# The Ultimate Thanksgiving Side Dishes

If there’s one thing we can all agree on about Thanksgiving, it’s this: while the turkey may take center stage, the sides are where the true delight lies. Creamy, savory, crispy-topped, buttery vegetables and carbs heaped high on a plate – that’s the Thanksgiving vibe we’re all really craving.

This compilation offers a blend of comforting favorites and a few exciting twists — because sometimes Thanksgiving demands tradition, and other times it craves a dash of flair. And the highlight? Many of these recipes are naturally vegetarian, ensuring that those at your table who skip the turkey can still relish the full Thanksgiving experience. Picture fluffy potatoes, flavorful green beans, soft gnocchi, warm breads, and salads that are genuinely thrilling.

These are the sides that elevate the feast to something extraordinary. Let’s get them on the table!

## The Ultimate Thanksgiving Side Dishes

1. **[Green Bean Casserole](https://pinchofyum.com/green-bean-casserole)**
This Green Bean Casserole is a Thanksgiving staple! Fresh green beans enveloped in a smooth, rich sauce dotted with gruyere and shallots – topped with crispy onions, naturally!
*12 reviews / 5 average*

2. **[Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar Topping](https://pinchofyum.com/sweet-potato-casserole)**
That crunchy brown sugar topping will invigorate your spirit! An essential addition to my Thanksgiving spread!
*64 reviews / 4.8 average*

3. **[7-Layer Beet Salad](https://pinchofyum.com/7-layer-beet-salad)**
This 7-Layer Beet Salad is a fall marvel! Laden with cooked beets, supremed oranges, chopped pistachios, creamy truffle ricotta, and a hint of fresh mint. So refreshing, so tasty!
*23 reviews / 4.9 average*

4. **[Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad](https://pinchofyum.com/bacon-brussels-sprout-salad)**
Without a doubt, my top salad choice for Thanksgiving! Finely shredded brussels sprouts, chopped bacon, and a light citrus dressing.
*32 reviews / 4.7 average*

5. **[Everyone’s Favorite Corn Casserole](https://pinchofyum.com/corn-casserole)**
Juicy bites of cream-style corn and sweet corn, complemented by garlic, bacon, and cheese throughout – trust me, it’s absolutely delicious!
*37 reviews / 4.7 average*

6. **[House Favorite Roasted Brussels Sprouts](https://pinchofyum.com/house-favorite-brussels-sprouts)**
We enjoy these frequently, but they’re particularly delightful at Thanksgiving! Adorned with vibrant bursts of cranberries and nutty walnuts.
*42 reviews / 5 average*

7. **[The Best Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes](https://pinchofyum.com/instant-pot-mashed-potatoes)**
The ideal solution for freeing up stove space! Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes! So creamy, so fluffy, and incredibly DELICIOUS.
*77 reviews / 4.7 average*

8. **[Roasted Carrots with Honey and Garlic Yogurt Sauce](https://pinchofyum.com/roasted-carrots-with-honey-and-garlic-yogurt-sauce)**
These gorgeous carrots deserve a spot on your table! Intensely roasted rainbow carrots, drizzled with tangy garlic yogurt sauce, a golden honey drizzle, and festive pistachio sprinkles on top.
*17 reviews / 4.9 average*

9. **[Avocado Kale Caesar Salad](https://pinchofyum.com/avocado-kale-caesar-salad-sweet-potato-fries)**
Kale, avocado, and crunchy seeds bathed in a quick creamy avocado caesar dressing that can easily be made vegan as well.
*73 reviews / 4.9 average*

10. **[Liz’s Roasted Broccoli Salad](https://pinchofyum.com/roasted-broccoli-salad)**
Another triumph of roasted veggies! Bright lemon, crispy bacon, tangy feta, and crunchy roasted broccoli.
*56 reviews / 5 average*

11. **[Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce](https://pinchofyum.com/pumpkin-gnocchi)**
Incredibly soft and delectable, feels just perfect for a holiday. Finished with a 5-ingredient sage garlic butter sauce that will amaze you!

Alex & Sonja: The Culinary Pair Behind A Couple Cooks

Introducing Alex and Sonja Overhiser, the vibrant pair behind the renowned cooking site, A Couple Cooks. As writers of two respected cookbooks and busy parents, Alex and Sonja have perfected the balance between family commitments and their love for cooking. Since launching their website in 2010, their goal has been to offer straightforward, seasonal recipes and the delight of cooking to a worldwide audience.

What distinguishes Alex and Sonja is their dedication to crafting unique recipes that are both tasty and easy to follow. Their website currently features thousands of meticulously designed and tested recipes from their home kitchen. From swift weeknight meals to grand holiday banquets, their recipes cater to a diverse array of tastes and dietary restrictions.

Alongside their recipes, A Couple Cooks provides an abundance of cooking advice and meal planning suggestions. Alex and Sonja are aware of the difficulties involved in preparing meals for a family, and they share practical strategies to help home chefs simplify their cooking process. Their advice spans everything from fundamental cooking methods to sophisticated culinary techniques, making their site an invaluable tool for cooks at any level.

