Make Ahead Thanksgiving Sides
As the holiday season approaches, I find myself dreaming of the perfect Thanksgiving feast. But let’s be honest, between juggling work, family, and everything in between, who has time to whip up a full spread on the big day? That’s where these make ahead Thanksgiving sides come to the rescue! They’re not just a quick solution for a busy day; they’re also a way to impress your loved ones with delicious, homemade dishes. Imagine the joy of serving up a table full of flavors without the last-minute chaos. Let’s dive into these delightful recipes!
Why You’ll Love This Make Ahead Thanksgiving Sides
These make ahead Thanksgiving sides are a game changer for busy moms and professionals alike. They save you precious time, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—spending time with family and friends. Plus, the flavors are simply irresistible! You can prepare them in advance, ensuring that your holiday meal is both stress-free and delicious. Trust me, your loved ones will be raving about these dishes long after the last bite!
Ingredients for Make Ahead Thanksgiving Sides
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful make ahead Thanksgiving sides. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh Green Beans: Crisp and vibrant, they add a pop of color and nutrition to your table.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This creamy base brings richness to the green bean casserole. You can use homemade or store-bought.
- Fried Onions: These crunchy toppings add texture and flavor. Feel free to swap with crispy shallots for a twist!
- Milk: A splash of milk makes everything creamy. You can use whole, skim, or even a plant-based alternative.
- Potatoes: The star of the mashed potatoes! Choose russet or Yukon gold for the best results.
- Butter: Adds a rich, buttery flavor to your mashed potatoes. You can substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.
- Onion and Celery: These aromatics are essential for a flavorful stuffing. They can be swapped with leeks or shallots if you prefer.
- Chicken Broth: This adds depth to your stuffing. Vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian option.
- Fresh Cranberries: Tart and sweet, they’re perfect for homemade cranberry sauce. Frozen cranberries can be used in a pinch.
- Sugar: Balances the tartness of cranberries. You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
For exact quantities, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything available for printing. Happy cooking!
How to Make Make Ahead Thanksgiving Sides
Step 1: Prepare the Green Bean Casserole
Let’s kick things off with the green bean casserole! Start by blanching the fresh green beans in boiling water for about 3 minutes. This brightens their color and keeps them crisp. After that, drain and plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. In a large bowl, mix the blanched beans with cream of mushroom soup, a splash of milk, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. Now, transfer this mixture to a baking dish and top it with crispy fried onions. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. This dish can sit for up to two days, making it a perfect make ahead Thanksgiving side!
Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes
Next up, let’s tackle those creamy mashed potatoes! Start by peeling and chopping your potatoes into even chunks. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add in butter and a splash of milk, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For storage, transfer the mashed potatoes to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days. On Thanksgiving, just reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave!
Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing
Now, let’s make the stuffing! Start by dicing the onion and celery. In a skillet, sauté them in a bit of butter until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the sautéed veggies with bread cubes and pour in chicken broth. Add sage, salt, and pepper, mixing everything until the bread is nicely moistened. If you want a vegetarian option, just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Transfer the stuffing to a baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate. This can also be made up to two days in advance, making it a fantastic make ahead Thanksgiving side!
Step 4: Create the Cranberry Sauce
Finally, let’s whip up some homemade cranberry sauce! In a saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. You’ll hear the cranberries start to pop as they cook. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Once it’s done, remove it from the heat and let it cool. The sauce will thicken even more as it cools. Transfer it to a container and refrigerate. This tangy-sweet sauce can be made a couple of days ahead, adding a burst of flavor to your Thanksgiving table!
Step 5: Reheat and Serve
On Thanksgiving day, it’s time to bring everything together! Preheat your oven to 350°F. Take out the green bean casserole, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. Reheat them in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too! Just be sure to cover the dishes to keep them moist. Once everything is hot and ready, serve it up and enjoy the compliments from your family and friends!
Tips for Success
- Prep ingredients the night before to save time on Thanksgiving day.
- Use a slow cooker for mashed potatoes to keep them warm while you serve.
- Label your containers to avoid confusion when reheating.
- Don’t skip the ice bath for green beans; it keeps them vibrant and crisp.
- Adjust seasonings to your family’s taste for a personalized touch.
