Looking for that perfect side dish to bring to the family gathering but don’t want to spend hours slaving over a stove? Then these recipes are for you! They take minimal time but will leave people believing you spent all day in the kitchen. Both are traditional Thanksgiving recipes that are usually a part of the Turkey Day spread but they have added ingredients to make them slightly more unique, flavorful, and ready to serve.
Chive Smashed Potatoes
Before you automatically think peeling the potatoes is going to take a long time, think again. You can actually make this recipe without having to peel the potatoes, hence the title “smashed potatoes!” This dish is guaranteed to wow everyone at the dinner table, and it does not compromise traditional foods that are usually served.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds red potatoes, quartered
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
- 1 carton (8 ounces) spreadable chive and onion cream cheese
- 1/2 cup half-and-half cream
- 1/2 cup half-and-half cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Chopped chives, optional
Directions
- Place potatoes and bouillon in a Dutch oven and cover with 8 cups water. Bring them to a boil. After reducing the heat; cover and cook until tender, 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and return them to a pan. You will then mash potatoes with cream cheese, cream, butter, salt and pepper. Garnish with chives. See no peeling involved in any of that!
Pumpkin Cheese Ball
Everyone loves a dish that they can indulge in and snack on while the Turkey is still cooking and they are socializing! This Pumpkin Cheese Ball would pair great with crackers, bread, chips, or even vegetables for dipping. People will not be able to keep their hands out of this shareable dish!
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, well drained
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 package (2-1/2 ounces) dried beef, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
- Green pepper stem
- Crackers or assorted fresh vegetables
You might also like: Devour These Quick And Easy Game Day Snacks
Directions
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, pumpkin and pineapple. Stir in cheddar cheese, beef and onion. Shape into a ball; wrap in plastic. Wrap cheeseball in 4 pieces of string or 4 rubber bands, creating indentions to resemble a pumpkin. Chill 1 hour. Add green pepper stem for pumpkin stem. Serve with crackers.
Disclaimer: The stock image is being used for illustrative purposes only, and it is not a direct representation of the business, recipe, or activity listed. Any person depicted in the stock image is a model.