Photography plays a crucial role in A Couple Cooks. Each recipe features breathtaking images, all taken by Alex and Sonja. Their photography not only highlights the allure of their dishes but also serves as a visual reference for readers to follow.

Apart from cooking, Alex and Sonja champion a sustainable and healthy way of living. They highlight the significance of utilizing fresh, seasonal produce and motivate their readers to make conscious food choices. Their cooking philosophy goes beyond just preparing delicious meals; it’s about cultivating a deeper relationship with food and nature.

As a real couple who enjoys cooking together, Alex and Sonja offer a distinct viewpoint in the culinary realm. Their collaboration is evident in every facet of their work, from developing recipes to capturing photos. They have fostered a community of individuals who resonate with their passion for cooking and their devotion to a well-lived life.

Whether you are an experienced chef or just starting out, Alex and Sonja’s A Couple Cooks provides motivation and insights for anyone eager to improve their cooking skills and relish the act of preparing food. Their enthusiasm for sustenance and family is evident in all their endeavors, making them cherished figures in the realm of home cooking.

Cooking pizza on a stone results in an ideal crispy-chewy pizza crust! I’m sharing my extensive testing experience to assist you in achieving pizzeria-quality results with a pizza stone in your home oven.

After a decade of experimenting with pizza recipes and several trips to Italy, I’ve discovered one essential tool for elevating pizza in a home oven: a pizza stone! I must admit, even with years of experience, I still feel a bit anxious transferring my dough onto the super hot stone.

However, here’s the truth: using a pizza stone is the sole method to achieve that perfect combination of crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside in your pizza crust. Outdoor pizza ovens can be pricey, so at approximately $35, a pizza stone is a bargain for a homemade margherita pizza that tastes as if it’s fresh from Naples!

Why Cooking Pizza on a Stone Works

Have you ever questioned why restaurant pizza boasts that distinct snap while homemade pizza crust can often be dense and soft? The secret lies in moisture and temperature. Home ovens trap steam, which is detrimental for a crisp crust. Moreover, home ovens usually reach only up to 500°F, while wood-fired ovens can soar to temperatures between 900°F and 1000°F.

A pizza stone is porous. When you place homemade pizza dough onto a scorching hot surface, the stone draws moisture from the dough while simultaneously delivering stored heat. This process produces the “leoparding” (charred spots) on the crust’s base, transforming your home oven into a setup akin to an outdoor pizza oven.

What’s The Best Pizza Stone?

I utilize this pizza stone, and it has stood the test of time remarkably well. Just remember never to place a cold pizza stone in a hot oven or dunk it in water. Limit movement and handling of the stone, and transport it only when it has reached room temperature.

Preheat, Then Preheat More

One common error I observe among home cooks is not preheating the pizza stone long enough. Ceramic takes a while to absorb heat. I suggest placing your stone in a cool oven and then setting the temperature to its maximum (usually 500°F or 550°F).

After the oven reaches that temperature, let it sit for at least another 30 to 45 minutes. You desire the stone to be fully heated so that when you introduce the cold dough, it doesn’t lose temperature.

Important tip: Never place a cold pizza stone into a preheated oven because it may crack.

Tips for The Transfer

Transferring the pizza from the counter to the stone is the element that intimidates most people (myself included!). You will need a pizza peel for this task. If you don’t own one, a rimless baking sheet can suffice in a pinch, but a peel is a worthwhile investment.

I favor this standard pizza peel, though my personal favorite is this conveyor pizza peel. It simplifies the process of sliding the pizza directly onto the stone (even though it’s slightly pricier).

To avoid sticking, I use semolina flour on the peel rather than cornmeal. Cornmeal can burn and produce smoke at high temperatures, while semolina does not and helps the dough slide off easily.

Important tip: Conduct the “shimmy” test before adding toppings. Before you top with pizza sauce or cheese, give the peel a gentle shake. If the dough shifts easily, you can proceed with the toppings. If it clings, lift the edge of the dough and sprinkle a bit more semolina flour underneath.

How to Cook a Pizza on a Stone: Step-by-Step

Ready to bake? Here’s my process for crafting the ideal pizza:

1. Position Rack: Set a rack in the center of the oven and place the pizza stone on it.

2. Preheat the Stone: Set your oven to its highest temperature (500°F or higher) and allow the stone to heat for at least 45 to 60 minutes.

3. Prep the Pizza: Stretch your dough on a peel dusted with semolina flour. Add your pizza toppings, but go easy! Heavy toppings can make sliding more difficult.

4. Transfer: Open the oven and position the tip of the peel close to the back of the stone. With a swift, confident motion, pull the peel back so the pizza drops onto the stone. (If utilizing a conveyor peel, gently retract the conveyor.)

5. Bake: Bake for 5 to 7 minutes.

6. Cool: Use the peel to take out the pizza: swiftly slide the peel beneath the pizza, then extract it from the oven. (For the conveyor, gently slide out the pizza using the conveyor). Let it rest on a wire rack for a minute to allow the steam to escape.

