65 Unique Vegetable Side Dishes for Thanksgiving
The best vegetable side dishes for Thanksgiving! These easy Thanksgiving veggie sides include make ahead crockpot recipes, fresh salads, hearty casseroles and green vegetable recipes.
When it comes to Thanksgiving, it’s all about the sides!
Sure the turkey is good, but the assortment of side dishes is what really makes the meal.
You know there’ll probably be mashed potato and stuffing …
… but it’s fun to make some unique veggie dishes to go with it too.
I put together a list of creative vegetable side dishes, so you have tons of new ideas to consider.
These delicious holiday veggie sides include:
- Make ahead crockpot recipes
- Fresh salads with autumn flavors
- Comfort food casseroles
- Healthy green vegetables
- Versatile dishes with your favorite veggies
There’s definitely something for everyone and every type of Thanksgiving gathering – from casual to more gourmet.
Let’s check ‘em out!
(🍂 Psst: Looking for more festive entertaining ideas? Check out these Thanksgiving charcuterie board ideas, easy bite-size finger food appetizers, delicious cute and fun Thanksgiving treats, and make-ahead holiday snacks and starters.)
Veggie Side Dishes for Thanksgiving
Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
Indulge in the sweet and savory goodness of Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips!
These tender root vegetables are oven baked to perfection with a delicious honey glaze.
The bright colors and flavros are the perfect addition to your holiday dinner.
Autumn Farro Salad
Freshen up your fall table with this gorgeous Autumn Farro Salad! Chewy farro is tossed in an autumnal medley of honeynut squash, red onions, kale, crisp apples and more.
The sweet and tangy apple cider vinaigrette ties it all together beautifully.
Crockpot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Crockpot Mashed Sweet Potatoes with brown sugar and bacon is a simple side dish that’s a great alternative to a traditional sweet potato casserole.
It doesn't take up that valuable oven space, and you can even top it with mini marshmallows if you're so inclined.
Easy Roasted Root Vegetables
Enjoy the natural sweetness of Oven Roasted Root Vegetables with this easy, healthy side dish that's totally addicting!
Colorful carrots, parsnips, and beets roast until tender and browned, delivering a burst of rich, earthy flavor that's sure to please.
Southern Corn Pudding Casserole
Nothing says cozy like a sweet, creamy casserole side dish! Corn Pudding Casserole is a delicious combination of savory and sweet.
It can even be made a day ahead of time, then baked before serving.
Fall Harvest Salad
Fall Harvest Salad is made with fresh apples, candied walnuts, dried cranberries, feta or blue cheese, crispy bacon all tossed with arugula or spring mix in a homemade apple cider vinegar dressing.
It’s basically autumn in a bowl!
Southern Squash Casserole
Southern Squash Casserole is a classic comforting side dish made with yellow squash, onions, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and a buttery cracker topping.
This old-fashioned recipe a go-to dish for holiday dinners and potlucks.
Slow Cooker Herbed Baby Potatoes
Slow Cooker Herbed Baby Potatoes is a must-have recipe in your side dish arsenal!
Made with olive oil, baby potatoes, butter, and dried herbs, this hands-off potato recipe couldn’t be easier to make, thanks to the slow cooker.
Skillet Green Bean Casserole
Ditch the classic canned soup recipe for this Skillet Green Bean Casserole, with a creamy homemade mushroom base.
Tender yet crisp green beans are baked together with a savory creamy sauce, and topped with those iconic fried onions for a classic vegetable side.
The best part is you only need one pan!
Mashed Acorn Squash
Move over mashed potatoes, because roasted and Mashed Acorn Squash is super easy to make, creamy and delicious.
With just 7 ingredients and 5 minutes to prep, this vibrant and colorful, healthy side dish will quickly become a favorite.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is a creamy and satisfying combination of squash, cheese and pasta.
The butternut squash cheese sauce is silky and creamy and includes seasonings that are light and just a bit nutty.
Baked Sweet Potato Fritters
Bite-size Sweet Potato fritters are a delicious and healthy side for kids and adults alike.
Shredded sweet potatoes are mixed with warm spices and baked in the oven for the perfect soft, yet crispy bite.
Garlic and Rosemary Potatoes
Garlic and Rosemary Potatoes So easy to make with simple ingredients, these crispy roasted potatoes with rosemary and garlic are tender and fluffy on the inside.
They go perfectly with all of your favorite holiday main courses.
