25 Roasted Vegetable Recipes That Belong at Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving tables deserve more than just turkey and mashed potatoes. These 25 roasted vegetable recipes bring vibrant colors, bold flavors, and irresistible aromas to your holiday feast. From sweet glazed carrots to savory herb-crusted root vegetables, each dish transforms simple seasonal produce into something extraordinary.
The beauty of roasted vegetables lies in their simplicity – most require just a drizzle of oil, a sprinkle of seasoning, and time in the oven while you focus on other dishes.
1. Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots
Sweet, tender, and absolutely addictive, these carrots develop a beautiful caramelized exterior that contrasts perfectly with their soft interior. The honey glaze creates a glossy finish that looks stunning on any table.
This dish practically makes itself – just toss, roast, and glaze. Even carrot skeptics will be reaching for seconds. The natural sweetness pairs beautifully with savory main dishes, and kids absolutely love them.
Get the recipe here.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
These aren’t your childhood brussels sprouts. The high heat creates crispy, almost chip-like outer leaves while keeping the centers tender. Bacon adds smoky depth that transforms this often-maligned vegetable into a crowd favorite.
The prep is minimal, and they roast alongside other dishes without fuss. Even brussels sprouts haters will be converted after one bite of these crispy, bacon-studded gems.
Get the recipe here.
3. Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
Creamy, sweet, and subtly spiced, this butternut squash tastes like autumn in every bite. The maple syrup caramelizes beautifully, creating edges that are slightly crispy while the flesh stays silky smooth.
It’s incredibly easy to prepare and looks gorgeous with its golden color. This dish bridges the gap between side dish and dessert, making it perfect for guests with varying tastes.
Get the recipe here.
4. Garlic Herb Roasted Root Vegetables
A rustic medley that brings earthy, comforting flavors to your table. The combination of potatoes, carrots, and turnips creates varied textures and tastes in every forkful. Fresh herbs and roasted garlic infuse the vegetables with aromatic depth.
This one-pan wonder feeds a crowd and requires minimal prep time. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy farmhouse.
Get the recipe here.
5. Balsamic Roasted Beets
These jewel-toned beauties are sweet, tangy, and surprisingly approachable for beet newcomers. The balsamic vinegar enhances their natural earthiness while adding a sophisticated glaze.
They’re simple to prepare and can roast for extended periods without overcooking. The vibrant color adds visual drama to your spread, and their unique flavor provides a nice contrast to richer dishes.
Get the recipe here.
6. Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these wedges are like elevated french fries that happen to be healthy. The natural sugars caramelize beautifully, creating irresistible crispy edges.
They’re foolproof to make and appeal to all ages. These wedges work as both a side dish and a fun finger food. The preparation couldn’t be simpler – just cut, season, and roast.
Get the recipe here.
7. Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
This transforms humble cauliflower into something absolutely crave-worthy. The parmesan creates a golden, crispy coating while the interior becomes creamy and nutty. It’s an excellent low-carb option that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
The cheese factor makes it incredibly appealing to kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes with minimal hands-on time.
Get the recipe here.
8. Roasted Delicata Squash Rings
These rings are nature’s perfect side dish – no peeling required, and they look absolutely beautiful on the plate. The flesh becomes creamy and sweet with subtle nutty undertones. They cook faster than most squashes, making them ideal for busy holiday prep.
The rings hold their shape beautifully and create an elegant presentation. Their mild flavor complements both bold and subtle main dishes perfectly.
Get the recipe here.
9. Brown Butter Roasted Acorn Squash
Rich, nutty brown butter elevates this classic fall squash to restaurant-quality status. The brown butter adds deep, complex flavors that make the natural sweetness of the squash shine. It’s surprisingly quick to prepare despite its elegant appearance.
The wedges become tender and caramelized, with edges that are slightly crispy. This dish feels both rustic and refined at the same time.
Get the recipe here.
10. Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Thyme
A feast for the eyes and the palate, these colorful carrots bring both beauty and flavor to your table. Different colored carrots offer subtle flavor variations, from sweet orange to peppery purple. Fresh thyme adds an earthy, aromatic note that complements the carrots’ natural sweetness.
They’re incredibly simple to prepare but look like you spent hours on presentation. The varied colors create a stunning visual impact.
Get the recipe here.
11. Sage Roasted Turnips and Parsnips
This understated duo delivers sophisticated, earthy flavors that surprise and delight. Turnips become sweet and mellow when roasted, while parsnips add natural nuttiness. Crispy sage leaves provide aromatic pops of flavor throughout.
It’s an excellent way to introduce guests to lesser-known root vegetables. The preparation is straightforward, and the results taste far more complex than the simple ingredient list suggests.
Get the recipe here.
12. Roasted Fennel with Orange
Licorice-haters, don’t skip this one – roasting transforms fennel’s bold flavor into something sweet and mellow. The orange adds bright, citrusy notes that perfectly complement the caramelized fennel.
It’s an unexpectedly elegant side that pairs beautifully with rich main dishes. The preparation is minimal, but the flavor combination feels sophisticated and restaurant-worthy. This dish often converts fennel skeptics into fans.
Get the recipe here.
