3 Simple and Delicious Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Easy Holiday Recipes - Carrot Turnip Casserole, Mashed Potatoes
Sep 23, 2009
Holidays are for entertaining, not slaving over the hot stove. The following recipes are an easy, delicious way to round out the Thanksgiving dinner menu, complete with a make-ahead casserole, creamy mashed potatoes, and a light, last-minute asparagus treat.
Classic Carrot Turnip Casserole a Must on the Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
Children and adults alike love this dish; the carrots cut the sharp taste of the turnip, with gooey cheese and just the right spices taking plain old carrots to another level. Prepare carrot turnip casserole the day before Thanksgiving dinner and refrigerate overnight to save time.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium turnip
- 8 large carrots
- 2 cups shredded old cheddar
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 cup fine bread crumbs
- salt and pepper to taste
Lightly rub a casserole dish with butter or oil. Peel and cube turnip; boil until soft and drain. Peel and chop carrots; boil until soft and drain. Mash turnips and carrot together. In the same pot, add 1 1/4 cups of old cheddar cheese, butter, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and transfer to casserole dish. Top with remaining 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese and bread crumbs. Cover casserole dish and refrigerate.
Cook covered at 350° for 1 hour, then remove lid and continue cooking 15 minutes or until heated through. Serves 6-8.
Savory Mashed Potatoes Complement Thanksgiving Turkey, Ham, or Duck
These simple, delicious mashed potatoes take little more effort than plain mashed, but pack a savory punch that works well with a holiday turkey or roast.
Ingredients:
- 8 to 10 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 large white or Spanish onion, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp each salt and pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
In a large pot, cover potatoes and onion slices in cold water; add rosemary, bring to a boil and cook until soft. Drain and mash together. Add chicken broth, cream, seasoning and garlic; mash or whip with a hand mixer on low. Transfer to serving dish and top with chives. Serves 6 to 8.
Parmesan Asparagus Spears a Unique Take on Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Asparagus spears are a light, tasty addition to the Thanksgiving dinner menu. Quick and simple to prepare, asparagus adds color and a fresh twist to a table heavy with winter vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 lbs fresh asparagus
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan or asiago
- 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
Stir together vinegar, olive oil and mustard in a large bowl and set aside. Snap lower portion of stems off asparagus spears and rinse. Steam asparagus in a steamer or large, covered pot with 2 inches boiling salted water. Cook just until soft outside and crisp in the middle. Drain asparagus and add to vinegar mixture; toss asparagus spears with oil and vinegar and transfer to serving plate. Sprinkle with grated cheese, salt and pepper. Serve immediately. Serves 6 to 8.
More Easy Holiday Recipes for a Complete Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
For the perfect Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing recipe, see Turkey Roasted to Perfection with Sage Stuffing. Visit the Fall Recipe collection at Suite101.com for more delicious recipes and helpful cooking tips. Enjoy!
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