Classic Thanksgiving Side Dish Shake Up

*Today, we offer ways to shake up classic Thanksgiving side dishes. Our recipes are meant for seasoned cooks.

Therefore, we assume you’ll know what equipment to use and when (occasionally we make recommendations).

We also assume you understand basic cooking techniques. How many servings you’ll get depends on your Thanksgiving guest list (we may offer number of servings to give you an idea).

The joy of cooking is learning enough through experience to the point you will no longer require recipes; ingredients and imagination will be enough. It is a delicious journey worth taking, resulting in a Master Home Chef capable of bringing pleasure, joy, and happiness to all.

Todays Setting

Picture a cozy November evening in San Antonio. Mullethead and Millie’s living room glows with the warmth of a crackling fire and the aromatics of a stunning cabernet.

This year, the crew—Mullethead, Hambone, and their wives, Millie and Hillary—are up to their usual antics, conjuring up a Thanksgiving feast that will knock the socks off their family and friends.

Mullethead: “Alright folks, the gauntlet’s been thrown down! What side dishes do we wrangle this year? Mashed potatoes? Cranberries? Not gonna settle for anything less than legendary!”

The Adventure Begins

Our crew of characters now conspire to shake up classic Thanksgiving side dishes.

Hambone: “I’m feeling adventurous. Let’s hit the classics, but let’s get them twisted.

I’m thinking mashed potatoes with garlic and cheese that’d make even a French chef blush!”

Millie: “Cranberries can be so basic. Why not spice things up with a cranberry chutney that’ll light our taste buds on fire?”

Hillary: “I’ve got it! A sweet potato casserole with a pecan topping crunchy enough to rival your famous crusty jokes, Hammy.”

Mullethead: “That locks it in. For the green beans, let’s whip up an almondine with a lemon punch!”

With a collective nod and a swirl of cabernet, it’s settled. They’re ready to embark on a culinary adventure that’ll rival even their wildest dinner debauchery.

Jump to Recipes:

Garlic and Gruyere Mashed Potatoes

Spiced Cranberry Chutney

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

Lemon Almondine Green Beans

Bonus Recipe: Traditional Turkey Gravy

 

Let’s Get It On!

Off to the kitchen they go, with Millie and Hillary perched at the bar counter, contributing their wisecracks to the gastronomic revelry.

Garlic and Gruyere Mashed Potatoes

Forget plain mashed potatoes. These are dressed to impress—with creamy textures, garlicky notes, and gruyere goodness that’ll make them a star at the table.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 lbs. russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup milk
  • 6 tbsp butter
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Instructions:
  1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes., drain and remove to bowl.
  2. Return pot to medium heat, melt butter, add garlic and sauté 1-2 minutes or until fragrant (do not burn).
  3. Add potatoes, milk, and cheese; mash to desired texture.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 
  5. Stir for 2-4 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted. (6-8 servings)

Mullethead: “These taters are smoother than a freshly paved highway and twice as comforting.”

Hambone: “More addictive than a fiddle solo at a barn dance!”

Gadget Recommendation: Make peeling a breeze with the OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler. Mullethead swears by it for its easy grip and razor-sharp blade. Vollrath 10 qt Wear-Ever® Aluminum Stock Pot If you often cook for groups or large batches for freezing future meals this heavy-duty commercial quality pot will serve you well. This 10-quart aluminum stock pot is ideal for high-volume kitchens and will handle the potatoes in this recipe.

Spiced Cranberry Chutney

Say goodbye to the wobbly cranberry jelly of yore. This chutney is a bold, spicy transformation that will leave your palates singin’.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups fresh cranberries
  • 2  cups sugar
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ginger
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
•  Instructions:
  1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, stirring steadily over medium heat.
  2. Cook until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
  3. Cool and serve. (6-8 servings)

Millie: “Talk about a chutney with some attitude—it’s got more zing than Mullethead’s insult comedy one-liners!”

Hillary: “And sassier than a typical Texas PTA meeting, believe you me.”

