Simple Side Dish Recipes That Taste Like Mom Used To Make

This diverse group of side dishes contains all the favorites that my mom used to make when we had a few guests for dinner. Since we often had a spiral sliced ham or smoked turkey breast to keep things simple, these are some of the flavors that went best with those smoky entrees. Now they sell frozen versions of just about anything but these are all so simple and well worth the couple minute prep time.

Corn Casserole

Prep time: 5 minutes, Cook time: 1 hour

1 can creamed corn

1 can white corn – drain and save liquid

1 stick melted butter or margarine

1 small container sour cream

1 box Jiffy corn bread mix

In 1 ½ quart casserole dish, mix everything plus half the reserved liquid from white corn

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for one hour

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Prep time: 5 minutes, Cook time: 1 hour

2 cups pre-shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 pt milk plus ½ cup

2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles

3 T. melted butter or margarine

½ t. salt

¼ t. pepper

In 1 ½ quart casserole dish, mix all ingredients. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for one hour. For a one dish meal, add smoky links to the top for the last 15 minutes. Kids LOVE this one.

Broccoli, Cheese and Rice Casserole

Prep time: 10 minutes, Cook time: 30 minutes

1 package long grain, wild rice Rice-a-Roni prepared according to instructions

1 small box frozen broccoli pieces cooked and chopped fine

1 can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom, or cream of celery. Cream of anything really!)

1 cup pre-shredded sharp cheddar cheese

In 1 ½ quart casserole dish, mix all ingredients. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Sweet Potato Casserole.

Prep time: 20 minutes, Cook time: 30 to 40 minutes

A: 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 eggs, lightly beaten, 1 t. vanilla, ½ cup milk, ½ cup melted butter

B: 3/4 cup chopped pecans, ½ cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 1/3 cup melted butter

Combine A. Pour into a buttered 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Mix B together and sprinkle over top. Bake at 350° for 30 to 40 minutes, until hot and browned.

Baked Beans a la Kristen (thank you my friend)

Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cook time: 1 hour

1 large can (40 oz.) Pork n' Beans

1 large can (30 oz.) Kidney Beans

1 package Lipton onion soup mix

½ cup catsup

½ cup brown sugar

2 t. mustard

In 1 ½ quart casserole dish, combine all ingredients and bake at 350 degrees for one hour.
Great addition: Add 1 pound of browned hamburger meat to it.

Mashed Potatoes

Prep Time: 20 minutes , Cook time: 30 minutes

5 pounds potatoes Cooked boiled

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese (we use Neufchatel – lower fat)

1 small container French onion dip

Salt and Pepper to taste

Peel potatoes (optional – especially if you use the little red potatoes). Chop potatoes into small cubes. Cover with water and Boil about 30 minutes. Drain water and mash potatoes. Add remaining ingredients.