15 Vegetarian Sides for a Thanksgiving Dinner Everyone Will Enjoy

All the classics are here.

Warm Indian-Spiced Acorn Squash Salad
Photo: Andy Lyons

These standout vegetarian sides might just steal the show. We've got creative recipes for all the classics, like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and stuffing. Plus, get new ideas for fresh salads, sweet cranberry sauce, and roasted veggies. These simple, easy recipes will truly make the meal.

01 of 15

Autumn Potato Gratin

Autumn Potato Gratin
Blaine Moats

Take your holiday gratin to new heights with layers of butternut squash, leeks, and cheese sauce. This fuss-free side couldn't be easier—slice veggies in advance and toss together on Thanksgiving Day.

02 of 15

Creamy Green Beans with Crispy Shallots

Creamy Green Beans with Crispy Shallots
Peter Frank Edwards

Our go-to holiday side? Creamy green bean casserole. This decadent version starts with a luscious mushroom cream sauce and ends with a pile of crispy fried shallots. This vegetarian Thanksgiving casserole is best served warm from the oven.

03 of 15

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Lemon

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Lemon
Con Poulos

Bring out Brussels sprouts' big flavor by cooking them to caramelized perfection. Finish the sweet sprouts with a drizzle of lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt.

04 of 15

Double Cranberry Sauce

Double Cranberry Sauce
Adam Albright

Double the cranberries equals twice the flavor. Whip up a batch of homemade cranberry sauce in just 15 minutes including the cooking time! We like this tasty sauce served warm and topped with spicy watercress.

05 of 15

Lemon-Rosemary Potato Rolls

Lemon Rosemary Potato Rolls
Andy Lyons

These rich potato rolls can be made and frozen up to a month ahead. Simply defrost, bake on a sheet pan, and devour!

Test Kitchen Tip: Echo the rolls' zesty flavor with a slathering of butter mixed with lemon peel and fresh rosemary.

06 of 15

Roasted Vegetables with Sorghum

roasted vegetables with sorghum

Kelsey Hansen

Roasted vegetables are a Thanksgiving staple. Give them a fresh update with sorghum, a whole grain. Toss the veggies, the grain, and fresh herbs with a homemade lemon-honey dressing.

07 of 15

Tart Cherry-Cranberry Relish

Tart Cherry Cranberry Relish
Andy Lyons

It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without our favorite sweet-tart side. This ruby-hue dish gets double the flavor thanks to sweet dried cherries and orange zest. One BH&G home cook shared, " I made it for Thanksgiving and had everyone ask for the recipe. My Mom asked me to bring it again for Christmas."

08 of 15

Goat Cheese Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Goat Cheese Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Adam Albright

For ultra-creamy mashed sweet potatoes, stir in tangy goat cheese. It's the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Add crunch and nutty flavor with a sprinkling of roasted pistachios.

09 of 15

Winter Slaw with Kale and Cabbage

Winter Slaw with Kale and Cabbage
Blaine Moats

This winter slaw adds mega crunch and flavor to your Thanksgiving table. Simply toss together and serve. It couldn't be any easier!

Test Kitchen Tip: This make-ahead Thanksgiving side dish can be prepared up to 24 hours before serving.

10 of 15

Sweet Potatoes with Toasted Pecans

Sweet Potatoes Toasted Pecans
Reed Davis

Reimagine sweet potato casserole into an airy side dish. We've topped whipped sweet potatoes with rich pecans and sticky-sweet toasted marshmallows. This vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe is sure to bring back happy childhood memories!

11 of 15

Wheat Berry, Sugar Snap Pea, Radish, and Goat Cheese Salad

Sugar Snap Pea, Radish, and Goat Cheese Salad

This creative and hearty Thanksgiving salad is not only satisfying, it's healthy, too! We love the contrast between chewy wheat berries, crisp snap peas, and creamy goat cheese.

12 of 15

Butternut Squash Bake

Butternut Squash Bake
Andy Lyons

Bake up this cheesy squash and noodle casserole and prepare to be impressed. Sweet mascarpone cheese adds creaminess, while lemon juice and shallot keep it savory.

13 of 15

Warm Indian-Spiced Acorn Squash Salad

Warm Indian-Spiced Acorn Squash Salad
Andy Lyons

This warm Thanksgiving salad recipe is filled with sweet and savory flavors. Toss sliced acorn squash with garam masala and roast until golden brown. Once out of the oven, sprinkle the dish with spicy mustard greens, pomegranate seeds, and halved dates.

14 of 15

Rosemary Garlic Baby Potatoes

Rosemary Garlic Baby Potatoes on gray platter with spoon and small dish with lemon zest
Antonis Achilleos

20 minutes in your air fryer transforms baby potatoes into irresistibly golden and fluffy bites. This vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe calls for just six pantry ingredients including salt. A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest brightens up the dish and makes it the perfect pairing for heavier holiday dishes.

15 of 15

Winter Greens And Broccolini Tart

Winter Greens And Broccolini Tart
Blaine Moats

Purchased hummus provides the creamy base for this vegetarian Thanksgiving side dish. Top it with sautéed greens and broccolini. Adding lemon slices while cooking infuses the entire dish with fresh citrus flavor.

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles