Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with the aroma of roasted turkey, and families gather around the table with hearts full of gratitude. Growing up, I always looked forward to the feast, not just for the turkey but for those *fancy Thanksgiving sides* that stole the show! You know, the ones that make your meal feel extra special? They add color and flavor to the table, like roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze or creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic. Trust me, these sides can elevate your holiday feast from ordinary to extraordinary. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into creating some show-stopping sides that will have everyone raving about your Thanksgiving spread for years to come!
Ingredients for Fancy Thanksgiving Sides
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these stunning *fancy Thanksgiving sides*. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of Brussels sprouts, halved: Look for bright green sprouts that are firm and tightly closed. Halving them helps to get that beautiful caramelization when roasting.
- 1 cup of pecans, chopped: Use fresh pecans for the best flavor. I love to chop them roughly for that perfect crunch!
- 1/2 cup of dried cranberries: These add a delightful sweetness and a pop of color. Choose unsweetened or lightly sweetened to keep things balanced.
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil: This will help roast the Brussels sprouts to golden perfection. Extra virgin is my go-to for that rich flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t skimp here! A sprinkle of salt and a dash of pepper elevate all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar: This adds a tangy sweetness that ties everything together beautifully. Look for a good quality balsamic for the best taste!
How to Prepare Fancy Thanksgiving Sides
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! This process is super straightforward and oh-so-rewarding. Let’s dive right in!
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, grab your Brussels sprouts and give them a good rinse. Cut them in half, and then we’ll move on to the next step. Don’t forget to get those pecans chopped up too; I usually aim for a rough chop for that perfect crunch!
Roasting the Brussels Sprouts
Once your oven is hot and ready, toss those halved Brussels sprouts into a large bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re all nicely coated! Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure even roasting. Pop them in the oven and roast for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender and have a lovely golden-brown color on the edges. Oh, the smell will be divine!
Toasting the Pecans
While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, let’s toast the pecans! Heat a skillet over medium heat, and add the chopped pecans. Toast them for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re fragrant and a little darker in color. Careful not to walk away; they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a flash!
Combining Ingredients
Once the Brussels sprouts are out of the oven and the pecans are toasted, it’s time to mix it all together! In a large bowl, combine the roasted Brussels sprouts, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries. Drizzle with that beautiful balsamic vinegar, and give everything a gentle toss. This is where you can adjust the seasoning to your taste, making sure every bite is a perfect balance of flavors. And just like that, you’ve created a stunning side dish that’s sure to impress!
Nutritional Information
This delightful dish not only looks fabulous on your Thanksgiving table but is also packed with goodness! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of these fancy Thanksgiving sides:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes. But knowing you’ve got a nutritious side dish to share makes it all the more enjoyable, right? So, dig in and savor every bite, guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation with just a few simple steps—perfect for busy holidays!
- Elegant presentation that adds a pop of color to your Thanksgiving table.
- Healthy and nutritious, packed with fiber and wholesome ingredients.
- Versatile dish that can easily be adjusted to suit your taste.
- Delicious balance of flavors—sweet, savory, and tangy in every bite!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to whip up these fancy Thanksgiving sides, here are some of my top tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly!
- Fresh is best: Always choose fresh Brussels sprouts. Look for those that are bright green and firm. If they’re starting to yellow or feel soft, skip them!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: When roasting, make sure to spread the Brussels sprouts out in a single layer. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of roast, and we want that lovely caramelization!
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to tweak the salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar to your taste. I love a little extra balsamic for that tangy punch, but you do you!
- Experiment with nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, try walnuts or almonds instead! Each nut brings a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
- Make it ahead: This dish can be prepped a day in advance. Just roast the Brussels sprouts and mix everything together, then reheat in the oven before serving. It saves so much time on Thanksgiving Day!
- Watch those pecans: When toasting, keep a close eye on the pecans. They can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a matter of seconds, so stir frequently!
With these tips in mind, you’re set for success! Enjoy the process and the compliments that come your way when everyone digs into these delicious sides!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got these stunning *fancy Thanksgiving sides* ready to impress, let’s talk about what to serve them with! The right pairings can elevate your entire meal experience, making it all the more memorable. Here are some of my favorite complementary dishes that work beautifully with these Brussels sprouts:
- Roasted Turkey: Of course, the star of the show! The savory flavors of the turkey pair wonderfully with the sweetness of the cranberries and the richness of the pecans.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a classic that everyone loves. They provide a comforting contrast to the crunchy Brussels sprouts.
- Stuffing: A savory stuffing, especially one made with herbs and sausage, adds a hearty element to your feast that balances well with the lighter sides.
- Green Bean Casserole: This classic dish brings a creamy, savory vibe to the table and is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it adds another layer of texture!
- Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce can tie all the flavors together, enhancing the sweetness of your Brussels sprouts and providing a refreshing burst on the palate.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: The sweetness of the sweet potatoes, especially with a crunchy topping, complements the savory elements of your meal beautifully.
So, whether you’re going for a traditional spread or adding a few modern twists, these suggestions will ensure your Thanksgiving table is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Enjoy every bite and the time spent with loved ones around the table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers from these *fancy Thanksgiving sides* can be just as delightful as the first serving! Here’s how to store and reheat them for the best results:
To store any leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container. Make sure the Brussels sprouts and pecan mixture are completely cooled before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup inside the container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for enjoying those flavors again!
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the Brussels sprouts and pecans evenly on a baking sheet. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to help retain moisture during reheating. Pop it in the oven for about 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’d like to crisp them up a bit, remove the foil for the last few minutes of reheating. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t get too brown!
And that’s it! You’ll have a delicious side ready to serve again, bringing back that festive spirit to your table. Enjoy every last bite!
Print
Fancy Thanksgiving Sides That Will Delight Everyone
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and elegant side dishes for your Thanksgiving feast.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 cup of pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20 minutes or until tender.
- In a skillet, toast pecans over medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Mix the roasted Brussels sprouts with toasted pecans and cranberries.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Feel free to add other nuts or fruits.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: fancy thanksgiving sides
