Hello from wine country!

Thanksgiving is more than just turkey—it's a celebration of flavors that bring everyone together. The secret to a memorable feast lies in the side dishes that complement the centerpiece.

Whether you're hosting a classic dinner or adding a modern twist, these five popular side dishes are sure to elevate your Thanksgiving table.

1. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A classic side that’s always a hit!

Ingredients

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions         

• Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (about 20 minutes). Drain well.
• Heat heavy cream and butter in a saucepan over medium heat until melted.
• Mash potatoes with a potato masher or mixer, gradually adding the cream mixture.
• Stir in garlic, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

 

2. Savory Sausage & Herb Stuffing

A hearty addition packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
• 1 loaf of bread, cubed and dried (about 10 cups)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

 Instructions       

• 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• In a skillet, cook sausage until browned. Remove and set aside.
• In the same skillet, sauté onion and celery until soft.
• In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sausage, sautéed veggies, herbs, and chicken broth.
• Mix well.
• Transfer to a greased baking dish, drizzle with melted butter, and bake for 30-35 minutes.

 

3. Maple-Glazed Roasted Carrots

Sweet and savory perfection.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
• 1 loaf of bread, cubed and dried (about 10 cups)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

 Instructions       

• 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• In a skillet, cook sausage until browned. Remove and set aside.
• In the same skillet, sauté onion and celery until soft.
• In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sausage, sautéed veggies, herbs, and chicken broth.
• Mix well.
• Transfer to a greased baking dish, drizzle with melted butter, and bake for 30-35 minutes.

 

 

4. Cranberry Orange Relish

A zesty alternative to classic cranberry sauce.

Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 orange, peeled and segmented
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions         

• Combine cranberries, orange segments, sugar, and zest in a food processor.
• Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed.
• Chill for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

 

5. Classic Green Bean Casserole

A Thanksgiving tradition everyone loves.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 ½ cups fried onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

 Instructions       

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain.
• In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, and seasonings.
• Stir in green beans and half of the fried onions. Transfer to a baking dish.
• Top with remaining fried onions and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

These side dishes are a perfect blend of tradition and taste, guaranteed to leave your guests asking for seconds. Pair them with your favorite wines, and you’ll have a Thanksgiving feast to remember!

 

The Perfect Wine Pairing

Pairing the perfect wine with your Thanksgiving feast enhances the flavors of every dish.

For a traditional turkey dinner, a Pinot Noir is a crowd-pleaser with its light body and earthy notes, complementing everything from herb stuffing to cranberry sauce.

If you prefer white wine, a Chardonnay, especially one with subtle oak and buttery richness, pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.

For guests who enjoy a sweeter profile, a Riesling provides a delightful contrast to savory dishes like green bean casserole.

And don’t forget a Zinfandel for its bold, fruity character that matches the smoky flavors of sausage stuffing or glazed ham. With these wine options, your Thanksgiving table will truly shine!

What’s your favorite Thanksgiving side dish?

Share your go-to recipe on our Facebook page.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at CellarPass!

Cheers,

-The Silver Fox

 

 

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