Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when family and friends gather around the table, sharing stories, laughter, and, of course, an incredible feast. For me, the excitement of Thanksgiving isn’t just about the turkey; it’s all about the *thanksgiving day sides*. I remember growing up, the aroma of roasted vegetables and buttery casseroles wafting through the house made me feel so cozy and grateful. These sides are what truly enhance the meal, adding color, flavor, and that essential warmth to our holiday celebrations.
Every year, I look forward to preparing my favorite side dishes, and let me tell you, they never disappoint! Whether it’s the crunchy green beans or the savory mushrooms, these sides bring everyone together, sparking conversations and creating memories. Trust me, once you make these delicious *thanksgiving day sides*, they’ll become a cherished part of your family’s tradition, just like they are in mine!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup of chopped onions
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
How to Prepare *Thanksgiving Day Sides*
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the joyful process of making these delicious *thanksgiving day sides*. Follow me step-by-step, and I promise you’ll have a dish that everyone will rave about!
Prepping the Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is a crucial step, folks! You want that oven nice and hot when it’s time to bake. While it’s heating up, grab a baking dish and set it aside—trust me, having everything ready will make things flow smoothly.
Sautéing the Vegetables
Next, let’s get cooking! In a skillet, heat up that tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re nice and translucent. Oh, that smell! It’s the perfect way to start this dish, isn’t it?
Adding Green Beans and Mushrooms
Now, it’s time for the star players—add in the trimmed green beans and sliced mushrooms. Stir everything together and let them cook for about 5 minutes. This is where the seasoning comes in! Sprinkle in the salt and pepper, giving it a good mix to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Transferring and Baking
Once everything is perfectly sautéed, transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Now, here’s the fun part—sprinkle that grated Parmesan cheese all over the top. It’s going to add such a lovely, cheesy crust! Pop it in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the green beans are tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is golden and bubbly. Yum!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your *thanksgiving day sides* turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my go-to tips that I swear by to elevate this dish:
- Customize with More Veggies: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Throw in some bell peppers, carrots, or even a handful of spinach. It’s a great way to add extra color and nutrition!
- Season to Taste: Everyone’s palate is different, so taste as you go! If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer something a bit zestier? A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten everything up!
- Parmesan Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of Parmesan or just want to switch things up, try using feta for a tangy twist or even nutritional yeast for a vegan option. It’s all about what you enjoy!
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on those green beans! You want them tender but still crisp. Nothing sadder than mushy veggies, right?
- Make Ahead: If you’re looking to save time on Thanksgiving Day, prepare everything up to the baking step a day ahead. Just cover it and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready, sprinkle the cheese and bake it right before serving!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a vibrant and delicious side dish that’ll impress everyone at the table. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into these *thanksgiving day sides*. It’s always nice to know what you’re serving up, right? Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional data per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 5mg
These values are estimates based on typical ingredients, and they might vary a bit depending on what you use. But isn’t it great to know you’re serving something that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients? Enjoy every bite knowing it’s both tasty and wholesome!
FAQs About *Thanksgiving Day Sides*
Got questions? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries I get about these delightful *thanksgiving day sides*:
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the baking step a day in advance. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle on that Parmesan cheese and pop it in the oven. It’s a lifesaver for busy Thanksgiving mornings!
What other vegetables can I add?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can toss in bell peppers for sweetness, carrots for crunch, or even some zucchini for a fresh twist. Whatever veggies you love, feel free to mix and match!
How can I reheat leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which I doubt because they’re so good!), the best way to reheat them is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help keep the texture nice and the cheese melty. You can also microwave them, but keep an eye on it to avoid a soggy result!
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before sautéing. This will help avoid excess moisture that could make your dish watery.
Are these sides gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any store-bought items, like the Parmesan, to ensure they are certified gluten-free if that’s a concern.
How do I make this dish vegan?
Great question! You can easily make this recipe vegan by skipping the Parmesan or substituting it with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative. The flavor will still be fantastic!
Hopefully, these answers help you feel more confident in making your *thanksgiving day sides*! If you have any more questions or need further tips, just let me know. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why these *thanksgiving day sides* are going to be the star of your holiday table! I’m all about quick, delicious, and healthy recipes that make my life easier during the busy season, and this one checks all the boxes:
- Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a stunning side dish ready in no time. Perfect for when you’re juggling a million things on Thanksgiving Day!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sautéed onions, garlic, and earthy mushrooms brings a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and light on calories, you can enjoy this dish guilt-free. It’s a nourishing addition to your feast!
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the veggies to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand. It’s all about making it your own!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it the day before, saving you precious time when the turkey is in the oven. Less stress and more time for family!
- Vegetarian Delight: This dish is a wonderful option for vegetarian guests, ensuring everyone at your table has something delicious to enjoy.
Trust me, once you try these *thanksgiving day sides*, they’ll become a regular feature at your holiday gatherings. Your family and friends will be begging for the recipe!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious *thanksgiving day sides* fresh after the feast! If you happen to have some leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is always a treat), here’s how to store and reheat them without losing any of that amazing flavor and texture.
First off, let the dish cool down to room temperature before putting it away. You don’t want to trap steam in your storage container, or you’ll end up with soggy veggies. Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. This will keep them fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to label it so you don’t forget what’s hiding in there!
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers again, the best way to reheat them is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then spread the green beans and mushrooms on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps maintain that lovely texture and keeps the cheese from getting rubbery.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave them. Just pop a portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to help keep moisture in. Heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking!
And there you have it—simple storage and reheating tips to make your *thanksgiving day sides* last and taste fantastic even after the big day. Enjoy every bite, my friend!
Print
Thanksgiving Day Sides: 7 Savory Recipes You’ll Adore
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious sides for your Thanksgiving Day feast.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of green beans
- 1 cup of chopped onions
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add green beans and mushrooms; cook for 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes until beans are tender.
Notes
- Feel free to add more vegetables.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: thanksgiving day sides
