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    Ambitious Foodie » All Recipes

    40 Thanksgiving Vegetable Side Dishes

    Modified: Nov 7, 2026 · Published: Nov 7, 2026 · . Help us out! Review HERE. · Written by: Imene Senouci · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    As Thanksgiving gets closer, I find myself planning the Thanksgiving vegetable side dishes before anything else on the menu. The turkey gets the spotlight, but the vegetables are what I always go back to for seconds.

    Vegetable sides add color, variety and balance to a holiday table full of rich dishes. My Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots fit right in with Thanksgiving flavors, and if you want stuffing, rolls and the rest of the spread too, my Thanksgiving side dishes list has you covered.

    I'm sharing 40 of the best Thanksgiving vegetable side dishes below. They include Sweet Potato Casserole, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries, Garlic Mashed Potatoes and more. Most can be prepped ahead, which helps when the oven is busy. If you love potato sides, my Air Fryer Cheesy Potato Wedges are worth bookmarking, and leftover mash turns into mashed potato cakes the next day. Pick a few and build your holiday spread around them!

    Jump to:
    • Green Beans
    • Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes
    • Squash and Root Vegetables
    • Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli and Cauliflower
    • Cabbage, Greens and Onions
    • Salads

    Green Beans

    Green beans are one of those Thanksgiving classics that work no matter what else is on the table. From a quick garlic skillet to a bubbling casserole, there is something here for every crowd.

    1. Amazing Garlic Green Beans1

      Amazing Garlic Green Beans

      Bold garlic flavor and a quick cook time make these skillet green beans a reliable side that fits right in at Thanksgiving without any fuss.

      11 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Amazing Garlic Green Beans >

      Photo and recipe: An Oregon Cottage

    2. Classic Green Bean Casserole2

      Classic Green Bean Casserole

      The holiday table essential, creamy and comforting with crispy fried onions on top. This tried-and-true recipe is the classic version you will want on the table every year.

      Make this recipe:

      Classic Green Bean Casserole >

      Photo and recipe: Cooking With Carlee

    3. Green Beans Almondine3

      Green Beans Almondine

      A French-inspired side that keeps things simple, these green beans are tossed with garlic and are naturally gluten free, keto, and Whole30 friendly.

      7 reviews / 4.4 average

      Make this recipe:

      Green Beans Almondine >

      Photo and recipe: The Clean Eating Couple

    4. Haricots Verts with Herb Butter4

      Haricots Verts with Herb Butter

      Tender French green beans dressed in herb butter make an elegant addition to the Thanksgiving table, and this recipe is sized for a crowd at eight servings.

      Make this recipe:

      Haricots Verts with Herb Butter >

      Photo and recipe: Love and Olive Oil

    5. Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes5

      Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes

      Balsamic-roasted green beans meet sweet cherry tomatoes and a shower of Parmesan in this easy side that brings both color and big flavor to the holiday spread.

      49 reviews / 4.8 average

      Make this recipe:

      Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes >

      Photo and recipe: Lavender & Macarons

    Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes

    Nothing rounds out a Thanksgiving plate quite like potatoes and sweet potatoes. Creamy, crispy, or fluffy, these dishes bring the ultimate comfort to a holiday spread.

    1. Twice Baked Potato Casserole6

      Twice Baked Potato Casserole

      All the comfort of twice-baked potatoes without the individual prep work. This casserole-style dish is filling and crowd-pleasing with simple ingredients that deliver incredible flavor.

      337 reviews / 4.5 average

      Make this recipe:

      Twice Baked Potato Casserole >

      Photo and recipe: Cooktoria

    2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes7

      Garlic Mashed Potatoes

      Rich with butter and roasted garlic, these silky mashed potatoes are ready to soak up a pool of gravy or be enjoyed straight from the pot.

      75 reviews / 4.1 average

      Make this recipe:

      Garlic Mashed Potatoes >

      Photo and recipe: Grandbaby Cakes

    3. Italian-style Potato Fans with Herb Butter8

      Italian-style Potato Fans with Herb Butter

      Sliced nearly all the way through and fanned out, these Hasselback-style potatoes bake up crispy on the outside and tender in the middle with herb butter in every layer.

