55 Thanksgiving Vegetable Side Dishes Even Better Than The Turkey
The roast turkey may technically be the centerpiece of Thanksgiving, but we all know it's the vegetable side dishes that make the feast complete (and are always what we want seconds of). Let's be honest, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, and mashed potatoes always steal the spotlight from the rest of the table, so we thought it was high time we rounded up all the best holiday vegetable sides for Turkey Day. Be sure to save this go-to list of 55 Thanksgiving vegetable side dish recipes to make your holiday planning a whole lot easier.
When it comes to the classic Thanksgiving vegetable sides, you've got to have some manner of potato, be it a sweet potato or russet potato. We're always happy to see mashed sweet potatoes and garlic mashed potatoes on the table, but when we want to shake things up, we always turn to our recipes for sweet potato gratin, smashed potatoes, or mashed potato casserole for some foolproof sides everyone will love.
Beyond potatoes, we think a well-balanced Thanksgiving plate is one that's full of color and textures. We've got tons of recipes here to help you taste almost the entire rainbow this holiday season, like our miso roasted carrots, our roasted fennel with delicata squash and apples, and our cranberry bacon green beans.
Looking for all the classic Thanksgiving dishes? Here's all our traditional Thanksgiving recipes. For even more ideas, check out our best Friendsgiving recipes, our top non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner ideas, as well as our favorite vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes. Now that your Thanksgiving sides are covered, keep your crowd happy with Thanksgiving punches and Thanksgiving desserts too.
Potato Gratin Bundles
Potatoes au gratin is a classic, but it's long overdue for an upgrade. Enter: bundles! Thin-skinned red potatoes get sliced, layered in parchment, smothered in a creamy, cheesy, garlicky sauce, then baked until steaming and tender. Best part? Less mess!
Get the Potato Gratin Bundles recipe.
Green Bean Casserole
For this recipe, we ditched canned cream of mushroom soup and went for fresh instead. By sautéing mushrooms with sliced onion in butter, you're building a base with some serious depth of flavor. Cook the mushrooms enough that they get a little caramelized, and you'll really be good to go.
Get the Green Bean Casserole recipe.
Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrots
This recipe made us wonder, Why don’t we roast carrots more often? When they roast, their flavor concentrates and sweetens. Pair that with copious amounts of umami-packed Parmesan and just a touch of lemon, and you’ve got a super-irresistible side.
Get the Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrots recipe.
Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salad
Brussels sprouts just scream holiday time. If you’re looking for a new way to serve this vegetable, you have to try thinly slicing them and making a flavor-packed winter salad. This salad has all of our favorite seasonal flavors: apples, cider vinegar, cranberries, nuts and sharp cheese. It’s the perfect side dish for all your holiday get-togethers, especially the fancier dinners.
Get the Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe.
How To Cook Acorn Squash
Acorn squash might be the overlooked middle child of the squash family, but that doesn’t mean she can’t shine bright on any weeknight dinner or holiday table. With a tender edible skin and a soft creamy interior, this often-ignored squash is a perfect canvas for both sweet and savory flavors.
Get the How To Cook Acorn Squash recipe.
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
This side is like if green beans dressed up as cheesy garlic bread. 😍 Tossed in garlic and black pepper and showered with cheese, this simple yet irresistible side will steal the spotlight at every holiday table.
Get the Parmesan Roasted Green Beans recipe.
Cauliflower Soup
Even though there are minimal ingredients, this soup has TONS of flavor. In fact, it's delicious even without the cream (great for vegan Thanksgiving guests!). Want to add a little more complexity and nuttiness to the soup? You could roast the cauliflower before you add it.
Get the Cauliflower Soup recipe.
Thanksgiving Cauliflower
Skip the turkey—this Thanksgiving cauliflower is the vegetarian Thanksgiving centerpiece your holiday needs. A whole-roasted cauliflower is a favorite holiday centerpiece of ours when we're serving a vegetarian crowd. Complete with a homemade vegetarian gravy, this roasted cauliflower is satisfying enough to be your main dish, but also easy enough to serve as a holiday side alongside your mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and turkey tenderloin.
Get the Thanksgiving Cauliflower recipe.
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Tossed in a honey and vinegar dressing and roasted until glazed and crisp, these sweet and tangy sprouts will steal the (side) show wherever they go. Roasting at high heat on a bare metal sheet pan is key to getting gorgeously browned, crackling-crisp sprouts.
