This post is coming a little late for those who already know what they’re cooking for Thanksgiving, but hey some of us are last minute planners (cough *me*) and need some 11th hour culinary inspiration. Plus, these ideas could come in handy if you’re already planning your Christmas meal so ha! Helpfulness.
We’re going to a Friendsgiving later today and another one on Tuesday night so it’s going to be a jam packed week full of food. Our plan is to bring Beecher’s Mac and Cheese tonight, which is absolutely amazing and wonderfully lazy, but then I’m gonna make pumpkin pie and Dan will whip up (ha!) some whipped cream for Tuesday’s Friendsgiving. Our actual Thanksgiving is going to be spent with my parents and our plan is to go to dinner and then see a movie which I’m really excited about because it will be low fuss and relaxing.
Even though we’re not planning on cooking any of these Thanksgiving side dishes this year, when I showed these recipes to Dan he was like, “ok I wanna try that and that and that and that and that.” He was especially interested in the insanely decadent sounding three cheese oyster gratin, as was I. Hopefully we put in the effort to make a few of these dishes in the next few months, especially those mashed potatoes which I’ve been eye-balling for years and have yet to make!
I tried to give a variety of options but I would love to hear what Thanksgiving side dishes you enjoy. So please, leave a comment and let me know what your family eats during the holidays. And if you want more Thanksgiving food inspiration check out the Thanksgiving Alternatives to Turkey post and the Unique Turkey Recipes for Thanksgiving post.
Pork Stuffing | Jamie Oliver – I’m not a fan of stuffing but from Dan’s perspective and my knowledge of Jamie Oliver’s cooking (that man can do no wrong), this pork stuffing is the way to go. Especially because it has pork AND bacon. Yum!
The Best (Cheesy!) Mashed Potatoes You’ll Ever Have | A Cup of Joe – These mashed potatoes sound decadent and delicious. Cheese, garlic, butter, crème fraîche, yum. The recipe is from Mimi Thorisson who runs the popular food blog Manger which I am constantly in awe of because her food looks so beautiful.
Spicy Garlic Green Beans | What’s Gaby Cooking – Oh green beans. Probably the least liked side dish at Thanksgiving, right? For me the main thing is making sure the green beans aren’t overcooked. The second thing is making sure they’re flavored properly and this crazy simple recipe calls for two yummy ingredients I can get behind, garlic and shallot.
Rosemary Citrus Ginger Cranberry Sauce | Free People BLDG 25 – I’ll admit, I’m totally cool with a can of cranberry sauce (don’t smite me!) but even Dan, who is not a cranberry sauce fan, is interested in trying this recipe. It’s not only healthier, it sounds way more special than the canned version with cinnamon, fresh ginger, rosemary, and citrus notes. I’d like to put that on the stove just to make my house smell good.
Pumpkin Salad with Pomegranate and Cumin Yogurt | Camille Styles – I’m really excited about this one because it is so bizarre. Ok, not that bizarre but I’m really curious about this one. You have the earthy pumpkin, spicy cumin mixed with tart yogurt, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and then pops of juicy pomegranate seeds. It’s kinda the perfect fall salad.
Garam Masala Yogurt-Creamed Spinach | Lady and Pups – Oh my gosh this looks so good. When Dan requested a creamed spinach recipe I don’t think he expected me to come back with one that calls for garam masala, which features spices such as cinnamon, clove, and cardamom. Can I imagine what it would taste like? No. But does this post mention eating this warm creamy spinach goodness with a loaf of crusty baguette? Yes. Therefore I am in.
Sautéed Sherry Brussels Sprouts | Adventures in Cooking – Oh brussels sprouts, it took me so long to love you and now I’ll never go back. The easiest way to get someone to like brussels sprouts is to smother them with bacon and butter. But these sprouts sound even yummier because they call for sherry vinegar and caramelized onions which is even more savory and tangy and drool inducing.
Three Cheese Oyster Gratin | Lady and Pups – Ah, I saved the best for last. Or at least the one we’re most interested in trying. Potatoes au gratin holds no love in my heart, it’s too heavy and starchy but this, oh this. Juicy and flavorful. Yumm! Freshly shucked oysters covered in béchamel sauce, white cheddar, gruyère, grated nutmeg, with more cheese, and butter and then baked to golden gooey goodness. Ooh baby. Put a fork in me, I’m done!
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