A unique and simple Side dish for the Holiday Meal!

This week, we will be sharing three of Dulcie’s favorite holiday recipes. Yesterday, we shared a recipe for the perfect ham dinner. But it was still lacking something, the perfect side dishes! Everyone has heard of the trusty mashed potato or side of white rice. This time, you can impress your family by whipping up a side dish that is more unique and is sure to grab their curiosity. Invite them over and bring delight to everyone this holiday season!

Side Dish 101

Side dishes are the unsung heroes of delicious meals, bringing variety, color, and complementary flavors to the table. From creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables to vibrant salads and gratins, these dishes transform a festive spread into a true feast. 

Holiday side dishes are the perfect complement to any festive meal, offering a mix of comforting classics and seasonal favorites. From rich, creamy casseroles to crisp, roasted vegetables, these dishes enhance the flavors of the main course while showcasing the bounty of the season. Thoughtfully prepared, they add warmth, color, and variety to the table, making every bite feel like a celebration. They provide the perfect balance to the main course, often showcasing seasonal ingredients and timeless family recipes that evoke warmth and nostalgia.

Featured Image sourced from: https://simplebites.net/butternut-squash-gratin-recipe-family-favorite-side-dish/

Recommendations for the Perfect Holiday Side Dish:

To elevate your side dishes, experiment with creative twists on classic recipes. Incorporate fresh herbs, citrus zest, or unexpected spices to add depth and brightness. Focus on presentation by using vibrant garnishes, such as toasted nuts or fresh greens, to make dishes more visually appealing. Pair contrasting textures—like creamy gratins with crisp roasted vegetables or silky purées with crunchy breadcrumbs—to enhance the dining experience. By paying extra attention to detail, side dishes can truly shine as standout components of your holiday celebration.

Gratin of Winter Squash!

Image sourced from: https://leitesculinaria.com/97453/recipes-butternut-squash-gratin.html

This goes beautifully with roast turkey or a roast of pork. The squash has its initial cooking in a steaming basket, before undergoing a very slow gratiné, where it acquires its special flavor and texture. This recipe can be made for 6 servings.

Ingredients

For the initial cooking
1½ pounds winter squash, cut into ¾-inch dice—4 to 5 cups
½ tsp grated fresh ginger
1 large clove of garlic, minced

For the gratiné
2 cups classic white sauce (3 Tbsp butter, 3 Tbsp flour, 2 cups milk; see Special Note, page 272)
3 Tbsp fresh white breadcrumbs
3 Tbsp grated Swiss cheese

VARIATION
Purée of Parsnips Mellowed with Cream

A heavenly accompaniment to a roasted goose or duck, the Thanksgiving turkey, or a loin of pork. Purée a handful of boil-steamed parsnips. Blend them in the top of a double boiler with a modest amount of cream (½ to ⅔ cup for 4 cups of parsnips), and season to taste. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes—the purée will develop a new and delicious character as it warms with the cream. Correct seasoning again before serving.

Instructions

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT SUGGESTED:
A vegetable steamer in a tightly covered saucepan; a 2½-quart pan for the sauce; a buttered 6-cup baking dish about 2 inches deep

The initial steaming.
Place the diced squash in the steaming basket with the ginger and garlic. Cover and steam over 1 inch of water for about 10 minutes, until almost tender. Remove the steamer. Boil down the steaming liquid to ¼ cup; whisk into the sauce.

Assembling and baking.
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Fold the squash into the white sauce, and turn into the buttered baking dish. Spread on the crumbs and cheese. Bake in the middle level of the oven for 1½ hours; the top should be nicely and lightly browned, and the sauce almost completely absorbed.

Dulcie Crawford is a native Nevadan, born and raised in Las Vegas. Dulcie is a Community Expert & stays current with updates on market trends & market conditions.  A senior Realtor with Signature Real Estate Group, she has sold over 1,300 homes since 1998. You are assured an exceptional experience when buying or selling Real Estate with The Dulcie Crawford Group.