Ah, Thanksgiving! There’s just something so magical about gathering with family and friends, sharing laughter, and indulging in delicious food. And let’s be honest, what makes a Thanksgiving meal truly unforgettable are the sides! These thanksgiving sides for a crowd are not just tasty additions; they’re the heart and soul of the feast. Picture creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and that classic green bean casserole—each dish bringing its own flavor and warmth to the table. Trust me, when you serve these hearty sides, you’ll elevate your Thanksgiving experience to a whole new level. Everyone will be going back for seconds (and maybe even thirds)! Let’s dive into the deliciousness, shall we?
Ingredients List
- 4 cups of mashed potatoes, prepared and kept warm
- 2 cups of green bean casserole, baked according to package instructions
- 3 cups of stuffing mix, cooked as directed
- 1 cup of cranberry sauce, served in a bowl
- 4 cups of roasted vegetables, seasoned and tender
- 2 cups of gravy, heated in a saucepan
- 1 loaf of dinner rolls, warmed in the oven
How to Prepare Instructions
Getting these thanksgiving sides for a crowd ready is easier than you might think! Just follow my step-by-step guide, and you’ll be a Thanksgiving hero in no time.
Preparing the Mashed Potatoes
Start by boiling your potatoes until they’re fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash them with butter, cream, salt, and pepper to taste. My secret? A splash of garlic powder for extra flavor! Keep the mashed potatoes warm in a slow cooker or covered pot on low heat until it’s time to serve.
Making the Green Bean Casserole
While the potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the green bean casserole according to the package instructions—this usually involves mixing the green beans with cream of mushroom soup and topping with crispy onions. Bake it for about 30-35 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden on top. Oh, the smell of that bubbling casserole is heavenly!
Cooking the Stuffing
Next up is the stuffing! Just follow the package instructions, but feel free to jazz it up with sautéed onions, celery, and maybe even some fresh herbs like sage or thyme for that homemade touch. Cook according to the directions, generally about 30 minutes, until it’s nice and fluffy.
Serving the Cranberry Sauce
For the cranberry sauce, simply spoon it into a pretty bowl. I like to garnish it with a sprinkle of orange zest for an added pop of color and flavor. It’s such a festive touch!
Roasting the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Chop your favorite veggies—think carrots, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for about 25-30 minutes until they’re tender and caramelized. Trust me, those roasted veggies will be a hit!
Heating the Gravy
Pour the gravy into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or broth if it gets too thick. Keep it warm but don’t let it boil, or it might separate. Smooth and rich is the way to go!
Warming the Dinner Rolls
To warm the dinner rolls, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and pop them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This keeps them soft and fluffy—nobody wants dry rolls on Thanksgiving!
Arranging for Serving
Finally, it’s time to set the table! Arrange the sides in a way that’s visually appealing and easy for guests to reach. I like to place the mashed potatoes in the center, surrounded by the green bean casserole, stuffing, and roasted veggies. Don’t forget the cranberry sauce and gravy on the side. It’s all about making it inviting and festive!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—most dishes come together in under an hour!
- Easy to adjust portions, so you can scale up or down depending on your guest list.
- A delightful variety of flavors that cater to everyone’s tastes—there’s something for everyone!
- Suitable for dietary restrictions, offering vegetarian options that don’t skimp on flavor.
- Perfect for family gatherings, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere around the table.
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your thanksgiving sides for a crowd are a smashing success? I’ve got you covered with some tried-and-true tips that’ll have everyone raving about your feast!
- Prep Ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute! Some dishes, like the mashed potatoes and stuffing, can be made a day in advance. Just reheat them before serving. This gives you more time to enjoy the day with your loved ones!
- Adjust Portions: Always keep an eye on your guest count. It’s better to have a little extra than to run out, but if you’re expecting a small group, feel free to scale back on ingredients. No one wants a mountain of leftovers, right?
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste as you go! A pinch more salt or a dash of pepper can make all the difference. Trust your palate to guide you!