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot: For boiling potatoes. A Dutch oven works well too.
- Skillet: For sautéing onion and celery. A non-stick pan is a great alternative.
- Baking Dish: To hold your green bean casserole and stuffing. Any oven-safe dish will do.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients. Use any size you have on hand.
- Measuring Cups: For accurate ingredient portions. A simple kitchen scale can also help.
Variations for Make Ahead Thanksgiving Sides
- Green Bean Casserole: Add sliced mushrooms or chopped bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Mashed Potatoes: Try adding roasted garlic or cream cheese for a richer taste. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of butter.
- Stuffing: Incorporate dried cranberries or walnuts for a sweet and nutty twist. You can also use cornbread instead of regular bread for a Southern flair.
- Cranberry Sauce: Mix in orange zest or a splash of orange juice for a citrusy kick. For a spicier version, add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger.
- Vegetarian Options: Ensure all broth is vegetable-based and consider adding more veggies like carrots or mushrooms to the stuffing.
Serving Suggestions for Make Ahead Thanksgiving Sides
- Pair your sides with a juicy roasted turkey or glazed ham for a classic feast.
- Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the sides.
- Offer a selection of wines, like Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, to complement the meal.
- Present your dishes in beautiful serving bowls for an inviting table display.
- Don’t forget fresh herbs as garnishes for a pop of color and flavor!
FAQs about Make Ahead Thanksgiving Sides
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Can I make these sides more than two days in advance?
While I recommend making these make ahead Thanksgiving sides up to two days in advance for the best flavor and freshness, you can prepare some components even earlier. For instance, the cranberry sauce can be made a week ahead and stored in the fridge. Just remember to check for freshness!
How do I reheat the sides without drying them out?
To reheat your make ahead Thanksgiving sides without losing moisture, cover them with foil in the oven. This traps steam and keeps everything nice and tender. If using a microwave, cover the dishes with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.
Can I freeze any of these make ahead Thanksgiving sides?
Yes, you can freeze some of these dishes! The mashed potatoes and stuffing freeze well. Just make sure to cool them completely before transferring to airtight containers. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What if I have dietary restrictions in my family?
No worries! These make ahead Thanksgiving sides can easily be adapted. Use vegetable broth for the stuffing and swap dairy for plant-based alternatives in the mashed potatoes. You can also add more veggies to cater to different dietary needs.
How can I make my green bean casserole healthier?
To lighten up your green bean casserole, consider using low-fat cream of mushroom soup or making your own from scratch. You can also reduce the amount of fried onions or use baked alternatives for a healthier crunch!
Summarizing the Joy of Make Ahead Thanksgiving Sides
As I reflect on the joy these make ahead Thanksgiving sides bring, I can’t help but smile. They transform a hectic holiday into a delightful experience, allowing us to savor every moment with loved ones. The flavors, the aromas, and the laughter shared around the table create lasting memories. With these dishes prepped in advance, I can focus on what truly matters—connecting with family and friends. So, let’s embrace the ease and joy of these recipes, making our Thanksgiving celebrations not just about the food, but about the love and togetherness that fills our hearts.
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Make Ahead Thanksgiving Sides for Effortless Entertaining!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking, Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A collection of delicious make-ahead Thanksgiving side dishes that will simplify your holiday entertaining.
Ingredients
- Green Bean Casserole: 2 lbs fresh green beans, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup fried onions, 1 cup milk, salt and pepper to taste
- Mashed Potatoes: 5 lbs potatoes, 1 cup butter, 1 cup milk, salt and pepper to taste
- Stuffing: 1 loaf bread, 1 onion, 2 celery stalks, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp sage, salt and pepper to taste
- Cranberry Sauce: 12 oz fresh cranberries, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the green bean casserole by blanching the green beans and mixing them with the soup, milk, and seasonings. Top with fried onions and refrigerate.
- Peel and boil the potatoes for the mashed potatoes, then mash with butter, milk, and seasonings. Store in the fridge.
- For the stuffing, sauté the onion and celery, then mix with bread cubes and broth. Season and refrigerate.
- Make the cranberry sauce by boiling cranberries with sugar and water until they burst. Cool and store in the fridge.
- On Thanksgiving day, reheat all sides before serving.
Notes
- All dishes can be made up to 2 days in advance.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg