Looking for the perfect Thanksgiving roasted vegetables to complete your holiday meal? This easy and delicious roasted vegetables recipe is the answer! It combines crispy Brussels sprouts, hearty carrots, sweet red onion, and crunchy toasted walnuts, all roasted to perfection with a touch of cinnamon. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving or any festive meal, these roasted vegetables will quickly become a family favorite.
Not only do these roasted vegetables taste amazing, but they’re also super simple to make! With just a few basic ingredients and steps, you’ll have a tasty side dish that pairs well with any main course. Best of all, this recipe is vegan-friendly, making it a great option for all your guests at the dinner table. Ready to make the best Thanksgiving roasted vegetables? Let’s get started!
Why These Roasted Vegetables Are the Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish
What makes these Thanksgiving roasted vegetables so special? They’re not only delicious but also customizable to fit your taste! This recipe starts with Brussels sprouts, carrots, and red onions, which create a hearty base of flavors. We then add in crunchy toasted walnuts and sweet dried cranberries for a balance of savory and sweet flavors. To tie everything together, a touch of cinnamon is added for a warm, holiday feel.
This combination of vegetables and ingredients is simple yet delicious, making it a great side dish for your Thanksgiving table. The roasted Brussels sprouts add a crispy texture, while the carrots bring a natural sweetness. The onions caramelize perfectly in the oven, and the walnuts provide an extra crunch. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also add roasted squash or potatoes to make the dish even heartier.
Roasted vegetables are an excellent Thanksgiving side because they pair so well with other traditional holiday dishes. They go great alongside mashed potatoes, stuffing, or cranberry sauce. Plus, you can prepare them ahead of time, so you can focus on your main dish when the time comes!
How to Make the Best Thanksgiving Roasted Vegetables
Making these roasted vegetables is a breeze! You’ll need just a few ingredients and a simple cooking method that results in perfectly roasted veggies every time. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts (about 4 cups), trimmed and halved
- 3 large carrots (about 3 cups), peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 medium red onions, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts, carrots, red onions, olive oil, maple syrup, rosemary, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Make sure all the vegetables are well-coated with the seasonings.
- Roast the Vegetables: Spread the seasoned vegetables evenly on the prepared baking sheets. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are fork-tender and starting to brown on the edges.
- Add Walnuts and Cranberries: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts and dried cranberries over the roasted vegetables, then continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the nuts are lightly toasted and the vegetables are fully cooked.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once done, remove from the oven and serve the roasted vegetables hot as a perfect side dish to your Thanksgiving meal. They’re a great addition to any festive spread and will surely become a favorite.
How Long Do You Roast Vegetables for Thanksgiving?
The vegetables in this recipe should be roasted for 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Make sure to stir the vegetables halfway through to ensure even cooking. They should be fork-tender and lightly browned on the edges when done.
What Vegetables Are Best for Roasting at Thanksgiving?
This recipe includes Brussels sprouts, carrots, and red onions, which are perfect for roasting at Thanksgiving. These vegetables caramelize nicely in the oven, offering a delicious mix of savory and sweet flavors. You can also add other vegetables like squash, sweet potatoes, or parsnips to vary the flavor profile.
Tips for the Perfect Thanksgiving Roasted Vegetables
To make sure your roasted vegetables turn out perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips:
- Air Fryer Option: If you prefer using an air fryer, this recipe works great in that too! Just toss the vegetables in the same seasonings and cook them in batches at 375°F (190°C) for 16-20 minutes, shaking halfway through. Add the walnuts and cranberries in the last 5-8 minutes of cooking.
- Customizations: Feel free to get creative with your vegetables. You can mix in other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips for added flavor and variety. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s flexible and can be adjusted to fit your personal taste.
- Make It Oil-Free: If you’re looking for an oil-free version, simply substitute the olive oil with vegetable broth or vegetable stock for roasting. This will still give you deliciously roasted vegetables without any added fats.
- Nuts-Free Option: If you have guests with nut allergies or prefer not to use nuts, you can swap the walnuts with pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or leave them out altogether.
Why Roasted Vegetables Are a Great Thanksgiving Side Dish
Roasted vegetables are an essential part of Thanksgiving dinner because they’re so easy to prepare, visually appealing, and full of flavor. Plus, they pair perfectly with nearly any main dish you serve, whether it’s a classic roasted turkey, a hearty vegan lentil loaf, or a stuffed squash.
The combination of roasted vegetables with maple syrup and cinnamon adds a subtle sweetness that makes them a perfect fit for a Thanksgiving meal. These vegetables aren’t just tasty; they also add a vibrant color to your table, making your spread look even more festive.
Whether you serve them alongside mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables, these roasted veggies will be the highlight of your Thanksgiving dinner. You’ll even want to make them all winter long for cozy, comforting meals!
Pairing Ideas
These roasted vegetables are versatile, so they pair well with a variety of dishes. Here are some great ideas to serve with them:
- Mashed Potatoes: Roasted vegetables over creamy mashed potatoes make for a hearty and filling meal.
- Vegan Gravy: Drizzle homemade vegan gravy over the roasted vegetables for extra flavor and richness.
- Stuffing: Pair them with your favorite stuffing for a classic Thanksgiving combination. The roasted vegetables add a healthy and flavorful twist to the traditional stuffing.
Final Thoughts
These Thanksgiving roasted vegetables are a must-have side dish for your holiday table. They’re easy to prepare, full of flavor, and completely customizable to suit your guests’ preferences. Whether you’re hosting a large family dinner or a smaller gathering, this recipe will surely impress everyone. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly, making it perfect for a variety of diets. Add these roasted vegetables to your Thanksgiving menu this year and enjoy the delicious combination of savory and sweet flavors. This side dish will become a favorite that you’ll make year after year!
Now that you know how to make these tasty Thanksgiving roasted vegetables, get ready to impress your guests with this crowd-pleasing side dish! Enjoy every bite and happy Thanksgiving!