Sauteed Green Beans with Bacon and Onion
Sauteed Green Beans with Bacon and Onion are an amazing savory side dish.
The green beans are cooked to tender perfection and covered in delicious bacon and onion flavor.
Mixed Green Salad with Apples and Walnuts
Refreshing Mixed Green Salad with Apples, Walnuts and Stilton Cheese is quick and easy to prepare, with just 3 ingredients.
The apples provide color, sweetness, and crunch that pairs perfectly with the earthy toasted walnuts and hearty mixed greens.
What really sets this salad apart is the delightful, tangy Walnut Vinaigrette dressing.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Broccoli Cheese Casserole is filled with tender broccoli and bread cubes baked in cheddar cheese sauce with mayo, horseradish, and two cheddar cheeses.
It can even be assembled a day ahead for easier preparation, and is always a crowd-pleaser.
Creamed Corn
Creamed Corn has a slightly sweet and savory flavor. The rich texture of the corn kernels blends perfectly with the creamy base.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can have it on the table in no time.
Roasted Butternut Squash With Bacon And Sage
Take seasonal produce to the next level with this Roasted Butternut Squash with Bacon and Sage.
The sweetness of the butternut squash perfectly balances the earthy sage and salty bacon. Easy and budget-friendly!
Parmesan Green Beans Fries
Easy Parmesan Green Bean Fries are a delicious and easy side dish to add to basically any meal.
Not to mention a great way to get picky eaters to eat their veggies!
Red Skin Mashed Potatoes
Redskin Mashed Potatoes are such an incredibly delicious variation of the classic recipe.
Loaded with butter, garlic, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, this amazing side dish pairs perfectly with almost anything. The best part is that there’s no need to peel potatoes!
Fall Pasta Salad
Who says pasta salad is just a summertime thing? This Fall Pasta Salad is brimming with all the best flavors of autumn.
Roasted veggies, crisp apples, sweet dried cranberries, and so much more.
Cheesy Asparagus Bake
Even non-asparagus fans will LOVE this recipe for no fail, Roasted Asparagus Cheese Bake.
It’s a snap to make, with 5 minutes or prep and 20 minutes in the oven - perfect cheesy asparagus every time!
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Classic Candied Sweet Potatoes is a simple recipe that bakes right in the oven - no need to boil the sweet potatoes first.
They bake up nice and tender, and the sweet, buttery glaze is delicious!
Mushroom Salad with Lemon Maple Vinaigrette
If you're a mushroom lover looking for a versatile dish, this Mushroom Salad with lemon maple vinaigrette is a fantastic choice.
Serve it warm, at room temperature, or even chilled on a warmer day.
Creamy Truffle Mashed Potatoes
Truffle Mashed Potatoes are more than just a side dish - they make a statement!
With their rich, earthy flavor and creamy texture, these potatoes elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Whether you're hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a luxurious weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.
Smashed Broccoli With Parmesan
Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan has just 3 ingredients and couldn’t be easier.
This versatile dish that takes bland broccoli florets and transforms them into a flavorful and visually appealing side.
Spaghetti Squash Gratin with Parmesan
Spaghetti squash gratin is a creamy, cheesy, and relatively healthy vegetable side dish.
It’s a great way to hide veggies in a way that your family will actually eat them!
Rosemary & Cinnamon Balsamic Glazed Beets
Boasting an earthy and herbaceous flavor with a touch of warmth, Rosemary and Cinnamon Balsamic Glazed Beets are a delectable fall or winter side that's sure to impress.
Not only are they perfect for spicing up everyday dinners, but also make a festive addition to holiday meals.
Whipped Sweet Potatoes
Whipped Sweet Potatoes are absolutely delish!
The sweet potatoes are whipped to perfection and are the ideal Fall side dish and a must have at the Thanksgiving dinner table.
Best of all, they only have 5 ingredients.
Shaved Brussels Spouts Salad
Brussels Sprouts Salad with parmesan, cranberries, almonds, bacon, and a citrus vinaigrette is a tasty way to enjoy fresh veggies in the fall and winter.
It’s easy to make, and even picky eaters love Brussels sprouts when they’re prepared this way.
Butternut Squash Risotto
Butternut Squash Risotto is made with spiced, roasted squash and slow-cooked Arborio rice.
It’s hearty, comforting, and looks pretty on your table.
Sweet Potato Cubes with Cinnamon
Crispy and tender air fryer Sweet Potato Chunks are brown sugar and cinnamon-spiced sweet potato cubes that are so easy to make.
