Teenthanksgiving-2012cranberry saucethanksgiving recipes

Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes: 8 Simple, Delicious And Affordable Recipes For Teens (PHOTOS)

8 Super Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes (PHOTOS)
|
Open Image Modal

We get it: Thanksgiving break can be stressful. Between looming college application deadlines, nosy relatives and non-stop family activities, you might be tempted to swear it all off and just curl up with a slice of pie and Netflix before Turkey Day even begins. But if contributing to the family meal is adding to your stress levels this Thanksgiving, worry not -- there are tons of easy, affordable recipes for gourmet dishes that you can create with minimal time and energy.

Instead of boring dinner rolls, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole, you can bring something unexpected this year without spending all day slaving in the kitchen. Dinner guests will love flaky southern-style buttermilk biscuits, hearty bacon-cheddar mashed potatoes and crispy kale chips. And the best part? No hard-to-find or expensive ingredients, and no more than 20 minutes of hands-on prep time. Click through the slideshow below for eight side dishes that are guaranteed to please even the pickiest people at the dinner table.

Tell us: What are you cooking for Thanksgiving this year? Tell us in the comments below or tweet your menu plans and photos @HuffPostTeen!

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

Easy, Gourmet Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Pumpkin Hummus & Pita(01 of08)
Open Image Modal
Bring a seasonal twist to the potluck favorite by adding pumpkin and spices to a traditional hummus recipe for a Thanksgiving appetizer that's perfect to snack on while you're waiting for the turkey to come out of the oven. Serve with whole-wheat pita and raw veggies for a healthier option. (credit:Flickr: Don't Lose Your Lunch)
Kale Chips(02 of08)
Open Image Modal
Flavorful, crispy kale chips are perfect as a nutrient-packed, low-calorie side dish to complement heavier dishes. (Not to mention deceptively easy: all you need is kale, olive oil and garlic.) Be sure to make a big bowl -- with hungry friends and relatives snacking, the salty snack won't last long! (credit:AP)
Basic Cranberry Sauce(03 of08)
Open Image Modal
Before you reach for the can when you're put on cranberry sauce duty, try making the real deal this time. This easy recipe yields a delicious homemade sauce that will impress everyone at the table. The best part? It only requires three ingredients. (credit:Alaska from Scratch)
Bacon-Cheddar Mashed Potatoes(04 of08)
Open Image Modal
None of your guests will be able to resist this decadent side dish. With creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar and a generous helping of bacon bits. This basic recipe takes a little over an hour start to finish, but only requires about 15 minutes of hands-on prep time. (credit:Flickr: Stefano A )
Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts(05 of08)
Open Image Modal
If you're in charge of veggies this year, consider trying a simple, inexpensive and seasonal balsamic roasted brussel sprouts recipe. Chances are, you'll only have to buy the brussel sprouts -- the rest of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen! (credit:Flickr: joyosity)
Easy Buttermilk Biscuits(06 of08)
Open Image Modal
When done correctly, buttermilk biscuits can be a melt-in-your-mouth delicious alternative to traditional dinner rolls, and they're surprisingly fun and easy to make. Be sure to make extras -- they're perfect for making Turkey sandwiches the next day! (credit:Flickr: MGF/Lady Disdain)
Maple-Glazed Carrots(07 of08)
Open Image Modal
All you need for this delicious Thanksgiving staple is maple syrup, butter, salt and pepper, and of course, carrots. Try this simple recipe, which only requires 15 minutes of hands-on cooking time. (credit:Flickr: bisongirl)
Baked Apples(08 of08)
Open Image Modal
One of the great things about Thanksgiving is that even dessert is a meal unto itself -- with, of course, its own side dishes. Bakes apples are a delicious addition to pumpkin pie or a light dessert on their own. You'll need little more than apples, brown sugar and cinnamon to make a killer sweet treat. (credit:Flickr: Danielle Scott)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip