Simple Holiday Vegetable Sides

Rosemary Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Shallots

Get your holiday meal on the table in no time flat with these quick-and-easy side dish recipes.

1 of 58

Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

A mix of colorful root vegetables may be your star side. Peeled, prechopped butternut squash saves time, but pieces tend to be irregular and small--we prefer peeling and cubing it yourself.

2 of 58

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Pomegranate and Pine Nuts

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Pomegranate and Pine Nuts

3 of 58

Skillet Green Bean Casserole

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Skillet Green Bean Casserole Recipe

We've shortened (and lightened) this holiday classic by bringing everything together in one pan and using the stovetop and broiler rather than baking.

4 of 58

Classic Herb Stuffing

Photo: Jennifer Causey

Classic Herb Stuffing Recipe

A straightforward holiday stuffing calls for great bread; we love the nutty, toasty dimension of a bakery whole-grain loaf. Sauté the onion, celery, and carrot mixture until tender but not browned. The added moisture from the veg will help soften the bread and make for a more cohesive stuffing.

5 of 58

Cloverleaf Rolls

Photo: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Paige Hicks

Cloverleaf Rolls Recipe

From the Kitchen of…Cheryl Slocum, Senior Food Editor

"The smell of freshly risen dough always takes me back to my mom's rolls."

If the yeast doesn't bubble, it may have expired; start over to avoid wasting time and ingredients.

6 of 58

Creamed Winter Greens

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Catherine Crowell Steele; Prop Styling: Thom Driver

Creamed Winter Greens Recipe

Two beloved dark leafy greens, spinach and lacinato kale, combine to bring deep, earthy flavor to this updated take on classic creamed spinach.

7 of 58

Broccoli with Lemon Crumbs

Photo: Jim Franco

Broccoli with Lemon Crumbs Recipe
Make life a little easier during the hectic holiday season by preparing tasty sides that are ready in a flash.And the microwave is not off limits. For a zesty dish your guests are sure to love, top microwaved broccoli with lemon-flavored homemade breadcrumbs. To simplify meal preparation even further, make the breadcrumbs up to 2 days ahead and store at room temperature.

8 of 58

Asparagus with Crispy Pancetta

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Asparagus with Crispy Pancetta Recipe

Dress up plain asparagus by sprinkling with pancetta, often referred to as Canadian bacon, and seasoning with pepper and lemon juice for a fresh taste.

9 of 58

Baked Fennel Parmigiana

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Baked Fennel Parmigiana Recipe

Fennel is a crunchy, sweet vegetable of the parsley family and a good source of fiber and Vitamin C. After baking, top with marinara sauce and cheese. Your guests will think they’ve walked into a fancy Italian restaurant!

10 of 58

Browned Butter and Lemon Brussels Sprouts

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Browned Butter and Lemon Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Brussels sprouts are packed with fiber, Vitamin C and K, and other valuable nutrients. Served with creamy butter and tangy lemon juice, this nutritious side dish will melt in your mouth.

11 of 58

Butternut Squash with Orange

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Butternut Squash with Orange Recipe

12 of 58

Mashed Potatoes

Photo: Dasha Wright Ewing

Mashed Potatoes Recipe
With only 5 ingredients, these creamy mashed potatoes are perfect as an easy side dish for both holiday menus and weeknight meals.

13 of 58

Carrot-Cilantro Bulgur

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Carrot-Cilantro Bulgur Recipe

Bulgur is a form of whole wheat often used in European and Indian cuisine. Made with shredded carrot and chopped cilantro, this nutritious dish is high in fiber and protein and low in saturated fat.

14 of 58

Carrots with Lemon and Thyme

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Carrots with Lemon and Thyme Recipe

Cooked carrots are an often overlooked choice for a vegetable side. A little lemon, salt, pepper, and thyme are all you need for this nutritious dish.

15 of 58

Cavatappi with Arugula and Cannellini Beans

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Cavatappi with Arugula and Cannellini Beans Recipe

Dress up a simple pasta side dish with beans, arugula, and lemon juice. You can substitute the cavatappi for 2 cups penne, macaroni, or other hot cooked pasta.

16 of 58

Garlic-Parmesan Rice

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Garlic-Parmesan Rice Recipe

This dish is made with basmati, a long grain Indian rice, but you can substitute it for jasmine or any long grain white rice if necessary.

17 of 58

Glazed Carrots with Pecans

Photo: James Baigrie; Styling: Randy Mon

Glazed Carrots with Pecans Recipe
Make the most of the natural sweetness of carrots by cooking them in a skillet with brown sugar and minced fresh ginger, and add just the right crunch with toasted pecan halves.

18 of 58

Goat Cheese and Basil Polenta

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Goat Cheese and Basil Polenta Recipe

This delicious polenta dish has a texture similar to grits or mashed potatoes. The goat cheese gives it a slightly tart and extra creamy taste.

19 of 58

Sweet-and-Sour Green Beans

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Sweet-and-Sour Green Beans Recipe
Instead of green bean casserole, go with a simpler dish featuring beans flavored with bacon, onion, sugar, and cider vinegar.

20 of 58

Green Beans with Walnuts

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Green Beans with Walnuts Recipe

Simple green beans are a crowd-pleasing side that’s easy on the pocketbook. The toasted walnuts provide an extra dose of heart-healthy omega-3s.

21 of 58

Lemon-Orange Orzo

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Lemon-Orange Orzo Recipe

Try this healthy, whole-wheat orzo dish. Parsley and grated lemon and orange rind give it a fresh, zesty flavor.

22 of 58

Sweet-Potato Gratin

Ray Kachatorian

Sweet-Potato Gratin Recipe
Layer sliced sweet potato in a baking dish and bake in a mixture of whipping cream and Parmesan cheese for a luxurious variation of a sweet potato casserole.

23 of 58

Lemon-Rosemary Barley

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Lemon-Rosemary Barley Recipe

Barley is a nutrient-packed whole grain high in iron and fiber and low in fat. One serving of this nutritious side dish, and you’ll be well on your way to meeting your recommended intake of fiber for the day.

24 of 58

Louisiana Red Beans

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Louisiana Red Beans Recipe

Straight from Louisiana, this Cajun classic is a perfect compliment to serve over top a bowl of white rice.

25 of 58

Mushroom Grits

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Mushroom Grits Recipe

Dress up a bowl of creamy, classic grits with mushrooms, garlic, and parsley. Serve with any lean meat entrée for a simple and healthy meal.

26 of 58

Cranberry-Almond Wild Rice

Cranberry-Almond Wild Rice Recipe
Dress up quick-cooking brown rice with the addition of a package of long grain and wild rice, dried cranberries and toasted almonds. Because you are using packaged rice, the entire recipe takes only about 25 minutes from start to finish.

27 of 58

Noodles with Carrot and Onion

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Noodles with Carrot and Onion Recipe

Udon is a thick Japanese noodle made of wheat flour. Serve with onion, garlic, and shredded carrot for a quick and easy side to chicken teriyaki or another Japanese-inspired entrée.

28 of 58

Broccoli and Penne with Asiago

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Broccoli and Penne with Asiago Recipe

This simple pasta is a go-to side if you're looking to add some quick carbs to a meal. Add a slice of butter to make it an extra creamy and kid friendly dish.

29 of 58

Fresh Cranberry-Orange Relish

Photo: Ellen Silverman; Styling: Toni Brogan

Fresh Cranberry-Orange Relish Recipe
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without the cranberry relish, and this easy one will help streamline your holiday meal preparation because you can make it up to 3 days ahead.

30 of 58

Whipped Maple Sweet Potatoes

Whipped Maple Sweet Potatoes Recipe
For a quick and easy alternative to sweet potato casserole, stir maple syrup and butter into mashed sweet potatoes and top with toasted pecans.

31 of 58

Pasta with Sugar Snap Peas and Ricotta Cheese

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Pasta with Sugar Snap Peas and Ricotta Cheese Recipe

If you haven’t experienced the deliciousness of sugar snap peas, you’re in for a treat. With the addition of ricotta cheese and fresh chives, this simple pasta dish becomes a sensational side in less than 10 minutes.

32 of 58

Quinoa with Broccoli and Bacon

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Quinoa with Broccoli and Bacon Recipe

Dress up a plain quinoa dish with bacon bits and sautéed broccoli for a fresh and colorful side.