      Make this recipe:

      Italian-style Potato Fans with Herb Butter >

      Photo and recipe: Recipes from Italy

    4. Sweet Potato Casserole9

      Sweet Potato Casserole

      A classic holiday recipe that is rich enough to satisfy a crowd and can be made ahead of time to ease the Thanksgiving day rush.

      84 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Sweet Potato Casserole >

      Photo and recipe: Preppy Kitchen

    5. Mashed Sweet Potatoes10

      Mashed Sweet Potatoes

      Simple and savory, these mashed sweet potatoes are seasoned with cream and butter for a smooth, satisfying side that comes together with very little effort.

      90 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Mashed Sweet Potatoes >

      Photo and recipe: Spend With Pennies

    6. Sweet Potato and Kale Gratin11

      Sweet Potato and Kale Gratin

      Sweet potato and kale layered into a rich, creamy gratin makes a stunning and hearty side dish that works beautifully for Thanksgiving or any special occasion.

      10 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Sweet Potato and Kale Gratin >

      Photo and recipe: Delicious Meets Healthy

    7. Sweet Potato Soufflé12

      Sweet Potato Soufflé

      Light and fluffy with a cinnamon crumb topping, this Southern-style sweet potato souffle is lightly sweet and always a hit at the holiday table and potlucks alike.

      7 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Sweet Potato Soufflé >

      Photo and recipe: The Southern Spoonful

    8. Sweet Potato Wedges13

      Sweet Potato Wedges

      Crispy roasted wedges seasoned with garlic, chili powder, and Italian seasoning, these sweet potato wedges bring a little kick and a lot of color to the plate.

      11 reviews / 4.4 average

      Make this recipe:

      Sweet Potato Wedges >

      Photo and recipe: Diethood

    Squash and Root Vegetables

    Fall squash and root vegetables add color and natural sweetness to the Thanksgiving table. Roasted, glazed, or pureed, they feel truly seasonal and pair beautifully with turkey.

    1. Roasted Butternut Squash14

      Roasted Butternut Squash

      Simple, savory, and deeply satisfying, roasted butternut squash is one of those easy fall sides that belongs on the Thanksgiving table every single year.

      444 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Roasted Butternut Squash >

      Photo and recipe: Creme De La Crumb

    2. Butternut Squash Gratin15

      Butternut Squash Gratin

      Think scalloped potatoes, but made with winter squash and layered with onions, garlic, cream, cheese, and bread crumbs. It is an elegant Thanksgiving side that works just as well on a weeknight.

      21 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Butternut Squash Gratin >

      Photo and recipe: Leite's Culinaria

    3. Parmesan Roasted Delicata Squash with Sage16

      Parmesan Roasted Delicata Squash with Sage

      Delicata squash roasted with a crispy panko and Parmesan coating, seasoned with sage and garlic, makes a beautiful and flavor-packed fall side.

      5 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Parmesan Roasted Delicata Squash with Sage >

      Photo and recipe: The Little Ferraro Kitchen

    4. Honey Glazed Carrots17

      Honey Glazed Carrots

      Made on the stovetop with a buttery honey glaze, these tender carrots come together quickly and add a touch of natural sweetness to the holiday spread.

      Make this recipe:

      Honey Glazed Carrots >

      Photo and recipe: Skinnytaste

    5. Garlic Herb Roasted Carrots18

      Garlic Herb Roasted Carrots

      Perfectly seasoned and roasted until tender, these garlic herb carrots bring a pop of color and bold flavor to the dinner table with very little effort.

      76 reviews / 4.6 average

      Make this recipe:

      Garlic Herb Roasted Carrots >

      Photo and recipe: Jo Cooks

    6. Easy Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips19

      Easy Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

      Sweet and caramelized with a simple honey glaze, roasted carrots and parsnips are an easy oven side that elevates any holiday meal with minimal prep.

