14 Thanksgiving vegetable sides recipes

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to celebrate the harvest with colorful, hearty vegetable sides that bring freshness and balance to the holiday table.

From roasted favorites to creamy casseroles, these 14 Thanksgiving vegetable sides recipes will wow your guests and complement your turkey perfectly.

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze

Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts get a sweet upgrade with maple syrup and a hint of Dijon mustard.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Roast 20–25 minutes until golden.

4. Whisk maple syrup and mustard; drizzle over before serving.

2. Honey Glazed Carrots

These tender carrots shimmer with a buttery honey glaze that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb baby carrots

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp honey

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Boil carrots for 5 minutes, then drain.

2. In a skillet, melt butter and stir in honey.

3. Add carrots and cook until glazed and tender.

3. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

A light, creamy alternative to mashed potatoes with loads of garlicky goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic

• 2 tbsp butter

• ¼ cup milk

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Steam cauliflower and garlic until soft.

2. Blend with butter and milk until smooth.

3. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

4. Green Bean Almondine

Crisp-tender green beans with buttery almonds and lemon make a simple yet elegant side.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 2 tbsp butter

• ¼ cup sliced almonds

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Blanch green beans 3–4 minutes, then drain.

2. Toast almonds in butter until golden.

3. Toss beans with butter, almonds, and lemon juice.

5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pecans

Sweet potatoes roasted with brown sugar and crunchy pecans add a nutty twist to the meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 sweet potatoes, cubed

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• ¼ cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Toss sweet potatoes with oil and brown sugar.

2. Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes.

3. Sprinkle pecans on top and roast 5 minutes more.

6. Creamed Spinach

Rich, velvety spinach made with butter, garlic, and cream — a comforting holiday classic.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 10 oz spinach

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Sauté garlic in butter, then add spinach.

2. Stir in cream and Parmesan.

3. Simmer until thick and creamy.

7. Roasted Butternut Squash with Sage

Sweet roasted squash with fragrant sage and a touch of maple syrup feels like autumn in a bite.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cubed butternut squash

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tsp chopped sage

Instructions:

1. Toss squash with oil, syrup, and sage.

2. Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes until tender.

8. Garlic Parmesan Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli with a golden parmesan crust that adds crunch and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan

• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Toss broccoli with oil, garlic, and Parmesan.

2. Roast at 400°F for 15 minutes until crisp.

9. Maple Roasted Carrots with Thyme

These carrots are caramelized with maple syrup and earthy thyme for a savory-sweet side.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, sliced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• ½ tsp thyme

Instructions:

1. Toss carrots with oil, syrup, and thyme.

2. Roast at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.

10. Skillet Corn with Butter and Herbs

Fresh corn sautéed with butter and herbs — simple, buttery, and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups corn kernels

• 2 tbsp butter

• ½ tsp parsley

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a skillet.

2. Add corn and sauté 5–7 minutes.

3. Season with herbs, salt, and pepper.

11. Balsamic Glazed Mushrooms

Tender mushrooms with a tangy balsamic reduction add depth to your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients:

• 10 oz mushrooms, sliced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tsp soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Sauté mushrooms in olive oil until golden.

2. Add balsamic vinegar and soy sauce.

3. Simmer until liquid reduces.

12. Roasted Mixed Vegetables

A medley of colorful veggies roasted to perfection for a healthy, eye-catching side.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss veggies with oil and seasoning.

2. Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes.

Read more: 14 Thanksgiving vegetable sides green

13. Cauliflower Gratin

A creamy, cheesy bake with cauliflower and a crispy golden crust.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, chopped

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp flour

• 1 cup milk

• ½ cup shredded cheddar

Instructions:

1. Steam cauliflower until tender.

2. Make a roux with butter, flour, and milk.

3. Stir in cheese, then combine with cauliflower.

4. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

14. Maple Roasted Acorn Squash

Beautiful acorn squash halves caramelized with maple syrup and butter — simple yet elegant.

Ingredients:

• 1 acorn squash, sliced into wedges

• 1 tbsp butter, melted

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Brush squash with butter and syrup.

2. Roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes until golden.