33 of 58

Pepper Jelly-Glazed Carrots

Pepper Jelly-Glazed Carrots Recipe
These carrots win the prize for easiest side ever. Baby carrots, chicken broth, butter, and red pepper jelly are all you need for a hot 'n spicy dish that is ready in less than 15 minutes and takes just two steps.

34 of 58

Roasted Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Photo: Romulo Yanes; Styling: Claire Spollen

Roasted Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Tired of plain mashed potatoes? Cauliflower, milk, and butter are added here to create a rich, creamy side. Serve with gravy and a succulent cut of roast beef.

35 of 58

Roasted Rosemary Rutabaga Fries

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Roasted Rosemary Rutabaga Fries Recipe

Salty and delicious, you won’t even realize they're not the real thing. Best of all, one serving is a mere 116 calories—less than a third of the calories in a normal serving of potato fries!

36 of 58

Green Peas with Crispy Bacon

Green Peas with Crispy Bacon Recipe
Like the asparagus, this dish takes just 20 minutes to prepare. Plus, you can use either frozen or fresh peas, making it a perfect year-round side. For a lower-fat version, use turkey bacon.

37 of 58

Rustic Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Rustic Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Tired of plain mashed potatoes? Try this creamy butter and garlic recipe. Serve with gravy and a succulent cut of roast beef.

38 of 58

Oven-Roasted Asparagus

Oven-Roasted Asparagus Recipe
Get this tasty–and healthy–asparagus dish on your table in just 20 minutes. It's flavored with olive oil, garlic, and almonds–all very nutritious foods!

39 of 58

Spicy Brown Rice

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Spicy Brown Rice Recipe

Give brown rice a little kick by adding chile paste and sesame oil to this Asian-inspired side.

40 of 58

Gingered Green Beans

Gingered Green Beans Recipe
Ham bouillon, onion, garlic, ginger, and a toasted pecan topping give this dish its great flavor. All you need are a few minutes to boil and sauté, and these beans are ready to serve.

41 of 58

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Apples

Photo: Ellen Silverman; Styling: Toni Brogan

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Apples Recipe
Add amazing flavor to Brussels sprouts by combining them with sweet-tart apples and roasting them for about 25 minutes or until they are tender and mellow.

42 of 58

Spicy Tomato Macaroni and Cheese

Spicy Tomato Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Try this spicy, south-of-the border pasta dish for a fresh twist on traditional mac 'n' cheese. If your family prefers less spicy foods, substitute regular cheese and milder chiles to take the heat down a notch.

43 of 58

Steamed Spinach with Curry Butter

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Steamed Spinach with Curry Butter Recipe

This Asian-inspired, seasoned spinach recipe is easy to make and great as a stand-alone side or as part of another dish.

44 of 58

Sugar Snap Peas with Ginger and Soy

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Sugar Snap Peas with Ginger and Soy Recipe

If you haven’t experienced the deliciousness of sugar snap peas, you’re in for a treat. This simple Asian-inspired dish can be ready in just over 5 minutes and will be devoured even faster!

45 of 58

Sweet and Sour Cipollini

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Sweet and Sour Cipollini Recipe

Just a few ingredients make for a complex condiment that dresses up simple roast chicken or pork. To add a floral note, replace the brown sugar with clover honey.

46 of 58

Okra Creole

Okra Creole Recipe
Dress up okra, a humble but beloved Southern favorite, with spicy Creole flavors for a mouthwatering holiday side. This recipe calls for frozen and canned vegetables, so no chopping required.

47 of 58

Sweet Potatoes with Spiced Yogurt and Honey

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Sweet Potatoes with Spiced Yogurt and Honey Recipe

You’ve probably never considered adding Greek yogurt to sweet potatoes. You may never go back to brown sugar after you add in this delicious and innovative ingredient to a classic side.

48 of 58

Wild Rice with Squash

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Wild Rice with Squash Recipe

We think butternut squash tastes good in just about anything. Complimenting a simple wild rice dish here, it adds just the right amount of sweetness.

