If you’re hosting Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving at your apartment this year, you’ll want to choose side dishes that impress your guests. We know you probably want to save time in the kitchen, too. That’s why we’re sharing these five easy Thanksgiving side dishes you can make this season (or anytime).
Rosemary Pecan Mashed Sweet Potatoes
A Thanksgiving spread isn’t complete without mashed potatoes. This recipe features mashed sweet potatoes with the savory tastes of rosemary and the sweetness of pecans. The additional ingredients give it a more sophisticated flavor than the more traditional marshmallow and sweet potato bakes often found on Thanksgiving tables. But thanks to the pecans, it still has a subtle “candied” taste we’ve all come to love.
Quinoa Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Can you tell we love sweet potatoes? You can never have too many if you ask us. These quinoa stuffed sweet potatoes offer a unique twist on a standard stuffed potato recipe. They combine some of the best autumnal flavors by combining cheese with tart cranberries, which makes them a no-brainer for Thanksgiving. And the quinoa gives them a healthy boost of protein.
Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
This Brussel sprouts recipe is so easy, but you’d never know it from the flavor it packs. We bet you’ll want to make this one year-round after trying it out this Thanksgiving.
Creamy Mac & Cheese
Our roundup of Thanksgiving side dishes wouldn’t be complete without a macaroni and cheese recipe, and this one is the absolute best one we’ve ever found. It features multiple kinds of cheese, plus a pinch of cayenne pepper as an extra kick.
Homemade Cranberry & Orange Sauce
Last but not least is this festive homemade cranberry and orange sauce. When it comes to the canned versus homemade cranberry sauce debate, we’re all for the homemade versions — especially this one. Cranberry sauce is a must on Thanksgiving, and this easy recipe upgrades the traditional side with a tangy orange twist.