![Creamy Parsnips with Brown Butter Gravy and Green Apples](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.foodandwine.com/thmb/Gf3Hl6T_KFZBJ7ckkyHYBC150Sk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Creamy-Parsnips-With-Brown-Butter-Green-Apples-FT-RECIPE1221-9384cbcbcd734a7db308a3ccef1fe6d5.jpg)
Though the turkey may be the star of the show, Thanksgiving is nothing without an array of savory side dishes. Save on prep and cook time by choosing easy sides featuring root vegetables, mushrooms, potatoes, and more fall flavors with efficient recipes. Here are our best easy Thanksgiving sides for less stressful holiday hosting.
Buttermilk Cornbread
![buttermilk-cornbread-FT-RECIPE1119.jpg](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/tLrFmaql0MiJr_1H48awvuiEObM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/buttermilk-cornbread-FT-RECIPE1119-2788187abda746d39721983b2d90aa8c.jpg)
Cornbread is relatively forgiving, and this skillet recipe is an amalgamation of best practices across families and generations.
Roasted Carrots
![Roasted Carrots](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/Pjprf941D0dGLvQ2OrgghxStqwc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/roasted-carrots-FT-RECIPE0422-d952f1efc4264ca39a7fe88a5a6c82cf.jpg)
Make flavorful, buttery roasted carrots in 40 minutes with six ingredients.
Lemon-Pomegranate Cranberry Sauce
![Lemon-Pomegranate Cranberry Sauce](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/pYYvHTLypnmQOCUCQHiG7Gz9PYc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/lemon-pomegranate-cranberry-sauce-FT-RECIPE1118-f66e47e4a6dc4d26afd5ff12c2342dd0.jpg)
A quick whirl in a food processor is all it takes to make this fresh-tasting sauce in 40 minutes — no cooking required.
Shredded Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
![Shredded parmesan brussels sprouts](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/RCyG5GfwrcN60dTEjaLBX7y1j1s=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shredded-parmesan-brussels-sprouts-FT-RECIPE1021-7e70f91910d0470e9a14d0b8097931a8.jpg)
Ridiculously easy brussels sprouts are coarsely shredded, which gives them an appealing texture, and lightly charred, which enhances their nutty sweetness. Finished with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, which melts into the leaves, these can be prepared up to two hours in advance.
Garlic-and-Herb Mashed Potatoes
![Garlic-and-Herb Mashed Potatoes](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/Yqqry50G4NK8Ex2WFp3R5R7BJDY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Garlic-and-Herb-Mashed-Potatoes-FT-RECIPE1121-ee07c812189945ca93489be4d8976b97.jpg)
These mashed potatoes are a speedy, nearly effortless dish thanks to a flavor-packed special ingredient: a garlic-and-herb-flecked spreadable cheese. For a colorful variation, use purple Peruvian potatoes instead of Yukon Golds.
Southern-Style Mac 'n' Cheese
![Southern Style Mac n Cheese](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/2F7Nb86o-h02mipIZsv5P6RdVUI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-style-mac-n-cheese-FT-RECIPE1121-2-90466190a73541e59e6a411ad1a24e9a.jpg)
Three types of cheese go into this creamy, savory macaroni and cheese recipe, which gets layers of flavor from fresh bay leaves and dry mustard.
Caramelized Broccoli with Garlic
![Caramelized Broccoli with Garlic](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/j5pV73jbq5tOPikAF0I-eHvYhOk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Caramelized-Broccoli-with-Garlic-FT-RECIPE0822-2000-926848df43b3456ba0d4aa6dfb6766e9.jpg)
Slowly caramelize broccoli to bring out its sweetness, then enliven it with a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of crushed red pepper. You can scale this recipe to serve more guests as needed.
Roasted Butternut Squash with Curry Leaves
![Roasted Butternut Squash with Curry Leaves Recipe](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/pR4-qk0dT0lHQz12020oBQAm9Gc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/roasted-butternut-squash-with-curry-leaves-FT-RECIPE1119-9c2e079449a04a20ba947224c4df711a.jpg)
With its wonderful aromas and strong punch of flavor, this simple squash side dish will pique guests' interest.
Sautéed Green Beans with Toasted Benne Seeds
![Sauteed Green Beans with Toasted Benne Seeds](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/fB4qsBywRy_xZAvbMQE7mpsLuEw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sauteed-green-beans-with-toasted-benne-seeds-FT-RECIPE1020-0caa3db8e3264d098576fe87e804d739.jpg)
Cookbook author and chef Alexander Smalls toasts benne seeds, or white sesame seeds, before stirring them into the beans to add layers of toasty, nutty flavor that permeate the whole dish in 15 minutes flat.