      Make this recipe:

      Easy Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips >

      Photo and recipe: Stephanie McKercher RDN, The Grateful Grazer

    7. Honey Roasted Parsnips20

      Honey Roasted Parsnips

      Sweet, savory, and wonderfully caramelized after about 40 minutes in the oven, honey roasted parsnips are a simple and healthy holiday side worth trying.

      Make this recipe:

      Honey Roasted Parsnips >

      Photo and recipe: The Almond Eater

    8. Maple Glazed Roasted Beets21

      Maple Glazed Roasted Beets

      Tender roasted beets coated in an orange and maple glaze make a beautiful, naturally sweet side dish that stands out on any holiday table.

      8 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Maple Glazed Roasted Beets >

      Photo and recipe: Belly Full

    9. Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter22

      Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter

      A lower-carb twist on mashed potatoes, this creamy rutabaga mash is finished with garlic herb butter and brings all the comfort food vibes without the starch.

      75 reviews / 4.9 average

      Make this recipe:

      Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter >

      Photo and recipe: Running to the Kitchen

    10. Celery Root Puree23

      Celery Root Puree

      Velvety, subtly sweet, and nutty, this creamy celery root puree is a lower-carb alternative to mashed potatoes that feels elegant enough for a Thanksgiving spread.

      22 reviews / 4.5 average

      Make this recipe:

      Celery Root Puree >

      Photo and recipe: From A Chef's Kitchen

    11. Roasted Radishes24

      Roasted Radishes

      Roasting transforms radishes into something wonderfully mellow and crisp-tender, a surprising vegetable side that adds variety and color to the Thanksgiving spread.

      9 reviews / 4.6 average

      Make this recipe:

      Roasted Radishes >

      Photo and recipe: Love and Lemons

    Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli and Cauliflower

    Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower bring a satisfying heartiness to the holiday table and are a great way to get extra vegetables onto every plate. Roasted or baked, they hold their own alongside the main dish.

    1. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts25

      Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

      Roasted until golden with garlic and Parmesan, these Brussels sprouts are flavorful enough to convert even the most skeptical veggie eaters at the table.

      Make this recipe:

      Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts >

      Photo and recipe: Six Sisters' Stuff

    2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries26

      Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries

      Sweet and tart cranberries pair beautifully with roasted Brussels sprouts in this colorful side that looks just as good as it tastes on a holiday table.

      10 reviews / 4.6 average

      Make this recipe:

      Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries >

      Photo and recipe: Freutcake

    3. Brussels Sprouts Gratin27

      Brussels Sprouts Gratin

      Roasted until crisp then finished with a light Gruyere and Parmesan cheese sauce, this Brussels sprouts gratin feels indulgent without being too heavy.

      36 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Brussels Sprouts Gratin >

      Photo and recipe: Skinnytaste

    4. Broccoli Casserole28

      Broccoli Casserole

      Fresh or frozen broccoli florets baked in a creamy sauce with cheese crackers on top, this easy casserole is a comforting crowd-pleaser for the holiday table.

      2,701 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Broccoli Casserole >

      Photo and recipe: Tastes Better From Scratch

    5. Roasted Parmesan Broccoli with Lemon29

      Roasted Parmesan Broccoli with Lemon

      A bright squeeze of lemon and a generous handful of Parmesan take roasted broccoli to the next level in this easy, healthy side dish.

      95 reviews / 4.6 average

      Make this recipe:

      Roasted Parmesan Broccoli with Lemon >

      Photo and recipe: The Cookie Rookie

    6. Tumeric Roasted Cauliflower30

      Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower

      Golden and fragrant with turmeric, this roasted cauliflower is an easy, healthy side that pairs well with almost anything on the Thanksgiving spread.

      55 reviews / 4.6 average

      Make this recipe:

      Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower >

      Photo and recipe: Two Peas & Their Pod

    7. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower31

      Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

      Creamy and cozy like classic mashed potatoes but lighter, this garlic cauliflower mash is keto and vegan friendly and perfect for a holiday table with varied dietary needs.

      Make this recipe:

      Garlic Mashed Cauliflower >

      Photo and recipe: Yummy Mummy Kitchen

    Cabbage, Greens and Onions

    Cabbage and braised greens might be underrated on the Thanksgiving menu, but they add depth and warmth to the spread. These slow-cooked and roasted options are worth every minute.

