Presenting Our Thanksgiving Sides Contest Winners
Updated: Aug. 30, 2021From savory pies to unique gratins, our Thanksgiving sides contest winners bring on expected and fun flavor.
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Grand Prize: Maple Miso Sweet Potato Casserole
This recipe takes a beloved holiday side dish and gives it a savory twist. —Sara Schwabe, Bloomington, IndianaCheck out our contest page to learn more about our contests and submit your own recipes for consideration.
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1st Place: Creamy Celery Root and Pearl Onions
I have made creamed onions for several recent Thanksgivings and wanted to change the recipe, so I decided to add celery root. Celery root is perfect with the onions, and the creamy sauce is addicting! —Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
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2nd Place: Oysters Rockefeller Egg Rolls
Oysters Rockefeller is a classic, elegant and timeless appetizer from New Orleans. I love the flavor but wanted to try it in another of my favorite appetizers: egg rolls. I think the combination is a winner. —Renee Murby, Johnston, Rhode Island
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3rd Place: Butternut Squash Jumble
This dish was a huge hit at Thanksgiving. It’s a unique side that still feels traditional. I like Gorgonzola for this, but any blue cheese would work. —Kara Brocious, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Most Innovative: Savory Winter Squash Pie
Instead of using frozen winter squash, you can roast butternut or acorn squash until tender and then mash it before getting started on this recipe. The bacon roses are a fun garnish, but this winter squash pie can easily be made without them. —Erica Sinclair, Hamilton, Ontario
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Runner-Up: Air-Fryer Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
These stuffed sweet potatoes are the perfect holiday side dish. Try preparing them ahead of time in the morning and then bake just before serving. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Runner-Up: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pears
This year I decided to create this roasted Brussels sprouts with pears recipe for Thanksgiving dinner. This easy dish uses only a handful of ingredients but still feels special. Apples, fresh figs and pecans are also delicious with these sprouts. —David Ross, Spokane Valley, Washington
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Runner-Up: Glazed Marsala Carrots with Hazelnuts
This makes an elegant side dish for company and is easy enough to make when you want to serve something special on a weeknight. Marsala wine makes it so deliciously different and unlike any other carrot recipe you’ve tasted. —Barbara Morris, South Amboy, New Jersey
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Runner-Up: Butternut Squash and Kale Gratin
This butternut squash and kale gratin is packed with layers of flavor. It’s simple to throw together, and it’s versatile, since you can use whatever winter squash you have on hand. Even your kids will be coming back for seconds of this decadent side! —Pamela Gelsomini, Wrentham, Massachusetts
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Runner-Up: Sweet Potato Pilaf
The combination of sweet potatoes, bacon, asparagus and kale makes this simple sweet potato kale pilaf taste amazing! To save time and dishes, you can easily cook the rice in an Instant Pot and also use it to saute the other ingredients. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
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Runner-Up: Thanksgiving Colcannon
I discovered colcannon on St. Patrick’s Day, as it is an Irish mashed potato dish. Months later I tweaked the original recipe for the Thanksgiving season. The results? A flavorful and substantial side dish. —Marty Paola, Medford, Oregon
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Runner-Up: Vegetable Tian
This colorful, hearty and delicious vegetable tian originated in Provence, France. A mandoline makes easy work of slicing all the vegetables, but if you don’t have one, a knife will work well. —Francine Lizotte, Surrey, British Columbia
Originally Published: August 30, 2021
