How to Pair Walnuts for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is all about bringing people together with a feast of flavors. Walnuts are the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table—not only do they add a crunchy texture, but their nutty flavor pairs perfectly with both sweet and savory dishes.

Whether you're planning to impress your guests with classic sides or just trying something new, walnuts can elevate your dinner table this year.

Here’s how you can incorporate walnuts into your Thanksgiving menu:

Savory Walnut-Infused Sides

1. Walnut & Sage Stuffing
   Add chopped walnuts for a crunchy twist on traditional stuffing. Their nutty flavor pairs perfectly with fresh sage and rustic bread.

2. Green Beans with Walnut & Lemon Butter
   Toss sautéed green beans with a zesty walnut-lemon butter sauce for a refreshing side dish.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Walnuts & Balsamic Glaze
   Roast Brussels sprouts until crispy, then toss with toasted walnuts and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

4. Spiced Walnut & Apple Salad
   Toss arugula or spinach with sliced apples, walnuts, dried cranberries, and a light vinaigrette for a fresh, tangy salad.
   
   

5. Creamy Walnut & Herb Mashed Potatoes
   Add finely chopped walnuts and fresh herbs like parsley and chives for a unique take on classic mashed potatoes.

6. Charcuterie Board
   Add walnut halves and pieces to a blend of cheeses, dried meats, and fruits and drizzled with honey to create snackable board that everyone will love.

Sweet Walnut-Enhanced Sides

1. Maple Walnut Cranberry Sauce
   Stir in toasted walnuts to your cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart side with an extra layer of texture.

2. Sweet Potato & Walnut Casserole
   Top your sweet potato casserole with a mixture of walnuts, brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon for added texture to balance the marshmallows.

3. Honey Walnut Carrots
   Glaze roasted carrots with honey and sprinkle with chopped walnuts for a naturally sweet and savory dish.

4. Walnut & Pear Galette
   A rustic, freeform pie filled with juicy pears and crushed walnuts makes a fantastic alternative to traditional desserts but works just as well as a side!

5. Pumpkin Walnut Cornbread
   Add chopped walnuts to your pumpkin cornbread batter for a nutty flavor as a perfect side to go with soups or turkey.

Walnuts are a versatile ingredient that can transform your Thanksgiving dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you prefer sweet, savory, or a little of both, adding walnuts ensures your sides will stand out. Happy Thanksgiving cooking! 🦃