Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when family and friends gather around the table, and the aroma of delicious food fills the air. I absolutely love preparing Thanksgiving sides for a crowd because it’s all about sharing and celebrating together! There’s something truly special about serving a variety of dishes that cater to everyone’s taste buds. From creamy mashed potatoes to crispy roasted Brussels sprouts, each side dish adds a unique flair to the feast. Plus, they’re all relatively easy to whip up, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. Trust me, these sides will be the stars of your Thanksgiving table!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create these fantastic Thanksgiving sides for a crowd. I promise, every ingredient plays an important role in making your feast unforgettable!
- 4 cups of mashed potatoes
- 2 cups of green bean casserole
- 3 cups of stuffing
- 2 cups of cranberry sauce
- 1 cup of roasted Brussels sprouts
- 1 cup of corn pudding
Make sure to gather everything before you start cooking. It’ll keep your workflow smooth and stress-free!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Sides for a Crowd
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—preparing these amazing Thanksgiving sides for a crowd! I’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions, so you can whip up each dish with ease and confidence.
Preparing the Mashed Potatoes
First things first, let’s tackle those mashed potatoes! I like to use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture. Peel and chop about 4 cups worth, then boil them in salted water until fork-tender, which usually takes around 15-20 minutes. Drain and return them to the pot. Add a generous pat of butter, a splash of milk, and season with salt and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy—trust me, the fluffier, the better!
Baking the Green Bean Casserole
Next up, the green bean casserole! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, combine 2 cups of cooked green beans with cream of mushroom soup and some crispy fried onions. Mix well and top with more onions for that perfect crunch. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Oh, the smell will be heavenly!
Cooking the Stuffing
Now, let’s move on to the stuffing! Follow the package instructions for 3 cups of stuffing mix, but don’t be afraid to jazz it up. I love adding sautéed onions, celery, and a sprinkle of sage for extra flavor. Just mix it all together with broth and let it sit for a bit before transferring it to a baking dish. Bake according to the package directions—usually around 30-40 minutes—until it’s nice and crispy on top!
Making the Cranberry Sauce
For the cranberry sauce, you have options! For a homemade version, simmer 2 cups of fresh cranberries with 1 cup of sugar and a splash of water until they burst—about 10-15 minutes. If you’re short on time, a good-quality canned sauce works just fine too! Just remember to serve it chilled for that perfect contrast to the warm sides.
Roasting Brussels Sprouts
Let’s get those Brussels sprouts roasted! Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim and halve about 1 cup of Brussels sprouts, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them out on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges. Yum!
Preparing the Corn Pudding
Finally, let’s make that corn pudding! In a bowl, mix 1 cup of cornmeal with 1 cup of milk, some eggs, and a can of corn (drained). Pour it into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, until it’s set and slightly golden. It’s sweet, savory, and oh-so-delicious!
Serving the Dishes Warm
Once everything is ready, serve your sides warm! I like to use warming trays or cover the dishes with foil to keep them cozy until it’s time to feast. You’ll want everyone to enjoy these delightful sides at their best!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for a serving size of 1 cup of these delicious Thanksgiving sides for a crowd. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients and portions. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, 10g of fat, 6g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. It’s a hearty mix that complements your Thanksgiving feast beautifully while still keeping it balanced!
Tips for Success
To make your Thanksgiving sides for a crowd truly shine, I’ve got some pro tips to share! First, always consider your guest list and adjust portion sizes accordingly. If you have a big crowd, don’t hesitate to double your recipes—nobody likes running out of the good stuff! Next, think about making some dishes ahead of time. Many sides, like the stuffing and cranberry sauce, can be prepped a day in advance, which saves you valuable time on the big day.
Also, keep dietary restrictions in mind. It’s super thoughtful to have at least one vegetarian or gluten-free option, like the roasted Brussels sprouts or corn pudding. Trust me, your guests will appreciate the effort, and it’ll keep everyone happy at the table!
Variations on Thanksgiving Sides for a Crowd
If you’re looking to switch things up a bit with your Thanksgiving sides for a crowd, I’ve got some fun ideas! For the mashed potatoes, try adding roasted garlic or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist. You can also experiment with the stuffing by incorporating dried cranberries or nuts for added texture and flavor. For a lighter take on the green bean casserole, swap out the cream of mushroom soup for a homemade béchamel. And don’t forget about spices—cinnamon or nutmeg in the corn pudding can bring a delightful warmth. Get creative and make these sides your own!
Serving Suggestions
To really elevate your Thanksgiving feast, consider pairing these Thanksgiving sides for a crowd with a juicy roasted turkey or a honey-glazed ham. A fresh, crisp salad can add a nice contrast, and don’t forget about warm, fluffy dinner rolls to soak up all those delicious flavors! For a touch of sweetness, a pumpkin or pecan pie for dessert will complete the meal perfectly. Enjoy the feast together!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After the feast, you’ll want to store any leftovers safely. Place each dish in airtight containers and refrigerate them within two hours of serving. Most of these Thanksgiving sides for a crowd will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. When it’s time to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For mashed potatoes, adding a splash of milk while reheating can help restore their creamy texture. Enjoy those delicious leftovers!
Imprimer
Thanksgiving Sides for a Crowd: 5 Must-Try Dishes Today
- Temps Total: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Rendement: 20 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious Thanksgiving side dishes perfect for a crowd.
Ingrédients
- 4 cups of mashed potatoes
- 2 cups of green bean casserole
- 3 cups of stuffing
- 2 cups of cranberry sauce
- 1 cup of roasted Brussels sprouts
- 1 cup of corn pudding
Instructions
- Prepare the mashed potatoes and set aside.
- Bake the green bean casserole in the oven.
- Cook the stuffing according to the package instructions.
- Prepare the cranberry sauce from scratch or use canned.
- Roast Brussels sprouts in the oven until golden brown.
- Make the corn pudding and bake it.
- Serve all dishes warm.
Notes
- Adjust quantities based on the number of guests.
- Consider dietary restrictions when planning the menu.
- Make some dishes ahead of time to save time on the day.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 2 hours
- Catégorie: Side Dishes
- Méthode: Baking, Boiling, Roasting
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 300mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 7g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 4g
- La protéine: 6g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 15mg
Mots-clés: thanksgiving sides for a crowd