Get the Caramelized Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Fennel Salad With Apples & Radishes
When you're looking for a side dish that tastes extremely fresh even in the depth of winter, look no further than fennel salad. It’s crunchy, slightly sweet, and perfectly light and refreshing, especially if you serve it alongside heavier cold weather comfort foods (like turkey!).
Get the Fennel Salad With Apples & Radishes recipe.
Brussels Sprout Salad
When we want to incorporate this veggie into our Thanksgiving dinner, we turn to this fresh, seasonal salad. With toasted almonds, shaved Parmesan, and pomegranate seeds, this is the holiday side that will convert even the biggest Brussels sprout haters.
Get the Brussels Sprout Salad recipe.
Mashed Potato Casserole
Mashed potato casserole is the ultimate holiday side dish we’ve all been waiting for. It's bound to find its way onto your holiday dinner table at some point during the season, but it makes a great side dish any time of the year. It's creamy, fluffy, and oh so cheesy.
Get the Mashed Potato Casserole recipe.
Cranberry Bacon Green Beans
It takes just a little effort to take eating your vegetables from a “have to” to a “want to,” and this green beans recipe is a perfect example. Some crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and creamy goat cheese enhance green beans into a Thanksgiving side dish that your family will be cheering for.
Get the Cranberry Bacon Green Beans recipe.
Twice-Baked Potatoes
Twice-baked potatoes are basically a way to eat mashed potatoes in a cute little potato boat. The first bake is roasting the potatoes so they are nice and tender. While the outside gets crispy, the inside gets creamy. The second bake involves mashing all of your cooked potatoes with butter, cheese, milk, and other mix-ins, then filling the potato skins back up, topping with more cheese, and baking until everything is warmed through. Simply put, it's the most decadent baked potato, with the most delicious mashed potato filling.
Get the Twice-Baked Potatoes recipe.
Sweet Potato Gratin
Just like the OG potatoes au gratin, these sweet potatoes (including purple AND orange ones) are layered with plenty of cheese and herby cream sauce and baked until golden brown and bubbly. 😍
Get the Sweet Potato Gratin recipe.
Creamed Brussels Sprouts
We'll take Brussels any which way, but we especially love giving them the traditional Thanksgiving treatment—with plenty of butter, cream, and cheese. This method upgrades even the most humble vegetables while still allowing them to be the star of the show—even skeptics will be asking for seconds.
Get the Creamed Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Whole Roasted Cabbage
This gorgeous, whole-roasted stunner is the perfect holiday substitute for vegans and makes for an amazing side, too. It's savory, sweet, and salty on the outside and super-tender on the inside. Topped with lots of silky mushroom gravy, we doubt anyone at your table will be missing meat.
Get the Whole Roasted Cabbage recipe.
Miso Roasted Carrots
These sweet-savory carrots are topped with the most delicious mix of crunchy nuts and spices. We like pistachios and black and white sesame seeds, but feel free to swap in your favorites (like everything bagel seasoning, perhaps?).
Get the Miso Roasted Carrots recipe.
Smashed Potatoes
If you usually only roast your potatoes, you've got to try smashing them—it makes them super crispy while also having an unbelievably buttery, tender center. 😍
Get the Smashed Potatoes recipe.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
If weeknight cooking were a rom-com, roasted sweet potatoes would be the best friend. Whether you’re prepping a quick salad, building an epic burrito bowl, or simply looking for an easy side, they’re always there for you and will never let you down. Learn the ultimate technique for making them, and you’ll call on their support at least once a week.
Get the Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Shredded Brussels Sprouts
We love classic sautéed Brussels sprouts paired with our turkey, but sometimes we crave something with a bit more kick. These slightly spicy salty-sweet sprouts make for a unique and easy fall salad that can be served warm or cold (so you can prep them ahead of time!).
Get the Shredded Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Cheesy Bacon Butternut Squash
No matter what the centerpiece of your meal is, this cheesy butternut squashskillet is sure to steal the show. The balance of sweet, salty, and creamy is EXTREMELY delicious.
Get the Cheesy Bacon Butternut Squash recipe.
Southern Collard Greens
Southern cooking can sometimes appear intimidating or too involved, but this recipe is anything but. All you need are a couple of hours, a handful of staple ingredients, smoked turkey, and your collard greens (the star of the show) for an easy side that pairs incredibly with turkey.
Get the Southern Collard Greens recipe.
Classic Corn Casserole
This classic Southern side is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you prefer, drained and rinsed canned corn can be used instead of frozen, and you could substitute more milk in for the heavy cream. The finished casserole won't be quite as decadent, but it will still be delicious.
Get the Classic Corn Casserole recipe.
