Some people love the turkey, others go straight for the side dishes. From stuffing to potatoes and amazing side salads, the recipes below will fill your holiday table with side dishes that just might upstage the bird.
1. Mushroom and Gruyere Stuffing
Mushroom Gruyere Stuffing. Photo by J. Meier
The earthy flavor of mushrooms and sharp, nutty flavor of Gruyere cheese are wonderful together in this rich stuffing. This stuffing is amazing with turkey and also great warmed up the next day for breakfast.
2. Goat Cheese and Spinach Stuffing
Goat Cheese Stuffing. Photo by J. Meier
If you have vegetarians at the table, this goat cheese stuffing is a filling and satisfying dish that can almost be a main course.
3. Red Quinoa and Wild Rice Salad with Goat Cheese
Quinoa and Wild Rice Salad with Goat Cheese. Photo by J. Meier
An earthy, autumnal salad with eye-catching color. If you don't like goat cheese, sub in feta cheese. Either way, this blend of quinoa, wild rice and walnuts is sure to draw applause.
4. Wild Rice with Blue Cheese and Cranberries
Wild Rice with Blue Cheese and Cranberries. Photo by J. Meier
A savory and sweet blend of dried cranberries and full-flavored blue cheese give this salad bold flavor. Fresh thyme and pecans round out the flavors. A beautiful dish with a crunchy and creamy texture.
5. Gruyere Mashed Potatoes
Gruyere Mashed Potatoes. Photo by Jennifer Meier
What's better than mashed potatoes? Mashed potatoes with cheese! Gruyere gives mashed potatoes amazing flavor, although you can adapt this recipe to your own tastes by using almost any type of cheese that you like.
6. Raw Brussels Sprouts Salad with Grated Cheese
Raw Brussels Sprouts Salad with Grated Cheese. Photo by J. Meier
Serving slaw at Thanksgiving instead of a green salad is untraditional, but the crisp, fresh flavor of this salad made with raw Brussels sprouts will convince you not to be a slave to tradition. The light, lively flavors in this salad will be a welcome relief from the heavier dishes on the table.
7. Corn with Browned Butter and Cheese
Corn with Browned Butter and Cheese.Photo by J. Meier
Frozen corn makes preparing this dish a snap, but the rich comforting flavor that comes from butter and cheese will win raves. Browning the butter gives it a nutty flavor and aroma and when combined with grated cheese, the result is heavenly.
8. Corn and Green Bean Salad with Sheeps' Milk
Corn and Bean Salad with Sheeps' Milk. Photo by Jennifer Meier
Although grated sheeps' milk cheese gives this salad amazing flavor, toasted cumin seeds are the real star. The seeds have an intense flavor and aroma that turns a simple blend of corn and green beans into something memorable.
9. Sauteed Escarole Garnished with Cheese
Sauteed Escarole With Cheese. Photo by J. Meier
The pleasantly bitter flavor of escarole wakes up the palate and provides a appetizing contrast to the typically mild flavors of Thanksgiving dishes. Usually served raw, escarole is a salad green that can also be served as a warm vegetable dish.
10. Pearl Barley with Mushrooms and Peas
Barley with Mushrooms and Peas.Photo by Jennifer Meier
If you're tired of potatoes being the main starch on the table, serve barley instead. A slightly sweet,nutty and mild flavor makes barley a popular grain. Similar to rice pilaf but with a heavier texture, this side dish will please picky eaters as well as foodies.
