Thanksgiving Sides Will Make Your Holiday Dinner Shine! – Episode #53

Thanksgiving is the time of year when we come together to enjoy not only a delicious turkey but also the array of sides that make the meal so special. While mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce are often the stars, there’s always room to get creative and add a little something extra to the table. If you’re looking for fresh ideas to shake up your usual holiday spread, I’ve got you covered with three mouthwatering Thanksgiving side dishes that are sure to steal the show this year.

These sides are all about enhancing flavors, adding texture, and offering a little something unexpected—all while keeping things simple and easy to prepare. From crispy Brussels sprouts to maple roasted carrots, and luxuriously creamy Chantilly potatoes, these dishes are flavorful, vibrant, and perfect for your next holiday meal. Even better, you can see exactly how to make them in my Thanksgiving Side Dishes YouTube video, where I walk you through each recipe step-by-step!

1. Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry and Bacon

If you’ve never had crispy Brussels sprouts, now’s the time to give them a try! Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness and transforms them into a perfectly crispy, caramelized side dish. But we’re taking it up a notch by adding crispy bacon and tart cranberries. The bacon brings a rich, salty crunch, and the cranberries add a pop of sweetness, making for a harmonious balance of savory and sweet.

Not only are these Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry and Bacon delicious, but they’re also colorful and festive, making them a perfect addition to your holiday spread. They are an unexpected treat that will surprise your guests and leave them coming back for more.

• Why You’ll Love It: The crispy edges of the sprouts, paired with savory bacon and sweet cranberries, create a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Plus, this side is simple to make and will add a fresh, vibrant touch to your Thanksgiving table.

• Serving Tip: This dish pairs perfectly with turkey, ham, or roast chicken, and it’s a great way to get more vegetables into your meal without sacrificing flavor.

2. Maple Roasted Carrots with Pecan Crumble

Carrots are a classic side dish, but when you roast them, their natural sweetness intensifies, creating a rich, flavorful vegetable that everyone will love. In this recipe, we take roasted carrots and elevate them with maple syrup for added sweetness, and top them with a crunchy pecan crumble. The pecans bring a nice texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender carrots, while the maple syrup adds a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the fall and winter months.

• Why You’ll Love It: The maple syrup and pecan crumble take this dish from simple to spectacular. The maple flavor adds just the right amount of sweetness, and the pecans give the dish a festive, crunchy twist. It’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor!

• Serving Tip: This side works wonderfully with roast meats, especially turkey, pork, or chicken. The natural sweetness of the carrots makes it a great contrast to savory dishes, and the pecan topping gives it an extra special touch for the holidays.

3. Chantilly Potatoes: Creamy and Luxurious

If you’re a fan of mashed potatoes (who isn’t?), then you’ll absolutely love Chantilly Potatoes. This dish takes traditional mashed potatoes to the next level by incorporating whipped cream cheese for an ultra-creamy, fluffy texture. The result is a potato side that is not only light but also indulgently rich. They’re so fluffy and creamy, they might just become the star of your holiday meal!

Chantilly Potatoes are the perfect balance of creamy and light, making them a luxurious and comforting side dish. They pair perfectly with rich meats like turkey and roast beef, and their soft, fluffy texture makes them a hit with everyone at the table.

• Why You’ll Love It: These potatoes are indulgent yet light, offering a dreamy, fluffy texture that elevates any meal. The addition of cream cheese gives them a velvety richness, making them a perfect holiday side.

• Serving Tip: These Chantilly Potatoes will pair beautifully with any main course, especially if you’re serving them with something rich like roast turkey or a juicy roast ham. They’re creamy enough to complement savory dishes and light enough to not overpower them.

Watch the Full Thanksgiving Side Dishes Video!

If you’re looking for a detailed, step-by-step guide to make these three incredible sides, be sure to check out my Thanksgiving Side Dishes YouTube video. In the video, I show you exactly how to make Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry and Bacon, Maple Roasted Carrots with Pecan Crumble, and Chantilly Potatoes, so you can follow along and create these delicious dishes at home with ease.

From prepping your veggies to perfecting the flavors, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make these side dishes as tasty as possible.

These three Thanksgiving side dishes—Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry and Bacon, Maple Roasted Carrots with Pecan Crumble, and Chantilly Potatoes—bring a fresh, flavorful twist to your holiday spread. They’re simple to make, easy to customize, and sure to impress your guests. Plus, they offer a little something different from the traditional sides, ensuring your meal stands out.

Whether you’re planning your Thanksgiving dinner, hosting a holiday gathering, or just looking for something new to try, these dishes are guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers. And don’t forget to check out the Thanksgiving Side Dishes YouTube video for all the details!

Happy cooking, and I hope these sides bring a little extra joy to your holiday table!