Slow your roll on that Christmas ham because we’ve got a Thanksgiving turkey to put together. Deciding just how you are going to cook the bird is one of the biggest first steps. What seasonings will you use? Will you stuff it? How about deep frying your turkey? While it may be the star of the show at your holiday dinner table, it wouldn’t be nearly as good as it is without its show-stopping backup singers: the side dishes. What will you use for your sides this year? Will you stick to something traditional that everyone in the family loves? Or will you try something new? You’ve got lots of questions to answer and a menu to plan out -- and you better start now. After all, once you write down those ingredients, you’ve got some shopping to do. Thanksgiving Side Dishes: Regional Favorites Believe it or not, the Thanksgiving dinner menu changes based on where you live - or, where you grew up. There are certain dishes, such as corn pudding in the south. Or, white gravy in Arkansas that just isn't always found everywhere else. Let’s take a quick look at what you may find popular around the country. In the northeastern United States, it is not uncommon to find side dishes such as beet salad, double stuffed potatoes, buffalo chicken casserole, or even Italian dishes like manicotti. Out west, things change up a little bit with seitan stuffed apples, biscuits, pancetta, or even escargot. And, for the folks in middle America, well, there is honey glazed carrots, pumpkin pecan pie, brussel sprouts salad, and creamed corn casserole. Some people even like spinach artichoke dip, queso dip, and buffalo wings for their sides. Although all of these things sound great, there are a few popular Thanksgiving sides that go beyond the borders of a state or even a region. They are those sides that you think of when you think of a turkey on Thanksgiving. So, what are they? Let’s find out. Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dishes It is time to get hungry. Here are the most popular side dishes that you will be hoping to eat this Thanksgiving. Candied Yams. For some, this dish is something similar - sweet potato casserole. Either way, it is sweet and delicious. Depending on how you make it, the recipe could call for brown sugar, cinnamon, and marshmallows. Or sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup. Of course, they also come with other ingredients, too, but you get the idea. Green Bean Casserole. If you ask anyone across the U.S. if they have green bean casserole as a traditional Thanksgiving side dish, there is a good chance they will tell you yes. And of course - it’s got a great mixture of flavors from creamy and salty to the crunch of crispy, tasty fried onions. Whether you like green beans or not, it is hard to pass up green bean casserole. The fantastic part of this dish is that it can taste different based on the type of green beans you use - without changing up any of the ingredients. Why not try something new? If you always use canned green beans, how about trying a green bean casserole with fresh green beans this year. Or, frozen, even. Cranberry Sauce. This is another sweet (yet tart) side dish that pairs well with all those savory dishes on the Thanksgiving table. There are those who love it jellied and others prefer cranberry sauce. No matter what form it comes in, it always has an unbeatable taste that tops off the entire meal. This year, consider making your own cranberry sauce. It is super easy - and something to feel proud about! All you need is a saucepan and a range or cooktop. And, hey - if you are feeling a little zesty, add in a little orange, too. Stuffing. Or, dressing. It’s been said that when it is cooked inside the turkey that it is stuffing, but when it is just a side dish it is dressing. Regardless of what you want to call it - it is a staple for Thanksgiving and it needs to be included in your side dishes. This savory side is made with pieces of bread and yet it is moist and fluffy and soft. Every now and then you will get that one crispy piece that just explodes in your mouth when you bite down. Sage and thyme are two of the most common flavors throughout this side dish. So, whether you make it from a box or bag or decide to make it from scratch - it doesn’t matter. Just make it because your guests will be expecting it. Mashed Potatoes. Mashed potatoes and turkey go together like peanut butter and jelly or cupcakes and frosting. You just can’t have one without the other or it would just seem, well, wrong. Mashed potatoes can be made with regular white potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes. Or, you can even use red potatoes. Some people like to peel them while others prefer to leave the skin on. You can take this common dish and make it your own. Though, sometimes, simplicity just tastes delicious. Gravy. Finally, the gravy. The topping of all Thanksgiving toppings. What kind of gravy do you prefer? Turkey gravy? Brown gravy? Giblet gravy? Apple gravy? White gravy? Do you pour it over everything or just on your turkey or mashed potatoes? Gravy may seem like a minor addition to the table spread - but take a moment to consider what life would be like without that very moment and you will see just how significant it is. Don’t forget the gravy. Combining your Thanksgiving dinner together in one bite that just has a little bit of flavor from everything is the ultimate goal when you look down at your overflowing plate. It is why we all sit cathartic after the gorging is complete. Add all these flavors and give your guests a Thanksgiving meal to remember while sticking with tradition. Our final tip: Be sure your appliances are in top-notch shape before you take on the task of a holiday feast!
