What is a good side dish for Thanksgiving on the Green Egg?

The Green Egg is a popular kamado-style ceramic charcoal grill that many people use to cook their Thanksgiving turkey and other dishes. Its versatility and ability to maintain precise temperatures makes it a great choice for cooking Thanksgiving favorites. However, when using the Green Egg or any outdoor grill, choosing the right side dishes is important.

What are some good Thanksgiving side dish options for the Green Egg?

Here are some excellent Thanksgiving side dish ideas that pair well with turkey and work beautifully cooked on the Green Egg:

• Roasted vegetables – Root vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips and Brussels sprouts are delicious when roasted in the Green Egg. The smoky flavor pairs perfectly.
• Green bean casserole – This Thanksgiving staple can easily be baked in a cast iron skillet or ceramic baking dish on the grill. Just assemble the beans, mushrooms, and crispy fried onions as usual.
• Cranberry sauce – Grilled cranberry sauce has great depth of flavor. Place the sauce in a grill-safe pan or wrap in foil.
• Hasselback butternut squash – Sliced hasselback-style butternut squash gets marvelously tender and caramelized when roasted on the Green Egg.
• Corn bread – Bake the corn bread right on the grill in a cast iron skillet for a perfect golden crust.
• Macaroni and cheese – The Green Egg’s heat control makes it easy to bake creamy mac and cheese without scorching.
• Grilled vegetable skewers – Alternate pieces of zucchini, onion, bell pepper, and cherry tomato for a colorful veggie side.

What are the benefits of cooking Thanksgiving sides on the Green Egg?

Cooking Thanksgiving side dishes on the Green Egg has many advantages:

• Wood-fired flavor – The charcoal and wood chips infuse the food with a delicious smoky taste.
• Even heating – The ceramic material distributes heat evenly so food cooks perfectly.
• Temperature control – Vents on the Green Egg allow better temperature control than many other grills.
• No heating up the kitchen – The Green Egg keeps the cooking mess and heat outdoors.
• Fun presentation – It’s festive to cook the entire meal outside on the grill.

How do you prevent sides from burning on the Green Egg?

Here are some tips to keep foods from burning when cooking sides on the Green Egg turkey grill:

• Use indirect heat with the plate setter for gentle roasting and baking. Arrange the coals on one side only.
• Use parchment paper or foil to create a barrier between intensely hot surfaces and delicate foods like squash and baked goods.
• Choose ceramic or cast iron pans which distribute heat evenly on the grill.
• Check food frequently and rotate pans if one area is cooking faster.
• Maintain a steady temperature between 300-375°F for most sides.
• Brush on oil, broth, or barbecue sauce to keep items from drying out.

What are good Thanksgiving side dish recipes for the Green Egg?

Here are 3 phenomenal Thanksgiving side dish recipes perfect for cooking on the Green Egg:

Hasselback Butternut Squash

• 1 medium butternut squash, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 2 Tbsp butter, cut into pieces

1. Prep squash by cutting shallow slices across the rounds every 1/2 inch, without cutting through to separate.
2. Brush squash all over with olive oil and sprinkle with brown sugar, salt and pepper.
3. Grill indirect at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until fork tender. Baste occasionally with pan juices.
4. Remove from grill, top with butter pieces and serve.

Smoked Macaroni and Cheese

• 1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked
• 8 oz shredded cheddar
• 8 oz shredded gruyere
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 Tbsp flour
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

1. In a saucepan, make a roux with the butter and flour. Slowly whisk in the half-and-half and milk over medium heat until thickened.
2. Add the cheese and stir until melted. Add cooked macaroni and season with salt and pepper.
3. Transfer to a greased baking dish, then grill indirect at 325°F for 35-40 minutes until browned and bubbling.

Smoky Brussels Sprouts

• 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, halved
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

1. Toss Brussels sprouts in olive oil, balsamic vinegar and seasonings until coated.
2. Grill indirect at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, tossing occasionally, until browned and tender.

Conclusion

Cooking Thanksgiving side dishes like roasted vegetables, cornbread, and mac and cheese on the Green Egg imparts delicious smoky flavor. The key is using indirect heat, regulating the temperature, and taking steps to prevent burning. With flavorful dishes and mess contained outside, the Green Egg takes Thanksgiving meals to new heights.