20 Thanksgiving vegetable sides easy

Thanksgiving dinner feels complete when the table is filled with colorful, comforting vegetables.

These 20 easy Thanksgiving vegetable side dishes are full of flavor, easy to make, and pair beautifully with turkey, stuffing, and gravy.

From creamy casseroles to roasted favorites, these sides will make your holiday meal unforgettable.

1. Garlic Butter Green Beans

Crisp, tender green beans coated in buttery garlic goodness bring freshness and a pop of green to your Thanksgiving plate.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 3–4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.

2. Drain and immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking. Drain again.

3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

4. Toss in the green beans, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2–3 minutes.

5. Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.

2. Honey-Glazed Carrots

Sweet and buttery baby carrots with a glossy honey coating make a beautiful and flavorful side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb baby carrots

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp honey

• ½ tsp salt

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pot, boil carrots for 6–8 minutes until just tender. Drain.

2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add honey and stir until smooth.

3. Add carrots and toss to coat evenly.

4. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.

5. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and finished with a sweet balsamic drizzle — this dish wins every time.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.

3. Roast for 25–30 minutes, shaking halfway through for even browning.

4. Transfer to a bowl and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Read More: 14 Thanksgiving vegetable sides healthy

4. Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Tender sweet potato cubes caramelized with maple syrup bring a touch of sweetness to your Thanksgiving spread.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a large bowl, toss sweet potato cubes with oil, syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. Roast for 30–35 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

5. Creamed Spinach

Rich, silky, and comforting, this classic side pairs perfectly with turkey and mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 cup milk or heavy cream

• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

2. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.

3. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.

4. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

6. Air Fryer Broccoli with Parmesan

Crispy-tender broccoli florets seasoned with olive oil and Parmesan make a fast and healthy side dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

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

3. Air fry for 7–9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

4. Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.

Also Check: 14 Thanksgiving vegetable sides green beans

7. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

A creamy, low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes that’s buttery, smooth, and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets

• 2 garlic cloves

• 3 tbsp butter

• ¼ cup milk or cream

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil cauliflower and garlic together for 10 minutes or until soft.

2. Drain and place in a blender or mash by hand.

3. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Blend until creamy and smooth.

4. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.

8. Skillet Corn with Butter and Herbs

Golden corn kernels cooked in butter and sprinkled with herbs for a quick, flavorful side.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups fresh or frozen corn

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp dried parsley or chives

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add corn and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–6 minutes until warmed through and lightly golden.

3. Stir in herbs, season, and serve.

9. Oven-Roasted Asparagus

Simple yet elegant roasted asparagus with olive oil and lemon adds a fresh, tangy touch.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper

• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking tray.

3. Roast for 12 minutes until tender.

4. Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.

10. Buttery Roasted Mushrooms

Savory mushrooms roasted in butter and thyme add rich, earthy flavor to your Thanksgiving feast.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups button or cremini mushrooms, halved

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 1 tsp fresh thyme

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Toss mushrooms with butter, thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway.

11. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

A creamy, cheesy bake that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups broccoli florets, steamed

• 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Combine broccoli, soup, and cheese in a baking dish.

3. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.

4. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

12. Roasted Root Vegetables

A colorful mix of carrots, beets, and parsnips roasted to perfection with herbs and olive oil.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed root vegetables, cubed

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp rosemary

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss vegetables with oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 35–40 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Read More: 14 Thanksgiving vegetable sides recipes

13. Brown Sugar Glazed Acorn Squash

Soft, caramelized acorn squash with a buttery brown sugar glaze.

Ingredients:

• 1 acorn squash, halved and seeded

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Place squash halves cut-side up on a baking dish.

3. Add butter and brown sugar to the center of each half.

4. Bake for 40–45 minutes until tender.

14. Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Crispy, golden zucchini fries that taste indulgent but are so easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchinis, cut into sticks

• 1 egg, beaten

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Dip zucchini sticks in egg, then coat with a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan.

2. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy.

3. Serve with ranch or marinara sauce.

15. Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts with smoky bacon and sweet maple syrup — an irresistible combo.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved

• 3 slices bacon, chopped

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Spread Brussels sprouts and bacon on a baking sheet.

3. Roast for 25 minutes until caramelized.

4. Drizzle with maple syrup, toss, and serve.

Read More: 14 Thanksgiving vegetable sides air fryer

16. Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

Juicy corn brushed with melted garlic butter — classic and always loved.

Ingredients:

• 4 ears corn, husked

• 3 tbsp butter

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Boil corn for 6–8 minutes until tender.

2. Melt butter in a pan and add garlic. Cook for 30 seconds.

3. Brush the garlic butter over hot corn and sprinkle with salt.

17. Herb Roasted Potatoes

Crispy baby potatoes seasoned with rosemary and thyme for a comforting side dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp each of rosemary and thyme

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Toss potatoes with oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread evenly on a baking tray and roast for 35–40 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

18. Glazed Green Beans with Almonds

Tender green beans tossed in buttery almond topping for a mix of crunch and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp sliced almonds

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Steam green beans for 5 minutes until tender.

2. Toast almonds in butter in a skillet until golden.

3. Add beans, toss, and season with salt and pepper.

19. Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon

Roasted cauliflower with a touch of lemon makes a bright, fresh side that cuts through heavier dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

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

3. Roast for 25–30 minutes until golden.

4. Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.

20. Sautéed Spinach with Garlic

Quick, light, and flavorful — a simple dish that takes just minutes.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh spinach

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

3. Add spinach and toss until wilted, about 2 minutes.

4. Season and serve immediately.

---

These 20 easy Thanksgiving vegetable sides are simple enough for any cook yet flavorful enough to impress your guests.

Whether you choose buttery green beans, maple-roasted sweet potatoes, or creamy casseroles, these recipes will fill your table with warmth, color, and delicious homemade comfort.