Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones and indulging in delicious food, and let’s be honest, the star of the show isn’t just the turkey! Vegetable Thanksgiving sides can really steal the spotlight, bringing color, flavor, and nutrition to the table. I can’t tell you how many times these vibrant, roasted veggies have made my guests smile and come back for seconds! This particular recipe combines green beans, carrots, and Brussels sprouts, all tossed in a simple yet flavorful olive oil mixture. It’s easy to make and absolutely delightful to eat—trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your back pocket for every holiday gathering. So, let’s dive into the details and get ready to impress everyone with these incredible vegetable Thanksgiving sides!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup of carrots, sliced
- 1 cup of Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Vegetable Thanksgiving Sides
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because a hot oven helps the veggies roast beautifully, giving them that nice caramelization that adds tons of flavor. Plus, it ensures everything cooks evenly, so don’t skip this part!
Prepare the Vegetables
Next, wash all your vegetables thoroughly to get rid of any dirt. For the green beans, trim the ends off—just a little snap and they’re ready to go! Slice the carrots into thin rounds, and for the Brussels sprouts, just cut them in half. The key here is to make sure they’re all about the same size so they cook evenly. Trust me, no one wants a crunchy sprout when everything else is tender!
Mix the Ingredients
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your beautifully prepared veggies. Drizzle the olive oil over them, sprinkle in the garlic powder, and season generously with salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together until the veggies are evenly coated. This coating is crucial because it helps them roast nicely and keeps them flavorful!
Bake the Mixture
Spread the vegetable mix onto a baking sheet in a single layer—this helps them roast rather than steam. Pop them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender and starting to brown a bit on the edges. I usually give them a gentle stir halfway through to ensure even roasting, but don’t overthink it, they’ll turn out great!
Serve Warm
Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool for just a minute. Serve these vibrant veggies warm to really bring out their flavors. I love to present them in a nice serving dish, maybe with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a pop of color. Trust me, they’ll disappear in no time!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these vegetable Thanksgiving sides, you’ll be pleased to know they’re not only delicious but also pretty nutritious! Here’s a quick rundown of the typical nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on the ingredients used, and depending on how you customize your veggies, the numbers might vary a bit. But overall, you can feel good about serving these healthy sides that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Healthy and packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables.
- Deliciously roasted flavor that complements any Thanksgiving spread.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- Customizable! Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal veggies.
- Perfect for making ahead of time and reheating, saving you stress on the big day.
- Visually stunning with vibrant colors that brighten up your table.
- Crowd-pleasing—everyone loves a good vegetable side!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to whip up these fantastic vegetable Thanksgiving sides, let me share some of my favorite pro tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!
- Veggie Variety: Don’t be afraid to mix it up! You can add in some sweet potatoes, zucchini, or even cauliflower for extra flavor and nutrition. Just remember to cut everything into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Herbs and Spices: If you want to elevate the flavor even more, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before baking. Or sprinkle some smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness that pairs beautifully with the veggies.
- Adjust the Oil: If you’re looking to cut back on calories, you can reduce the olive oil to 1 tablespoon without sacrificing too much flavor. Just make sure to toss the veggies well to get an even coating.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: This is key! If your baking sheet is too full, the veggies will steam instead of roast. Use two pans if necessary to give them enough space to caramelize nicely.
- Check for Tenderness: Baking times can vary depending on your oven and the size of your vegetable pieces, so keep an eye on them. Start checking at the 20-minute mark and give them a little poke with a fork to see if they’re fork-tender.
- Make Ahead: You can prep your veggies a day in advance! Just wash, cut, and toss them in the oil and seasonings, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It saves you time and hassle on the big day!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning and delicious vegetable side dish that will impress all your guests. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up a bit, there are so many fun ways to customize these vegetable Thanksgiving sides! Here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing:
- Root Veggie Medley: Swap out the Brussels sprouts for parsnips or turnips for a heartier side. Roasted root vegetables add a wonderful sweetness and depth of flavor!
- Herb-Infused: Try adding fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil right before serving for a burst of freshness. If you’re a garlic lover, toss in some minced fresh garlic or shallots for extra zing!
- Spicy Kick: For those who like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper over the veggies before baking. It adds a nice warmth that complements the sweetness of the roasted vegetables.
- Citrus Zing: A squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice just before serving can brighten up the flavors and add a delightful tang that balances the richness of the olive oil.
- Cheesy Goodness: If you’re a cheese fan, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or crumbled feta on top during the last few minutes of baking. It melts beautifully and adds a savory touch!
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts just before serving for a delightful crunch and added protein. They also bring a lovely nuttiness that pairs perfectly with roasted veggies.
These variations are just the tip of the iceberg! Feel free to experiment with whatever veggies or seasonings you have on hand. The best part about these vegetable Thanksgiving sides is that they’re incredibly versatile and can be tailored to fit any palate. Happy cooking, and let your creativity shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! These vegetable Thanksgiving sides store really well, and I’ve got some tips to help you keep them tasty for later. After your feast, let the veggies cool to room temperature before storing them. I usually transfer them to an airtight container—this keeps them fresh and prevents any unwanted smells in the fridge.
You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is super easy! I recommend popping them back in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This way, they’ll regain that lovely roasted texture and flavor. Just spread them out on a baking sheet to ensure even heating.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat them in the microwave. Just place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (this helps prevent drying out), and heat for about 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. But honestly, the oven method is best for keeping that delightful roasted taste!
And if you find you have more than you can eat, you can freeze these veggie sides, too! Just let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them overnight in the fridge and follow the reheating instructions above. Easy peasy!
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Vegetable Thanksgiving Sides: 7 Reasons to Love Them
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious vegetable sides perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of green beans
- 1 cup of carrots, sliced
- 1 cup of Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and prepare the vegetables.
- In a bowl, mix the vegetables with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until tender.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegetable thanksgiving sides
