The best side dishes to bring to your Friendsgiving dinner

Instead of soup, consider a light salad of baby greens, beets, blue cheese and walnuts. Bright colors stimulate the senses and start the holiday off right. Epicurious has a solid version with a light vinaigrette. 

Bread dressings don't need to be boring. Cornbread, roasted peppers and sausage will convert anyone who claims not to like stuffing. The New York Times has a recipe that features three different types of peppers, something to brag about over those recipes that only uses one type of pepper. 

Forego the usual heavy, sugary cranberry sauce and brighten up the table with fresh cranberry relish sweetened with orange zest. Allrecipes has a version that only takes four ingredients and comes together in a flash. 

Fresh herbs make all the difference when making a corn casserole, so don't forget to add a little extra sage or thyme when baking. The Brown Eyed Baker has a good basic recipe to build around, from there add herbs, onions – even jalapeños. 

Someone has to be the fancy person at any Friendsgiving, and the good thing about duchess potatoes is they seem fancy without a lot of work. Give garlic whipped potatoes some extra love by mixing in egg yolks, cream and nutmeg before piping them onto a cookie sheet and baking. Love potatoes? Make a double batch and freeze half to bake for a New Year's Eve party appetizer. The Splendid Table has a recipe we've found to be very adaptable. 

Pop roast green beans and garlic in a pan with some oil to avoid filling up on heavy green bean casseroles. We like this recipe from Taste of Home because it includes mushrooms – an improvement over Aunt Betty's version with three cans of canned mushroom soup.

Brussels sprouts with pancetta and a touch of balsamic vinegar will convert even the non-vegetable eaters to finish their plate. We love this recipe from one of favorite "friends from the TV" – Ina Garten. 

Short on time? New potatoes tossed with oil and herbs don't require a ton of time with a vegetable peeler. We absolutely adore this recipe from Serious Eats because the potatoes come out nice and crispy. 

For longer trips, a potato au gratin travels well and reheats even better. Mix in some gruyere or smoked gouda cheese for an extra special treat. We've been making this version from Saveur since we've first learned to cook and it's always potato perfection.

Pan-fried potatoes with onions and peppers get an extra kick when baked with cream and cheddar. Seem a little too Aunt Martha? It's Friendsgiving and friends understand when you're a little homesick for this heartland classic. Made In Day has a version with celery soup – a nice break from the dreaded cream of mushroom this time of year. 

Great winter meals start with warming creamy pumpkin soup. We like this version from Food & Wine because it comes together in one pot and is even better the next day. 

Why choose between Brussels sprouts and broccolini when you can roast both together with fresh herbs, garlic and pine nuts? The recipe from Genius Kitchen calls for both Dijon mustard and honey, making for an especially flavorful side. 

Cauliflower takes on a whole new holiday character when diced and roasted to caramelization with red pepper flakes and garlic. You can have Martha Stewtart's version ready to go in less than an hour, so no excuses for heading to Friendsgiving with whatever you happened to find in the corner market on the way over to the party.  

Few things are as welcomed as freshly baked bread. Herbs like rosemary compliment nearly any main or side dish on the table. The Pioneer Women has a pillowy version of rosemary dinner rolls you bake in a cast-iron skillet for an impressive presentation. 

Glaze carrots with brown sugar, cumin and ginger and then roast in a warm oven until tender. Southern Living has a recipe for spiced carrots that calls for both honey and brown sugar, adding an extra bit of earthiness to his holiday classic. 

Stuffed squash is great as a side, but it can also double a main dish for vegetarian pals at Friendsgiving. Martha Stewart's recipe with rice and mushrooms is as hearty and filling as they come. 

Sweet potatoes at the holidays don't have to be mashed and covered with mini-marshmallows. Mix rough-cut sweet potatoes and parsnips together with olive oil and herbs and roast in a hot oven. Bon Appetite's recipe calls for bay leaves – a great way to carry pick up the same note your Friendsgiving turkey. 

Layers of sweet potatoes, apples, cinnamon and candied pecans will warm any Christmas table. Golden Delicious apples and bourbon highlight this recipe from Betty Crocker. 

Tamales are a traditional holiday accompaniment throughout the Southwest, bringing families together for assembly in the days leading up to Christmas. But why wait? Spend Friendsgiving learning how to make pork tamales together so everyone gets fed with some leftovers to take home. Food Network has a basic recipe any tamale rookie can follow. 

Mashed potatoes get a serious upgrade with bacon and cheese twice-baked potatoes. You can mix in peas, broccoli or spinach for extra punch. They also travel well, which is good if you need to drive a little bit. Simply Recipes has a recipe for basic cheddar and bacon twice-baked potatoes and directions for switching up to blue cheese and chives.