Complete the feast with super side dishes to make and take along!
Divvy up the side dishes among those coming. Everyone will enjoy contributing, and you'll have less to worry about ahead of time.
Choose side dishes that can be made ahead, refrigerated and reheated, minimizing kitchen mess and last minute frenzy on Thanksgiving Day.
Use shallow oven-proof pans so side dishes fit on the bottom rack of your oven or in the microwave to bake or reheat while the turkey is cooking.
Think slow-cookers! Borrow several slow cookers for sides of corn, green bean casserole, even mashed potatoes (see our recipe links below). Don’t put all the appliances on the same circuit, though!
Bring your dish already prepared: If at all possible, don’t infringe on your host’s kitchen. Bring the food ready to go with no chopping or assembly necessary. If your fresh salad must be tossed together at the last minute, tote the ingredients in separate zippered plastic food bags to ease your host’s mess.
Bring a chilled side dish in a cooler that will keep it chilled until table time. Don’t count on your host having extra refrigerator space for your contribution to the meal.
Bring a warm side dish in a slow cooker that you can plug in to keep it warm until serving. Your host may not have room in the oven or stovetop. Bring your own serving ware, such as a pretty bowl or platter and large serving utensils. Also bring a plastic bag to tote dirty dishes home so your host doesn’t need to wash them before you leave.