Gadget Recommendation: Enjoy fast and even heating with the Vollrath 434412 Lincoln Aluminum Sauce Pan, 4-1/2 qt., perfect for letting those cranberries burst under perfect heat control: heat is spread evenly along base and sidewalls.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

Dive into this dreamy casserole, where sweet meets crunchy in a symphonic union as compelling as Hambone’s harmonic solo jams.

• Ingredients:
• • 8 cups mashed sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 4 eggs, beaten
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Topping: 2 cup pecans, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup melted butter

• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Mix sweet potato ingredients and spread into a baking dish.
  3. Combine topping ingredients in a bowl and sprinkle generously over the sweet potato mixture.
  4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy. (8-10 servings)

Hambone: “This casserole has more layers than our family’s holiday drama—it just keeps getting deeper and richer!”

Mullethead: “I’d say it’s as nutty as Uncle Bob’s border bar stories from the good ol’ days!”

Gadget Recommendation: Whip up those sweet potatoes effortlessly with this KitchenAid Hand Mixer, ensuring you achieve the perfect creamy consistency every time. Mixing bowls are a must have in any functional kitchen.  You’ll need several sizes and this set from Pyrex will serve you well for an untold number of dishes. Pyrex 100+ Years Glass Mixing Bowls 8-Piece including lids.

Lemon Almondine Green Beans

Serve up a fresh twist with these green beans that zing with lemon zest and crunch with toasted almonds, making every bite a vibrant affair.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. fresh green beans, trimmed
• 6 tbsp butter
• 2/3 cup sliced almonds
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain and rinse in cold water.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add almonds and toast until golden, about 2 minutes.
4. Toss in the green beans and lemon zest; sauté for 3-5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Millie: “These beans are sliding and dancing in butter like Hambone trying to moonwalk on the dance floor!”

Hillary: “Fresh and zesty; they’ll make everyone think twice about reaching for the turkey!”

Gadget Recommendation: Get the perfect sauté with the T-fal Nonstick Fry Pan for even heat distribution and a no-fuss cleanup. Vollrath 10 qt Wear-Ever® Aluminum Stock Pot will work nicely again, for green beans this time. A zester is not only used for citrus it can be used to grate whole spices or hard cheese; we like this one, OXO Good Grips Etched Zester and Grater Green

Bonus Recipe: Traditional Turkey Gravy

Smooth and savory, this traditional turkey gravy is the glue that ties your Thanksgiving meal together in harmonious deliciousness.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 8 cups turkey stock
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour, cooking until lightly browned, about 2 minutes.
3. Gradually add turkey stock, whisking constantly, and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened.
5. Season with salt and pepper. (8-10 servings)

Mullethead: “Smooth as a dream, and goes down like turkey-flavored butter!”

Hambone: “Just the right touch to grease up family conversations at the table!”

Gadget Recommendation: Keep your gravy consistently smooth with the OXO Good Grips Balloon Whisk, designed to give you precision and control. You’ll need a gravy boat and this one will class up any dinner table, Yedio 18 oz Gravy Boat with Saucer

The Heart of Thanksgiving

With their culinary masterpieces finished and laughter echoing through the room, the group reflects on the essence of Thanksgiving amidst the comforting aromas wafting in from the kitchen. We hope you enjoy our classic Thanksgiving side dish shake up suggestions, let us know how it goes in the comments!

Millie: “Thanksgiving’s more than just food; it’s about cherishing every moment, big or small.”

Hillary: “For enjoying the simple blessings, from hearty laughs to great health.”

As the fire crackles its agreement, they acknowledge the true spirit of Thanksgiving—gathering with love and gratitude for the bounty they’ve been blessed with.

Thanksgiving isn’t simply a day of feasting

It’s a celebration of togetherness, a thank you to God for the prosperity and life we enjoy, and a time to appreciate the laughter that echoes in our homes and kitchens. Share these fun-filled recipes and bring joy to your own Thanksgiving table. Don’t forget to leave a comment below about your own holiday traditions.

Thanksgiving Gratitude

The crew bids you a joyful holiday season—may your Thanksgiving be as blessed, flavorful, and amusing as theirs!

 

Let’s Talk Turkey…Meatloaf

 

San Antonio-Style Cheese Enchiladas with Chopped Onion and Chili Gravy. Don’t Mess with Tex-Mex!