14 Thanksgiving vegetable sides easy

Thanksgiving sides don’t have to be complicated to impress.

These 14 easy vegetable side dishes bring color, freshness, and flavor to your holiday table — without keeping you in the kitchen all day.

From crispy roasted veggies to creamy casseroles, these recipes are perfect for a stress-free Thanksgiving feast.

1. Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Sweet and savory roasted carrots coated in honey and butter add a warm pop of color to your table.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp butter, melted

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss carrots with olive oil, honey, butter, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and caramelized.

2. Garlic Butter Green Beans

Crisp-tender green beans tossed in a simple garlic butter sauce make a quick and delicious side.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil green beans for 4 minutes, then drain and set aside.

2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.

3. Add beans, toss to coat, and cook for 2–3 minutes. Season to taste.

3. Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts get a sweet twist with maple syrup and a hint of crispiness.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Toss sprouts with oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.

3. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring once, until golden and tender.

4. Creamed Spinach

A rich, velvety side that pairs perfectly with turkey and stuffing.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh spinach

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp flour

• 1 cup milk

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

Instructions:

1. Steam spinach, then squeeze out excess water.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute.

3. Slowly add milk, stirring until thickened.

4. Stir in spinach and Parmesan; season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

5. Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Crispy edges and cheesy flavor make this broccoli irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Toss broccoli with oil, Parmesan, and seasonings.

3. Roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp.

6. Brown Butter Corn with Thyme

Sweet corn sautéed in nutty brown butter is simple yet full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

• 3 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp thyme leaves

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a skillet until it turns golden brown.

2. Add corn and thyme; sauté for 5–6 minutes.

3. Season and serve warm.

7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon

Naturally sweet and beautifully caramelized with a warm spice touch.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cubed

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss sweet potatoes with oil, cinnamon, and salt.

3. Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through.

8. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

A lighter twist on mashed potatoes that’s creamy and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets

• 2 cloves garlic

• 2 tbsp butter

• ¼ cup milk

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Boil cauliflower and garlic until tender (about 10 minutes).

2. Drain, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.

9. Lemon Roasted Asparagus

A fresh, zesty side that’s ready in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss asparagus with oil, lemon juice, and seasonings.

3. Roast for 10–12 minutes until tender-crisp.

10. Sautéed Mushrooms with Herbs

Earthy mushrooms in a buttery garlic-herb sauce complement any Thanksgiving dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb mushrooms, sliced

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp mixed herbs (thyme, rosemary)

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a pan and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.

2. Add mushrooms and herbs; cook until golden brown.

3. Season and serve.

11. Balsamic Glazed Roasted Beets

Deeply roasted beets coated in tangy balsamic glaze add vibrant color and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium beets, peeled and cubed

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss beets with oil, salt, and pepper. Roast 30–35 minutes.

3. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.

12. Easy Vegetable Medley

A colorful mix of roasted seasonal veggies adds balance to your feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup carrots, sliced

• 1 cup zucchini, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Toss all vegetables with oil and herbs.

3. Roast 20–25 minutes until tender.

13. Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

Creamy, cheesy, and golden — a perfect make-ahead veggie side.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup milk

• 2 tbsp butter

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Steam cauliflower until soft.

2. Mix with milk, butter, and cheese.

3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly.

14. Roasted Garlic Butter Zucchini

A quick and tasty dish with rich buttery garlic flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchinis, sliced

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a skillet, add garlic, and cook for 30 seconds.

2. Add zucchini slices; sauté for 5–7 minutes until tender.

3. Season and serve warm.

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These easy Thanksgiving vegetable sides prove you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours of prep to make your meal shine.

From roasted favorites to creamy comfort dishes, they’ll complement your turkey beautifully while saving you time for what really matters — enjoying the celebration.