Thanksgiving dinner in the Midwest wouldn’t be complete without an array of comforting, flavorful side dishes that hold their own against the turkey. While every family has its traditions, some sides show up on nearly every Midwestern table: Green Bean Casserole, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, and Sweet Corn Pudding. Each of these dishes brings a different taste and texture to the table, making the meal feel whole.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to prepare each of these favorites, with tips to help you make them as delicious as possible. Ready to bring classic Midwest flavor to your Thanksgiving table? Let’s dive in!

Missed our Fall Football Favorites? Enjoy this post about our favorite football foods too!

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1. Classic Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole is the ultimate Midwest comfort food. Creamy, savory, and topped with a crispy onion layer, it’s a staple for many families during the holidays. This version sticks close to the classic but with a few tips to make it extra tasty.

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Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans (or 2 cans, drained)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 cup French’s fried onions (plus extra for topping)
• 1 tsp soy sauce (optional for extra depth)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the green beans: If using fresh, trim and blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then drain. If using canned, simply drain them.
2. Make the sauce: In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Combine and bake: Toss the green beans and half of the French fried onions with the sauce. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
4. Top with extra crunch: Remove from the oven, add more French fried onions on top, and bake for another 5-10 minutes until golden and crispy.

Tips:

• Use fresh beans for a crisper texture, but canned or frozen work well if you’re short on time.
• For extra flavor, add mushrooms or sautéed garlic to the mixture.
• Homemade sauce: If you prefer to avoid canned soup, make a quick roux with butter, flour, milk, and mushroom broth.

This creamy, crunchy casserole is pure nostalgia—a heartwarming classic that brings generations together around the table. The familiar aroma of green beans simmering in a rich, savory mushroom sauce and topped with golden, crispy fried onions is enough to transport us back to Thanksgiving dinners of childhood, where this dish was often one of the first sides to disappear.

For many families, this casserole isn’t just a side—it’s a comforting tradition that signals the start of the holiday season. Its creamy texture, combined with the irresistible crunch of fried onions, creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures that complement everything else on the Thanksgiving plate. It’s a dish everyone eagerly anticipates, from the youngest family members discovering it for the first time to the grandparents who’ve enjoyed it for decades.

The beauty of Green Bean Casserole lies not only in its taste but in its simplicity, making it a go-to even for novice cooks. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, it’s a reliable recipe that can be easily customized or enhanced with fresh mushrooms, garlic, or a sprinkle of cheese. This casserole’s humble ingredients come together to create a dish that’s far greater than the sum of its parts—one that fills both stomachs and hearts, year after year.

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2. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

For Midwesterners, a holiday meal without potatoes is nearly unthinkable. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes offer layers of tender potatoes, rich cheese, and a touch of garlic. This comforting side dish pairs perfectly with turkey and other holiday favorites.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (optional for extra flavor)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prep the potatoes: Thinly slice the potatoes (around ⅛-inch thick) using a mandolin or sharp knife.
2. Prepare the cream mixture: In a saucepan, warm the cream and add garlic, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat once mixed.
3. Layer the ingredients: Arrange a layer of potatoes in a greased baking dish, sprinkle with cheddar and Gruyère, and repeat, ending with cheese on top.
4. Bake until tender: Pour the warm cream mixture over the potatoes, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

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Tips:

• Pre-salt the potatoes before layering to enhance their flavor.
• Blend cheeses: Gruyère adds a nutty depth, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or Parmesan.
• Cover, then uncover: Baking with foil on helps the potatoes soften, then removing it creates a beautiful golden top.

These cheesy, creamy scalloped potatoes are a Midwest classic, bringing a hearty dose of warmth and satisfaction to every Thanksgiving plate. With their perfectly tender layers of thinly sliced potatoes nestled in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, they’re the epitome of comfort food and the kind of dish that inspires second (and maybe even third) helpings.