49 of 58

Wilted Kale with Golden Raisins and Pecans

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Wilted Kale with Golden Raisins and Pecans Recipe

Kale is among the world’s healthiest vegetables. Sautéed and served with golden raising and chopped pecans, this is a tender side with a slightly nutty taste.

50 of 58

Whipped Potatoes with Three-Onion Butter

Whipped Potatoes with Three-Onion Butter Recipe

The tricks to achieving very creamy mashed potatoes are to not overcook them and to whip them just until smooth (if you overwhip, they'll get gluey). Serve some of the butter on the side, so guests can determine their level of richness.

51 of 58

Creamed Onion Tart

Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Creamed Onion Tart Recipe

"This recipe makes classic creamed onions seem inventive and stylish. A generous wedge is an appealing side dish, but it'll make a nice first course, if paired with a salad. The tart tastes great served warm or at room temperature." --Sheri Castle, author of The Southern Living Community Cookbook

52 of 58

Chorizo-and-Cornbread Dressing

Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Chorizo-and-Cornbread Dressing Recipe

"There are two things you'll always find at the Summers' family Thanksgiving table: Julia Child's iconic Cornbread Sausage Stuffing and lively table conversation. A few years ago, I started amping up the spice in Julia's stuffing by adding jalapeño and using chorizo sausage. As the years progressed, I noticed the spicier the stuffing, the livelier the conversation." —Libbie Summers, stylist and author of Sweet & Vicious

53 of 58

Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Photo: Alison Miksch; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Smash potatoes chunky and rustic, or mash them silky smooth.

54 of 58

Butternut Mash

Photo: Alison Miksch; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Butternut Mash Recipe

Roasted winter squash adds bright color to your holiday table.

55 of 58

Creamy Parmesan Grits

Photo: Alison Miksch; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Creamy Parmesan Grits Recipe

Look for Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, which adds nutty flavor and an earthy depth to the grits.

56 of 58

Herbed Couscous

Photo: Alison Miksch; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Herbed Couscous Recipe

Use your favorite fresh herbs.

57 of 58

Rosemary Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Shallots

Photo: Jonny Valiant; Styling: Deborah Williams

Rosemary Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Shallots Recipe
These mashed sweet potatoes are elegant and memorable, perfect for a special occasion.

Replay gallery

Account

Simple Holiday Sides

1 of 58

Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables

2 of 58

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Pomegranate and Pine Nuts

3 of 58

Skillet Green Bean Casserole

4 of 58

Classic Herb Stuffing

5 of 58

Cloverleaf Rolls

6 of 58

Creamed Winter Greens

7 of 58

Broccoli with Lemon Crumbs

8 of 58

Asparagus with Crispy Pancetta

9 of 58

Baked Fennel Parmigiana

10 of 58

Browned Butter and Lemon Brussels Sprouts

11 of 58

Butternut Squash with Orange

12 of 58

Mashed Potatoes

13 of 58

Carrot-Cilantro Bulgur

14 of 58

Carrots with Lemon and Thyme

15 of 58

Cavatappi with Arugula and Cannellini Beans

16 of 58

Garlic-Parmesan Rice

17 of 58

Glazed Carrots with Pecans

18 of 58

Goat Cheese and Basil Polenta

19 of 58

Sweet-and-Sour Green Beans

20 of 58

Green Beans with Walnuts

21 of 58

Lemon-Orange Orzo

22 of 58

Sweet-Potato Gratin

23 of 58

Lemon-Rosemary Barley

24 of 58

Louisiana Red Beans

25 of 58

Mushroom Grits

26 of 58

Cranberry-Almond Wild Rice

27 of 58

Noodles with Carrot and Onion

28 of 58

Broccoli and Penne with Asiago

29 of 58

Fresh Cranberry-Orange Relish

30 of 58

Whipped Maple Sweet Potatoes

31 of 58

Pasta with Sugar Snap Peas and Ricotta Cheese

32 of 58

Quinoa with Broccoli and Bacon

33 of 58

Pepper Jelly-Glazed Carrots

34 of 58

Roasted Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

35 of 58

Roasted Rosemary Rutabaga Fries

36 of 58

Green Peas with Crispy Bacon

37 of 58

Rustic Garlic Mashed Potatoes

38 of 58

Oven-Roasted Asparagus

39 of 58

Spicy Brown Rice