Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table to share delicious food and create lasting memories. But what if your side dishes could tell a story of preparation, love, and a little bit of magic from your pantry? Using home-canned goods for your Thanksgiving spread not only saves time but also adds a unique, personal touch that’s bursting with flavor.
Imagine the tangy sweetness of homemade cranberry sauce, the savory goodness of collard greens, or the velvety richness of sweet potatoes—all made with ingredients you canned yourself. Let’s dive into how you can turn those jars of goodness into unforgettable side dishes that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds!
Most of us throughout the year have been preserving our garden harvest and various side dishes we can easily transform into beautiful displays this Thanksgiving. So head to your pantry with this quick list and create popular side dishes using your home canned recipes to make Thanksgiving spectacular!
Home Canned Sweet Potatoes
Home-canned sweet potatoes are a versatile and nutritious addition to your table, perfect for creating delicious sides and enhancing your meals. For a quick and classic dish, simply drain the sweet potatoes, mash them with butter, a touch of brown sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, then warm them on the stovetop. For a more indulgent option, layer the sweet potatoes in a baking dish, top with mini marshmallows, and bake until golden and bubbly for a nostalgic holiday favorite.
Sweet potatoes also work beautifully in savory dishes. Toss chunks of home-canned sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and your favorite herbs, then roast them for a caramelized, crispy side dish. Add them to stews, curries, or soups to bring a subtle sweetness and hearty texture, or purée them into a velvety soup with a touch of cream and nutmeg. For a quick and unique appetizer, cube the sweet potatoes, drizzle with maple syrup, and wrap them in bacon before baking until crispy.
Sweet potatoes can even shine in desserts—blend them into a pie filling with warm spices like ginger and cloves, or mix them into muffin batter for a moist and flavorful treat. No matter how you use them, home-canned sweet potatoes bring convenience, flavor, and endless possibilities to your kitchen.
Cranberry Sauce in a Jar
Home-canned cranberry sauce is a versatile and vibrant addition to any meal, offering far more than its traditional role as a Thanksgiving side. For a quick and elegant touch, serve it alongside roasted turkey or chicken, letting the tangy-sweet flavors complement the savory meat. It also makes an excellent glaze for baked ham; simply brush it over the ham in the final 30 minutes of cooking for a glossy, flavorful finish. For breakfast or brunch, dollop the cranberry sauce onto pancakes, waffles, or crepes, or swirl it into yogurt or oatmeal for a burst of tart sweetness.
For a creative appetizer, spoon the sauce over a block of cream cheese and serve with crackers, offering an easy crowd-pleaser. You can also mix it into a vinaigrette with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a seasonal salad dressing, or combine it with mayonnaise to create a festive spread for turkey sandwiches. Cranberry sauce even works as a dessert enhancer—use it as a topping for cheesecake or mix it into whipped cream to create a cranberry mousse. Whether served straight from the jar or transformed into something new, home-canned cranberry sauce brings a pop of flavor and color to any dish, making it a pantry essential.
Home Canned Green Beans
Home-canned green beans are incredibly versatile, offering a world of possibilities beyond the classic green bean casserole. For a simple and flavorful side, sauté your green beans in a skillet with garlic, butter, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or toss them with toasted almonds and melted butter for a French-inspired green bean almondine. If you’re craving something with a bit of a tangy twist, try warming your green beans with a balsamic glaze made from balsamic vinegar and honey, garnished with crispy bacon or caramelized onions for extra depth of flavor.
For a refreshing and colorful option, mix your green beans with halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onions, and a tangy vinaigrette, then top with feta cheese or fresh basil for a quick salad. You can also warm them with a splash of broth and toss them with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme for a simple yet aromatic dish. If you’re in the mood for a bit of heat, sauté the beans with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of crushed red pepper, finishing with a splash of soy sauce or tamari for a spicy, savory twist.
Cheese lovers can create a quick green bean bake by layering the beans in a dish, topping them with shredded cheddar or parmesan, and baking until golden and bubbly. Alternatively, incorporate your green beans into a stir-fry with mushrooms, bell peppers, and a ginger-soy sauce for a flavorful, Asian-inspired side. For a creamy option, whip up a sauce with Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and white wine, stirring in your green beans for a tangy, luxurious dish. Finally, for an irresistible sweet-and-savory treat, wrap green beans in bacon bundles, bake until crispy, and brush with maple syrup for a crowd-pleasing side.
Collard Greens
Home-canned collard greens are a flavorful and nutrient-packed addition to your meals, offering endless possibilities for side dishes or even as part of the main event. For a simple and classic preparation, heat your collard greens on the stovetop with a splash of their canning liquid, a bit of butter, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Add a dash of hot sauce or a splash of vinegar for a tangy, Southern-inspired twist.
If you’re looking for something heartier, sauté the greens with diced onions, garlic, and crumbled bacon or ham for a rich, smoky flavor. Pair them with cornbread or rice for a comforting side that complements roasted meats or barbecued dishes. For a unique variation, try incorporating your collard greens into a hearty soup or stew—pair them with smoked sausage, white beans, or chicken for a filling, one-pot meal.
Collard greens can also shine in less traditional dishes. Use them as a filling for savory hand pies, layered into casseroles, or even blended into a creamy dip with cheese and spices for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Whether served simply or elevated into something special, home-canned collard greens bring a touch of comfort and versatility to your table.
Dry Packed Vegetable Medley
Your home-canned vegetable medley is a versatile addition to any Thanksgiving table, offering plenty of creative ways to turn it into a delicious side dish. For a simple preparation, drain the medley and sauté it with butter, garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a quick, flavorful accompaniment to turkey or ham. You can also roast the vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and a touch of balsamic glaze for caramelized sweetness that complements the richness of the main course.
If you’re looking to create something heartier, the vegetable medley can be incorporated into a savory casserole by mixing it with cream, cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping before baking it to golden perfection. Another option is to add the medley to a wild rice or quinoa pilaf, enhancing its flavor and color while creating a light yet satisfying side dish. For a festive twist, toss the medley with dried cranberries and toasted nuts, offering a blend of textures and flavors that perfectly captures the essence of the season. Whether served as-is or reimagined, your vegetable medley is sure to shine on the Thanksgiving table.
Dry Packed Carrots
Home-canned dry-packed carrots are a versatile and flavorful option for Thanksgiving side dishes, allowing you to create a variety of crowd-pleasing recipes with minimal effort. For a classic and simple preparation, drain the carrots and glaze them with a mixture of honey, butter, and a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg, then gently heat them on the stovetop. This sweet and savory combination pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or roasted meats, making it a holiday favorite.
To elevate your carrots, roast them with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and fresh rosemary or thyme. The roasting process enhances their natural sweetness and creates a caramelized, slightly crisp exterior that complements other rich Thanksgiving dishes. Another creative option is to mash the carrots with a touch of cream, butter, and a hint of orange zest for a unique twist on traditional mashed sides. For a colorful and festive presentation, combine the carrots with other roasted vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes, tossing them together with a light vinaigrette or maple syrup glaze. However you prepare them, dry-packed carrots bring warmth, flavor, and versatility to your Thanksgiving spread.
Your Thanksgiving sides don’t just have to taste amazing—they can carry a little piece of your hard work and creativity, too. Whether it’s the comforting aroma of green bean casserole or the vibrant tang of spiced cranberry sauce, your home-canned goods will elevate the meal to something truly special.
So pop those lids, grab a serving spoon, and let your pantry shine as the unsung hero of the holiday feast. Here’s to a blessed Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and the delicious fruits (and vegetables) of your labor!
XOXO
Diane, The Canning Diva®
www.canningdiva.com