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Mouthwatering 3 Perfect Veggie Thanksgiving Sides Everyone Loves

3 Perfect Vegetable Thanksgiving Sides Everyone Devours

 

Ah, Thanksgiving! That magical time of year when the leaves are crisp, the air smells of spice and warmth, and our homes are filled with laughter, love, and, of course, delicious food. I can still remember the excitement of gathering around the table, the aroma of roasting turkey mingling with the buttery scent of mashed potatoes, and the way everyone’s eyes lit up at the sight of the spread. While turkey often steals the show, it’s those vibrant vegetable sides that can truly make a meal memorable. 

Today, I’m excited to share with you three perfect vegetable Thanksgiving sides that everyone devours. These dishes aren’t just lovely to look at; they’re also packed with comforting flavors and nourishing goodness. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen. So let’s roll up our sleeves and make something delicious together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Three unique, colorful vegetable sides that appeal to all palates.
  • Perfect for busy cooks — simple steps and easy prep!
  • Budget-friendly ingredients that won’t break the bank.
  • These dishes are vegetarian, making them great for all dietary preferences.
  • Comforting flavors that will warm everyone’s hearts and bellies.

Ingredients

Let’s dive into the ingredients. Bring your shopping list—these wonderfully vibrant vegetables and a few staple pantry items are all you’ll need!

For the Roasted Maple Brussels Sprouts:

  • 1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped (optional)

For the Savory Sweet Potato Mash:

  • 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (or plant-based alternative)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • Salt to taste

For the Garlic Roasted Green Beans:

  • 1.5 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered!)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (for an extra zing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

For the Roasted Maple Brussels Sprouts:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). The oven should be just right for crisping up those sprouts.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until they are well coated.
  3. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer for even roasting. Don’t crowd them; give them breathing room for that perfect caramelization!
  4. Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and tender, tossing halfway through. Add the chopped pecans the last 5 minutes for toasting.

For the Savory Sweet Potato Mash:

  1. Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
  4. Add butter, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Using a potato masher or fork, mash until smooth and creamy. If you like it a bit chunky, feel free to leave some texture!

For the Garlic Roasted Green Beans:

  1. While your Brussels sprouts are roasting, prep those beautiful green beans! Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  2. Spread them out on another baking sheet, in a single layer, just like the sprouts. It’s all about that even cooking, my friend!
  3. Roast in the same oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re tender yet still crisp. Don’t forget to squeeze that lemon juice over them before serving — this elevates the flavor!

Pro Tips & Variations

Want to jazz these sides up even more? Here are some fun twists and tips:

  • For the Brussels sprouts, try adding a sprinkle of chili flakes for a hint of heat or toss with crumbled feta for a tangy touch.
  • If you’re a garlic lover, add a few extra cloves of garlic to the green beans for a more intense flavor.
  • Swap out whole milk in the sweet potato mash for coconut milk for a tropical twist.
  • Mix in some sautéed onions or leeks into any of the dishes for added depth.
  • Top your sweet potato mash with toasted marshmallows for a fun, family-friendly twist!

Serving Suggestions

Imagine your Thanksgiving table: a beautiful centerpiece turkey, surrounded by vibrant colors from these sides! I love to serve these vegetable delights with some warm, crusty bread and a refreshing salad. You can drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the roasted Brussels sprouts for an added layer of flavor. Picture this: digging into a creamy sweet potato mash paired perfectly with flavors from the savory green beans. Oh, it’s a meal to be shared and savored! And don’t forget about your favorite drink—perhaps a cozy cider or a lovely glass of pinot noir to wash it all down.

Storage Tips

So, you’re left with leftovers? Great! Here’s how to store them without losing that fresh taste:

  • For all three sides, allow them to cool completely first.
  • Place them in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. They make for fantastic next-day snacks or meals!
  • If you want to freeze them, especially the sweet potato mash, portion them into freezer-safe bags and they can last for about 2-3 months. Just be sure to label and date them!
  • To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or warm them in the oven. If they seem a bit dry, add a splash of water or another drizzle of olive oil before heating.

FAQs

Can I make these sides ahead of time?

Absolutely! Many of these dishes can be made a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, give them a quick reheat. The flavors often meld beautifully overnight, making them even more delicious!

What if I can’t find Brussels sprouts during the season?

No worries! You can easily substitute with broccoli florets or even diced butternut squash. Both will roast beautifully and soak up all those delightful flavors.

Can I use different vegetables for the mash?

Definitely! This sweet potato mash is so versatile. You can swap in regular potatoes, parsnips, or even carrots for something a little different. Just adjust cooking times based on what you choose!

What if I want to make these dishes vegan?

Super easy! Simply replace the butter and milk in the sweet potato mash with vegan alternatives. Olive oil and almond or coconut milk work wonders. The Brussels sprouts and green beans are already vegan-friendly!

Conclusion

There you have it—three perfect vegetable Thanksgiving sides everyone devours! I can just picture the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they dig into these colorful, flavorful dishes. I’d love to hear how your Thanksgiving goes—did you try out these recipes? What variations did you come up with? Don’t be shy; share your cooking adventures and let’s spread the love for good food! Happy cooking, my friends!

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3 Perfect Vegetable Thanksgiving Sides Everyone Devours

Mouthwatering 3 Perfect Veggie Thanksgiving Sides Everyone Loves


  • Author: antaki
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

Discover 3 veggie Thanksgiving sides that are guaranteed to impress and satisfy all your guests Perfect for a delicious holiday feast


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped (optional)
  • 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (or plant-based alternative)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • Salt to taste
  • 1.5 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes.
  • Place cubed sweet potatoes in a pot, cover with water, and boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  • Toss green beans with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes. Squeeze lemon juice before serving.
  • Notes

    Three perfect vegetable Thanksgiving sides that everyone devours, packed with comforting flavors and nourishing goodness.

    • Prep Time: 30 minutes
    • Cook Time: 50 minutes
    • Category: Side Dish
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 8 servings
    • Calories: 250
    • Sugar: 5 grams
    • Fat: 10 grams
    • Carbohydrates: 35 grams
    • Fiber: 6 grams
    • Protein: 5 grams

    Keywords: Thanksgiving sides, vegetable sides, holiday recipes, vegetarian, easy recipes

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