Caring for Your Stone

One thing to keep in mind: that pizza stone will become unsightly over time. This is a good sign: a well-used stone should appear dark and speckled.

To clean a pizza stone, never use

Alex & Sonja Overhiser: The Culinary Partnership Behind A Couple Cooks

Introducing Alex and Sonja Overhiser, the energetic husband-and-wife duo who have converted their love for cooking into a flourishing online culinary platform. As the writers of two successful cookbooks and the creators of the well-known site A Couple Cooks, Alex and Sonja have been motivating home cooks since 2010 with their straightforward, seasonal recipes and practical cooking tips.

What started as a mutual pastime has evolved into a fully established career for the Overhisers, who are not only busy parents but also passionate culinary innovators. Their site, A Couple Cooks, showcases their pledge to making cooking easy and enjoyable for everyone. It hosts thousands of unique recipes, each thoughtfully developed and photographed by the couple. These recipes are not only tested in their own kitchen but also by their kids, ensuring they are family-friendly and scrumptious.

Alex and Sonja’s method to cooking is based on simplicity and seasonality. They hold that utilizing fresh, seasonal ingredients is essential to craft flavorful and wholesome meals. Their recipes frequently emphasize the natural tastes of ingredients, inspiring home cooks to enjoy the pleasure of cooking with what’s in season at their local markets.

Alongside their vast recipe archive, A Couple Cooks provides a wealth of cooking advice and meal planning suggestions. Whether you’re an inexperienced cook or a skilled chef, Alex and Sonja offer useful insights to help simplify your cooking routine and improve your culinary abilities.

Through their cookbooks and online platform, Alex and Sonja Overhiser have nurtured a community of food lovers who share their enthusiasm for cooking and enjoying good food. Their commitment to spreading the joy of cooking has made A Couple Cooks an essential resource for anyone eager to whip up tasty meals effortlessly.

**7-Day Healthy Meal Schedule for December 8-14**

With the festive season upon us, maintaining a nutritious diet can be a bit tough. Nevertheless, a thoughtfully organized meal schedule allows you to savor healthy dishes while enjoying seasonal delights. Below is a 7-day healthy meal schedule to keep you feeling vibrant and satisfied from December 8-14.

**Day 1: December 8**

– **Breakfast:** Overnight oats prepared with almond milk, chia seeds, banana slices, and a dash of cinnamon.
– **Lunch:** Grilled chicken salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and balsamic vinaigrette.
– **Dinner:** Oven-baked salmon with lemon and dill, accompanied by quinoa and steamed broccoli.
– **Snack:** Greek yogurt paired with a mix of berries.

**Day 2: December 9**

– **Breakfast:** Whole grain toast topped with avocado and poached eggs.
– **Lunch:** Lentil soup enriched with carrots, celery, and spinach, served alongside whole grain bread.
– **Dinner:** Stir-fried tofu with bell peppers, snow peas, and brown rice.
– **Snack:** Slices of apple with almond butter.

**Day 3: December 10**

– **Breakfast:** Smoothie blended with spinach, banana, protein powder, and almond milk.
– **Lunch:** Turkey wrap utilizing a whole wheat tortilla, lettuce, tomato, and hummus.
– **Dinner:** Grilled shrimp tacos complemented by cabbage slaw and avocado.
– **Snack:** Carrot sticks served with hummus.

**Day 4: December 11**

– **Breakfast:** Chia pudding made from coconut milk, enhanced with kiwi and almonds.
– **Lunch:** Quinoa salad featuring black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro lime dressing.
– **Dinner:** Baked chicken breast served with sweet potato wedges and green beans.
– **Snack:** A mix of nuts and dried fruit.

**Day 5: December 12**

– **Breakfast:** Scrambled eggs with spinach and feta cheese.
– **Lunch:** Vegetable and chickpea stew accompanied by whole grain pita.
– **Dinner:** Grilled flank steak served with roasted Brussels sprouts and mashed cauliflower.
– **Snack:** Slices of pear with cottage cheese.

**Day 6: December 13**

– **Breakfast:** Whole grain pancakes topped with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey.
– **Lunch:** Caprese salad featuring fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze.
– **Dinner:** Baked cod enhanced with lemon and herbs, paired with wild rice and asparagus.
– **Snack:** A piece of dark chocolate and a handful of almonds.

**Day 7: December 14**

– **Breakfast:** Yogurt parfait layered with granola, mixed berries, and a drizzle of honey.
– **Lunch:** Spinach and mushroom frittata accompanied by a side of mixed greens.
– **Dinner:** Vegetable stir-fry with tofu, broccoli, carrots, and brown rice.
– **Snack:** Celery sticks served with peanut butter.

This meal schedule offers a range of nutrients to help you feel your best. Keep hydrated and adjust portion sizes based on your personal needs. Embrace the holiday season with a focus on balance and awareness!