50 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Sides Everyone Will Enjoy

Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Casserole

Even people who don’t like broccoli beg me to make this comforting broccoli cheese casserole recipe. It’s similar to a classic green bean casserole, but the melted cheese just puts it over the top. —Elaine Hubbard, Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania

Fig-Carrot Stuffed Kabocha Squash

While searching for a new winter squash variety, I stumbled upon kabocha squash—it really wowed me. The flavor and texture are both rich and beautiful, and this recipe, which I improvised, really suits the squash well. —Caitlin Stephens-North, Malden, Massachusetts

Still hungry? Find more amazing vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes.

Pumpkin Gnocchi in Sage Butter

For a delicious autumn spin on an Italian classic, try this hearty, seasonal gnocchi. Sage and garlic butter sauce complements the pumpkin wonderfully. —Donna Mosca Kahler, Jupiter, Florida

Cider Baked Squash

I'm a freelance writer who sometimes needs a break from a long session of working on a story. That's when I escape to the kitchen to whip up something that's good to eat, yet easy to prepare. This is one of my favorites!

Slow-Cooker Citrus Carrots

These carrots are yummy and so simple to make. The vegetarian thanksgiving side recipe is from my mom, who tweaked it a bit to suit her taste. You can make this dish a day in advance and refrigerate it until needed. Then just reheat it before serving! —Julie Puderbaugh, Berwick, Pennsylvania

Creamy Twice-Baked Potatoes

With a yummy cream cheese filling, these rich potatoes tucked into their own skins are sure winners. They look fancy but are not tricky to make. —Linda Wheeler, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Roasted Beets with Orange Gremolata and Goat Cheese

My grandma always grew beets then pickled or canned them, but I prefer to prepare them differently. I love these roasted beets in the winter but they can be enjoyed all year with the addition of fresh herbs and tangy goat cheese. —Courtney Archibeque, Greeley, Colorado

Rosemary Root Vegetables

This heartwarming side dish is sure to get rave reviews! Although the ingredient list may look long, you’ll soon see that this colorful fall medley is a snap to prepare. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Orzo with Parmesan & Basil

Dried basil adds its rich herb flavor to this creamy and delicious skillet side dish that’s table-ready in just minutes! Thanks to Anna Chaney of Antigo, Wisconsin for sharing her recipe.

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Now everyone can enjoy this classic Thanksgiving side. Just a few small tweaks make this a vegan green bean casserole, but no one wiletast the difference! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Looking for more? Check out our collection of vegan Thanksgiving sides.

Roasted Fall Vegetables

I love serving this tender veggie side dish as part of a comforting dinner on a chilly night. The cayenne pepper lends zippy flavor that's not overpowering. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia

Slow-Cooked Mac 'n' Cheese

Slow-cooked mac and cheese—the words alone are enough to make mouths water. This is comfort food at its best: rich and extra cheesy. —Shelby Molina, Whitewater, Wisconsin

Pressure-Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Here’s a good-for-you dinner that’s also a meal-in-one classic. Add a salad and, in just moments, call everyone to the table. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska

Scalloped Cranberries

This warm cranberry casserole is a nice substitute for traditional cranberry relish. It’s been a staple on my holiday table ever since my aunt gave me the recipe many years ago. —Ellan Streett, Clear Spring, Maryland

Mozzarella Mashed Potato Remix

Here's a yummy way to finish off extra mashed potatoes. The gooey cheese, creamy potatoes and golden crust blend perfectly to create spud heaven. Your family will love this mashed potato casserole!—Rosemarie Weleski, Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania

Baked Acorn Squash with Blueberry-Walnut Filling

I absolutely love squash—and I've filled it with so many variations of savory stuffing over the years. But my favorite way to stuff it is with an unexpected fruit filling, like this sweet apple-blueberry one. —Bruce Newcomer, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Crunchy Sweet Potato Casserole

Some tasty seasonings like cinnamon and nutmeg and a crunchy corn flake and walnut topping make it easy for even kids to eat their nutritious sweet potatoes. This is a terrific Thanksgiving side dish. —Virginia Slater, West Sunbury, Pennsylvania

Garlic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Sauce

Don’t be afraid to bring out the roasted Brussels sprouts. Mellowed with mustard sauce, they may just delight even the most skeptical folks. —Becky Walch, Orland, California

Slow-Cooker Garlic-Rosemary Cauliflower Puree

I love this delicious fake take on mashed potatoes, and it doesn't heat up my kitchen! Treat leftovers as you would leftover mashed potatoes and make mock potato pancakes. —Sharon Gibson, Hendersonville, North Carolina

Wild Rice and Squash Pilaf

This pilaf is fantastic with fish or poultry and especially compatible with turkey. Since it's so colorful, I like to think it makes my turkey dressed for the holidays. —Erica Ollmann, San Diego, California

Sweet Potatoes au Gratin

This rich, sweet potato casserole couldn’t be any easier to make—or more delicious to eat! It’s the ideal vegetarian thanksgiving side. —Patti Kirchhoff, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Butternut Squash Panzanella Salad

This colorful salad is easy to make, and it's even easier if you use precut chunks of butternut squash. You can use pecans in place of the almonds or watercress instead of the arugula or spinach. —Nancy Buchanan, Costa Mesa, California

Sweet Potato Casserole

I make this classic sweet potato casserole without marshmallows for Thanksgiving, but I also have been known to serve it with meat loaf and even grilled meat. —Eleanor Sherry, Highland Park, Illinois

Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Sure, it’s simple and healthy but, oh, this roasted broccoli is also delicious. Cutting the stalks into tall trees turns the ordinary veggie into a standout vegetarian thanksgiving side dish. —Holly Sander, Lake Mary, Florida

Scented Rice in Baked Pumpkin

This easy, delicious and healthy side is a showpiece that always delights. You can use grain, squash, fruits and nuts to suit your taste—it's impossible to go wrong! —Lynn Heisel, Jackson, Missouri

Smashed Potatoes

I wouldn't dream of making my favorite chicken recipe without making these potatoes, too. —Jennifer Shaw of Dorchester, Massachusetts.

