Thanksgiving Menu Planning: Delicious (And Easy) Side Dishes!

Ahhhh…It’s November.  And that means one thing – I can start planning my Thanksgiving menu!  As much as I hate to see Halloween go (and I really do hate to see it go), I love that Thanksgiving is on its way.  I’ve been excited about Thanksgiving since July when we first found our new house.  It was quickly decided that we would be hosting the festivities this year.  Actually, one of my bigger concerns about our new place was whether the dinning room would fit all of our friends.  I just love that there is one day a year dedicated to getting together and being thankful for the blessings we have.  The food is pretty good too.  And although most of the commotion is over the turkey, I much prefer the sides.  Here are 2 of the recipes that will be on my Thanksgiving menu this year.  Enjoy!

Easy Corn Casserole

You will need:

1 can whole kernel corn (15 ounce), drained

1 can cream corn (14.75 ounce)

1 package dry cornbread mix (8.5 ounce)

1/2 cup Country Crock, melted

2 eggs, well beaten

1 cup plain yougurt

1/4 teaspoon salt

cooking spray

Directions:

1)  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray baking dish with cooking spray.

2)  Combine whole kernel corn, cream corn, eggs, yogurt, cornbread mix, Country Crock, and salt in a medium-size bowl.  Stir until mixed.  Spoon batter into baking dish.

3)  Bake for 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown.  Remove from oven and allow to sit for 5-10 minutes.  Serves approximately 8-10.

Panchetta Mashed Potatoes

You will need:

5 medium-sized potatoes (we leave the skin on, but it’s up to you)

1/3 cup milk

2 Tablespoons Country Crock

2 Tablespoons cream cheese

1/3 lb. Panchetta

salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1)  Boil potatoes in a large pot over high heat until soft (test with fork).  This takes approximately 50-60 minutes.

2)  While potatoes are boiling, dice panchetta into small cubes.  Place panchetta in skillet over medium heat, until panchetta is crispy.  Remove from heat, drain excess oil, and place to the side.

3)  Once potatoes are done, drain.  Keep in pot or move to a large bowl.  Mash potatoes with masher and add cream cheese, milk, and Country Crock.

4)  Mix in panchetta and pepper, to taste.  Add salt, but remember the panchetta is already salty, so you probably won’t need much.  Serves 4-6.

Thank you to Good to Know & Unilever Spreads for being a sponsor. I was selected for this opportunity as a member ofClever Girls Collective. All opinions expressed here are my own.