We all know that the bird is the star on Thanksgiving; it is “Turkey Day,” after all.   But there are many who look just as forward, if not more, to the many accompaniments custom to surround the celebrated golden poultry centerpiece. White meat? Dark meat? Who cares? Pass me the sweet potato casserole, dole out another serving of crispy green beans and pile my plate high with scoop upon scoop of creamy mashed potatoes. 

On its own, turkey is just turkey; but top it with a ladleful of gravy, a hefty serving of stuffing and tangy red cranberry sauce, and it’s Thanksgiving. Year after year, we anticipate the tastes of traditional recipes reserved especially for the holiday; and though often unchanging, they never get old. As the smells of Mom’s homemade corn bread and Grandma’s famous honey-glazed carrots fill the house, they assure us that their time-honed perfection is simply not to be messed with. The side dishes are what define a true Thanksgiving meal and enhance it into a feast to be thankful for.

Here are a few recipes for some of our favorite Thanksgiving side dishes

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Quick Corn Pudding

This corn pudding made a command performance at many a family dinner.

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Traditional Herb Stuffing

This recipe has been a family favorite during the holiday season for many years.

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Stuffed Acorn Squash

Grandma bought her acorn squash from a pick-your-own farm down the road.

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Savory Sausage Stuffing

It was Grandma's corn bread stuffing, not the turkey, that was the star of our Thanksgiving table.

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Roasted Butternut Squash

The tantalizing aroma of roasting vegetables often wafted through Grandma's house in autumn.

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Green Bean Bundles

As a wedding shower gift, Grandma received a book of recipes from friends, with this recipe among them.

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Glazed Baby Carrots

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Holiday Sweet Potato Bake

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Green Bean Casserole

There's no better way to serve green beans than in this family favorite!

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Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Grandma's mashed potatoes had the inviting aroma of herbs and garlic.

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Quick Corn Pudding

Traditional Herb Stuffing

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Savory Sausage Stuffing

Roasted Butternut Squash

Green Bean Bundles

Glazed Baby Carrots

Holiday Sweet Potato Bake

Green Bean Casserole

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

What do you prefer: the turkey or the sides? What is your favorite side dish?