So, we’ve talked turkey, but let’s be honest, the real reason most of us (myself included) love Thanksgiving is the sides! While mashed potatoes deserve their own moment (coming tomorrow), today I’m sharing some of my other all-time favorite Ina side dishes.
Some of these are game-changer recipes that transform how good I thought sides could be. Take her Mushroom & Leek Bread Pudding, Ina’s spin on stuffing – a dish I never cared for growing up – but hers is rich, deeply savory, and perfectly custardy in the center with crisp edges.
Her Chipotle & Rosemary Roasted Nuts make the perfect pre-dinner snack to tide guests over without filling them up.
Then there’s the Make-Ahead Gravy, which shows up at my table every single year, plus other comforting staples like Spinach Gratin and Parmesan Roasted Asparagus that round out the spread beautifully.
And because we all need a little something to sip while juggling the holiday chaos, I’m also sharing my two favorite Thanksgiving cocktails – equal parts festive and necessary.
Potato Fennel Gratin
Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, page 156 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.9
The first time I tasted this, I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. Rich, creamy, and decadent – it’s a great alternative to mashed potatoes for your Thanksgiving starch.
Mushroom & Leek Bread Pudding
Foolproof, page 188 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.7
Growing up, I never loved stuffing. Don’t get me wrong – it’s delicious – but I had my eye on other sides! Ina changed all that with her bread pudding recipes and this one is my favorite!
Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
Back to Basics, page 158 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: NA
Caramelized butternut squash roasted with garlic, maple syrup, pancetta, and sage – it’s the perfect combo.
Spinach Gratin
Parties, page 184 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.7
On top of being a tasty dish, this will always hold a special place in my heart as it was one of the favorite dishes of my dear friend who’s no longer with us. It’ll always remind me of our Thanksgiving planning sessions.
Charlie Bird’s Farro Salad
Cook Like A Pro, page 46 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.8
Thanksgiving dishes tend to be heavy, so this salad provides a light, acidic contrast that the table often needs.
Baked Farro and Butternut Squash
Make It Ahead, page 173 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.9
Farro is by-far my favorite grain, and this hearty dish packs in a lot of flavor.
Balsamic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Foolproof, page 196 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.8
Forget the boiled Brussels sprouts of our youth – these crispy morsels are flavored with pancetta and balsamic glaze.
Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Family Style, page 46 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.7
This is a simple recipe that is a crowd-pleaser.
Cauliflower Gratin
Barefoot in Paris page 156 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.7
This creamy, cheesy dish will turn cauliflower haters into lovers.
Chipotle & Rosemary Roasted Nuts
How Easy is That, page 35 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.7
These make the perfect pre-dinner snack to tide people over without filling them up.
Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy with Onions and Sage
Make It Ahead, page 103 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.7
Make this once, and you’ll never make another gravy again.
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Make It Ahead, page 180 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: NA
This dish is probably ideal for a smaller gathering, but it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
Food Network (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.8
I’ll take shaved over halved Brussels sprouts any day – add butter, shallots, and pancetta, and you have the makings of a simple but memorable dish.
Make-Ahead Cranberry Sauce
Food Network (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.5
I’m still not a cranberry sauce Thanksgiving person, but if I were, this is the version I’d make.
Cacio e Pepe Roasted Asparagus
BarefootContessa.com (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: NA
This is an update on Ina’s classic asparagus recipe.
BONUS DRINKS
Pomegranate Gimlets
Modern Comfort Food, page 36 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: 4.9
I really adore this drink – it’s refreshing and packs a punch.
Autumn Sangria
Cook Like A Pro, page 24 (Recipe)
RATING: 5/5 | FOOD NETWORK RATING: 5
Watch out, this one will sneak up on you!
More “Best of Ina” here.
