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Easy Butternut Squash Soup
When the weather turns cold, get cozy with a bowl of this butternut squash soup. This recipe is super easy. The cream adds richness, but if you're looking to cut calories, it can be omitted. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Scalloped Cranberries
This warm cranberry casserole is a nice substitute for traditional cranberry relish. It’s been a staple on my holiday table ever since my aunt gave me the recipe many years ago. —Ellan Streett, Clear Spring, Maryland
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Mashed Cauliflower
This is our choice for a side dish that's lower in carbs than mashed potatoes but just as flavorful and satisfying. I suggest garnishing it with chopped green onions. —Tina Martini, Sparks, Nevada
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Green Bean Casserole
This easy green bean casserole recipe has always been one of my favorite dishes. You can make it before any guests arrive and refrigerate it until it’s ready to bake. —Anna Baker, Blaine, Washington
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Makeover Cheddar Biscuits
Made from scratch with lighter ingredients, these biscuits are just as cheesy and buttery as traditional cheddar biscuits. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Carrot, Parsnip and Potato Gratin
Thanks to a challenge in the TOH online community a few years back, my husband and I tried parsnips and discovered that we liked them! In fact, I started growing them in my garden and have been trying new things with them, including this recipe. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
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Stuffing from the Slow Cooker
If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner this year, add this simple slow-cooked stuffing to your menu to ease entertaining. The recipe comes in handy when you run out of oven space. I use this Crockpot dressing recipe often. —Donald Seiler, Macon, Mississippi
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Pecan Sweet Potato Bake
The luscious sweet potato pecan recipe was handed down through my husband’s family, and it’s become a tradition for me to serve it during the holidays. Everyone loves it! —Nanci Keatley, Salem, Oregon
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Creamy Pumpkin Hummus
I love to serve this pumpkin hummus with sliced apples, pears and pita chips. Top it with toasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of pumpkin oil and even fried sage leaves. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
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Green Beans with Shallots
A package of frozen green beans makes these “dill-icious” green beans a fast and tasty accompaniment to almost any main course. —Linda Rabbit, Charles City, Iowa
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Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Caramelized Pumpkin Seeds
We had leftover roasted butternut squash one night, so I threw it on a salad and topped it with cheese. My family loved it! Now we also add caramelized pumpkin seeds (my brother's idea) and a homemade dressing. —Nicole Sadowsky, Rancho Santa Fe, California
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Cranberry and Roasted Beet Salad
I created this as a healthy, tasty side dish to complement Thanksgiving dinner. This enticing substitute for cranberry relish is excellent with turkey. Even the children loved it! Serve the beet blend alone or on a bed of salad greens. —Brianna St. Clair, Worland, Wyoming
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Chipotle Butternut Squash Soup
My hearty soup uses herbs and vegetables from the garden along with convenient pantry items, so it’s easy, fast and mostly fresh. Your family will devour it. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
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Butternut & Portobello Lasagna
Lasagna gets fresh flavor and color when you make it with roasted butternut squash, portobello mushrooms, basil and spinach. We feast on this. —Edward and Danielle Walker, Traverse City, Michigan
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Herb & Romano Cheese Wreath
After the wreath is baked and cooled it can be wrapped in foil, placed in an airtight plastic bag and frozen until you are ready to give it away. Add some whipped butter on the side and it’s the perfect take-home gift. —Linda Padia, Wauna, Washington
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Rustic Squash Tarts
This recipe is hiding a big surprise. Flaky, rustic-looking pastry shells hold a sweet and spicy pecan layer under the squash slices. —Ann Marie Moch, Kintyre, ND
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Cheese Smashed Potatoes
Who doesn't like mashed potatoes? Try this slimmed-down dish with any entree. —Janet Homes, Surprise, Arizona
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Scented Rice in Baked Pumpkin
This easy, delicious and healthy side is a showpiece that always delights. You can use grain, squash, fruits and nuts to suit your taste—it's impossible to go wrong! —Lynn Heisel, Jackson, Missouri
