Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing stories, and indulging in delicious food. And let me tell you, having easy Thanksgiving sides for a crowd can make all the difference! I’ve hosted my fair share of Thanksgiving dinners, and trust me, when you can whip up some simple yet delicious side dishes, it takes so much stress off your shoulders. These sides not only complement the turkey but also bring a burst of flavor and color to your feast. Picture creamy mashed potatoes, vibrant green beans, and warm stuffing all coming together to create a comforting spread that everyone will enjoy. It’s all about making connections over good food, and these easy sides are perfect for just that!
Ingredients for Easy Thanksgiving Sides for a Crowd
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious sides that everyone will love. I like to keep it simple and straightforward, so you can get cooking in no time!
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (made from about 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cubed)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk gives the best creaminess)
- 1 stick butter (unsalted for better control over saltiness)
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed (fresh is best, but frozen works in a pinch)
- 1 cup sliced almonds (toasted for extra flavor)
- 2 cups cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade, whichever you prefer)
- 1 loaf bread, cubed (I usually go for a crusty French or sourdough)
- 1 cup vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought, just make sure it’s flavorful)
- 1 tablespoon sage (fresh or dried, but fresh has a lovely aroma)
- 1 tablespoon thyme (again, fresh is fantastic, but dried works too)
These ingredients come together to create a comforting feast that’s perfect for any Thanksgiving gathering. Don’t forget to adjust any seasonings to your taste as you go along!
How to Prepare Easy Thanksgiving Sides for a Crowd
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—preparing these easy Thanksgiving sides for a crowd! I promise it’s simpler than it looks, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping these up in no time.
Preparing Mashed Potatoes
First up, the star of the show: mashed potatoes! Start by boiling about 2 pounds of peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. I usually let them boil for about 15–20 minutes or until they’re fork-tender. Drain them well, and then return them to the pot. Add in 1 cup of milk and 1 stick of unsalted butter. Now for the fun part—mash them up! I love using a potato masher for that perfect creamy texture. If you want them super smooth, feel free to use a hand mixer. Just be careful not to overmix—nobody likes gummy potatoes! Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, and keep them warm while you prepare the other dishes.
Cooking Green Beans
Next, let’s get those vibrant green beans on the table! Trim the ends of about 2 cups of fresh green beans, and then steam them for about 5–7 minutes. You want them to be bright green and still have a bit of crunch. I find that steaming really helps preserve their lovely color and flavor. If you don’t have a steamer, just boil them for a few minutes, but keep an eye on them so they don’t get mushy!
Toasting Almonds
Now, onto toasting those almonds! Grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add in 1 cup of sliced almonds and toast them for about 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and smell absolutely heavenly. Just be cautious—almonds can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a flash, so don’t walk away!
Making Cranberry Sauce
For the cranberry sauce, it couldn’t be easier! Just scoop 2 cups of cranberry sauce into a bowl. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can mix in some orange zest or a splash of orange juice for a citrusy kick. This adds a delightful twist and pairs beautifully with the other flavors on your table!
Preparing Stuffing
Let’s move on to the stuffing! In a large baking dish, combine 1 loaf of cubed bread with 1 cup of vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon of sage, and 1 tablespoon of thyme. I like to use a sturdy bread like French or sourdough for texture. The bread should feel a bit moist but not soggy—add a little more broth if needed. Give it a good mix so all the flavors meld together beautifully!
Baking Stuffing
Now, pop that stuffing into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30 minutes. You’re looking for a lovely golden top and a warm, fragrant aroma filling your kitchen. It should be firm to the touch, but still moist inside—just perfect!
Serving the Dishes
Finally, it’s time to serve! I like to present everything in big bowls, family-style, so everyone can help themselves. Serve the creamy mashed potatoes alongside the bright green beans, a generous scoop of cranberry sauce, and that warm, toasty stuffing. Trust me, this spread will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make these easy Thanksgiving sides for a crowd, here are some pro tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly!
- Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time on the big day, don’t stress! You can prepare the mashed potatoes and stuffing a day ahead. Just store them in the fridge and reheat them before serving. It’ll save you a ton of hassle!
- Reheating: When reheating the mashed potatoes, add a splash of milk to get that creamy texture back. For the stuffing, cover it with foil while reheating to keep it moist, then remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the top.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste your dishes as you cook. Adjust the seasonings to your liking. A little extra salt or a dash of pepper can elevate the flavors beautifully!
- Use Quality Ingredients: Since these sides are the stars of your Thanksgiving feast, using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in taste. Trust me, it’s worth it!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Oven: If you’re baking multiple dishes, give each one enough space in the oven. This ensures even cooking and prevents sogginess.
- Embrace the Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, they make fantastic next-day meals! Mix the stuffing with some eggs for a delicious breakfast casserole or enjoy the mashed potatoes in a comforting shepherd’s pie.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to impress your guests and enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving filled with love and laughter!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a little note before you dive into these delicious easy Thanksgiving sides for a crowd! Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. I always recommend checking the labels on your products for the most accurate information. So, while I aim to give you a good estimate, it’s not set in stone. Enjoy your cooking and remember, it’s all about the joy of sharing good food with loved ones!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have these delicious sides ready in no time!
- Perfect for Large Groups: These recipes are designed to serve a crowd, making them ideal for your Thanksgiving gathering!
- Delicious Flavors: Each dish brings its own unique flavor, creating a comforting and satisfying spread that everyone will love.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: These sides are completely vegetarian, making them a great option for all your guests, regardless of their dietary preferences.
FAQ Section
What serving size should I plan for?
For these easy Thanksgiving sides for a crowd, I’d recommend planning for about 1 cup per person. If you have a lot of other dishes, you might find that some guests will take a little less, but it’s always best to have a bit extra just in case!
Can I substitute ingredients?
Absolutely! If you don’t have fresh herbs like sage or thyme, dried versions work just fine. For the mashed potatoes, feel free to use half-and-half instead of milk for added creaminess, or even swap out the butter for olive oil if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. The beauty of these sides is that they’re adaptable to what you have on hand!
How can I make these dishes ahead of time?
Great question! You can prepare the mashed potatoes and stuffing a day in advance. Just store them in airtight containers in the fridge. On Thanksgiving day, reheat them gently on the stove or in the oven. For the green beans and almonds, I recommend steaming them fresh to keep their vibrant color and crunch!
What if I have leftovers?
Leftovers are a wonderful gift! You can mix leftover mashed potatoes with some cheese and bake them for a delicious potato casserole. The stuffing can be turned into a breakfast hash with eggs. The key is to get creative and enjoy those flavors in new ways!
Can I use frozen vegetables for the green beans?
Yes, frozen green beans can be a great time-saver! Just steam them according to the package directions, and they’ll work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them briefly if you prefer a faster cooking time!
How do I ensure my stuffing is not too dry?
To achieve the perfect moist stuffing, make sure to use enough broth when mixing. The bread should feel damp but not soggy. If you’re worried about it drying out while baking, you can cover it with foil for the first half of the cooking time, then uncover it to crisp up the top!
These FAQs should help ease any concerns you might have while preparing these easy Thanksgiving sides for a crowd. Happy cooking, and enjoy your gathering!
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Easy Thanksgiving Sides for a Crowd: 7 Stress-Free Recipes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple and delicious side dishes perfect for a large Thanksgiving gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup milk
- 1 stick butter
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 2 cups cranberry sauce
- 1 loaf bread, cubed
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon sage
- 1 tablespoon thyme
Instructions
- Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with milk and butter.
- Steam green beans until bright green.
- Toast almonds in a pan until golden.
- Mix cranberry sauce in a bowl.
- Combine cubed bread, vegetable broth, sage, and thyme in a baking dish.
- Bake stuffing at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Serve warm mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and stuffing.
Notes
- Prepare potatoes and stuffing a day ahead.
- Reheat before serving.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking, Boiling, Steaming
- Cuisine: American
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
Keywords: easy thanksgiving sides for a crowd
