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Whip Up a Delicious Thanksgiving with Country Crock

Crafting Your Thanksgiving Feast: Healthy & Delicious Recipes with Country Crock

A beautifully set Thanksgiving table, ready for a festive meal

As the holiday season draws near, the excitement of Thanksgiving meal planning begins! This year, I’m embracing a lighter approach to our traditional feast, not just for general wellness, but also due to managing gestational diabetes during my pregnancy. A key part of my dietary adjustments involves making smart choices, and that includes opting for a reliable butter substitute. Our household staple, and my personal favorite for years, has been Country Crock. It consistently delivers the rich flavor we love, without compromising on health goals.

Using Country Crock, particularly the light version, has been a game-changer for me. It allows me to enjoy the same delicious taste and texture in my beloved recipes, but with significantly fewer calories and less fat. This means I can indulge in the festive flavors of Thanksgiving without the added guilt, making it a perfect choice for those looking to enjoy a wholesome holiday spread.

Why Country Crock for Your Holiday Cooking?

Beyond personal dietary needs, the benefits of choosing Country Crock over traditional butter are compelling for any family. Its lower cholesterol content is a significant advantage, promoting heart health without sacrificing that comforting, home-churned taste. It’s incredibly versatile, melting beautifully into baked goods, sautéed vegetables, and, of course, generously spread on warm, crusty dinner rolls fresh from the oven, making it an essential ingredient for your Thanksgiving table.

Country Crock’s creamy consistency and authentic flavor profile make it an ideal choice for a wide array of Thanksgiving dishes. Whether you’re whipping up a creamy casserole, baking fluffy biscuits, or preparing a savory stuffing, it seamlessly integrates, enhancing the overall taste and texture of your culinary creations. It’s an easy swap that makes a big difference in the nutritional value of your holiday favorites, ensuring everyone can enjoy the meal.

Elevating Your Thanksgiving Sides with Country Crock

Thanksgiving is synonymous with an abundance of delectable side dishes, and this is where Country Crock truly shines. From mashed potatoes to green bean casseroles, its smooth texture and rich flavor can transform everyday recipes into extraordinary culinary experiences. Here, I’m excited to share two of my go-to recipes that feature Country Crock, ensuring your holiday spread is both memorable and mindful.

Recipe 1: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes – A Creamy Classic

No Thanksgiving menu is complete without a comforting potato dish, and these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a true crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender potatoes, a rich cheesy sauce, and the subtle, buttery notes of Country Crock creates an irresistible side that will have everyone reaching for seconds. This recipe is simple to follow and perfect for feeding a hungry holiday gathering.

Delicious Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, a perfect Thanksgiving side

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Created by: Kristy Still (Example Recipe)

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 Tbsp Country Crock Spread, melted
  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy for lighter option)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the Country Crock Spread over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste (roux) forms.
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and 1½ cups of cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour about one-third of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat layers, ending with sauce.
  6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  7. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and optional Parmesan cheese on top. Bake uncovered for another 20-30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
  8. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: Approximately 10-12 servings. Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe 2: Oklahoma Style Stuffing – A Savory Classic

Stuffing, or dressing, is arguably one of the most anticipated dishes on any Thanksgiving table. This Oklahoma Style Stuffing recipe offers a unique twist on the classic, featuring the rich, savory notes of cornbread, turkey gravy, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all brought together with the creamy goodness of Country Crock. It’s a robust and flavorful side that complements any holiday roast, and the use of Country Crock ensures a moist and delicious result.

A savory platter of Oklahoma Style Stuffing with turkey gravy

Oklahoma Style Stuffing

Created by: Kristy Still

Print Recipe | Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 14 oz Bag Pepperidge Farm Cornbread Stuffing
  • 1 Cup Turkey Gravy (Reserve the remaining gravy for serving)
  • 1 1/2 Cups Chicken Broth
  • 2 Tbsp Country Crock Spread, Melted
  • 1 Green Pepper, Diced
  • 6 Scallions, Diced
  • 2 Cups Frozen Okra
  • 1 .4 oz Buttermilk Ranch Seasoning Packet
  • Cooked Turkey (Optional, shredded or diced)

Instructions

  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornbread stuffing mix, turkey gravy, chicken broth, and melted Country Crock Spread. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
  3. Next, fold in the diced green pepper, diced scallions, and frozen okra. If you choose to include cooked turkey, add it to the mixture at this point.
  4. Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden brown and heated through.
  6. Serve hot, optionally topped with additional turkey gravy for extra moisture and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 Serving. Please note that serving size and nutritional information can vary based on individual preparation and ingredients.

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More Thanksgiving Dishes to Enhance with Country Crock

The versatility of Country Crock doesn’t stop with just a couple of recipes. Consider incorporating it into other beloved Thanksgiving staples to lighten them up without sacrificing flavor:

  • Mashed Potatoes: Achieve perfectly creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes by stirring in Country Crock instead of butter. Its smooth texture ensures no lumps and a rich, satisfying taste.
  • Green Bean Casserole: For a healthier twist on this classic, use Country Crock in your cream sauce and for sautéing onions or mushrooms. It maintains the comforting richness you expect.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Toss your seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes with melted Country Crock, herbs, and seasonings before roasting for a beautifully caramelized and flavorful side.
  • Pie Crusts: For flaky, golden pie crusts for your pumpkin or apple pies, Country Crock can be a fantastic alternative to butter, contributing to a tender texture and subtle flavor.
  • Dinner Rolls & Biscuits: Brushing warm rolls or biscuits with melted Country Crock not only adds a glistening finish but also infuses them with a delicate, savory taste.
  • Sweet Potato Casserole: Whether in the sweet potato base or the pecan topping, Country Crock provides a smooth, buttery element that enhances the overall sweetness and richness of this holiday favorite.

By making these simple substitutions, you can significantly reduce the saturated fat and cholesterol in your Thanksgiving meal, allowing everyone to enjoy the feast with a little less worry and a lot more flavor.

Thanksgiving Meal Planning Made Easy

What’s on your Thanksgiving menu this year? Do you typically opt for a butter substitute, or are you considering making the switch for a healthier holiday spread? For me, prioritizing lighter options for the main meal is a strategic move to “save up” for all those irresistible, delicious pies and desserts! It’s all about balance and making smart choices where you can, so you can fully enjoy the festive treats without feeling deprived.

Thanksgiving meal planning can feel overwhelming, but with a few thoughtful ingredient swaps and well-chosen recipes, it can be a truly enjoyable process. Country Crock offers a simple way to maintain the authentic taste of your favorite holiday dishes while aligning with healthier eating goals. Embrace the opportunity to create a delicious and wholesome feast that everyone at your table will appreciate.

Happy Thanksgiving Meal Planning, and here’s to a table filled with joy, gratitude, and wonderfully flavorful food!

Thank you to Good to Know & Unilever Spreads for being a sponsor. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective. All opinions expressed here are my own.