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Sweet Potato Tortellini with Hazelnut Sauce
Using wonton wrappers instead of fresh pasta dough makes homemade tortellini easy to prepare. For more formal dinners, this makes an impressive vegetarian entree. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
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Roasted Green Beans with Lemon & Walnuts
I first tasted roasted green beans in a Chinese restaurant and fell in love with the texture and flavor. This is my Americanized version and it's always a big hit at our holiday table. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
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Rutabaga Carrot Casserole
This scoop-able side with its sweet, crunchy topping makes a delightful alternative to the traditional sweet potato casserole. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Roasted Pepper Potato Soup
I really enjoy potato soup, and this rich creamy version is different than most I’ve tried. I like its lemon and cilantro flavors, but you can adjust the ingredients to best suit your family’s taste buds. —Hollie Powell, St. Louis, Missouri
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Roasted Apple Salad with Spicy Maple-Cider Vinaigrette
We bought loads of apples and needed to use them. To help the flavors come alive, I roasted the apples and tossed them with a sweet dressing. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
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Pumpkin Pan Rolls
Serve these spicy-sweet pumpkin rolls for dinner—or at any time of day–and get ready to hear a chorus of yums in your kitchen! —Linnea Rein, Topeka, Kansas
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Sweet ‘n’ Tangy Carrots
I dress up carrots with a brown sugar and mustard sauce as a side dish for my Thanksgiving meal. Garnished with a little bright green parsley, the carrots add color to the dinner plate. —Paula Zsiray, Logan, Utah
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Mushroom Hunter’s Sauce
Hunter sauce is a rich brown sauce with an accent of tomato. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Cauliflower Dill Kugel
I enjoy cauliflower and kugel, so it made sense to combine the two into one special dish. The ricotta cheese adds a distinctive creaminess and lightness. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
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Cranberry Fluff
This fluffy fruit salad gets its sweet-tart flavor from cranberries and whipped cream. We like it because it's not as sweet as many other "fluffs." I'm often asked for the secret to this luscious holiday salad. —Lavonne Hartel, Williston, North Dakota
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Wild Rice and Squash Pilaf
This pilaf is fantastic with fish or poultry and especially compatible with turkey. Since it's so colorful, I like to think it makes my turkey dressed for the holidays. —Erica Ollmann, San Diego, California
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Spiced Acorn Squash
Working full time, I found I didn't always have time to cook the meals my family loved, so I re-created many of those dishes in the slow cooker. This treatment for squash is one of our favorites. —Carol Greco, Centereach, New York
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Pumpkin Lasagna
I especially like this comforting fall dish because it's vegetarian. Even friends who aren't big fans of pumpkin are surprised by this delectable lasagna. Canned pumpkin and no-cook noodles make it a cinch to prepare. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
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Cheesy Spinach
My daughter often serves this cheese and spinach blend at church suppers. Even people who don't usually eat spinach like this flavorful dish once they try it. There are never any leftovers. —Frances Moore, Decatur, Illinois
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Eggnog Sweet Potato Bake
I love eggnog so I am always looking for new ways to use it. When I added it to mashed sweet potatoes, I knew I had a winner. You can make this the night before and refrigerate it unbaked; the next day, let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. —Katie Wollgast, Troy, Missouri
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Fig-Carrot Stuffed Kabocha Squash
While searching for a new winter squash variety, I stumbled upon kabocha squash—it really wowed me. The flavor and texture are both rich and beautiful, and this recipe, which I improvised, really suits the squash well. —Caitlin Stephens-North, Malden, Massachusetts
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Nutty Stuffed Mushrooms
Basil, Parmesan cheese and mushroom blend together well, while buttery pecans give these treats a surprising crunch. Our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren always ask for them! —Mildred Eldred, Union City, Michigan
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Garlic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Sauce
Don’t be afraid to bring out the roasted Brussels sprouts. Mellowed with mustard sauce, they may just delight even the most skeptical folks. —Becky Walch, Orland, California