Perfect for a holiday side dish or a simple weeknight dinner, this quick and easy side is vegan and gluten free, so it works for everyone.
Stuffed Acorn Squash With Mushroom And Pancetta
The earthy flavor of this Acorn Squash Stuffed with Mushrooms and Pancetta is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner or any fall dinner.
The nutty flavor and the autumnal warm spices burst with savory goodness and earthy tones.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Cute mini cabbages transform into a surprisingly crispy, make-you-come-back-for-more veggie side dish.
Tossed in a simple coating then baked to perfection, Crispy Brussels Sprouts might just change your mind about this humble vegetable.
Crispy Za’atar Roasted Potatoes
Seasoned with garlic and Middle Eastern za’atar, Crispy Za’atar Roasted Potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside.
They have the perfect texture and just the right amount of spice.
Butternut Squash Couscous Salad
Butternut Squash Couscous Salad is a healthy and flavorful dish that features tender roasted butternut squash, nutty pearl couscous, and tangy dried cranberries.
It’s simple to make in just 30 minutes for the perfect side dish for holidays or weeknights.
Maple Bacon Carrots
Get ready for the compliments when you serve these pan-roasted Maple Bacon Carrots with a sticky maple syrup glaze.
The carrots are tender and sweet, and you’ll love the way the savory, crispy bacon flavor pairs with the taste of real maple syrup.
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
Easy make-ahead Cheesy Green Bean Casserole with Bacon is loaded with flavor.
Sauté slender, fresh green beans, then coat them in a white-wine cream sauce with mushrooms, shallot, garlic, thyme, and gooey cheddar cheese.
For the salty crunch, top the dish with French fried onions, crispy bacon, and grated Parmesan.
Maple Roasted Spaghetti Squash
Maple Roasted Spaghetti Squash is a sweet and savory side dish that's easy to bake in the oven (or air fryer) and requires very little prep work.
With pure maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, and a little salt & pepper, it’s fantastic for the whole family.
Orange Miso Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Orange Miso Glazed Brussels Sprouts are a quick and easy side dish, roasted to perfection and coated in a delicious sweet and savory glaze.
Fancy enough for the holidays or entertaining but easy enough for everyday, this dish might just become your new favorite way to enjoy Brussels sprouts!
Cheesy Crockpot Cauliflower Casserole
If you’re a fan of warm, cheesy, and utterly satisfying dishes then you’re going to love this cheesy crockpot cauliflower casserole!
Whether you are a cauliflower lover or just want a fun way to eat more veggies, this delightful twist for a cauliflower side dish will be a hit.
Italian Style Green Beans and Potatoes
Green Beans and Potatoes are so simple to prepare in just 30 minutes and packed with Italian flavors.
Dressed with olive oil, vinegar, lemon, mashed garlic and lots of chopped parsley, they’re both flavorful and easy.
Roasted Carrot Salad
Sweet and sour Roasted Carrot Salad transforms the humble carrot into a special dish.
The sliced carrots are roasted in the oven until tender and slightly caramelized, then tossed in a simple sweet and sour dressing.
Topped with toasted slivered almonds for crunch and sliced mint for freshness.
Stuffed Mushrooms with Crab
Transform ordinary mushrooms into delicious Stuffed Mushrooms with crabmeat, cream cheese, basil, parsley, shallot, and garlic.
The topping is buttery, with golden brown toasted panko breadcrumbs and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet and creamy Sweet Potato Casserole topped with toasted marshmallows is a classic fall and holiday side dish for good reson.
It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
Fall Farro Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Apples
Fall Farro Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Apples is a tasty, healthy grain bowl that brings the essence of fall to your table.
Served warm or cold, every bite promises the comforting taste of roasted squash, the rustic wholesomeness of chewy farro, and the sweetness of fresh apples and dried cranberries.
Maple Butter Vegetables with Pears
Maple Butter Roasted Vegetables with Pears is a fun twist on traditional roasted veggies.
Featuring a mix of carrots, Brussel sprouts, red onion, Delicata squash and juicy pears, this dish is brushed with a buttery, maple-y, sweet, tart glaze and roasted to perfection.
Fried Cabbage
Fried Cabbage is a quick and comforting side dish made with simple ingredients.
Plus a secret ingredient that makes this southern fried cabbage not so southern!
Sautéed Delicata Squash
Sautéed Delicata Squash makes the most delicious side dish in the Fall and Winter months and it's fantastic to serve at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.
