Tips for Awesome Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Danielle Walsh

Collard Green Gratin
Collard Green Gratin

Thanksgiving is a stressful time. And though you've been doing all you can to prepare, there's no such thing as too prepared for one of the biggest meals of the year. That's why we've set up a series of live Facebook chats with editors from our test kitchen to answer any last-minute questions that can't be answered by looking up a recipe or Googling a technique. On Friday, we answered your questions on all things side dishes in a live Facebook chat with our senior food editor Dawn Perry. And you're clearly thinking about your Thanksgiving menu already, because you had some awesome questions. Check out the slideshow to get the recap and get some tips you didn't even know you needed.

CORNBREAD:
"I need a moist cornbread recipe." Sandra, if you're into a little sweet and savory action, try this one. I love it! -Sandra Zaccaria Sassaman

VEGAN THANKSGIVING DISHES
: "Any good vegan suggestions?" Any roasted root vegetable would be great. -Lindsay Meece

SWEET POTATO SWEETS
: "Is it completely redundant to have a sweet potato pie and traditional sweet potatoes with the melted marshmallows on top?" I say, no way, I love sweet potatoes any way (and rhyming apparently). -Randi Esbin Leeds

CROCK-POT DISHES
: "What are some good side dishes to make in a crock pot?" Not sure about start-to-finish, but crockpots make excellent chafing dishes-great for sweet or mashed potatoes, butternut squash, or anything else that's soft and warm. -Jane Platt

NON-STUFFY SIDES
: "I like gourmet, complex dishes, but a lot of my family likes the typical frozen veggie casserole dishes. What are some veggie sides that I'll feel good about making/eating but my family wouldn't think is too fancy?" These Southern Sides are awesome. They taste old school but are new with some cool fresh takes on classics (sorghum, farro, etc.) I DIE for the collard green gratin! -Kristina Linden

GRAVY: "Gravy! Have never been able to make any kind. Tips, suggestions… please." Carrie, whisk, whisk, whisk, add stock/broth a little at a time, whisking to dissolve flour in the roux as you go and strain to remove lumps at the end. -Carrie Roche

TRANSPORTABLE SIDES
: "We need to bring a dish that can be in a car for 2-3 hours, serving 12-14 people. Suggestions?" What about biscuits or rolls? One of these recipes, perhaps. -Norma Velvikis

CRANBERRY SAUCE
: "Straight up, cranberry is so boring. How can we amp it up?" Try one of these recipes-no more boring canned cranberry sauce. -Marice Hart

BRUSSELS SPROUTS:
"Any ideas for brussels sprouts (without the bacon), besides boiling them?" We love this seared brussels sprouts recipe. It's a touch sweet from the maple syrup, and they're crisp from a high-heat sear. -Linda Veronese