image from our Thanksgiving tablescape here

The week of Thanksgiving is one of our favorites of the year. With all our family together, a crisp chill in the air, and the promise of delicious homemade meals and baked goods, it’s tough to beat! The only part of the week that can be a bit intimidating is deciding on a dish to contribute. We’re the first to admit that we’re a work in progress in the kitchen, but we love being a part of the preparation and cooking that goes into Thanksgiving dinner. We’ve rounded up five side dishes that are easy to make and don’t require too much planning ahead. Take a look below, and enjoy a carefree week with family and friends!

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chile Yogurt & Mint

Photo and recipe courtesy of bon appétit

We love this simple, updated version of a classic Thanksgiving side. Plus, this recipe can be made up to six hours ahead of time which makes it ideal for relaxing with the family during the day.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic

Photo and recipe courtesy of the New York Times

The perfect Thanksgiving plate calls for a variety of yellow, orange, and white, but we need a little green mixed in. These roasted brussels sprouts are a delicious way to add color to everyone’s plate.

Vegetarian Stuffing

Photo and recipe courtesy of Food52

This challah-based, herby stuffing with mushrooms and celery is a fantastic option whether or not you have any vegetarians in the family.

Farro Salad with Toasted Pecans, Feta, and Dried Cranberries

Photo and recipe courtesy of Southern Living

This grain-based salad is a filling side with a lot of flavor from the toasted pecans, feta cheese, and cranberries. Plus, it makes a beautiful fall presentation.

Silky Smooth Mashed Potatoes

Photo courtesy of Cooking Light

An oldie but a goodie, and in our opinion an absolute essential in the Thanksgiving spread. We love a reliable mashed potato recipe, and my grandmother’s recipe is worth every calorie!  This is actually my contribution for our family’s gathering, the best part is you can make it days before and it travels well.  See recipe below:

Mamaw’s Overnight Potatoes:

Ingredients:
8-10 peeled and cut potatoes
1 8 oz creame cheese, softened
1 8oz sour cream
1 stick of butter
salt & pepper to taste

Prepare:
Boil potatoes until tender, drain water
mix in butter, sour cream, cream cheese and salt + pepper in a mixing bowl
beat until all the lumps are gone
dot the top with thin slices of butter, cover and refrigerate or freeze

To serve:
Bake with foil on top for 15 mins at 350 degrees
Uncover and continue baking for 20 minutes

Share your favorite Thanksgiving recipes in the comments below!  Happy Thanksgiving!