While the turkey gets all the attention on Thanksgiving, for many it’s the side dishes that have us piling our plates high. Sweet potatoes, green beans, stuffing, cranberry sauce and cornbread, after all, are holiday mainstays. Even if you’re not roasting a turkey with all the trimmings, there are some super delicious side dish recipes that will complement your meal regardless of what you’re serving.
To mix up your Thanksgiving meal we searched for traditional side dishes that added bold flavors for a bit of southern flair. Combine a couple of them with a little southern hospitality for a Thanksgiving feast that will take your celebration to a whole new level. Dig in!
Stuffing
We’re sure that most would agree that stuffing is the ultimate comfort food. It’s definitely versatile and can be easily customized. Tantalize your guest’s taste buds with this Spicy Cornbread Dressing with Chorizo from Southern Living. The recipe includes chorizo, jalapenos and cilantro for a burst of spiciness. This Tex-Mex variety can also be served with smoked meats like brisket, sausage, and ribs. From regional favorites to the more traditional bread stuffing there’s a recipe out there to satisfy everyone at the table.
Rice Pilaf
You can’t have Thanksgiving in Texas or the south for that matter, unless there’s a dish on the table that contains pecans. Pecan Rice Pilaf from Taste of Home is one of them. With their bold flavor and crunchy exterior, pecans provide both richness and heartiness to an otherwise traditional side dish. It’s light and fluffy texture goes well with turkey but can also be served as a stand-alone vegetarian main dish. You’ll just have to substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
Sweet Potato Rolls
No Thanksgiving table is complete unless there is a bowl of piled rolls on top of it. The icing on the cake is that they are made with sweet potatoes. This Sweet Potato Rolls with Cane Syrup Glaze recipe also from Southern Living stood out from the rest. It’ll take a little extra time but the promise of a light and airy texture and bright orange color seems worth the effort. The Cane Syrup Glaze takes it over the top.
Green Bean Casserole
This year ditch the notion of frozen green bean casserole topped with a can of fried onions for a homespun variety that uses all fresh ingredients. This Homemade Green Bean Casserole Recipe with Fried Leeks fits the bill. It doesn’t include mushrooms but they can be easily added in if you’re missing some earthiness. The fried leeks add a touch of elegance to this tasty and fresh side dish. The vegetarians at your table will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Cranberry Sauce
This all-American side dish is a long-standing Thanksgiving tradition. Its earliest form dates back to about 1630. However, the water sugar variety that we know today didn’t take shape until after the Civil War. Their long history and on how they sealed a coveted spot at one of the most important holiday tables in America has something to do with their origin. Cranberries are native to North America. The typical side dish includes cranberries, water and sugar. For an unexpected taste sensation add a hint of orange in the form of zest, juice, or marmalade. A pinch of cinnamon sets it apart from the rest. For a break away from the traditional try this Fig and Rosemary Cranberry Sauce recipe from Good Housekeeping.
Shop Travisso’s Savory Farmer’s Market for all your Thanksgiving Needs
Serve up plenty of yum this holiday season with fresh farm to table produce and meats from Travisso’s Savory Farmers’ Market. You’ll also find a variety of other products like honey, jams, homemade breads and much more to complement all your Thanksgiving side dishes. Open to the public, the market takes place on Wednesdays from 3-7 p.m. at the community’s clubhouse, 2437 Travisso Parkway in Leander. The weekly market specializes in high-quality vendors that sell premium meats, seafood and local artisan products to the Leander community and beyond.
