Ep 2. Thanksgiving Sides

In Giada At Home season 5 episode 2, titled "Thanksgiving Sides," host Giada De Laurentiis whips up a variety of delicious side dishes to accompany the main course at your Thanksgiving feast. Giada starts off by preparing a creamy and cheesy potato gratin with a golden crust. Using Yukon Gold potatoes and Gruyere cheese, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress.

Next up, Giada creates a kale and Brussels sprouts salad that is light yet flavorful. She starts by shaving the Brussels sprouts into thin slices and massaging them with salt, pepper, and olive oil for a few minutes to break down their tough texture. The salad is then tossed with sliced almonds, dried cranberries, and a tangy dressing made with lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard.

Giada also shares her recipe for a delightful cornbread stuffing with sausage and mushrooms. She starts by sautéing onions, celery, and mushrooms in butter and then adds crumbled sausage to the pan. The mixture is then combined with crumbled cornbread, chicken broth, and eggs and baked in the oven until golden brown.

For those who prefer sweet potatoes over regular potatoes, Giada has a sweet potato and maple gratin that is a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving. She layers thinly sliced sweet potatoes in a dish and pours over a maple cream that is made from heavy cream, maple syrup, and a pinch of cinnamon. The dish is then baked in the oven until the potatoes are tender and the topping is golden brown.

Lastly, Giada makes a classic green bean casserole with a twist. Instead of using canned soup and fried onions, she makes her own creamy mushroom sauce from scratch and tops the casserole with homemade crispy shallots. The dish is a perfect balance of savory and crunch that is sure to be a hit at any Thanksgiving table.

Throughout the episode, Giada shares helpful tips on how to prep and cook the dishes ahead of time so that you can spend less time in the kitchen on the day of the big feast. She also demonstrates how to serve the dishes in creative and beautiful ways that will impress your guests.

Overall, "Thanksgiving Sides" is a must-watch episode of Giada At Home for anyone who is looking to elevate their Thanksgiving feast with delicious and unique side dishes. Whether you're an experienced cook or a beginner, Giada's recipes are easy to follow and will leave your guests impressed and satisfied.