14 Thanksgiving vegetable sides broccoli

Broccoli might not always be the star of the show, but on Thanksgiving, it can shine in so many flavorful ways.

Whether roasted, baked, sautéed, or turned into creamy casseroles, these 14 broccoli side dishes are perfect for your holiday table.

Each recipe brings a touch of green freshness, rich seasoning, and cozy comfort — all simple enough for any cook to make.

1. Roasted Garlic Broccoli

Perfectly crisp and golden with a hint of roasted garlic, this dish is a flavorful and healthy Thanksgiving side.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Toss broccoli with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.

  3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until crispy on the edges.

2. Cheesy Vegan Broccoli Bake

This dairy-free broccoli bake is creamy, rich, and topped with golden breadcrumbs for the perfect comforting side.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups broccoli florets

  • 1 cup cashews, soaked

  • 1 cup unsweetened oat milk

  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

  1. Blend cashews, milk, yeast, and lemon juice until smooth.

  2. Steam broccoli, then mix with the sauce and place in a baking dish.

  3. Top with breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

3. Broccoli and Almond Stir-Fry

Crisp-tender broccoli tossed with toasted almonds and soy sauce creates a light yet festive side dish.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups broccoli florets

  • ¼ cup sliced almonds

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

  • 1 tsp grated ginger

Instructions:

  1. Toast almonds in a pan until golden.

  2. Add oil, ginger, and broccoli; sauté for 5 minutes.

  3. Pour in soy sauce and cook for 2 more minutes.

4. Broccoli Cranberry Salad

A crunchy, colorful salad with broccoli, cranberries, and sunflower seeds for a refreshing Thanksgiving touch.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups chopped broccoli

  • ¼ cup dried cranberries

  • 2 tbsp sunflower seeds

  • 2 tbsp vegan mayo

  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

  2. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

5. Roasted Broccoli with Lemon and Chili Flakes

Bright lemon and a touch of heat make this roasted broccoli dish unforgettable.

Ingredients:

  • 1 head broccoli, florets cut

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp chili flakes

  • 1 tsp lemon zest

Instructions:

  1. Toss broccoli with oil, chili flakes, and lemon zest.

  2. Roast at 400°F for 20 minutes until crisp and slightly charred.

6. Vegan Broccoli Rice Casserole

A hearty, cheesy-tasting casserole made with broccoli, rice, and a creamy vegan sauce.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups cooked rice

  • 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed

  • 1 cup vegan cheese

  • 1 cup oat milk

  • 2 tbsp flour

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil, whisk in flour, and add oat milk to make a creamy sauce.

  2. Stir in cheese until melted, then add broccoli and rice.

  3. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.

7. Broccoli with Toasted Garlic and Lemon Juice

A simple side that’s light and aromatic, perfect for pairing with heavier Thanksgiving dishes.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups broccoli florets

  • 3 cloves garlic, sliced

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Sauté garlic in olive oil until golden.

  2. Add broccoli and toss for 5 minutes.

  3. Drizzle with lemon juice and serve warm.

8. Broccoli and Sweet Potato Medley

A colorful, roasted mix that brings together earthy sweet potatoes and vibrant green broccoli.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups broccoli florets

  • 2 cups sweet potatoes, cubed

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Toss vegetables with oil, paprika, and seasoning.

  2. Roast at 400°F for 30 minutes, stirring halfway.

9. Broccoli Tahini Salad

A creamy, nutty salad with a tangy tahini dressing that complements Thanksgiving mains beautifully.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups broccoli florets

  • 2 tbsp tahini

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Steam broccoli until tender.

  2. Whisk dressing ingredients together.

  3. Toss broccoli in dressing and chill before serving.

10. Broccoli and Mushroom Sauté

Earthy mushrooms and bright broccoli come together in a savory, quick stovetop side.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups broccoli florets

  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil and sauté garlic and mushrooms.

  2. Add broccoli and soy sauce; cook for 5–6 minutes.

11. Broccoli Gratin (Vegan Style)

Creamy and baked with a crispy topping, this vegan broccoli gratin is elegant and satisfying.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups broccoli

  • 1 cup oat milk

  • 2 tbsp flour

  • 1 tbsp vegan butter

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

  1. Whisk flour and butter in a saucepan, add milk to make a sauce.

  2. Mix with broccoli, pour into a baking dish, and top with breadcrumbs.

  3. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

12. Broccoli and Quinoa Pilaf

Nutritious and filling, this broccoli quinoa pilaf adds color and texture to your holiday menu.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa, cooked

  • 2 cups steamed broccoli

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.

  2. Fluff and serve warm or chilled.

13. Broccoli Pecan Salad

A crunchy combination of broccoli, pecans, and a light vegan dressing adds festive flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups chopped broccoli

  • ¼ cup chopped pecans

  • 2 tbsp vegan mayo

  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tsp maple syrup

Instructions:

  1. Mix dressing ingredients in a bowl.

  2. Toss with broccoli and pecans.

  3. Chill before serving.

14. Broccoli Lemon Pasta Side

Tender pasta with sautéed broccoli, lemon zest, and olive oil — light yet flavorful for any Thanksgiving plate.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked pasta

  • 1½ cups broccoli florets

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp lemon zest

  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Sauté broccoli in olive oil until tender.

  2. Add cooked pasta, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

  3. Toss and serve warm.


These 14 broccoli Thanksgiving side dishes show how versatile and flavorful this humble veggie can be.

From creamy bakes and fresh salads to roasted favorites, there’s a dish here for every taste.

Add a pop of green to your holiday feast — your guests will thank you for it!

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