of course, at the top of the list is food!
I’ve been planning, making lists, and getting organized about the big day and how I’ll pull it off. If you are doing the same thing, then I think I’ve got just what you need.
Not only do I have all the side dish recipes you need to make Thanksgiving super delicious, but I’ve also included some planning strategies and helpful ideas to help you bring this year’s turkey day celebration to life!
Ingredients For These Recipes
One of the most important things you can do before cooking is to take an inventory of ingredients you have on hand and make a list of items you need to purchase.
This list of ingredients does not include all the things you’ll need to make these side dishes, but they are ones you’ll want to have on hand for holiday cooking.
- Chicken Stock
- Vegetable Stock
- Olive Oil
- Kosher Salt
- Pepper
- Seasonings and Herbs
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Chocolate Chips
- Potatoes
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Sweet Potatoes
- Butter
- Milk
- Half And Half
- Brussels Sprouts
- Pecans
Pro Tip
Make sure you have reliable kitchen timers and instant-read thermometers on hand.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
To make cooking the big meal easy and stress-free, I double-check all of my pots, pans, and utensils to make sure everything is in good working order. I do this at least 2 weeks before Thanksgiving. Here’s my list of helpful kitchen tools:
- Stock Pot
- Casserole Dishes
- Baking Sheets
- Wooden Spoons
- Crock Pot
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Air Fryer
- Food Processor
- Measuring Cup and Spoons
- Mixing Bowls
Make Ahead Side Dishes
One of the smartest things I’ve learned over the years is to prep and cook as much as possible ahead of time. For the holidays, I make a list of the dishes I’m going to serve, and I make sure I have as many make-ahead recipes as possible! Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes are one of the best recipes to prep, cook, and reheat for the big day.
Salads
You may not think that salads have a place on the table at Thanksgiving, but they do! I serve classics that are fresh and bright, making them alongside rich main dishes.
How Much Should I Make?
For my family of 6, plus a few friends, I prepare 2 salads and 4 side dishes. Now, of course, there’s no perfect number of sides to prepare. It really depends on what your family likes and how many people you are feeding. A good rule of thumb for serving size per person is 1 to 1-½ cups per person.
The Big List Of Thanksgiving Sides
Thanksgiving is that one holiday where classic family recipes shine. It’s also fun to add in a new recipe. This BIG list of Thanksgiving side dishes has both!
Enjoy The Leftovers!
One of the best things about Thanksgiving is that after the special day, we’ve got leftovers! With a fridge full of good food, it’s nice to take a break from cooking. But, I also like to get my creative juices going and find ways to enjoy those much-beloved Thanksgiving dishes.
Here are a few of my favorites:
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