Here’s your Thanksgiving Side Dish Menu!

Thanksgiving is my second favorite holiday behind Independence Day. As someone who loves to eat comfort food but isn’t crazy about mass gift giving, Thanksgiving was practically created just for me. In short, Thanksgiving has always just felt good. Check out the recipes that I sprinkle throughout this post of why I love the holiday.

Stuffing is my favorite part of the meal.  The recipe below is amazing!

https://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/cranberry-and-sausagemeat-stuffing-balls/

As a kid, I loved the “warmth” of the holiday. I loved the aromas of all the cooking - the turkey, stuffing, pies. I loved breaking the wishbone with one of my brothers. My mom’s stuffing has always been my favorite. I still have an affection for the “brown and serve” style dinner rolls.

Once I was of college age, I loved my friends being back in town from college. The night before Thanksgiving was my favorite night of the year to go out. We schemed, planned and prepared to hit all of our favorite spots to see everyone else who had traveled home for the holiday. Thanksgiving Eve was always “a real doozy.” And the relaxed nature of Thanksgiving meant that I’d have time to “recover” the next day.

This creamy mashed potato recipe infuses rosemary and garlic - a total game changer.

https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/best-mashed-potatoes

I loved the Thanksgiving holiday with my in-laws. Thanksgiving was always the big family holiday for them. It lasted the whole weekend - starting with the traditional dinner on Thanksgiving afternoon. It was a big group that required multiple turkeys. After dinner, the family spent the rest of day hanging out and eating a second round later in the day. There was music and puzzles. We watched parades and perused the Black Friday ads.

Although I wasn’t a big bargain hunter, I loved heading out for Black Friday shopping. It was fun to shop and run into people I knew. In more recent years, Black Friday shopping has become a day that I spend with my dad. I enjoy our day together - driving around with no real agenda. And I’ve gotten several new tools out of it.

If gravy is your Thanksgiving nemesis, try this gravy recipe below.

https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a50208/perfect-gravy-recipe/

My in-laws had a tradition of a Friday night pizza party. Leading up to the holiday, my mother-in-law made homemade pizza crusts. The whole crew gathered again. The men manned the oven and cranked out pizzas while the rest of us hung out - lots of music, laughing and trying to keep straight which pizzas had anchovies. It’s a tradition that my generation is trying to keep alive - so far, we’re doing a pretty good job.

Cranberry sauce is easy to make and can be made ahead of time.  No need to buy canned unless you prefer it.  See the recipe below.

https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/apple_cranberry_chutney/

Once I had kids, their preschool hosted a Thanksgiving Feast each year. The kids decorated their placemat and made Pilgrim outfits out of construction paper.

This pear salad recipe adds a lighter side to the traditional meal.

https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a41094046/pear-salad-recipe/

As Thanksgiving approaches again, I look forward to spending it with my family. I look forward to preparing the traditional meal with for my husband and sons. I am looking forward to my college freshman coming home for a week. I’m hoping we pull off a big family pizza night. And I’m thankful for all of it.

If you try any of these recipes, I’d love to hear from you!