19+ Easy Side Dishes Recipe For Thanksgiving To Make Ahead Vegetable Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 12, 2024
Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it's time to start planning the perfect menu for this special holiday. While the traditional turkey may be the star of the show, no Thanksgiving meal is complete without delicious side dishes. When it comes to vegetables, there are plenty of easy make-ahead recipes that will save you time and stress on the big day. To help you out, we've rounded up some of the best side dish recipes that are not only delicious, but also simple to prepare ahead of time. Get ready to impress your guests with these tasty and stress-free vegetable dishes.
Grilled veggies are a must-have for any summer BBQ or cookout. They are a delicious and healthy addition to any meal, and can be made with a variety of different vegetables. Some of the best veggies to grill include bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and onions. Grilling vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a nice smoky flavor. Simply brush them with a little oil, sprinkle on some seasoning, and throw them on the grill for a few minutes on each side. The result is a tasty and colorful side dish that will impress your guests.
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Onions
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Yellow Onion, Olive Oil, Garlic, Garlic
Sweet potatoes and onions are a classic combination that is even better when roasted. The sweetness of the potatoes combined with the tanginess of the onions creates a perfect balance of flavors. To make this dish, simply chop up the sweet potatoes and onions into bite-sized pieces, toss with oil and spices, and roast in the oven until tender. This dish is great as a side dish or can be added to a salad or grain bowl for a hearty and flavorful meal.
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Vegetable Fried Rice, Easy Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Rice, Peanut Oil, Garlic, Ginger, Veggies, Salt, Sugar
Fried rice is a staple in many Asian cuisines, and it's a great way to use up leftover rice and veggies. It's a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste, and can be made with any vegetables you have on hand. Simply sauté your veggies of choice, add in some cooked rice, and season with soy sauce and other seasonings. You can also add in some protein like tofu, chicken, or shrimp for a more filling meal. Easy fried rice is a delicious and quick way to get your veggies in.
Main Ingredients: Red Lentils, Basmati Rice, Bay Leaves, Vegetables
Kitchari is a traditional Indian dish made with lentils, rice, and spices. This baked kitchari casserole takes all the flavors of kitchari and turns it into a comforting and nutritious casserole dish. The combination of lentils and rice provides a complete protein, making this dish a great vegetarian option. The spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric add delicious flavor and also have anti-inflammatory properties. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for meal prep for the week.
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Super Easy Summer Vegetable Casserole
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Veggies
This summer vegetable casserole is a great way to use up all the fresh produce from your garden or local farmer's market. It's packed with a variety of vegetables like zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, and bell peppers, making it a colorful and nutrient-dense meal. Simply layer the veggies in a baking dish, sprinkle with some herbs and cheese, and bake until tender. This casserole is perfect for a summer dinner party or as a side dish for a backyard BBQ.
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How To Pan-Sear Any Vegetable for a Quick Weeknight...
Main Ingredients: Veggie, Grapeseed Oil, Red Pepper Flakes, Kosher Salt
Pan-searing is a great way to quickly cook vegetables for a weeknight meal. It involves cooking the veggies in a hot pan with a little oil, resulting in a crispy and flavorful dish. Some vegetables that work well for pan-searing include broccoli, green beans, and mushrooms. Simply season with some salt and pepper, and add in some garlic or herbs for extra flavor. Serve as a side dish or add to pasta or rice for a complete meal.
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Cantonese-Style Pan-Fried Noodles
Main Ingredients: Egg Noodles, Scallions, Oyster Sauce, Low Sodium Soy
This Cantonese-style pan-fried noodle dish is a popular street food in China and is a great way to enjoy your favorite veggies. The noodles are pan-fried until crispy, and then topped with stir-fried vegetables and a savory sauce. You can use any combination of veggies you like, but some popular choices include bok choy, carrots, and mushrooms. This dish is packed with flavor and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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Honey Balsamic Green Beans
Main Ingredients: Fresh Green Beans, Veggie, Balsamic, Sauce
Green beans are a classic vegetable that can be easily dressed up with the right seasonings. These honey balsamic green beans are a perfect example. The sweet and tangy glaze made with honey and balsamic vinegar gives the green beans a delicious and unique flavor. Simply roast the green beans in the oven and then toss with the glaze before serving. This dish is a great way to make green beans more interesting and is sure to become a family favorite.
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Parmesan Baked Asparagus
Main Ingredients: Asparagus, Veggies, Olive Oil, Garlic Pepper, Kosher
If you're looking for a simple and delicious way to prepare asparagus, look no further than this parmesan baked asparagus recipe. The asparagus is coated in a mixture of parmesan cheese, garlic, and breadcrumbs, and then baked until crispy and tender. The salty and savory flavors of the parmesan and garlic make this dish a perfect side for any meal. Plus, it's a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies!
