Delectable Dishes for Thanksgiving: Savory Sides That Prep in Less Than an Hour!

LongIsland.com

November is well under way, and Thanksgiving is right around the corner!

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We know the holiday season can be a stressful time for everyone, especially the cooks! So for those of you who end up slaving away in the kitchen this Thanksgiving, we have found some delicious side dish ideas that are not only easily made but can be prepared in just under an hour!
 
Sure, for many, Thanksgiving dinner is all about the turkey but what would the turkey be without its tasty sides? These classic dishes with a twist will make the meal and will send your guests home happy and full! Follow the simple steps below to create the savory dishes that are sure to be the perfect touch to complete your Thanksgiving feast!
 
Parmesan Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Put a twist on simple mashed potatoes by adding a Parmesan cheese topping. We’re not talking about the store bought kind either! Make your own mouth-watering Parmesan cheese mashed potatoes that are filled with less butter and lighter milk but packed with the same great flavor!
 
Ingredients:
  • 3 pounds of Yukon gold potatoes, peeled & cut into ¾-inch cubes
  • 1-1/2 teaspoon of salt, divided
  • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • 1 cup of low-fat (1%) milk
  • ½ teaspoon of pepper
  • 2/4 cup of panko bread crumbs
  • ½ cup (packed) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon of pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Preparation:
1. Use a large saucepan to place the potatoes in and cover them with cold water. 
2. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and set the pan over high heat. 
3. Bring it to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender. (15-20 minutes) 
4. Drain the potatoes and place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring the potatoes until they’re dry, (1-2 minutes) 
5. Remove them from heat and keep covered so they stay warm. 
6. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and lightly coat a 7-by 11-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. 
7. Combine the milk, butter and remaining salt and pepper in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. 
8. Stir it occasionally until the butter is melted, then reduce the heat to low. 
9. Beat the potatoes with a hand mixer into a large bowl and then add it to the saucepan. 
10. Stir the potatoes into the mixture of milk until it is combined. This is the perfect time to taste your seasoning and adjust the taste if needed. 
11. Once it is the way you want, transfer the potatoes to the prepared baking dish. 
12. Mix together the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, bread crumbs, parsley and olive oil. 
13. Sprinkle the contents over the potatoes. 
14. Bake until bread crumbs are lightly browned. (About 10 minutes)
 
Orange-Ginger-Glazed Carrots
Get a kick out of these orange-ginger-glazed carrots. They are a simple side dish that is healthy but still filled with a great taste that your guests will be sure to enjoy.
 
Ingredients:
  • Thoroughly washed 1 pound package of baby carrots
  • 1 teaspoon of grated orange rind
  • ¼ cup of fresh orange juice
  • 2 teaspoons of butter
  • 2 teaspoons of honey
  • 1-3 tsp. of freshly grated ginger (ground ginger can be used as well)
  •  ¼ teaspoon of salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon of pepper
Preparation:
1. Stir all ingredients with 1 cup of water into a medium saucepan set over medium heat. 
2. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally until the carrots are glazed and liquid has evaporated (30-35 minutes)
 
Caramelized Onions Cranberry Sauce
Enjoy the perfect mix of sweet and savory by adding caramelized onions to classic cranberry sauce. This recipe is effortless and can be prepared in under a half an hour! The onions will add extra flavor to this simple dish as the cloves bring warmth.
 
Ingredients:
  • 1 tbs. of canola or vegetable oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, cut into medium dice
  • 1/8 tsp. of ground cloves
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper
  •  One 12-oz. bag of fresh or thawed out frozen cranberries (rinse before using- 3 ½ cups)
  •  1 cup of granulated sugar
Preparation:
1. Place oil over medium heat in a 10-inch straight-sided sauté pan or skillet. 
2. Add onions, cloves, a grind or two of pepper and a little bit of salt. 
3. Cover and reduce the heat to low and let cook while stirring occasionally. 
4. Repeat until the onions are soft and golden-brown (20-25 minutes) 
5. Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium high. 
6. Cook the onions while stirring often until they are a deep caramel-brown. (Additional 2-3 minutes) 
7. Add the sugar, cranberries, ½ cup of water and a pinch of salt and bring to a simmer set on medium-high heat.  
8. Let simmer for 1 minute, turn off the heat and keep covered until it cools to room temperature.
 
Pan-Seared Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
Here’s a dish perfect for you bacon lovers! Make delightful holiday bacon brussel sprouts that can be prepared in under 15 minutes!
 
Ingredients:
  • 1 lb. of brussel sprouts (thawed & halved)
  • 8 slices of cooked bacon
  • 3 chopped shallots
  • 1 tsp. of minced garlic (optional)
  • ½ tbsp. of olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. of butter
  • salt and pepper for taste
Preparation:
1. Cook bacon, crumble it up and set it aside. 
2. Heat olive oil, butter, garlic and shallots in a large pan on medium heat. 
3. Cook the shallots until they are soft, gradually stirring in the bacon. 
4. Add brussel sprouts and cook on medium high for 7-10 minutes or until sprouts are browned. 
 
After you have prepared your holiday side dishes, don’t forget to not only treat yourself but, treat your pets too! Thanksgiving is a time where we enjoy special meals, share this same tradition with your pets by giving them new foods they’ll love. Here are some helpful tips put together by the Nassau County SPCA regarding Thanksgiving safety for pet owners. It gives you advice from what to feed your furry friend and how to go about boarding a plane with them. 
 
 
Have a great Thanksgiving Side Dish you'd like to share?
Comment below, or email us at info@longisland.com about adding your idea!
 

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