Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. While the turkey may be the star of the show, no Thanksgiving feast is complete without a variety of tasty side dishes. From classic favorites to creative twists on traditional recipes, vegetable sides can elevate your holiday spread. Whether you’re looking for savory roasted vegetables, creamy casseroles, or fresh salads bursting with flavor, you should find our list of 15 must-try vegetable sides worth serving on Thanksgiving. Discover new favorites and add some excitement to your Thanksgiving table this year!
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Roasted Garlic Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
A delightful twist on traditional mashed potatoes. Roast sweet potatoes and garlic, then mash with butter, milk, salt, pepper for a creamy side dish. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any occasion when you want to add some sweetness and depth of flavor to your meal. This easy recipe comes together quickly, making it a great option for busy holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners.
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Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving classic! Sauté bacon, garlic, and onions; whisk butter, flour, milk, cream, cayenne, and cheese for a luscious sauce. Combine with green beans, top with breadcrumbs, then bake until bubbly and golden. This savory, creamy side dish will have your guests clamoring for seconds. Perfect for holiday feasts or cozy family dinners – give this comforting casserole a try!
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Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
A sweet, savory side dish worth serving on Thanksgiving! Sliced carrots are tossed in a buttery mixture of honey, brown sugar, salt, and pepper, then baked until tender. Preheat your oven to 400°F, mix the ingredients, coat the carrots, and bake for 20-25 minutes. This simple recipe will have your guests asking for seconds!
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Creamy Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
A cheesy, indulgent side dish perfect for Thanksgiving feasts. Thinly sliced russet potatoes are layered with a rich, creamy sauce made from butter, flour, whipping cream, and Parmesan cheese. Topped with mozzarella and baked until golden brown, fork-tender, this comforting casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Garnish with fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor before serving.
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Sauteed Brussel Sprouts with Bacon Recipe
A delightful Thanksgiving vegetable side dish that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Halved Brussel sprouts are sautéed in bacon drippings until tender, then tossed with crispy bacon pieces and a touch of maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. This savory-sweet combo is sure to be a hit at your holiday table. Serves 4-6. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 15 minutes.
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Recipe
Sweet potato casserole’s a classic Thanksgiving side dish! Mashed sweet potatoes are mixed with butter, milk, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, egg, vanilla; topped with a crumbly mixture of brown sugar, flour, butter, pecans; baked ’til lightly browned. Marshmallows are sprinkled on top, then baked again until melted. This delectable casserole’s sure to be a hit at your holiday table!
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Cheesy Broccoli Casserole Recipe
A creamy, cheesy side dish perfect for Thanksgiving! Fresh broccoli is boiled ’til tender-crisp, then tossed in a rich sauce made with onion, cream cheese, cheddar, parmesan. Topped with buttery crackers and more cheese, baked ’til bubbly. Prep time’s just 10 minutes; oven does the rest. Feeds a crowd, so double the recipe if needed. Leftovers reheat well too – if there are any!
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Butternut Squash and Sage Dressing Recipe
This savory butternut squash and sage dressing recipe is a perfect vegetarian side dish for Thanksgiving. Roasted butternut squash, onion, celery, and garlic are tossed with toasted bread cubes, sage, salt, pepper, and broth, then baked until golden and crispy. With its comforting flavors and easy preparation, this dressing will become a holiday favorite. Serve it alongside your main course for a delightful and satisfying addition to the feast.
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Creamed Spinach Recipe
A classic Thanksgiving side dish that’s easy to make! Sauté onions and garlic in butter, then wilt fresh spinach. Stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth. This rich, creamy vegetable dish pairs perfectly with turkey and all your favorite holiday fixings. Serve it hot for a comforting, indulgent addition to your feast that everyone will love. Yields 4-6 servings.
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Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus Recipe
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus is a simple yet flavorful vegetable side dish perfect for Thanksgiving. Asparagus spears are tossed with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, then roasted until tender-crisp. Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top and broiled for a minute to create a delightful crispy finish. This quick and easy recipe takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish, making it a great addition to your holiday feast.
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Superb Sautéed Mushrooms Recipe
Sautéed mushrooms make a delicious Thanksgiving side dish! Sliced mushrooms are cooked with garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper until caramelized. Garnish with parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This simple recipe takes just 15 minutes to prepare. Mushrooms’ savory, earthy flavor complements turkey and other holiday favorites perfectly. Elevate your feast with this easy, flavorful vegetable side – your guests will be asking for seconds!
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Maple-Roasted Squash with Pecans Recipe
Maple-roasted acorn squash is another delightful Thanksgiving side dish! Halved squash brushed with maple syrup, olive oil, cinnamon, salt; roasted until tender. Topped with toasted pecans for crunch. Simple yet flavorful, this vegetable dish will impress your guests. Warm, comforting, perfect for fall festivities. Whip up this easy recipe and watch it disappear from plates!
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Roasted Beet Salad Recipe
Wrap scrubbed beets in foil, roast until tender, then peel and slice. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper for the dressing. Combine mixed greens, sliced beets, crumbled goat cheese, chopped walnuts in a bowl. Drizzle with dressing, toss gently, and serve immediately. Healthy, colorful addition to your holiday table!
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Baby Kale Sauté Recipe
Garlic-infused olive oil coats tender baby kale leaves, seasoned with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Sautéed until just wilted but still bright green, this simple veggie dish is finished with a bright squeeze of lemon juice. Serve it hot alongside your Thanksgiving holiday favorites, or add leftovers to salads and grain bowls for a nutritious boost.
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Roasted Spiced Cauliflower Recipe
Spice up your Thanksgiving with roasted cauliflower! Toss florets with cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Spread ’em on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. Tender, golden-brown, and bursting with flavor – this side dish is sure to impress. Serve hot and watch it disappear faster than you can say “gobble gobble”!