Order these local Thanksgiving side dishes and wow guests at your Friendsgiving potluck
POV: You've been invited to a Friendsgiving potluck, but you have absolutely no kitchen skills whatsoever.
Or, how about this: You've been invited to a Friendsgiving potluck, but it's the day after Thanksgiving (because nobody Black Friday shops anymore), and you know you'll be too hungover to cook anything.
Or, even more likely: You've been invited to a Friendsgiving potluck and you want to bring something you'll actually like eating, because you know most other attendees are going to bring leftovers from the night before, a vegetable tray, or a bag of chips — that they probably already had — and store-brand guacamole.
Well, foodies, fear not; because you don't have to fall victim to any of those situations. This Thanksgiving season, many Jersey restaurants and caterers will be preparing delicious holiday sides to fulfill all of your "bring something" party needs.
So, if cooking (or cooking well) just isn't going to happen for you this year? Read on.
Here are eight local Thanksgiving side dish caterers — and a glimpse at their mouth-watering menus.
B & M Market, Park Ridge
Our first side-dish server is B&M Market; an upscale purveyor of fine food that recently was named best butcher shop, best caterer and best gourmet shop in Bergen by (201) Magazine. With culinary offerings from Ricotta-Stuffed Meatballs to Grilled Salmon with Sweet Chili, the highly-decorated spot boasts simple and sophisticated dishes alike; a trend we see continued on its 2023 Thanksgiving menu.
In the traditional category, B&M's holiday side selection includes Green Bean Casserole, Creamed Spinach and Honey Brussels Sprouts, to name a few. A bit more elevated is the Butternut Squash and Andouille Sausage Stuffing, while the Corn Bread Crème Brûlée, Pumpkin Ravioli and Truffle Mac and Cheese Tarts are straight-up fancy.
And if you're really looking to wow a crowd of foodies? We recommend ordering the two-pound wheel of maple bacon brie.
Go: 146 Kinderkamack Road Unit B, Park Ridge; 201-391-4373, bmfoodlovers.com.
Sweet T's Southern Eatery, Montclair
If you're from the south — and want a taste of familiarity this holiday season — Sweet T's Southern Eatery has got you covered. Looking to have fried catfish instead of turkey? The team can do that. Prefer collard greens to string beans? They can do that, too. From candied yams to shrimp and grits, the soul food-inspired eatery is locked and loaded with a Thanksgiving menu of both traditional dishes and fun southern specialties.
Side options, therefore, include the usual veggies and carbs (think mac and cheese, sausage stuffing and corn bread), but also black eyed peas, deviled eggs and coleslaw. So, whether you were born in Jersey or South Carolina, a dish from the restaurant's Turkey Day menu is sure to send your tastebuds home for the holidays.
Go: 387 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair and; 973-500-3452, sweettseatery.com.
Shortrounds Deli & Catering, Emerson
Shortrounds Deli and Catering is known for its grab-and-go sides, so — if you find yourself in a bind on the way to a Friendsgiving event — the new Bergen County market is a great place to get something quick. On the daily, the spot offers seasoned quinoa salads, creamy soups and savory, homemade dips.
As for traditional Thanksgiving sides this year, the deli is serving a holiday menu featuring Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Garlic-Roasted Red Potatoes and more. Make sure to pre-order those, though, because as it gets closer to the holiday, the spot will only have its general to-go case.
But if you miss Sunday's pre-order deadline (and thus have to turn to Shortrounds typical fridge), don't worry. A bowl of the team's spinach dip or bruschetta will look great on any Friendsgiving table.
Go: 189 Kinderkamack Rd., Emerson; 201-261-6585, shortroundscatering.com.
Uncle Giuseppe's Marketplace, various North Jersey locations
Do you prefer stuffing? Or stuffed shells? At gourmet Italian grocery store Uncle Giuseppe's Marketplace, you can have both. For Thanksgiving 2023, the local northeastern chain is boasting a holiday menu jam-packed with everything from mashed potatoes to manicotti — so, if you'd prefer to trade the cranberry sauce and turkey for cured meats and pasta? You can do that.
Some side dish offerings from the market this year include an Antipasto Platter, Stuffed Mushrooms and Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta. Bring any of those to a Thanksgiving gathering in New Jersey (which, let's be real, will have at least five Italian guests), and they're sure to be a hit.
Go: Various locations, including Morris Plains and Ramsey; uncleg.com.
Clove Brook Market, Sussex
From the heart of Sussex County, Clove Brook Market has been serving handmade pastries, pies, sandwiches and dinners to North Jersey residents for the past 20 years. Known for its award-winning bakery and catering, the charming little hole-in-the-wall is a true scratch kitchen; serving sweets and eats that taste as if your mother made them.
The care that goes into each of Clove Brook's culinary creations make the spot the perfect place to pick up a dish for Thanksgiving. Packed with as much warmth and nostalgia as they are flavor, the market's Homemade Gravy, Apple and Sweet Potato Bake, and Sausage Cornbread Stuffing will bring comfort to any guest that tastes them.
Go: 800 Route 23, Sussex; 973-875-5600, clovebrookmarket.com.
Faubourg, Montclair
Thanksgiving may be an American holiday, but the team at upscale Montclair restaurant Faubourg is proving that letting the French in on the action isn't quite a bad idea. Boasting items from Pommes Purée to Sweet Potato Gratin, the spot's 2023 Turkey Day menu is chock-full of everyone's favorite dishes, but with an elevated, European spin.
Instead of green beans, for example, Faubourg is serving a Fall Vegetable Fricassée. And, for those of you that hate the canned cranberry jelly, they've got a house-made Cranberry Chutney. Even the kids menu is high-end; replacing chicken nuggets with Chicken Pot Pie. If the pilgrims would've tried the restaurant's cooking back in 1621, we wouldn't be surprised if they cancelled the whole USA thing, and just moved to France instead.
Go: 544 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair; 973-542-7700, faubourgmontclair.com.
Michelle's Catering, Whippany
Interested in a bougie holiday this year? Look no further than Michelle's Catering. Based in Whippany, the high-end culinary company serves some of the fanciest arranged fare around.
Normally Michelle's is busy servicing weddings, corporate events and formal parties, but, at this time of year, the team is focused on helping local families create the perfect Thanksgiving feasts for their loved ones. Through offerings from Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Hot Honey, to Mini Beef Wellingtons with Horseradish Crème, the skilled chefs have designed a menu destined to impress even the wealthiest, most pretentious dinner guests.
Go: 622 Route 10 #3, Whippany; 973-952-9000, michellescatering.com.
A&A Fine Foods, Lincoln Park
A&A Fine Foods in Lincoln Park serves some of the freshest, juiciest gourmet meats around, making the mom-and-pop deli one of the best North Jersey locations to pick up a Thanksgiving turkey. Poultry aside, though, the hidden gem Italian spot also makes some delicious side dishes.
For something safe and conventional, try the Mac and Cheese, Fingerling Potatoes or Butternut Squash Soup. To enjoy something a little more internationally-focused, go for the Fresh Meat Lasagna or Pumpkin Ravioli — and thank your lucky star that you were born in one of America's most Italian states.
Go: 191 Main St., Lincoln Park; 973-633-7878, aafinefoods.com.
Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can't find her in Jersey's best restaurants, she's probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram: @karanicolev & @northjerseyeats, join our NorthJerseyEats Facebook group, and sign up for her North Jersey Eats newsletter.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Best Thanksgiving side dishes to order from North Jersey caterers
