Onions are a staple ingredient in kitchens year-round, but during the holiday season, they play an essential role in our favorite Thanksgiving side dishes. Onions serve as a base adding flavor and nutrition to so many holiday side dishes.
What makes your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes?
The best holiday side dishes are those that range from traditional favorites for guests who enjoy simple flavors to more elaborate combinations for those with an adventurous palate. By offering a variety of side dishes you can make your holiday meal an event that satisfies seasonal cravings while also introducing guests to a new favorite recipe.
What kind of onion should I use for side dish recipes?
Each of our favorite Thanksgiving side dish recipes specifies which type of onion to use. If you find yourself with a recipe that
doesn’t offer direction, check out our Onion Color, Flavor, and Usage Guide. The best onion to choose depends on cooking technique and the time of year. During the holiday season you’ll be using storage onions. During this time of year, all onions can be used for raw preparations, red and yellow onions are best for roasting, yellow onions are best for caramelizing, and yellow and white onions are best for sauteing.
Now that you are ready to get cooking, these are a few of our top recipes to help you plan your Thanksgiving dinner for family and friends.
Four Onion Scalloped Potatoes. In this recipe, potatoes are thinly sliced and layered with a cream 
sauce that is rich with cheese. It’s a special treat for the holidays and a recipe that you can make ahead of time.
Roasted Onion and Garlic Mashed Potatoes. If mashed potatoes are more your style, try this version that is full of flavor from roasted onions, garlic, and sour cream.
Sweet Potatoes with Onions and Cranberries. Unlike sweet potato casseroles that can taste more like dessert than a side dish, this recipe offers a touch of savory flavor and a tangy bite to tender sweet potatoes.
Ratatouille Style Stuffed Onions. The ultimate vegetable side dish, this recipe shows off the best of onions. Whole onions are stuffed with a mix of vegetables, herbs, and pine nuts and roasted until tender. A topping of melted cheese adds a special touch making them a new holiday favorite.
Red Cabbage and Onions with Apples and Apricots. Add as much color as flavor to your table with this recipe. Seasonal ingredients come together in a warm salad of sauteed cabbage, onions, and festive fruits. This one pairs especially well with roasted turkey.
Roasted Onions with Herb Butter Sauce. When you need something simple to serve with your holiday feast, this side dish is a lifesaver. All you need are onions, herbs, and butter to create a delicious partner for roasted meats.
