It’s no secret that December is a busy time of year. Between holiday cards, shopping, gift wrapping and decorating, it seems that the Christmas to-do list never ends! PLUS, now your friend Susan is hosting a holiday get-together. And – damn – Susan serves up grub that could make Paula Deen blush.
Susan will tell you not to bring anything, but you both know that you need to bring a side dish of some sort.
But how on earth are you going to find the time to create a culinary masterpiece that will stand up to Susan’s perfectly roasted Turkey?! Between your job, the laundry, and the kids fighting over the Ipad, you don’t have time to waste a day slaving in the kitchen.
We’re helping you out with this one. Here’s a list of 10 quick and delicious side dishes that you can whip up in no time! Plus they will surely complement Susan’s Pottery Barn plates.
Apple, Cranberry & Walnut Salad
There’s really no need for measurements on this one. You can eyeball it to suit your taste. Be sure to put this together right before the event so that the apples don’t brown. Bring the salad dressing with you and allow the other guests to serve themselves.
- Spinach and arugula blend
- Green apple
- Walnuts
- Crumbled Feta
- Dried cranberries (no sugar added)
- Balsamic Viniagrette
Cornflake Potatoes
My mother-in-law makes this and it’s absolutely delicious! It’s always one of the first side dishes to go at pot-lucks.
Set aside 1/2 the butter and the cornflakes. Combine the rest of the ingredients and place the mixture in a 13×9 glass dish. Mix the rest of the melted butter with the cornflakes and place it on top of the hashbrown mixture. Bake at 350° for 1 hour.
- 32oz of shredded frozen hashbrowns
- 1 pt. of sour cream
- 1 can of cream of celery
- 1 cup of butter (melted)
- 1 cup of diced onion
- 2 cups of cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tbsp of finely ground pepper
- 2 cups of corn flakes
Bacon Glazed Green Beans
Microwave the bacon for 2 minutes until slightly cooked then chop it into bite sized pieces. Combine all the ingredients and then place the mixture in a 13×9 glass dish. Bake uncovered in the oven for 40 minutes at 350°.
- 5 (15-ounce) cans green beans, drained (note: you can substitute a similar amount of frozen green beans, about 4 (12-ounce) bags, thawed, or you can use fresh green beans, too)
- 12 slices bacon
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 7 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs
This crock-pot dish is easy-peasy! Just mix everything together, cook on low for 4-6 hours and you’re ready to serve!
- 24oz of Frozen Meatballs (turkey meatballs work great as well)
- 18oz of BBQ Sauce
- 3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 16oz Cranberry Sauce Jellied
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
Roasted Brown Butter Carrots
These carrots are no joke DELICIOUS! Mix the ingredients together and pop them in the oven at 425° for 15-20 minutes!
- 2 pounds large carrots, cut into 2 inch pieces (baby carrots will also work)
- ½ cup butter (melted)
- 3 Tablespoons honey
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- parsley, chopped for garnish
Italian Pasta Salad
Cook and drain the pasta. Chop the other ingredients and throw it all together. Done!
- 1lb of pasta such as fusilli
- 1lb of summer salami
- 3 cups of cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley
- 1 red onion
- 3/4 cup of black olives
- 1 & 1/2 cups of Italian dressing
Maple Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash with Brussels Sprouts
This side dish option is a great way to get some veggies in! Dice the veggies and bacon. Coat with a dash of olive oil, salt and pepper then transfer to a foil-lined baking dish. Roast for 30-35 minutes (stirring around a couple times). Add the nuts for the last 7 minutes of the cooking process. To make the glaze, combine equal parts of the syrup, balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Cook the glaze on low on the stove for a couple minutes. Once you take the veggies out of the oven, brush on the glaze and you’re ready to serve!
- 1 lb of butternut squash
- 1 lb of brussel sprouts
- 1/2 pack of bacon
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- Walnuts (or pecans)
- Maple syrup
- Balsamic vinegar
Cheesy Corn Casserole
This recipe couldn’t be easier and it’s super delicious! Add all the ingredients together and place them in a 9×13 glass dish. Bake at 350° for 40 minutes and voila!
- 2 cups of canned whole kernel corn (undrained)
- 1 cup of diced onion
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1/2 cup of butter (melted)
- 1 cup of grated cheese
- 1 box of Jiffy cornbread
Rainbow Fruit Salad
A fruit salad is an easy and guaranteed delicious outcome! Other guests will appreciate this lighter dessert option. Chop up your favorite fruits and you’re good to go! Some of our favorites are:
- Strawberries
- Pineapple
- Grapes
- Blueberries
- Watermelon
If ya wanna get real fancy, garnish with mint and/or coconut flakes!
Old Fashion Blackberry Cobbler
- 2 & 1/2 cups of blackberries (thawed and drained)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of butter (melted)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
We hope that these recipes are helpful this holiday season! Worse case scenario, bring a couple bottles of wine. That’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
At Hinkle Hardscapes, we’re all about entertaining! There really is nothing better than gathering with those you love most. That’s why we’ve been building outdoor living spaces for the last 12 years. Our mission is to create beautiful and long-lasting spaces that bring enjoyment and will help you create memories for years to come. If you’re interested in learning more about our services, feel free to give our office a call at (816) 608-8870 or just click the “Book Appointment” button. Our estimates are completely free and we can’t wait to hear your ideas!
