Bon Appetit Vegetarian Thanksgiving Sides Recipes Ideas

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and most importantly, delicious food. For vegetarians, it can sometimes feel challenging to find side dishes that are both festive and satisfying.

Luckily, there are plenty of Bon Appétit vegetarian Thanksgiving sides recipes that bring vibrant flavors, comforting textures, and colorful presentation to your holiday table. Whether you’re looking to wow your guests or simply enjoy a hearty meal yourself, these dishes are perfect companions to your main courses.

From creamy mashed potatoes to roasted seasonal vegetables, these sides are packed with nutrients and enhanced with herbs and spices that celebrate the bounty of fall.

In this post, I’ll guide you through several standout vegetarian side recipes that are sure to impress. Plus, I’ll share tips, variations, and serving ideas so you can customize each dish to your liking.

Ready to elevate your Thanksgiving feast? Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegetarian Thanksgiving side dishes are designed not only to complement your main meals but to shine on their own. You’ll love them because they:

• Are packed with fresh, seasonal ingredients like butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and cranberries.
• Offer a variety of textures from creamy to crunchy, ensuring every bite is exciting.
• Use straightforward techniques and common kitchen equipment, making preparation stress-free.
• Can be made ahead of time or easily doubled for larger gatherings.
• Incorporate wholesome ingredients, providing balanced nutrition without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large baking sheet
• Medium saucepan with lid
• Large mixing bowl
• Food processor or potato masher
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing spoons and spatulas
• Small saucepan for balsamic glaze

Instructions

Maple Roasted Butternut Squash

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the squash in a single layer on the baking sheet.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the squash is tender and caramelized on the edges.
5. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook until fork-tender, about 10 minutes.
2. Drain the cauliflower and return it to the pot.
3. Add the minced garlic, butter, and almond milk. Use a food processor or potato masher to blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese if using, and season with salt and white pepper to taste.
5. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Cranberry Pecan Wild Rice Salad

1. Rinse the wild rice under cold water.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
3. While the rice cooks, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Set aside.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Once the rice is cooked, fluff with a fork and transfer to a large bowl. Add dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and chopped parsley.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
2. Roast for 20-25 minutes until crispy on the outside and tender inside, stirring halfway.
3. While roasting, combine balsamic vinegar and maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until reduced by half and syrupy, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the roasted Brussels sprouts and toss gently.
5. Sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds if using, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

“For extra depth in your roasted squash, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a subtle kick!”

Feel free to swap out the butternut squash for sweet potatoes or carrots if you prefer. For the mashed cauliflower, adding roasted garlic instead of raw garlic will give a sweeter, milder flavor.

Vegan diners will appreciate using vegan butter and omitting Parmesan or replacing it with nutritional yeast in the mashed cauliflower.

The wild rice salad can be served warm or chilled, making it versatile for prepping in advance. You can also add chopped apples or toasted pumpkin seeds for additional crunch and seasonal flair.

In the Brussels sprouts recipe, try adding diced shallots or cranberries before roasting for extra texture and color.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegetarian sides pair beautifully with a variety of Thanksgiving mains, whether you’re serving a classic roasted turkey, a hearty lentil loaf, or a savory mushroom Wellington. The Maple Roasted Butternut Squash adds a sweet and warm note to your plate, while the Garlic Mashed Cauliflower offers a creamy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.

The Cranberry Pecan Wild Rice Salad brings texture and tang, balancing richer dishes. And the Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze provide a slightly tangy, caramelized finish that complements savory flavors perfectly.

Consider serving these sides alongside other seasonal favorites or explore more recipes like our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a creamy pasta side, or the sweet touch of Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe for dessert.

For a savory snack or appetizer, check out our Cheese Penny Recipe.

Conclusion

Preparing a memorable Thanksgiving meal doesn’t have to be difficult, even if you follow a vegetarian lifestyle. These Bon Appétit vegetarian Thanksgiving sides recipes offer a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that elevate your holiday dinner.

They’re easy to prepare, nutritious, and can easily be adapted to suit your taste preferences. By incorporating seasonal vegetables, wholesome grains, and thoughtful seasoning, you’ll create dishes that everyone at the table will enjoy—vegetarian or not.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipes and make them your own. Remember, Thanksgiving is about celebrating gratitude, family, and good food, so have fun in the kitchen and savor every bite.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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