Your Grandchild Will Love Helping With These 7 Easy Thanksgiving Sides

Kids love to help whenever and wherever they can, so I like finding ways to include my grandkids in everyday tasks. With Thanksgiving approaching, why not ask them to help with food preparation? While turkey prep may still be a bit too difficult, they can help with the dinner trimmings, like these 7 easy sides: 

1. Classic mashed potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. Add milk and butter, and mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Honey-glazed carrots

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Boil the carrots until tender, about 10 minutes, and drain.
2. In the same pot, melt butter and add honey.
3. Add the carrots back to the pot. Toss to coat and season with salt and pepper.

3. Green bean almondine

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp butter
• ⅓ cup sliced almonds
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Steam the green beans until tender-crisp.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and lightly toast the almonds.
3. Add the green beans to the skillet, toss with almonds, and season with salt and pepper.

4. Easy cornbread stuffing

Ingredients:

• 4 cups crumbled cornbread
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• ½ cup butter
• 1 tsp poultry seasoning
• 1 cup chicken broth

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and celery until soft.
3. In a large bowl, mix cornbread, vegetables, poultry seasoning, and chicken broth.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.

5. Cranberry sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 12 oz fresh cranberries

Steps:

1. In a saucepan, dissolve sugar in water over medium heat.
2. Add cranberries and cook until they start to pop (about 10 minutes).
3. Remove from heat, let cool, and thicken as it cools.

6. Roasted brussels sprouts

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast until caramelized (about 20-25 minutes).
4. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if desired.

7. Cheesy baked asparagus

Ingredients:

• 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Parmesan or mozzarella)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Sprinkle cheese over the asparagus.
4. Bake until the asparagus is tender and the cheese is golden, about 15 minutes.

Conclusion

Each of these side dishes offers a simple yet delicious addition to your Thanksgiving feast and provides a great way for grandparents and grandchildren to bond and make holiday memories in the kitchen. Bon appétit!