8. Sausage Stuffing
Sausage stuffing is a classic Thanksgiving dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups bread cubes (such as sourdough or French bread)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5-6 minutes or until softened.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, sage, and thyme. Toss to combine.
- Pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture and stir to combine. The mixture should be moist but not too wet.
- Transfer the stuffing to a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the stuffing is golden brown and crispy on top.
9. Glazed Sweet Potatoes With Honey Whiskey Pecans
Glazed sweet potatoes with honey whiskey pecans are a sweet and savory side dish that’s perfect for Friendsgiving. The sweet potatoes are coated in a sticky honey glaze and topped with crunchy whiskey pecans. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons whiskey
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Arrange the sweet potato cubes on a baking sheet and drizzle with melted butter. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
- Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
- Drizzle the honey glaze over the roasted sweet potatoes.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped pecans and stir to coat.
- Add honey and whiskey to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
- Spoon the whiskey pecan mixture over the glazed sweet potatoes.
10. Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots
Honey balsamic roasted carrots are a simple and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for Friendsgiving. The sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the balsamic vinegar complement the earthiness of the roasted carrots. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Arrange the sliced carrots on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
- Roast the carrots in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey and balsamic vinegar.
- Drizzle the honey balsamic mixture over the roasted carrots.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
11. Thanksgiving Rice Pilaf With Cranberries and Pears
Thanksgiving rice pilaf with cranberries and pears is a festive and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for Friendsgiving. It’s a great way to incorporate seasonal fruits into your menu. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 pear, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until softened.
- Add rice to the pan and stir to coat with theapple, sliced
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Optional garnish: apple slices, cinnamon sticks
12. Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast
Bacon-wrapped turkey breast is a delicious and impressive dish that’s sure to be the star of your Friendsgiving dinner. It’s easy to make and the bacon adds a smoky flavor to the turkey. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 boneless turkey breast, 2-3 pounds
- 8-10 slices bacon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the mixture all over the turkey breast.
- Wrap the bacon slices around the turkey breast, tucking in the ends.
- Place the turkey breast on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
13. Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a classic Thanksgiving dish that’s perfect for Friendsgiving too. It’s a creamy and comforting side dish that pairs well with any main course. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups cooked green beans
- 1 1/3 cups French’s fried onions
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper.
- Stir in the cooked green beans and half of the French’s fried onions.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake in the oven for 25 minutes.
- Top the casserole with the remaining French’s fried onions and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until golden brown.
14. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is another classic Thanksgiving side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a sweet and savory dish that’s topped with a crunchy pecan streusel. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the streusel mixture over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
15. Cranberry Sauce
No Friendsgiving celebration is complete without cranberry sauce. This tart and sweet condiment pairs well with any turkey or ham dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 bag fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Optional garnish: orange zest, chopped walnuts
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Add the onion, celery, and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened.
- Stir in the butter, sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sausage mixture, and chicken broth.
- Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the top is crispy and golden brown.