    1. Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Onion Dijon Sauce32

      Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Onion Dijon Sauce

      Cabbage wedges roasted until crispy, then topped with a savory caramelized onion and Dijon mustard sauce. It is a surprisingly elegant way to serve this humble vegetable.

      Make this recipe:

      Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Onion Dijon Sauce >

      Photo and recipe: Eat Healthy Fast

    2. Braised Red Cabbage33

      Braised Red Cabbage

      Tart, salty, and lightly sweet thanks to sliced apples, this braised red cabbage is a warming, slow-cooked side that adds both color and depth to the holiday spread.

      6 reviews / 4.7 average

      Make this recipe:

      Braised Red Cabbage >

      Photo and recipe: The Full Helping

    3. Braised Cavolo Nero34

      Braised Cavolo Nero

      Tender cavolo nero braised with olive oil and garlic is a simple, earthy Italian-style side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or poultry.

      Make this recipe:

      Braised Cavolo Nero >

      Photo and recipe: Sue's Recipes and Other Stories

    4. Creamed Pearl Onions35

      Creamed Pearl Onions

      Classic and luscious, tender pearl onions bathed in a rich cream sauce are a beloved Thanksgiving tradition that adds a touch of elegance to the holiday plate.

      Make this recipe:

      Creamed Pearl Onions >

      Photo and recipe: Vegetable Recipes

    Salads

    A crisp, fresh salad is the perfect contrast to all the rich, warm dishes on the Thanksgiving table. These recipes brighten up the meal and can often be prepped ahead.

    1. Kale Salad with Warm Cranberry Almond Vinaigrette36

      Kale Salad with Warm Cranberry Almond Vinaigrette

      Hearty kale topped with a warm cranberry almond vinaigrette is a healthy, festive salad that holds up well on a busy Thanksgiving buffet table.

      73 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Kale Salad with Warm Cranberry Almond Vinaigrette >

      Photo and recipe: Gimme Some Oven

    2. Celery Salad with Capers, Fresh Herbs, and Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette37

      Celery Salad with Capers, Fresh Herbs, and Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette

      Crunchy and full of flavor, this celery salad with capers and a lemon Parmesan vinaigrette takes just 15 minutes to make and rounds out a holiday buffet beautifully.

      31 reviews / 4.9 average

      Make this recipe:

      Celery Salad with Capers, Fresh Herbs, and Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette >

      Photo and recipe: The Mom 100

    3. Carrot Feta Salad38

      Carrot Feta Salad

      Fresh mint, roasted pistachios, lemon juice, and feta cheese come together over carrots for a light, crunchy salad that adds a bright, refreshing note to the Thanksgiving spread.

      Make this recipe:

      Carrot Feta Salad >

      Photo and recipe: Skinny Southern Recipes

    4. Brussels Sprouts Salad39

      Brussels Sprouts Salad

      Thinly sliced Brussels sprouts and kale tossed with dried cranberries, Parmesan, almonds, and a honey mustard dressing make a crisp, make-ahead salad that holds well on the buffet.

      9 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Brussels Sprouts Salad >

      Photo and recipe: Chew Out Loud

    5. Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad with Goat Cheese40

      Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad with Goat Cheese

      Apples, dried cranberries, goat cheese, and maple spice roasted walnuts on a bed of greens make a beautiful, flavorful salad that feels festive and comes together in under 30 minutes.

      Make this recipe:

      Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad with Goat Cheese >

      Photo and recipe: Daisybeet

    I hope this list makes it a little easier to put together a Thanksgiving vegetable spread that everyone at the table will love.

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    Welcome I'm Imene, author of the Ambitious Foodie.

    My name is Imene, and i am the author, recipe developer, and photographer behind Ambitious Foodie. Welcome to my virtual kitchen! If you're wondering what's for dinner, you've come to the right place.

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    Hi, This is Imene! I'm the author, recipe developer, and photographer behind Ambitious Foodie. Welcome to my virtual kitchen! If you're wondering what's for dinner, you've come to the right place.

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