Salads & Side dishes

Orange Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors all in one dish. The Brussels sprouts are cooked until tender and then coated with a shiny glaze made from fresh orange juice and sweet maple syrup. Tossed together with tart cranberries, this recipe brings a lovely balance of textures and colors to the plate, making it both tasty and pretty. I really enjoy making this dish during the cooler months when I want something comforting but still fresh. The combination of the citrusy orange and the rich maple syrup gives the Brussels … Read more

Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a cozy, comforting dish that brings together the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with a touch of maple syrup and a crunchy, buttery topping. Think tender, velvety sweet potatoes baked to perfection, layered with a golden crust of pecans or brown sugar that adds just the right amount of crispness. This casserole feels like a warm hug from the South on a chilly day. I love making this casserole during the holidays or any family gathering because it always gets rave reviews. The combination of maple syrup’s gentle sweetness with the earthiness of … Read more

Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and Pancetta is a fresh and flavorful side dish that brings a bit of sweetness, saltiness, and a pop of green to your holiday table. Tender peas meet juicy pear slices and crispy pancetta, making each bite a lovely mix of textures and tastes. It’s a simple yet special combination that perfectly complements heavier Thanksgiving dishes. I love making this dish because it feels like a little surprise on the plate — the sweet pear adds a bright contrast to the salty pancetta, and the peas keep everything light and colorful. It’s one of those recipes … Read more

This Crunchy Fall Apple Salad with Maple Vinaigrette is a fresh and crisp mix of sweet, tart apples, crunchy nuts, and leafy greens all tossed in a light, slightly sweet dressing made with real maple syrup. It’s a wonderful way to bring those cozy fall flavors into a bright, refreshing dish that’s perfect for any meal or as a snack. I love making this salad when the apples are at their best in the fall. The crunch from the apples and nuts gives each bite a fun texture, and the maple vinaigrette adds just the right touch of sweetness without … Read more

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are a creamy, comforting side dish that always feels like a special treat. Thin slices of sweet potatoes baked in a rich, cheesy sauce create a deliciously soft texture with a golden, bubbly top that’s hard to resist. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory flavors, making it a favorite during holiday dinners or any time you want something warm and satisfying. I love making scalloped sweet potatoes because they bring a little cozy vibe to the table without much fuss. One of my favorite tricks is to add a sprinkle of cinnamon … Read more

Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving is the classic holiday side that everyone looks forward to. It’s full of soft bread cubes, herbs like sage and thyme, and lots of sautéed onions and celery that give it a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The warm, comforting aroma of this stuffing filling your kitchen is one of those signs that the holiday feast is truly on its way. I love that this stuffing recipe is easy to make but tastes like it took hours. The trick I use is to toast the bread cubes just right so they soak up all the delicious … Read more

Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin is a comforting dish packed with tender slices of root veggies like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips, all baked under a bubbly, golden layer of melted cheese. It’s rich, creamy, and full of warm, earthy flavors that feel just right on chilly days. I love making this gratin because it feels like a special treat but is actually pretty simple to put together. The mix of veggies keeps it interesting, and the cheese brings everything together in a way that makes everyone ask for seconds. My favorite cheese to use is sharp cheddar, but a mix with … Read more

Delicious Fall Bruschetta with Butternut Squash and Apples is a fresh twist on the classic Italian appetizer, packed with the flavors of autumn. The roasted butternut squash brings a sweet and tender bite, while the crisp apples add a nice tart crunch. All of this sits on toasted bread, creating a perfect mix of warm and cool textures that just scream fall. I love making this bruschetta when the weather starts to cool down because it feels like wrapping up those cozy fall moments on a plate. One of my favorite little touches is drizzling a bit of honey or … Read more

Loaded Cornbread Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s packed with creamy corn, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a touch of sweetness from the cornbread base. It’s the perfect side or even a main when you’re craving something warm and filling. The combination of creamy texture with little bursts of corn and crispy bits on top makes every bite a treat. I love making this casserole for family gatherings or potlucks because it’s always a crowd-pleaser – everyone asks for the recipe! One tip I have is to let it cool just a bit before serving so the flavors have … Read more

The Best Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes are everything you want in a comforting side dish—super smooth, rich, and topped with a golden, bubbly layer that gets a little crispy around the edges. They’re made with plenty of butter and cream, so each bite feels like a warm hug. The secret to their creamy texture is giving the potatoes a good mash and a slow bake that lets the flavors really come together. I love making these mashed potatoes whenever I want to impress without too much fuss. What I really appreciate is that you can prepare them ahead of time … Read more