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Porcini Mac & Cheese
This recipe was inspired by a mushroom mac and cheese I had at a local restaurant. I incorporated the fall flavor of a pumpkin ale, and it turned out better than the original. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia
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Roasted Acorn Squash & Brussels Sprouts
I love creating dishes with few ingredients and easy steps, like squash with Brussels sprouts. Maple syrup adds a slight sweetness, and pecans give it a toasty crunch. —Angela LeMoine, Howell, New Jersey
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Ginger Butternut Squash Bisque
This soup is filling enough for my husband, and it’s vegetarian, which I love. The couple who introduced us made it for us on a freezing night and we’ve been hooked ever since. —Cara McDonald, Winter Park, Colorado
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Aunt Margaret's Sweet Potato Casserole
My great-aunt made an incredible sweet potato casserole for our holiday dinners. I’ve lightened it up a bit, but we love it just the same. —Beth Britton, Fairlawn, Ohio
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Cranberry Medley
I saw a cranberry chutney recipe that used sugar, oil and other flavors I didn't care for, so I made this combination with sugar substitute and eliminated the oil. Now it's a family favorite. —Gloria Wiech, Frontenac, Minnesota
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Golden Mashed Potatoes
When there's no gravy with the meat, this dish is fabulous to serve in place of regular mashed potatoes. I make it often to take to picnics and church socials. My husband even made it for his family's reunion one year when I couldn't go! —Cindy Stith, Wickliffe, Kentucky
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Special Scalloped Corn
Carrots and green pepper make this dish colorful. The corn casserole is also a smart idea for when you need to prepare a dish ahead of time—easy baking is all it takes to finish it up. —J. Brown, Fort Dodge, Iowa
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Perfect Winter Salad
This is my most-requested salad recipe. Serve it as a side salad along with your holiday meal, or enjoy it for lunch the next day with cubed turkey or chicken on top. —DeNae Shewmake, Burnsville, Minnesota
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Slow-Cooked Beans
This flavorful bean dish adds nice variety to any buffet because it’s a bit different from traditional baked beans. It’s a snap to prepare, too, since it uses convenient canned beans, barbecue sauce and salsa. —Joy Beck, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Sweet Potato Orange Cups
Serve this refreshingly sweet side dish to your guests in separate cups you craft…from oranges! All you have to do is cut oranges in half, scoop out the fruit and fill the peel with the sweet potato mixture. It's a hit among our family and friends. —Melonie Bowers, Sugarcreek, Ohio
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Savory Zucchini Bread Pudding
I have been serving this dish for years and always receive compliments on it. If you don't have day-old bread in your pantry, simply slice fresh bread and bake it at 300° for 10 minutes. —Mary Ann Dell, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
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Wild Rice with Dried Blueberries
I love the combination of rice and fruit, so this is a go-to Thanksgiving side dish at my house. I toss in mushrooms and toasted almonds to enhance the flavor. You can also include dried cherries or cranberries if you'd like. —Janie Colle, Hutchinson, Kansas
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Roasted Fall Vegetables
I love serving this tender veggie side dish as part of a comforting dinner on a chilly night. The cayenne pepper lends zippy flavor that's not overpowering. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
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Butternut Squash Rolls
With their cheery yellow color and delicious aroma, these appealing buns will brighten your buffet table. Plus, I've found this recipe is a wonderful way to use up squash from the garden. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
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Pretzel-Topped Sweet Potatoes
Friends I've shared this recipe with say it's their favorite way to serve sweet potatoes. I like to make it for brunch as a colorful go-with dish. The mingled sweet, tart and salty tastes are an unusual treat. —Sue Mallory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
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Warm Roasted Beet Salad
This recipe lets beets shine. It's a hearty main dish salad that is beautiful on the plate, too. If I have it, I like to use hazelnut oil in this salad.—Jill Anderson, Sleepy Eye, Minnesota
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Almonds
If Brussels sprouts taste bitter to you, roast them for a gentle sweetness that goes with cranberries and almonds. This side dish won us over. —Claudia Lamascolo, Melbourne, Florida
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Savory Roasted Carrots with Mushrooms