13. Cranberry Glazed Roasted Carrots
Tart cranberries balance the natural sweetness of carrots in this festive side dish. The glaze creates a beautiful ruby coating that screams holiday celebration. It’s essentially foolproof to make and adds gorgeous color to your spread.
The sweet-tart flavor profile cuts through rich, heavy dishes perfectly. Plus, using cranberries gives it that quintessential Thanksgiving feel without being predictable.
Get the recipe here.
14. Roasted Kabocha Squash
This Japanese pumpkin variety offers incredibly creamy, sweet flesh with hints of chestnut flavor. It roasts to perfection with minimal effort and holds its shape beautifully. The skin becomes edible when roasted, saving prep time and adding nutrition.
Kabocha’s natural sweetness means it needs little seasoning to shine. It’s like eating nature’s candy, making it perfect for guests who prefer milder flavors.
Get the recipe here.
15. Herb Roasted Baby Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these little potatoes are pure comfort food. Mixed herbs create an aromatic coating that makes them irresistible straight from the oven. They’re incredibly versatile and pair with virtually any main dish.
The small size means faster cooking and better seasoning distribution. These potatoes disappear fast, so consider making extra – they’re that good.
Get the recipe here.
16. Roasted Spaghetti Squash
This magical vegetable transforms into pasta-like strands that fascinate kids and adults alike. The mild, slightly sweet flavor works as either a side dish or a base for other ingredients. It’s naturally low-carb and incredibly filling.
The fun factor of “spaghetti” vegetables makes it a conversation starter. Plus, it’s nearly impossible to overcook, making it perfect for busy holiday kitchens.
Get the recipe here.
17. Pomegranate Glazed Roasted Beets
Gorgeous deep red beets get an elegant upgrade with a pomegranate glaze that adds tartness and shine. The combination creates layers of flavor that are both earthy and bright.
This dish looks absolutely stunning on the table with its jewel-like appearance. It’s surprisingly simple to make despite its gourmet appearance. The sweet-tart glaze helps balance beets’ earthiness for hesitant eaters.
Get the recipe here.
18. Roasted Romanesco with Lemon
This alien-looking vegetable becomes approachable and delicious with simple roasting and bright lemon. The fractal spirals hold seasonings beautifully and create interesting textures in every bite.
It tastes like a cross between broccoli and cauliflower but with more personality. The lemon brightens the natural nuttiness and prevents any bitter notes. It’s guaranteed to spark dinner table conversations about its unusual appearance.
Get the recipe here.
19. Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Warm cinnamon transforms already-sweet potatoes into something that borders on dessert territory. The spice enhances the natural sugars, creating caramelized edges that are absolutely divine.
They’re incredibly easy to prepare and fill your kitchen with amazing aromas. This dish appeals to all ages and works well with both savory and sweet flavor profiles. The preparation is so simple you’ll wonder why you don’t make them year-round.
Get the recipe here.
20. Roasted Purple Cabbage Wedges
These stunning wedges turn skeptics into cabbage believers with their sweet, mellow flavor and beautiful presentation. Roasting eliminates any bitterness while creating crispy edges and tender centers.
The purple color adds dramatic flair to your table spread. They’re incredibly budget-friendly and feed a crowd easily. The wedge shape makes them feel special despite being one of the most affordable vegetables around.
Get the recipe here.
21. Honey Balsamic Roasted Parsnips
Sweet honey and tangy balsamic create a glaze that makes parsnips absolutely irresistible. These root vegetables become creamy and sweet when roasted, with a flavor that’s nuttier than carrots.
The glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a gorgeous finish. They’re perfect for guests who want to try something new but not too adventurous. The preparation is straightforward, but the flavor combination feels sophisticated and intentional.
Get the recipe here.
22. Roasted Carnival Squash
This colorful heirloom variety brings both beauty and flavor to your table with its cream and green striped exterior. The flesh is sweet and creamy, similar to butternut but with more complex flavors.
It roasts evenly and holds its shape well for beautiful presentation. The unique appearance makes it a great conversation starter. Despite its exotic looks, it’s as easy to prepare as any winter squash.
Get the recipe here.
23. Thyme Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
These petite potatoes develop incredibly crispy skins while staying creamy inside. Fresh thyme adds earthy, aromatic notes that make them feel elevated and special. Their small size means faster cooking and better herb distribution.
They’re naturally elegant and work well for both casual and formal presentations. The preparation is minimal, but the results taste like you put in serious effort.
Get the recipe here.
24. Roasted Golden Beets with Goat Cheese
Milder and sweeter than their red cousins, golden beets pair beautifully with creamy, tangy goat cheese. The combination creates a perfect balance of earthy sweetness and rich creaminess.
They’re less likely to stain everything red, making them more practical for holiday entertaining. The goat cheese melts slightly when added to warm beets, creating a luxurious finish. This dish feels fancy but requires minimal skill to execute perfectly.
Get the recipe here.
25. Maple Dijon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
The perfect marriage of sweet and savory, this glaze transforms brussels sprouts into something extraordinary. Maple syrup caramelizes while Dijon mustard adds a sophisticated tang that cuts through richness.
The combination appeals to both sweet and savory preference camps. They develop gorgeous golden-brown color and crispy edges. This recipe consistently converts brussels sprouts skeptics into enthusiastic fans.
Get the recipe here.