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
You know the only thing that may be better than mashed potatoes? Roasted garlic mashed potatoes! That extra-savory flavor from melty, roasted garlic adds the perfect kick to classic mashed spuds (we also add a splash of tangy balsamic vinegar to kick them up a notch).
Get the Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Roasted Fennel With Delicata Squash & Apples
You may have seen crisp, anise-y fennel bulbs dotting the famers' market stands, nuzzling up alongside sweet delicata squash and tart apples. The three find their way into this healthy side dish that's perfect for elegant dinner party menus, simple weeknight meals, or paired with richer, holiday spreads.
Get the Roasted Fennel With Delicata Squash & Apples recipe.
Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts
Whether you’re a die-hard Brussels sprouts lover or a hater, it’s hard not to see the appeal of these irresistible crispy, cheesy bites. We coat them in a cheesy, garlicky mixture before baking, giving them an ultra-crispy crust perfect for dunking in homemade Caesar dressing.
Get the Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower can take the center stage in many of our favorite recipes, but it's also the vegetable we turn to again and again when we need a simple roasted side. Our recipe adds just a touch of color and zesty flavor with Old Bay seasoning, but feel free to get creative!
Get the Roasted Cauliflower recipe.
Pumpkin Soup
Nothing goes the distance all fall and winter long quite like pumpkin soup. It's warming and welcoming whether you're enjoying it as a casual weeknight dinner or serving it alongside turkey for Thanksgiving.
Get the Pumpkin Soup recipe.
Green Bean Casserole Bundles
Looking to switch up your Thanksgiving menu but don't want to upset any of traditionalists? Look no further than these green bean casserole bundles. We took our favorite green bean casserole and then wrapped individual portions in bacon. It's genius, really.
Get the Green Bean Casserole Bundles recipe.
Sweet Potato Salad
This sweet potato salad is the perfect way to lighten up any autumnal dinner, and especially your Thanksgiving spread. Feta, dried cranberries, and red onions pair really nicely with the earthy sweetness of the orange super food. Did we mention it's great warm or cold (which means you can make it ahead!)?
Get the Sweet Potato Salad recipe.
Green Beans Almondine
Sautéed with shallots and garlic, tossed with buttery, toasted almonds, and finished with lemon, these French green beans are quick enough to serve for a weeknight dinner while also being fancy enough for holiday meals and dinner parties.
Get the Green Beans Almondine recipe.
Ruth's Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
At Ruth's Chris, a layer of mashed, soufflé-like sweet potato gets topped with a crunchy, sweet brown sugar and pecan crust and baked into a winning combination of textures we just had to recreate. You can also turn this into dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Get the Ruth's Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe.
One-Pot Creamy Vegan Greens
Creamed spinach without the dairy? Yes, please. Not only is it a bit more nutritious, but it’s also just as delicious. This recipe is packed full of iron-rich spinach, which becomes tender as it cooks in the flavorful sauce. To make this one-pot side dish, we use a few simple ingredients to make these greens something truly special.
Get the One-Pot Creamy Vegan Greens recipe.
Roasted Parsnips
Looking for a simple side dish to make this Thanksgiving? Parsnips are your answer. They don't get nearly the attention they deserve, but that ends now. Roasting them makes them slightly sweet and perfectly tender for a quick side dish you might just love more than the turkey.
Get the Roasted Parsnips recipe.
Brussels Sprout Casserole
This is one side dish that will make everyone freak out (and run for seconds). If you have vegetarian guests, feel free to skip the bacon. We're usually all about the smoky flavor, but for this dish, it's all about the CHEESE.
Get the Brussels Sprout Casserole recipe.
Roasted Green Beans
For a vegetable side to reach the regular weeknight (or holiday!) rotation, it has to be delicious and a no-brainer—just like these shallot-y roasted green beans. Simply toss fresh beans in olive oil and season with some salt and pepper before roasting on high heat, then finish under the broiler.
Get the Roasted Green Beans recipe.
Holiday Roasted Vegetables
The dried cranberries and balsamic vinegar add some sweetness and tartness, while the pecans add a crunch to these holiday-worthy vegetables. We use Brussels sprouts and carrots, but feel free to add extra vegetables or swap in some of your favorites.
Get the Holiday Roasted Vegetables recipe.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
What dish is the most indicative of leaves falling and the chilly autumn breeze? Some might say it's pumpkin pie, others might say warm apple cider, but to us, nothing fits better with Thanksgiving's sweater weather than a delicious bowl of butternut squash soup.
Get the Roasted Butternut Squash Soup recipe.
