So, Thanksgiving's around the corner, and you know what that means—food, family, and feasting! But let's be real, the turkey's great, but you can't forget about the veggies. From crispy Brussels sprouts to sweet maple roasted sweet potatoes, these dishes are sure to impress your guests and make your table pop! Curious about how to whip up these delicious sides? Let's get into the details of each recipe!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Balsamic Glaze
Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze are a delicious and easy side dish that can enhance any Thanksgiving meal. The natural bitterness of the Brussels sprouts is beautifully balanced by the sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, making this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Roasting the sprouts brings out their nuttiness and creates a crispy exterior while keeping the insides tender. This recipe isn't only simple but also a healthy addition to your holiday table.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they're evenly coated.
Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet, cut side down. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they're golden brown and crispy on the outside.
While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Once the Brussels sprouts are done, remove them from the oven, drizzle with the balsamic glaze, and toss to coat. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, make sure to space the Brussels sprouts out on the baking sheet to allow for even roasting and crispiness.
If you prefer a more intensely flavored glaze, you can let the balsamic vinegar reduce further, but be careful not to let it burn.
Feel free to experiment with other toppings like chopped nuts or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to guarantee the dish meets your preference!
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower

Creamy mashed cauliflower is a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, perfect for your Thanksgiving table. This dish offers a smooth, creamy texture with a subtle flavor that pairs beautifully with various holiday entrees. By using cauliflower instead of potatoes, you can enjoy a lower-carb option without compromising on taste.
With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this scrumptious side dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder (optional)
- Chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Begin by removing the leaves and stem from the cauliflower and cutting it into smaller florets.
Steam the florets in a pot for about 10-15 minutes, or until they're fork-tender. Once cooked, transfer the cauliflower to a food processor and add the butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream.
Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
For a fluffier texture, you can use a hand masher instead of a food processor. Serve warm, garnished with chives or parsley if desired.
Extra Tips:
To improve the flavor of your creamy mashed cauliflower, consider roasting the cauliflower florets instead of steaming them for a deeper, caramelized taste.
Additionally, you can experiment with different spices, such as smoked paprika or nutritional yeast, for a unique twist.
If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with vegetable broth or almond milk.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Enjoy this versatile dish that's sure to become a holiday favorite!
Honey-Glazed Carrots With Thyme
Honey-glazed carrots with thyme are a delightful addition to any Thanksgiving meal, bringing a touch of sweetness and a burst of flavor to your table. The combination of honey and fresh thyme creates a harmonious balance that amplifies the natural sweetness of the carrots, making them irresistible.
This dish isn't only visually appealing with its vibrant orange color, but it also offers a healthy and delicious side option that pairs well with turkey or ham.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of baby carrots (or sliced regular carrots)
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of water
Instructions:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the baby carrots, honey, thyme, salt, and pepper, and stir to coat the carrots evenly.
Pour in the water, cover, and let the carrots simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until they're tender and the liquid has reduced to a glaze. Stir occasionally to make certain the carrots are evenly cooked and coated in the honey mixture.
Once done, remove from heat and let them sit for a few minutes to allow the glaze to thicken slightly before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider roasting the carrots in the oven instead of simmering them on the stove. Simply toss the carrots with honey, butter, thyme, salt, and pepper, spread them on a baking sheet, and roast at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
This method will caramelize the sugars in the honey and elevate the entire flavor profile. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or parsley, to find your preferred combination.
Spinach and Artichoke Casserole

Spinach and Artichoke Casserole is a delicious and creamy dish that brings a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving table. This comforting casserole combines tender spinach, flavorful artichokes, and a rich cheese blend, making it a perfect side dish that everyone will love.
Whether you're preparing a feast for a crowd or just a family gathering, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for topping)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Mix until all ingredients are well blended and the mixture is creamy. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until coated, then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some sautéed onions or bell peppers to the mixture before baking.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or use low-fat cream cheese. This casserole can also be made ahead of time; simply prepare it up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for a day.
When you're ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake until heated through. Enjoy this delightful dish as a standout side at your Thanksgiving dinner!
Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Maple roasted sweet potatoes are a delightful and nutritious addition to any Thanksgiving table, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors. The natural sugars in the sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully when roasted, while the maple syrup adds a rich, warm sweetness that enhances the dish.
This recipe is simple to follow and results in a colorful, tasty side that will impress your guests and complement your holiday feast beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the cubed sweet potatoes, maple syrup, olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper, tossing well to guarantee the potatoes are evenly coated.
Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized. If using pecans, sprinkle them over the sweet potatoes during the last 5 minutes of roasting to toast them lightly.
Extra Tips:
For even greater flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the maple syrup mixture before tossing with the sweet potatoes. You can also experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, for a unique twist.
If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can peel and cube the sweet potatoes the day before and store them in water in the refrigerator to prevent browning. Just be sure to drain and dry them thoroughly before roasting.
Enjoy this delicious side dish that's sure to become a Thanksgiving favorite!