You’ll need only 10 minutes to get these savory veggies ready for the oven. Then just stir them a few times during roasting, and you’re done. It’s a busy cook’s dream!—Pam Corder, Monroe, Louisiana
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Shredded Gingered Brussels Sprouts
Even people who normally don't care for Brussels sprouts will ask for a second helping of these. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
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Pumpkin & Cauliflower Garlic Mash
I wanted healthy alternatives to my family's favorite recipes. Pumpkin, cauliflower and thyme make an amazing dish. You'll never miss those plain old mashed potatoes. —Kari Wheaton, South Beloit, Illinois
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Tarragon Asparagus
I grow purple asparagus, so I'm always looking for new ways to prepare it. Recently, my husband and I discovered how wonderful any color of asparagus tastes when it's grilled. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
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Make-Ahead Butterhorns
Mom loved to make these lightly sweet, golden rolls. They're beautiful and impressive and have a homemade taste that makes them memorable. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
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Creamy Parmesan Spinach Bake
My creamy, comforting side dish wonderfully rounds out any holiday dinner. Just a little of this rich casserole goes a long way. —Jennifer Bley, Austin, Texas
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Olive Focaccia
When I add my own special touches to a basic focaccia recipe—including sun-dried tomatoes, olives and roasted sweet red peppers—the results were simply delectable. The flavorful, chewy loaf makes a wonderful accompaniment to nearly any meal. —Dee Froemel, Hayward, Wisconsin
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Scalloped Sweet Corn Casserole
This is my Grandma Ostendorf's corn recipe I grew up enjoying. Now a grandmother myself, I still serve this comfy, delicious side as a family classic. —Lonnie Hartstack, Clarinda, Iowa
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Over-the-Rainbow Minestrone
This colorful soup is vegetarian-friendly and full of fresh flavors from a rainbow of vegetables. You can use any multicolored pasta in place of the spirals. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
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Wild Rice Stuffed Squash
I made this recipe when we invited both our families to celebrate our first Thanksgiving in our new home. There were 37 of us, and those who tried this dish raved about it. —Robin Thompson, Roseville, California
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Sage-Pecan Butternut Squash Ravioli
I am addicted to this ravioli recipe. The sauce is incredible with any pasta, but ravioli makes it a convenient dinner-in-one. —Barbie Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota
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German Potato Dumplings
Potato dumplings (called Kartoffel Kloesse in Germany) are a delightful addition to any German feast. The browned butter sauce is delectable.—Arline Hofland, Deer Lodge, Montana
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Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Casserole
Even people who don’t like broccoli beg me to make this comforting broccoli cheese casserole recipe. It's similar to a classic green bean casserole, but the melted cheese just puts it over the top. —Elaine Hubbard, Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania
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Apple Walnut Slaw
A co-worker shared this slaw recipe with me. Now it's a favorite at my house, too. Apples, walnuts and raisins are a fun way to dress up coleslaw. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Roasted Vegetables with Sage
When I can't decide what vegetable to serve at dinner, I turn to this oven-roasted medley that features brussels sprouts, potatoes, carrots and butternut squash. It pleases everyone around the table.—Betty Fulks, Onia, Arkansas
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Orange-Glazed Beets
Beets were a popular vegetable in our house when I was growing up, and this recipe is a real favorite of ours. It's very easy to make, and the orange gives it a delightful citrus flavor. —Susan Punzal, Orchard Park, New York
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Sweet Potato Lentil Stew
I fell in love with the spicy aromas in this slow-cooked lentil stew. Add whatever ingredients you have on hand, like zucchini, spinach, kale and corn. —Heather Gray, Little Rock, Arkansas
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Homemade Pierogi
Pierogi, dumplings stuffed with a filling, make for a wonderful change-of-pace side dish. —Diane Gawrys, Manchester, Tennessee
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German Noodle Bake
This is a recipe I serve each year for my holiday open house because everyone looks for it. Store-bought noodles can be substituted, but I prefer homemade noodles...and so does everyone else. —Kathleen Meineke, Cologne, New Jersey
Originally Published: September 29, 2017