The Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner Sides

Of all the holidays celebrated in the United States, Thanksgiving is the one where certain dishes are most expected. Sure, you have a Christmas ham, but for Thanksgiving, guests are looking forward to turkey, stuffing, graving, two kinds of potatoes, cranberries, green beans, pies, and more. Whether you are going traditional this year or plan to put a new spin on an old favorite, Nick’s of Clinton has you covered. Visit us to get all the ingredients for Thanksgiving dinner sides that your guests will love! Below, find some of our favorite Thanksgiving dinner side options and ideas for prepping. Have questions? Give us a call or visit us today to order the perfect Thanksgiving Day turkey.

The Perfect Thanksgiving Day Sides

Mashed Potatoes 

Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be complete without mashed potatoes. Depending on preference and dietary constraints, you may go with a traditional mashed potato, a mashed sweet potato dish, or both! For those who are trying to avoid potatoes as part of a ketogenic or autoimmune protocol diet, mashed cauliflower is a wonderful substitute. For vegans or those with lactose intolerance, there are numerous milk substitute options that can be used. 

Stuffing 

Like mashed potatoes, a Thanksgiving dinner just wouldn’t be complete without stuffing! In fact, while stuffing is a side to the turkey, many other dishes are viewed as sides to the stuffing.

A traditional stuffing is a mixture of cubed bread, onions, herbs, broth, and butter—a combination that’s often cooked right inside of the turkey itself. While cooking the stuffing inside of the turkey is certainly an option, you can also do a baked version in the oven if you prefer. Have someone who’s gluten-free in the family? Consider using gluten-free bread instead. 

Gravy 

Would turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes be complete without a delicious gravy? No way! While gravy is a sauce rather than a side, it’s such an integral part of a Thanksgiving meal that it had to be listed here. While most people will do a turkey gravy, it’s also possible to do a vegetarian gravy for any non-meat eaters that will be at the table this year. In a rush? You can even use a pressure cooker to make a delicious, savory gravy that all guests will love. Don’t forget to pick up flour, cornstarch, or another thickening ingredient ahead of time.

Cranberry Sauce 

Ditch the canned cranberries this year (or grab them from our aisles if you’re in a rush) and make a sweet-yet-perfectly-tart cranberry sauce from scratch. Want to cut down on the amount of sugar you use? Try substituting a portion of the amount of sugar that your recipe normally calls for with orange juice. The orange adds a nice pop of unexpected flavor that pairs perfectly with the other classic Thanksgiving flavors of rosemary, thyme, and sage. 

Biscuits or Rolls 

You’ll surely want to prepare a biscuit or roll—essential for soaking up all that gravy! Flaky biscuits, traditional rolls, or even a nice cornbread (or a combination of the three) are all great options. To save yourself time, consider preparing your dough and freezing it a couple of days in advance. Thaw it on the counter the morning of Thanksgiving, and then pop into the oven right before everything else is ready for that fresh-baked, right-out-the-oven taste. 

Sweet Potato Casserole 

Love it or hate it, a sweet potato casserole should have a place at the table. Some people prefer a savory sweet potato casserole that complements the other dishes on the table by incorporating many of the same herbs and spices; others say that Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a sweet sweet potato casserole—one that includes marshmallows, brown sugar, and pecans, of course. Whatever you prefer, head to Nick’s to pick up the non-perishable items for your recipe a week in advance of the holiday to ensure that you have everything you need for preparing your casserole. 

Green Bean Casserole 

Even those who don’t love green beans tend to enjoy a green bean casserole—a true comfort food that is a great complement to anything Thanksgiving Day spread. In addition to green beans—fresh, frozen, or canned all work, by the way—most green bean casseroles include onions and mushrooms, as well as a cream sauce. Can’t do dairy? A combination of a non-dairy milk of choice and nutritional yeast can go a long way in creating a yummy flavor and creamy texture. 

Don’t Forget Drinks and Desserts

We know we don’t have to remind you, but don’t forget drinks and desserts! Whether you’re making your own pie or buying something that’s already prepared, at Nick’s of Clinton, you can find whatever you need.

Visit Nick’s of Clinton to Pick Up All Your Ingredients Today

To get everything on your Thanksgiving shopping list, head over to Nick’s of Clinton. You can find us at 3953 St. Charles Parkway, or you can reach us by phone at (301) 843-4825.