Scalloped potatoes are more than just a side—they’re a showstopper that brings a feeling of coziness to the Thanksgiving table, their golden, bubbling top beckoning as soon as they’re set down. The blend of sharp cheddar with the subtle nuttiness of Gruyère (or any mix of your favorite cheeses) melds beautifully with the cream and potatoes, creating a luscious sauce that clings to every slice. Each bite is soft, buttery, and deeply satisfying—a contrast of smooth, cheesy richness and a subtle hint of garlic that elevates the flavor without overpowering.

The beauty of these potatoes lies in their versatility, too. While they’re fancy enough to impress guests at a holiday gathering, they’re also approachable and familiar. This dish draws everyone in with its aroma and nostalgic, comforting taste. It’s the side that pairs effortlessly with everything on the table—from savory turkey to tangy cranberry sauce and roasted vegetables.

For many Midwesterners, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a staple on Thanksgiving and any special occasion. They’re more than just a traditional side; they’re a reminder of gatherings with loved ones, where the simplest ingredients are transformed into something truly memorable. And when everyone goes for a serving, you know you’ve made a dish that’s destined to be the highlight of the meal.

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3. Sweet Corn Pudding

Sweet Corn Pudding offers a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors on the table. This soft, custardy dish is an essential side for many Midwestern Thanksgiving meals, adding a touch of rustic charm with its simplicity and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup melted butter
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 box (8.5 oz) corn muffin mix (like Jiffy)
• 2 tbsp sugar (optional for added sweetness)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix it all together: In a large mixing bowl, combine whole kernel corn, creamed corn, sour cream, melted butter, eggs, corn muffin mix, and sugar. Stir until smooth.
2. Bake: Pour into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until the center is set and the top is lightly browned.

Tips:

• Use fresh or frozen corn if you prefer to avoid canned. Just add a little milk to the batter for moisture.
• Cheesy twist: Add a sprinkle of cheddar for a savory version.
• Prepare ahead: Mix the batter in advance and refrigerate, then bake when needed.

With its custardy texture and naturally sweet flavor, Sweet Corn Pudding brings a comforting, old-fashioned charm to any Thanksgiving spread. This dish offers a delicate sweetness that balances out the savory elements on the plate, creating a harmony of flavors that complements everything from the hearty turkey to the tangy cranberry sauce. Its soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior, combined with the slight crisp of its golden crust, is a textural delight—a little like dessert masquerading as a side dish.

Sweet Corn Pudding is more than just a filler; it’s often a highlight that adds warmth and a unique, nostalgic sweetness to the holiday meal. Each spoonful is rich yet light, combining the tender bites of corn with a creamy, almost soufflé-like base that brings a smoothness to every mouthful. The corn itself, whether fresh, canned, or frozen, shines as the star, its natural sugars caramelizing slightly in the oven to enhance its flavor.

For many, this dish carries memories of family gatherings and holiday dinners where everyone eagerly anticipated that first scoop of pudding. It’s a recipe rooted in tradition, often made the same way it’s been passed down for generations. But it’s also wonderfully adaptable—some add a sprinkle of cheese to give it a savory twist, while others might top it with a touch of honey or fresh herbs for a modern variation.

Whether served as a side to the main course or enjoyed on its own, Sweet Corn Pudding adds a comforting touch that feels right at home on the Thanksgiving table. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest ingredients can come together to create something special—a dish that’s both humble and festive, capturing the essence of a Midwest Thanksgiving with every bite.

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Bring Midwest Comfort to Your Thanksgiving Table

These three sides—Green Bean Casserole, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, and Sweet Corn Pudding—are the backbone of a comforting Midwest Thanksgiving. Together, they offer a mix of creamy, savory, sweet, and crispy. This combination pairs beautifully with turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings.

Enjoy these beloved classics, and here’s to making your Thanksgiving meal one filled with warmth, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia. What are some of your family favorites?

Happy Thanksgiving!