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Thanksgiving is about six weeks away, which sounds like plenty of time — until it isn't. Here's a little secret: the sides are the part of the meal everyone remembers, and they're the easiest to plan ahead. A Saturday in October is a perfect time to pick your lineup, try a recipe or two, and decide what's earning a spot on the table. Here are five sides to get you started.

🥔 The Potato Lineup

​Saltgrass Steakhouse Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes — Creamy mashed potatoes with mellow, sweet roasted garlic worked right in. They have steakhouse richness without any fuss. If you only add one new recipe to the table this year, make it this one.

​Horseradish Mashed Sweet Potatoes — A savory twist on sweet potatoes, with a little horseradish kick that cuts through the richness of the rest of the meal. It's the dish that gets people asking, "What's in this?" Perfect if you're tired of marshmallows.

🎃 The Casserole and the Green

​Boston Market Squash Casserole — Tender squash in a creamy, buttery casserole topped with a crisp crumb. It's cozy, familiar, and a great make-ahead candidate. Bake it right before dinner and the whole house smells like the holidays.

​Garlic Butter Green Beans — A bright, quick side that gives the table a bit of color and crunch. Garlic and butter do all the talking here. It's a lifesaver when the oven is already full.

🍗 The Finishing Touch

​KFC Brown Gravy Recipe — A silky, peppery brown gravy that belongs on everything — turkey, potatoes, biscuits, and stuffing. Make it ahead and reheat it while the turkey rests. Your future self will thank you.

🧑‍🍳 In the Kitchen: Holiday Side Helpers

These tools make holiday sides smoother, from the first mash to the last leftover.

🥔 Potato Ricer — For silky, lump-free mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes, nothing beats a ricer. It's quick, easy to clean, and makes a big difference on Thanksgiving Day.

🍽️ 9x13 Baking Dish with Lid — Perfect for the squash casserole, it goes from oven to table to the fridge with the lid on. A lidded dish makes transporting side dishes a breeze.

🥡 Cambro Food Storage Containers — Make-ahead gravy and prepped veggies need good storage. These sturdy containers stack tidily in a crowded holiday fridge.

💬 Tell Me What's on Your Table

Which Thanksgiving side can't you live without? Share your must-have dish in the CopyKat Community, and if there's a restaurant side you'd love to see made at home, request it there too. I'll be reading every one.

🍂 Plan Now, Relax Later

A little planning now means a calmer Thanksgiving later. Pick your favorites, try a few this month, and tuck the extras into the freezer or fridge. Here's to a stress-free holiday table. Happy cooking!