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Most sweet potato casseroles have only marshmallows or pecans. Don't even think about making this mistake. Topping with a pecan streusel and then marshmallows helps this Thanksgiving casserole stand out above all the rest.
Get the Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows recipe.
Cauliflower Stuffing
This low-carb cauliflower stuffing proves that you don’t always need bread to make an amazing stuffing. Cauliflower is basically a sponge: It’ll soak up the flavor of whatever you cook it with, so we recommend going heavy on the herbs (and the butter! 😈).
Get the Cauliflower Stuffing recipe.
Perfect Mashed Cauliflower
This recipe is the perfect low-carb substitute to mashed potatoes. The secret to making steamed cauliflower smooth and creamy? CREAM CHEESE! (We're big fans, if you hadn't noticed 😉.)
Get the Mashed Cauliflower recipe.
Stuffed Butternut Squash
After baking brown-sugar-butter-slathered squash until perfectly tender, you'll top the squash with a hearty filling of quinoa, kale, and chickpeas. Flecked with dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds, the savory pilaf has the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and pops of color.
Get the Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe.
Roasted Potatoes
We suggest parsley, rosemary, and thyme as a classic and simple way to season these potatoes, but really, any herbs or spices are welcome here. Try hot smoked paprika and turmeric for spicy, herbal potatoes or za’atar and cumin for floral, smoky potatoes.
Get the Herb Roasted Potatoes recipe.
Candied Carrots
Any dish that features the word “candied” is bound to be on the sweet side and more than likely something you won’t be eating every day. That said, don’t be shy about the amount of butter and brown sugar that goes into these candied carrots. Decadence is the goal here!
Get the Candied Carrots recipe.
Sweet Potato Casserole
This recipe is for everyone who hates sweet potato casseroles with marshmallows—in this recipe, we replace them with a buttery, brown sugar pecan topping that is still perfectly sweet and dessert-worthy.
Get the Sweet Potato Casserole recipe.
Butternut Squash Casserole
This savory casserole is packed with butternut squash, bacon, and two types of cheese and just enough kale to lend the dish a healthy-ish twist. Equally versatile as a side dish or a main, this vegetable casserole is a hearty, easy, and delicious way to eat your greens.
Get the Butternut Squash Casserole recipe.
Toasted Sesame Oil Mashed Potatoes
Vegan mashed potatoes that are just as creamy and delicious as the real thing? You betcha! Toasted sesame oil adds tons of flavor and creaminess. Green onions and extra sesame seeds round them out for some of the best mashed potatoes we've ever made.
Get the Toasted Sesame Oil Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Candied Yams
For many, candied yams are an indispensable part of the Thanksgiving meal, along with mashed potatoes and homemade cranberry sauce. We agree! Though candied yams might be super-sweet on their own, they're the perfect complement to a plateful of savory dishes.
Get the Candied Yams recipe.
Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Quick: Name one thing better than creamy, buttery, steamy, perfect mashed potatoes! See? You can't! So put down the instant potatoes, grab your favorite spuds, a large pot, a masher, and let's get ready for comfort in a bowl.
Get the Perfect Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Best-Ever Farro Salad
With pecans, Parm, green apples, and leafy arugula, this salad is hearty and holds up well—AKA a make-ahead dream. It's got ALL the elements you need: sweet, salty, soft, crunchy, fatty, fresh, but feel free to make it your own with your preferred mix-ins too.
Get the Farro Salad recipe.
Kabocha Squash
Sure people love apples, pumpkin and butternut squash, but kabocha has a more complex flavor than its gourd cousins. This makes it a perfect match for the caramelized umami-sweet flavor of this maple-soy brown butter. And, despite how fancy it sounds, it's incredibly easy to make, perfect for Thanksgiving.
Get the Kabocha Squash recipe.
Stuffed Acorn Squash
All our favorite fall flavors come together in this surprisingly easy and super-flavorful stuffed acorn squash. The kale adds a heartiness that only a good cruciferous green can provide, and it pairs perfectly with the tender, sweet flesh of the squash. Yum!
Get the Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe.
Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a simple side dish that is also the perfect way to use up an abundance of dying spinach. The creaminess pairs perfectly with meatloaf and will make you (and your vegetarian guests) forget you're eating greens!
Get the Creamed Spinach recipe.
Vegetable Casserole
Even though we love the stewy eggplantand squash interior here, our favorite part might just be the layered potatoes with melty cheese. We used Gruyère, as it's the melty cheese of choice in many French dishes, but feel free to use your favorite cheese to add to this bubbly baked dish.
Get the Vegetable Casserole recipe.
You Might Also Like