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
![Scalloped Potatoes](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/zBJ-om-LY_zxr4NvI_HialxaCbM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Scalloped-Potatoes-FT-RECIPE0623-fb3e9c1088854a1389133d979f2d1389.jpg)
Kelsey Hansen / Food Styling by Annie Probst / Prop Styling by Gabe Greco
Bake these rich, creamy potatoes until they are golden brown and add a few chives on top to make this easy side dish in an hour.
Buttery Sautéed Mushrooms with Fresh Herbs
![buttery sautéed mushrooms with fresh herbs](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/HrDImr-GSXQwCiw1uhW0Ba-GJ98=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/buttery-sauteed-mushrooms-with-fresh-herbs-FT-RECIPE0921-2-89b48a6330d943679192107c46b9b7c4.jpg)
Thanks to the addition of coconut aminos, extra umami-rich mushrooms make for a succulent, 25-minute side dish.
Brown Butter Parsnip Puree
![Creamy Parsnips with Brown Butter Gravy and Green Apples](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/Gf3Hl6T_KFZBJ7ckkyHYBC150Sk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Creamy-Parsnips-With-Brown-Butter-Green-Apples-FT-RECIPE1221-9384cbcbcd734a7db308a3ccef1fe6d5.jpg)
In a half hour, naturally sweet parsnips are simmered in bay leaf–infused cream until very tender, then pureed in a blender until they take on a silky, mashed potato–like texture. Diced green apples adds tart, mouthwatering acidity and crunch, while a drizzle of brown butter lends a pleasant richness.
Brazilian-Style Collard Greens
![Brazilian Collard Greens](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/kzcZn0mjyUXdr2w0Gf9X4WAZfAM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/brazilian-collard-greens-FT-RECIPE1220-5e4906d4325e4904a1047ae6cdc9b70a.jpg)
Inspired and adapted from culinary historian and author Jessica B. Harris' recipe, these garlicky collards have added dimension from zesty, jalapeño-spiked sauce.
Rutabaga, Celery Root, and Potato Gratin
![Root vegetable gratin](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/VLeKOYyRdCXXMjy92QWu8ZVjKKQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/rutabaga-celery-root-potato-gratin-FT-RECIPE1120-aaeae788934447e0a6097b2001a2c560.jpg)
Rutabaga and celery root bring an earthy depth and an engaging, subtle sweetness, giving a classic gratin a flavorful lift. Classic gratins lean on heaps of Gruyère; here, robust Parmigiano-Reggiano cuts in with more intense flavor, accentuating the root vegetables instead of smothering them.
Brussels Sprouts and Broccoli with Cranberry Agrodolce
![Brussels and Broccoli Agrodolce](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/loC-t9KflXqi6K5bXqoLe82aMho=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Brussels-and-Broccoli-Agrodolce-FT-RECIPE1121-a4114828a2404fecbe2485e2841baefc.jpg)
A quick, high-temperature oven roast yields crispy, golden brown brussels sprouts and almost-charred, smoky broccoli. Tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce studded with tart cranberries, the vegetables become an elegant side dish.
Red Skin Potato Mash
![Red Skin Potato Mash](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/z7koS7BVkmirALhsYiEcdgzBJmQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/FAW-recipes-red-skin-potato-mash-hero-8705fa7d99fa40d7aae1b5ab94003e5b.jpg)
Julia Hartbeck
This mashed potato recipe is for when you don't want to be bothered with the potato peeler. Keeping the skin intact gives this fluffy, creamy potato mash a nice added crunch, and it can be made earlier in the day and kept warm.
Braised Greens with Crispy Garlic and Miso Butter
![Braised greens with crispy garlic and miso butter](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/gJlHQSCjy7Vax34eKinD9A-UAGw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Braised-Greens-with-Crispy-Garlic-and-miso-butter-FT-RECIPE1120-7f7f51b60e58429c807314728f53305f.jpg)
Hearty autumn greens take on new life when braised in a miso butter–laced broth. The richly flavored greens make a versatile side dish for turkey.
Kish Family Two-Bread Stuffing
![Kish Family Two-Bread Stuffing](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/YDRleoNyrqKalVWz3QfNwRSXVJM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/kish-family-two-bread-stuffing-FT-RECIPE1118-a798547105924dcd84ccd01ed6aca61a.jpg)
Top Chef winner Kristen Kish’s mom came up with this two-bread stuffing to please both sides of her family: half from Michigan, where white bread stuffing is essential, and half from Texas, where they demand cornbread. The crowd pleaser is ready in under an hour.