- Mix Up the Veggies: When roasting vegetables, feel free to mix and match based on what you have. Seasonal veggies are not only fresher but also add beautiful colors to your table!
- Temperature Control: Keep an eye on oven temperatures, especially when cooking multiple dishes. If something needs a little more time, don’t be afraid to adjust the cooking times as needed. You want everything to come out perfectly!
- Presentation Matters: Take a moment to arrange your sides beautifully. A little garnish, like fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese, can elevate the look of your dishes and make your table feel extra special.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating a memorable Thanksgiving spread that your friends and family will talk about for years to come!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional data for each serving of these delicious thanksgiving sides for a crowd. Keep in mind that values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used, but this gives you a good idea of what to expect!
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Sugar: 5g
These sides are hearty and satisfying, making them perfect for your Thanksgiving feast while still being mindful of nutrition. Enjoy every bite without a worry!
FAQ Section
How can I make these sides vegetarian?
All the sides listed here are already vegetarian! If you’re looking to enhance flavors, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the stuffing and gravy. Just check the ingredients on any pre-packaged items to ensure they align with your dietary needs.
What can I substitute for the stuffing mix?
If you want to make your own stuffing, simply use cubed bread, sautéed onions, celery, and herbs like sage and thyme. Just combine them with vegetable broth to moisten, and follow the cooking instructions as you would with the prepared mix!
Can I prepare these sides ahead of time?
Absolutely! Many of these sides can be made a day in advance. Just make sure to store them properly in the fridge, and reheat them before serving. It’ll save you a ton of stress on the big day!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the sides, but be sure to label them with the date. Most sides will keep well in the freezer for about 2-3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge before reheating!
What are some variations I can try?
There are so many fun variations! For the green bean casserole, try adding sautéed mushrooms for extra depth. For mashed potatoes, you can mix in roasted garlic or cream cheese for a twist. You could even play around with different roasted vegetables based on what’s in season. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing and reheating your thanksgiving sides for a crowd properly is key to enjoying those delicious flavors even after the feast! Here’s how to make sure your leftovers stay tasty and fresh.
First, let everything cool down a bit before packing up. Transfer the sides into airtight containers—this helps keep moisture in and prevents any fridge odors from sneaking in. Enjoy your mashed potatoes, stuffing, and roasted veggies for up to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze most of these dishes! Just make sure to label them with the date and use them within 2-3 months for the best quality.
When it comes time to reheat, take your sides out of the fridge. For mashed potatoes, pop them into a saucepan over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or cream to regain that creamy texture. For stuffing and roasted vegetables, a quick reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes should do the trick. Cover them with foil to prevent drying out. The green bean casserole can be reheated in the oven as well, just until it’s warmed through and the top is crispy again. And for the gravy, gently warm it on the stove, adding a bit of water or broth if it’s too thick. Enjoy those comforting leftovers just as much as the first time around!
Drucken
thanksgiving sides for a crowd that wow your guests
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Ertrag: Serves 10-12 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Delicious and hearty Thanksgiving side dishes perfect for serving a crowd.
Zutaten
- 4 cups of mashed potatoes
- 2 cups of green bean casserole
- 3 cups of stuffing mix
- 1 cup of cranberry sauce
- 4 cups of roasted vegetables
- 2 cups of gravy
- 1 loaf of dinner rolls
Anweisungen
- Prepare the mashed potatoes and keep warm.
- Bake the green bean casserole according to package instructions.
- Cook the stuffing mix as directed.
- Serve cranberry sauce in a bowl.
- Roast the vegetables until tender.
- Heat the gravy in a saucepan.
- Warm the dinner rolls in the oven.
- Arrange all sides on the table for serving.
Notes
- Adjust quantities based on the number of guests.
- Consider dietary restrictions when selecting sides.
- Prepare some dishes ahead of time to save effort on the day.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 1 hour
- Kategorie: Side Dish
- Methode: Baking, Boiling, Roasting
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 300
- Zucker: 5g
- Natrium: 500mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 3g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 45g
- Faser: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterin: 10mg
Keywords: thanksgiving sides for a crowd
