Roasting & Toasting: Simple Sides

Let’s face it, when it comes to holiday meals — and Thanksgiving in particular — side dishes can easily steal the show. And that’s not a bad thing! While a big ol’ hunk of roasted meat often takes center stage on the table, the sides offer delightful variety for your plate, not to mention a ton of opportunity to get creative with texture and flavor. Mashed potatoes may reign supreme in American’s hearts, but we’ve got lots of deliciously fun ideas for you to mix things up and complement your traditional family recipes. And because they’re also super simple, they work equally well for weeknight meals between all the celebrations.

Below are some of our favorite simple dishes for adding a bit of flare to your holiday table. We’ve focused on roasting and toasting techniques for the wonderful flavor and texture they provide, and you’ll also find some simple hacks for making sides into a meal. 

Roasted Butternut & Kale Caesar

Throw some veggies in the oven and whip up a shockingly easy Caesar dressing for a salad that will steal the show at your holiday dinner. This dish will make enough for 6-8 side portions, and you can leave off the chickpeas to make it a lighter affair. Or try adding some leftover roasted turkey (in addition to or instead of the chickpeas) for a healthful lunch the day after the festivities. In fact, because kale is so hearty, this salad will keep for several days in the fridge to enjoy throughout the week.

Toasted Quinoa Stuffing

Toasted nuts give this alternative stuffing an earthy aroma and crunchy texture, and the quinoa pops pleasantly in the mouth — it’s a totally different effect from the traditional bread stuffing! Add a few handfuls of chopped greens, and pair it with some leftover roasted meat for a complete meal that makes the perfect light follow-up to an evening of indulging. Vegetarian? Stuff it in a baked squash half. Yum!

Roasted Carrots with Carrot-Top Pesto

Swap out the glazed carrots for this dish and we guarantee you’ll want to actually eat your veggies — if you leave enough room, that is. Even if you don’t, these roasted carrots keep great and make an excellent salad topper, and the carrot-top pesto is a wonderful dip for crispy raw veggies as well. In fact, you could skip the roasting altogether and make this part of a tasty crudité platter to tide everyone over (lightly) until the main event. 

Cauliflower Mac & Cheese

We wouldn’t dream of suggesting a replacement for mom’s homemade mac-n-cheese, but if you or a loved one is watching their blood sugar, this rich and cheesy dish can help hit that craving without all the carbs. Our trick is roasting the cauliflower before mixing it with the cheese sauce to bring out a nutty, caramelized flavor. And of course, LOTS of cheese!

In the battle of the sides, which dish steals your heart?

Interested in making the meals featured here? Check out our Cheat Sheet for a sneak peek, or sign up for a Find Out More Session to learn more about our offerings.