Thanksgiving dinner is all about gathering around the table, sharing favorite family recipes, and enjoying a feast with the people you love. And while the turkey might get the spotlight, let's be honest: the side dishes are often what everyone looks forward to most!
Whether you're hosting the big meal or bringing a dish to share, a few flavorful ingredients can turn traditional Thanksgiving sides into something extra special. With Benissimo's infused oils, seasonings, and flavored sugars, it's easy to add bold flavor to your holiday favorites without spending hours in the kitchen.
Here are four simple ways to upgrade your Thanksgiving sides this year.
1. Green Bean Casserole with Herbes de Provence
Give the classic green bean casserole a savory, herb-filled upgrade with Benissimo Herbes de Provence Seasoning. Featuring garlic, thyme, basil, rosemary, oregano, and a touch of lavender, this blend brings a delicious depth of flavor to the creamy mushroom sauce.
Ingredients
-1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
-2 tbsp butter
-8 oz sliced mushrooms
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-2 tbsp all-purpose flour
-1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
-½ cup milk or half-and-half
-1–2 tsp Benissimo Herbes de Provence Seasoning
-1 cup crispy fried onions, divided
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 4–5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic and Herbes de Provence Seasoning.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for about a minute. Gradually whisk in the broth and milk, cooking until the sauce thickens.
4. Stir in the green beans and half of the crispy fried onions. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
5. Sprinkle the remaining crispy onions over the top and bake for another 5–10 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Hosting tip: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. Add the crispy onion topping near the end so it stays crunchy.
2. Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel
Sweet potato casserole is a Thanksgiving favorite, but that doesn't mean you can't give it a flavorful twist. Benissimo Maple Bacon Sugar adds a rich, sweet-and-savory flavor to the sweet potatoes, making it a delicious alternative to the brown sugar used in traditional recipes. Finish it with a buttery pecan streusel for a crunchy topping that perfectly balances the creamy filling.
Ingredients
For the sweet potatoes:
-3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
-¼ cup butter, melted
-⅓ cup Benissimo Maple Bacon Sugar
-¼ cup milk
-1 egg, beaten
-½ tsp salt
For the pecan streusel:
-¾ cup chopped pecans
-⅓ cup all-purpose flour
-¼ cup Benissimo Maple Bacon Sugar
-3 tbsp cold butter, cubed
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Boil the sweet potatoes until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth.
2. Stir in the melted butter, Maple Bacon Sugar, milk, egg, and salt until combined.
3. Spread the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the pecans, flour, and Maple Bacon Sugar. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
5. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the sweet potatoes and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden and the filling is heated through.
Bringing-a-dish tip: Bake it at home and transport it covered. If you're traveling a long distance, keep it properly chilled and reheat it at your destination until hot throughout.
3. Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing with Shallots, Scallions & Leeks Oil
Stuffing is one of those dishes that just belongs on the Thanksgiving table. Make your favorite bread stuffing even more flavorful with Benissimo Shallots, Scallions & Leeks Oil. Infused with layers of savory allium flavor, this oil makes the perfect starting point for sautéing the onion and celery that give classic stuffing its signature taste.
Ingredients
-10 cups cubed, day-old bread
-¼ cup Benissimo Shallots, Scallions & Leeks Oil
-1 cup diced celery
-1 medium onion, diced
-2 tsp dried sage
-1 tsp dried thyme
-2–2½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
-2 eggs, beaten
-Salt and black pepper, to taste
-2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 10–15 minutes, until lightly crisp. Transfer to a large bowl.
2. Heat the Shallots, Scallions & Leeks Oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the celery and onion and sauté for 6–8 minutes, until softened.
3. Stir in the sage and thyme, then add the vegetables to the bread cubes. Toss to combine.
4. Whisk together 2 cups of broth and the eggs. Pour over the bread mixture and toss gently, adding more broth as needed until the bread is moist but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer to a greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp.
Make-ahead tip: Chop the vegetables and cube the bread a day ahead. You can also assemble the stuffing in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it on Thanksgiving Day.
4. Herb-Roasted Red Potatoes with Herb It Up! Oil
Looking for a side dish that's simple to prepare but big on flavor? These crispy roasted red potatoes are an easy win. Benissimo Herb It Up! Oil brings together garlic, onion, herbs, whole peppercorns, and a hint of crushed red pepper for a savory, well-seasoned finish in every bite.
Ingredients
-2 lbs red potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
-3 tbsp Benissimo Herb It Up! Oil
-½ tsp salt, or to taste
-2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss the potatoes with Herb It Up! Oil and arrange in a single layer, cut sides down where possible.
3. Roast for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender inside.
4. Taste and add salt if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Bringing-a-dish tip: These potatoes are easy to prep ahead. Cut them the night before and store them submerged in cold water in the refrigerator. Drain and dry thoroughly before tossing with the oil and roasting. For the best crispy texture, serve them fresh from the oven whenever possible.
Make Thanksgiving Flavorful with Benissimo
Whether you're preparing an entire Thanksgiving feast or contributing one dish to someone else's spread, you don't need complicated recipes or a long list of ingredients to make your sides memorable. A flavorful oil, a well-balanced seasoning, or a touch of something sweet and savory can make all the difference.
And the best part? You can stock your pantry with all four of these Benissimo favorites in one easy order.
Save Up to 20% with the Benissimo Pantry Bundler
Ready to upgrade your Thanksgiving sides? With our Pantry Bundler, you can save 10% when you choose any four eligible products, 15% off any five products, and 20% off any six products. Pick up Herbes de Provence Seasoning, Maple Bacon Sugar, Shallots, Scallions & Leeks Oil, and Herb It Up! Oil to make all four recipes above.
You'll be ready to bring extra flavor to every dish on the table, whether you're hosting the holiday or showing up with something delicious to share.
Shop the Pantry Bundler and save 10% on your four favorites!
