Best Vegetarian Thanksgiving Sides Everyone Will Enjoy

Typically the best sides on the Thanksgiving table are meatless. Whether you’re planning on eating the turkey or not, you’ll definitely need some amazing side dish recipes. Here are some unique recipes for vegetarian salads, stuffings, mashes, and casseroles for your Thanksgiving spread.

1. Classic Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 kg. green beans, trimmed
• 6 tbsp. butter, divided
• 1 onion, sliced into half-moons
• ½ kg. mushrooms
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 c. flour
• 3 c. whole milk
• 1 1/2 c. French’s fried onions

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°C. Prepare an ice bath, in a large pot of boiling water, add green beans and cook until bright green, about 6 minutes
2. With a slotted spoon or tongs, quickly transfer green beans to an ice bath to cool, then drain and transfer to a large bowl
3. In a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter
4. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes
5. Add mushrooms and season with salt and pepper
6. Cook, stirring often, until mushrooms are golden, about 5 minutes more
7. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute, then transfer mixture to green bean bowl
8. In the same skillet over medium heat, melt remaining 4 tablespoons butter
9. Whisk in flour and cook until golden, about 2 minutes
10. Gradually whisk in milk and season with salt and pepper
11.  Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 4 minutes
12.  Remove from heat, then add green bean mixture and toss until evenly combined.
13. Bake until warmed through and bubbling, about 30 minutes
14. Top with fried onions and bake 5 minutes more.

2. Candied Yams

Ingredients:

• 1/2 c. dark brown sugar
• 1/2 c. orange juice
• 3 tbsp. butter, plus more for pan
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 5 medium sweet potatoes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Butter a medium baking dish
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, orange juice, butter, cinnamon stick, bourbon nutmeg, and salt
3. Stir to combine and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until it has thickened slightly about 10 minutes
4. When reduced, remove and discard cinnamon stick
5. Meanwhile, peel potatoes, and slice into 1/2″ rounds, then layer in the prepared baking dish
6.  Pour thickened syrup over potatoes and cover dish with aluminum foil
7. Bake 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake about 50 minutes to 1 hour more, basting with sauce every 15 minutes
8. Let cool slightly before serving.

3. Best Mash Potatoes Ever

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Ingredients:

• 3 lb. potatoes(about 4 large, a combo of russets and Yukon Golds)
• Kosher salt
• 1 stick butter, plus 2 tablespoons for garnish
• 1/2 c. milk

• 1/2 c. sour cream

• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cover potatoes with water and add a generous pinch of salt
2. Bring to a boil and cook until totally soft, 16 to 18 minutes. Drain and return potatoes to the pot
3. Use a potato masher to mash potatoes until smooth
4. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter and milk until warm
5. Pour over warm milk-butter mixture and stir until completely combined and creamy
6. Add sour cream and stir until combined
7. Season mashed potatoes generously with salt and pepper
8. Transfer potatoes to a serving bowl and top with remaining two tablespoons butter
9. Finish it off with seasoning with more pepper before serving. 

Are you looking for more vegetarian dishes? Check out Vegan Recipes For Your Christmas Feast