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Cheesy Broccoli
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Flour, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Milk
Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is often overlooked, but this cheesy broccoli recipe will change that. The broccoli is roasted until crispy and then topped with a creamy cheese sauce made with cheddar and cream cheese. This dish is a great way to add some extra protein and calcium to your meal, and it's sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
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Vegetarian Black Bean Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Red Bell
If you're looking for a hearty and filling vegetarian meal, these black bean chili-stuffed sweet potatoes are a must-try. The sweet potatoes are loaded with a spicy and flavorful black bean and vegetable chili, making them a complete and satisfying meal. Top with some avocado, cheese, and cilantro for even more flavor. This dish is perfect for a meatless Monday or for a cozy night in.
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Lemon Basil Roasted Veggies
Main Ingredients: Broccoli, Cauliflower, Zucchini, Olive Oil, Salt
This lemon basil roasted veggie dish is perfect for summer when fresh herbs are abundant. The combination of lemon and basil adds a bright and refreshing flavor to any vegetable, such as zucchini, squash, and tomatoes. Simply toss your veggies in the lemon and basil mixture and roast until tender. This dish is great as a side or can be added to a salad or grain bowl for a light and flavorful meal.
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Wonderful Roasted Veggies with Parmesan, Olive Oil &...
Main Ingredients: Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, Large Carrots
This roasted vegetable dish is a great way to use up any vegetables you have on hand. The combination of parmesan cheese, olive oil, and herbs creates a delicious and flavorful seasoning that pairs well with any veggie, such as cauliflower, carrots, and Brussels sprouts. Simply toss your veggies in the seasoning and roast until tender and crispy. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
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Extra Vegetable Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Avocado Oil, Eggs, White Onion, Medium Carrots
If you love fried rice but want to pack in even more veggies, this extra vegetable fried rice recipe is for you. It's loaded with a variety of vegetables like carrots, peas, and corn, and can even include some leafy greens like spinach or kale. Simply add in some cooked rice, season with soy sauce and other seasonings, and stir fry until everything is heated through. This dish is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables in a delicious and satisfying way.
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How to Roast Vegetables
Main Ingredients: Veggies, Seasoning, Dressing
Roasting is a great way to cook vegetables because it brings out their natural flavors and creates a nice crispy texture. The key to perfectly roasted vegetables is to make sure they are cut into similar sized pieces so they cook evenly. Toss your veggies with some oil and seasonings, and then spread them out on a baking sheet and roast until tender. This method works well for a variety of vegetables, making it a great cooking technique to have in your repertoire.
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Healthy Brown Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Veggies, Brown Rice, Olive Oil
Brown fried rice is a healthier alternative to the traditional white rice version. Brown rice is a whole grain that is high in fiber and nutrients, making it a better choice for your overall health. You can use the same vegetables and seasonings as traditional fried rice, but you'll get the added benefits of the brown rice. Plus, it's just as tasty and satisfying as the white rice version.
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Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Veggies, Eggs, Green Onions, Soy Sauce
Fried rice is a classic dish that is loved by many for its versatility and delicious flavor. You can use any combination of vegetables, proteins, and seasonings to create your own unique version. Some popular vegetables to include in fried rice are peas, carrots, onions, and mushrooms. Top with some scrambled eggs or tofu for added protein, and you have a complete and flavorful meal.
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Stir Fry Rice Noodles
Main Ingredients: Rice Noodles, Veggies, Ginger, Soy Sauce, Chilli Sauce
Rice noodles are a great gluten-free option for stir fry dishes. They are also a lighter alternative to traditional wheat-based noodles. You can use any combination of veggies and protein in this dish, and the rice noodles will soak up all the delicious flavors from the sauce. Try adding in some colorful bell peppers and snow peas for a crunchy and colorful stir fry.
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Simple Grilled Veggies
Main Ingredients: Veggies, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Asparagus, Olive Oil
Sometimes, simple is best when it comes to cooking vegetables. Grilling vegetables is a quick and easy way to add some extra flavor and texture to your meal. Simply brush your favorite veggies with oil and sprinkle with some seasoning, and then grill until tender and slightly charred. This method works well for a variety of veggies, making it a great option for any BBQ or cookout.
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Vegetable Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Small Onion, Green Onion, Garlic, White
Vegetable fried rice is a great way to use up any leftover veggies and rice you have on hand. You can also add in some protein like shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a more filling meal. Simply sauté your veggies and protein, add in the cooked rice, and season with soy sauce and other seasonings. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that is also packed with nutrients.
Roasted Root Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, toss the carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash with olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
5. Let the vegetables cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
6. When ready to serve, reheat the vegetables in the oven or microwave and sprinkle with additional herbs for added flavor.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the sprouts are tender and lightly browned.
5. Let the Brussels sprouts cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
6. When ready to serve, reheat the sprouts in the oven or microwave and drizzle with additional balsamic vinegar for a tangy and flavorful side dish.
Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup fried onions
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Spread the mixture in a baking dish.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the bread crumbs and fried onions.
5. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the green bean mixture.
6. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
7. Let the casserole cool completely before covering and refrigerating.
8. When ready to serve, reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave for a tasty and comforting addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
These make-ahead vegetable side dishes will not only save you time and stress on Thanksgiving, but they will also impress your guests with their delicious flavors. So go ahead and add these recipes to your menu and enjoy a stress-free holiday with your loved ones.