It only takes 5 minutes to prep and is pan fried in minutes. It’s tossed into a buttery sage sauce with a bit of brown sugar for the best finish.
Cheesy Vegetable Casserole
Cheesy Vegetable Bake is a delicious vegetable medley that takes mere minutes to throw together.
It’s a foolproof dish prepared with frozen mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, butter, cheese, and crispy bread crumbs.
Roasted Beetroot and Pumpkin Salad
The flavors in this Roasted Beetroot and Pumpkin Salad complement each other so well! Beets and Pumpkin are spiced with warm, smoky spices and then roasted.
The flavorful chunks are placed atop mixed greens, then topped with goat cheese, chopped pecans, and a handful of sliced clementines for a sweet and tangy bite.
Oven Roasted Parmesan Garlic Crusted Potatoes
Need an easy potato side dish that preps fast and doesn't take an hour to cook?
These savory parmesan crusted potatoes are seasoned with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and oil.
They complement most dishes and just as importantly, use ingredients you probably have on hand.
Tender inside with a crispy golden brown outside and great flavor, they're sure to be a hit with the potato lovers in your house.
Brussels Sprout Casserole
Transform ordinary brussels sprouts into a flavorful comfort food with this Brussels Sprouts casserole.
The humble mini cabbages get a glow-up and turn into a dish the whole family will eat.
Pomegranate Quinoa Salad
Fresh and fruity Quinoa Salad is made with simple ingredients like apples, pears, pomegranate seeds, kale and more.
It’s all held together by a lovely bright and tangy clementine vinaigrette that compliments everything beautifully.
Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Casserole
Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Casserole combines the nutty flavor of butternut squash with the sweet flavor of sweet potatoes, creating a dish that's both warming and delicious.
The pumpkin seeds and cranberries add extra flavor and crunch, and even more nutrition.
Roasted Broccolini with Garlic
Roasted Broccolini with Garlic offers a quick and delicious easy side dish that's bound to elevate your meals.
With smaller florets and long, thin stalks, this tender and flavorful vegetable is a versatile addition to your dinner table.
Sweet Potato Souffle
Sweet Potato Souffle is velvety smooth, creamy, and topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan crust.
You’ll definitely elevate your meal with this lovely side.
Middle Eastern Roasted Carrots
Middle Eastern Whole Roasted Carrots are dressed in a mixture of cilantro, harissa and preserved lemons, and topped with goat cheese, olives, pepita and sunflower seeds and cranberries.
If you want a new, unique way to serve carrots, this is it!
Kale and Green Bean Salad with Almond and Cranberry
Kale and Green Bean Salad with Almond and Cranberry is full of flavors and textures.
Almonds will bring nuttiness and crunchiness while the mild sweet and sour taste of dried cranberries will counterbalance the strong taste of the kale.
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
With crunchy pecans and a little bit of sweet brown sugar, Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes will be your new favorite side dish.
Whether you’re making a casual weeknight dinner or planning your holiday meals, you’ll want these delicious potatoes on the table.
Balsamic Green Beans
Tangy, sweet balsamic, combined with the earthy flavors of walnuts combine with sautéed green beans to make a delicious, healthy side dish that is super easy to make!
Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash
Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash is a simple yet delicious side dish to serve with any meal.
The naturally nutty flavor profile tastes amazing when roasted in cinnamon-brown sugar bliss. Plus, they’re a powerhouse of nutrition in every golden bite.
Roasted Sweet Potato Beet Salad with Feta
Sweet Potato Beet Salad is full of holiday color, flavor, and texture.
Feta cheese, crunchy walnuts, and caramelized onions take it to the next level, and the honey balsamic dressing brings it all together.
Neapolitan Zucchini
Zucchini alla Scapece is a classic Italian recipe in which roasted zucchini is marinated in tangy vinegar, fresh mint and garlic.
With only five main ingredients, the recipe is so simple, yet very robust and aromatic.
Roasted Radishes
Delicious Roasted Radishes are a great alternative to roasted potatoes - it has a similar texture of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
If you have never tried roasting radishes, you must try this recipe! No other method brings out the sweetness of radishes like this.
Ready to try some new Thanksgiving vegetable side dishes?
I hope this list of unique veggie side dishes for Thanksgiving has given you tons of inspiration for new recipes to try.
From healthy salads and green vegetables, to comfort food casseroles and make ahead crockpot dishes, you can really fill out your holiday menu with these ideas!
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