Recipes for 3 Different Side Dishes for the Holidays

Tired of the same old recipes every holiday season? If you're like me, you spend a lot of time pouring over the cookbooks just trying to find something different, and then end up making the same old stuff every year anyway. This year, why not try a side dish that is really new and different? I have put together some of my favorite recipes that have been big hits in my house, despite some "What on earth?" comments prior to actually trying them. But all of these dishes have won over even the pickiest eaters in my household.

Cheesy Pineapple Casserole
Okay, so I know this recipe sounds very strange. In fact, every member of my household gave me a resounding, "Ewwwww!" when I announced the name of this dish. But we eat pineapple and ham on a cheese pizza don't we? This recipe, despite the name, is actually very good! This was a huge hit at my house and they ate every last bit.

2 cans of pineapple chunks, juice reserved
1 cup white sugar
3 TBS all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
25 Ritz crackers

Preheat oven to 350. Butter or grease a 2 quart casserole dish. In a mixing bowl, blend 4 TBS reserved pineapple juice, sugar, and flour, and butter. Add pineapple and cheese. Mix well and pour into casserole dish. Bake 20 min. Reduce temp to 300 and sprinkle crushed crackers on top. Warm in oven for 20 minutes.

Baked Cheese Grits
This dish is always a hit. It is perfect comfort food on cold days.

3 cups boiling water
3/4 cup grits
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard

In a saucepan, slowly stir grits and salt into boiling water. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover. Cook 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in cheese and mustard, stirring until cheese melts. Pour grits into 9-inch pie plate, lightly coated with cooking oil spray. Cover; chill until firm. Cut into 8 wedge slices. Arrange grits on baking pan lightly coated with cooking oil spray. Sprinkle tops with a bit of shredded cheddar. Broil 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

Broccoli, Onion, and Cheese Casserole
Okay, most of us have had broccoli, cheese casserole at some point. But what makes this one so unique is that it is in a rich, creamy, white sauce. This recipe is incredibly simple and very yummy!

3 TBS butter
3 TBS flour
1 ½ cups milk
2 packages of cream cheese
1 big bunch of broccoli
1 bag frozen pearl onions
25 Ritz crackers
Salt and pepper to taste
Handful of shredded white cheddar (optional)

Steam the broccoli until just barely tender (do not over cook). In a separate saucepan, melt butter; remove from heat. Stir in flour and seasonings. Gradually add milk, stirring until well mixed. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and smooth. Cook for 5 minutes longer; add cream cheese. Mix cheese sauce with the broccoli and frozen bag of onions. Pour into a greased casserole dish and top with crumbled crackers and shredded cheddar. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

These recipes may sound odd but are excellent for the holidays. Whenever I make these side dishes I never have leftovers, so make sure you make extra!