Acorn Squash Slices

Roasted acorn squash slices are a favorite with my family. This recipe has a sweet maple flavor from syrup and an appealing nuttiness from pecans. It's easy, too, because you don't have to peel the squash. —Richard Lamb, Williamsburg, Indiana

Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

When I was a girl, Mama used Texas longhorn cheese in this recipe. After it melted all over the macaroni, I loved to dig in and see how many strings of cheese would follow my spoonful. —Imogene Hutton, Brownwood, Texas

Cornbread Casserole

Since my husband likes spicy foods, I frequently sprinkle chopped jalapeno peppers over half of this cornbread casserole for him. —Carrina Cooper, McAlpin, Florida

Butternut Squash Bake

If I ask our two girls (ages 7 and 14) what to fix for a special meal, this dish is always requested. I discovered this slightly sweet and crunchy-topped casserole at a church dinner about 10 years ago, and now I take it to potluck dinners and come home with an empty dish! -Julie Jahn, Decatur, Indiana

Nanny's Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

My grandsons rave over these creamy potatoes loaded with Parmesan. That’s all the endorsement I need. Sometimes I use golden or red potatoes, with skins on. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California

Baked Butternut Squash

Take advantage of fabulous fall produce and roast this scrumptious side. Lightly seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar, this is my favorite baked butternut squash recipe—it could almost be dessert! —Heidi Vawdrey, Riverton, Utah

Buttery Sweet Potato Casserole

Whenever we get together as a family for major holidays, my kids, nieces and nephews literally beg me to make this sweet potato casserole. It goes together in minutes with canned sweet potatoes, which is ideal for the busy holiday season. —Sue Miller, Mars, Pennsylvania

Cauliflower Casserole

To dress up cauliflower, Mom used a delightful mixture of a cheesy sauce, bright red and green pepper pieces, and crushed cornflakes. We enjoyed this casserole so much that leftovers were rare. -Linda McGinty, Parma, Ohio

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Caramelized Pumpkin Seeds

We had leftover roasted butternut squash one night, so I threw it on a salad and topped it with cheese. My family loved it! Now we also add caramelized pumpkin seeds (my brother's idea) and a homemade dressing. —Nicole Sadowsky, Rancho Santa Fe, California

Deluxe Mashed Potatoes

When it comes to mashed potatoes recipes, this is one of my favorites because they can be made ahead, refrigerated and then popped into the oven just prior to dinnertime. When my grandchildren come for dinner, I have to double this recipe. They love it! —Vivian Bailey, Cedar Falls, Iowa

Special Squash Casserole

Squash has traditionally been a food our family passes up, but this luscious casserole is an exception to the rule. You won't find it among our Thanksgiving leftovers—it's one of the first dishes to go back to the kitchen empty. —Kathleen Cox, Wyoming, Michigan

Broccoli with Asiago

This is one of the best (and most simple) ways I’ve found to serve broccoli. It’s also good with Parmesan if you don’t have the Asiago cheese. —cjintexas, Tasteofhome.com, Community

Spinach-Parm Casserole

For those who ignore Popeye and won’t eat their spinach, I find that spinach with garlicky butter and Parmesan helps change their minds. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

Potluck Macaroni and Cheese

You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts

Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Casserole

Even people who don’t like broccoli beg me to make this comforting broccoli cheese casserole recipe. It's similar to a classic green bean casserole, but the melted cheese just puts it over the top. —Elaine Hubbard, Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania

Wilted Spinach Salad with Butternut Squash

Make quick work of peeling butternut squash. First, prick it with a fork and give it 45 seconds in the microwave. Then, trim an inch from the base of the squash, making it stand up straight and tall while you run the peeler from top to bottom. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington

Baked Parmesan Breaded Squash

Baked yellow squash is a crispy vegetarian thanksgiving side dish. You don’t have to turn the pieces, but do keep an eye on them. — Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas

Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Sour cream and cream cheese give richness to these smooth make-ahead potatoes. They are wonderful for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner since there's no last-minute mashing required. —Trudy Vincent, Valles Mines, Missouri

Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

When I was a girl, Mama used Texas longhorn cheese in this recipe. After it melted all over the macaroni, I loved to dig in and see how many strings of cheese would follow my spoonful. —Imogene Hutton, Brownwood, Texas

Honey-Lemon Asparagus

Everyone who tastes my glazed asparagus takes a second helping, so I usually double the recipe. For another option, try using a root vegetable such as turnip or parsnip. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario

Maple-Glazed Acorn Squash

With a maple syrup and brown sugar glaze, this squash becomes pleasantly sweet. This is comfort food—easy to prepare and a tasty pairing with a pork entree. —Nancy Mueller, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

Easy Moroccan Chickpea Stew

When I’m invited to a potluck, I easily double or triple this healthy Moroccan chickpea stew to treat the crowd to an exotic dish of enticing, bold flavors. —Heather Demeritte, Scottsdale, Arizona

Ravioli with Creamy Squash Sauce

Store-bought ravioli speeds assembly of this cozy, restaurant-quality dish that tastes so good, your family won’t notice it’s meatless. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Cool Beans Salad

This protein-filled dish could be served as a colorful side dish or a meatless main entree. When you make it, double the recipe because it will be gone in a flash! The basmati rice adds a unique flavor and the dressing gives it a bit of a tang. —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin