Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 10 Food Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Summer

      10 Food Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Summer

      Here are the popular flavors we think will be big this year, plus recipes to try these trends at home. Read More
    • 22 Vegetarian Lunches You Can Make in 10 Minutes

      22 Vegetarian Lunches You Can Make in 10 Minutes

      When you're short on time, you can still make a quick, healthy lunch that will help you power through the afternoon. Whether you prefer a simple grain bowl with lots of veggies, a slice of loaded avocado toast or a delish salad, there's something for you in this mix. You need just 10 minutes in the kitchen to pull together recipes like our Egg Tartine and Chickpea Salad Sandwich. Read More
    • What Is Taperakia? For These Greek Moms, Sending Meals to Their Kids is an Act of Love

      What Is Taperakia? For These Greek Moms, Sending Meals to Their Kids is an Act of Love

      Learn about the Greek practice of shipping adult children Tupperware containers of food, plus get their recipes to make at home. Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Healthy Holiday & Occasion Recipes
  4. Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes
  5. Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes
  6. Quick & Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes
  7. 30 Last-Minute Thanksgiving Side Dishes in 30 Minutes

30 Last-Minute Thanksgiving Side Dishes in 30 Minutes

A portrait of Alex Loh
Alex Loh Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD November 19, 2020
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Candied Carrots

Scrambling to get every dish on to the Thanksgiving table? These last-minute side dishes are a perfect addition to your holiday meal. Whether it's mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts or green beans, you can get these tasty sides on to the table in 30 minutes or less. Recipes like Candied Carrots and Kale Salad with Balsamic & Parmesan are flavorful and easy to make.

Start Slideshow

1 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

4027918.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Chef Michael Symon loves Brussels sprouts because they can be cooked so many different ways. In this healthy recipe, the rich flavor of the walnuts, Dijon and capers is perfection with roasted meats.

1 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Candied Carrots

<p>A combination of brown sugar and apple juice makes these easy candied carrots sweet but not cloying. Chopped fresh thyme brightens the flavor in this classic side dish, but feel free to omit it if you want an even simpler dish. Serve with chicken, pork or your Thanksgiving dinner.</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A combination of brown sugar and apple juice makes these easy candied carrots sweet but not cloying. Chopped fresh thyme brightens the flavor in this classic side dish, but feel free to omit it if you want an even simpler dish. Serve with chicken, pork or your Thanksgiving dinner.

2 of 30

3 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Balsamic-Roasted Green Beans with Parmesan

Balsamic-Roasted Green Beans with Parmesan
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Sweet balsamic vinegar and nutty Parmesan cheese complement roasted green beans and shallots in this easy and healthy side dish. Roasting the green beans gives them a sweet, caramelized flavor while they still retain some bite. Serve with chicken, fish, pork--you name it. These green beans are also a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving meal.

3 of 30

Advertisement

4 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

Low-Carb Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Whir cauliflower into a creamy low-carb substitute for mashed potatoes. This easy recipe gets a kick of flavor from garlic-infused olive oil, making it a dairy-free (and vegan) vegetable side dish.

4 of 30

5 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Kale Salad with Balsamic & Parmesan

a bowl of kale topped with Parmesan cheese
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this healthy kale salad recipe, you massage the dressing into the kale, tenderizing the leaves and infusing the salad with sweet balsamic flavor. Creamy pine nuts and salty Parmesan cheese added at the end balance the flavors. Enjoy this salad on its own as a side dish or add cooked chicken, shrimp or steak to make it a full meal.

5 of 30

6 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mashed Cauliflower & Yukon Golds

7010802.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The term "cauliflower mashed potatoes" usually means subbing cauliflower for potatoes completely, but in this recipe we use both cauliflower and potatoes: Yukon Golds add to the buttery hue of the mash and their waxy texture balances out the more watery cauliflower to keep it velvety. The mash is easy enough to make as a weeknight dinner recipe, but it would also make an excellent side dish for Thanksgiving or another special occasion.

6 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Apple, Fig & Brussels Sprouts Salad

4027937.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Salad dressing made from sweet and mellow white balsamic vinegar balances out the assertive greens and Brussels sprouts in this healthy winter salad. If you have one handy, a small mandoline makes it easy to slice the Brussels and apple. To make it a dinner salad, top with shrimp or chicken.

7 of 30

8 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Honey-Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Honey-Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Balsamic vinegar and honey combine to give a sweet-tart coating to these roasted Brussels sprouts. These honey-balsamic Brussels sprouts are quick enough for a weeknight meal, but they are special enough to make a no-fuss side dish for Thanksgiving or any other holiday meal.

8 of 30

9 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Jalapeño Creamed Corn

Jalape&ntilde;o Creamed Corn
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Sweet and savory creamed corn gets a creamy kick from Cheddar cheese and jalapeño. We love the added spice sliced jalapeño adds as a garnish, but this is also great without it if you want to tame the heat. Try it alongside grilled steak or chicken or with your Thanksgiving spread.

9 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Skillet Green Bean Casserole for Two

Skillet Green Bean Casserole for Two
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Green bean casserole is usually built for a crowd, but not this one! It's perfectly portioned for a smaller Thanksgiving and done on the stovetop to free up oven space. Fresh breadcrumbs combined with caramelized onions deliver a savory alternative to the classic fried onions.

10 of 30

11 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bitter Greens Salad with Persimmons, Manchego & Hazelnut Vinaigrette

Bitter Greens Salad with Persimmons, Manchego & Hazelnut Vinaigrette
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Persimmons are a sweet, succulent foil to the bitter greens in this winter salad that makes a striking holiday side. If you can't find them, firm ripe pears are a delicious alternative.

11 of 30

12 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Roasted potatoes and Brussels sprouts make a great quick and easy side dish for dinner, or you can twist it into a breakfast hash served with an egg on top. Either way, with its super-easy prep, you'll come back to these roasted potatoes and Brussels sprouts again and again.

 

12 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

5840784.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Make this classic comfort food side dish in an electric pressure cooker, like the Instant Pot, to get the potatoes soft and tender in a jiff! This easy, 5-ingredient recipe is perfect for the holidays because it's all done in one pot and doesn't take up any extra oven or stove space.

13 of 30

14 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Green Beans with Parmesan-Garlic Breadcrumbs

4027938.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this easy green bean recipe, browning the butter before tossing it with the breadcrumbs produces a nice nutty flavor. Serve this green bean dish as a healthy alternative to green bean casserole or as an easy side with steak, chicken or fish.

14 of 30

15 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Citrus-Rosemary Cranberry Sauce

Citrus Rosemary Cranberry Sauce recipe in a white bowl
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy cranberry sauce recipe calls for simply jazzing up canned cranberry sauce with orange zest and juice and fresh herbs. Serve it with your Thanksgiving turkey, on leftover turkey sandwiches or along with any holiday meal.

15 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cauliflower with Peppadew Peppers & Raisins

Cauliflower with Peppadew Peppers & Raisins
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We sauté the cauliflower to get it slightly caramelized, then steam it to soften the vegetable without burning the spices.

16 of 30

17 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Creamed Brussels Sprouts

Creamed Brussels Sprouts
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Tender Brussels sprouts in a creamy sauce is a holiday-worthy side dish that's easy enough for a weeknight.

17 of 30

18 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Buttermilk-Sage Mashed Potatoes

4027939.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cutting the potatoes into cubes before steaming means this quick healthy mashed potato recipe is ready in the same time it takes to cook a steak or piece of fish. Have your buttermilk and butter at room temperature so they won't cool the potatoes too much when you start mashing.

18 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sautéed Green Beans & Onions

Saut&eacute;ed Green Beans & Onions
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Sautéed onions, garlic powder and red pepper add plenty of flavor to canned green beans to make an easy and economical side for your Thanksgiving table or any other dinner.

19 of 30

20 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Massaged Kale Salad

Massaged Kale Salad
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Here a pungent garlicky dressing is infused into kale by massaging the greens and the dressing together with your hands. Any type of kale will work in this kale salad recipe, just remember to remove the tough stems before you start.

20 of 30

21 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Sweet Potatoes

Roasted Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

It's easy to get creative with these roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes. For a quick side dish that complements just about everything, follow the main recipe. If you want to spice things up a little, try one of the variations. Swapping a few spices and adding fresh stir-ins to coat the roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes transforms the flavor of the dish to something new, yet equally delicious.

21 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Balsamic Roasted Cabbage

Balsamic Roasted Cabbage
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These roasted cabbage wedges with honey and balsamic vinegar make an attractive and healthy side dish that's also very easy to prepare. You can use red or green cabbage--or make a double batch with one of each for a pretty presentation.

 

22 of 30

23 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

5749834.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This quick mashed potato recipe has just 5 ingredients and is dinner-ready in 20 minutes. Using sweet potatoes for this classic side dish adds color to your plate along with a little sweetness and a boost of Vitamin A. With classic and simple flavors, it can easily be paired with any of your favorite dishes.

23 of 30

24 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vietnamese-Style Coconutty Brussels Sprouts

7218349.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this easy Brussels sprouts recipe, the sprouts get a double hit of coconutty flavor from coconut oil and coconut water, and a salty, umami kick from fish sauce. The coconut water is a tropical nod to the southern Vietnamese practice of cooking with coconut water, which is often used in braises and dipping sauces. Don't have a pan large enough to cook the sprouts in one batch? Cook them in two batches in a medium (10-inch) skillet. No coconut oil in your pantry? Substitute unsalted European-style butter or vegetable oil. Serve these simple but flavorful Brussels sprouts as a side to any protein for weeknight dinners or special meals--they'd be a great addition to your Thanksgiving dinner.

24 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Balsamic Roasted Carrots

Balsamic Roasted Carrots
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Roasting carrots brings out their sweetness, which is enhanced further with a tangy balsamic and maple glaze. Serve them straight-up for an easy weeknight side dish or garnish with chopped hazelnuts for holiday meals and dinner parties.

25 of 30

26 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Green Beans with Applewood Bacon

7222693.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cooking bacon and green beans on a sheet pan together simplifies holiday meal prep. Red-wine vinegar and lemon juice provide a balanced, bright flavor.

26 of 30

27 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Three-Cheese Whipped Potatoes

5359598.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Give the usual mashed potatoes a rest and serve this side dish instead. The potatoes get creaminess and super flavor from ricotta, cottage and Gorgonzola cheeses.

27 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole

5802586.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Free up space in your oven and on the stovetop this Thanksgiving with the help of an electric pressure cooker, like the Instant Pot. Not only does it cook entirely in one pot, it cooks super-quick, perfect for a last-minute side dish.

28 of 30

29 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Smoky Aioli

4005219.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The delicious dipping sauce makes this easy Brussels sprouts recipe an irresistible appetizer or side dish. If you want to double the recipe, use two large rimmed baking sheets and swap their spots in the oven halfway through cooking.

29 of 30

30 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Kalettes with Pine Nuts & Currants

3879410.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Kalettes are a relatively new hybrid of kale and Brussels sprouts. When roasted in this healthy side dish, they get crispy on the outside and stay tender on the inside. Look for kalettes near other bagged vegetables in the produce section.

30 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Alex Loh

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 30 Roasted Brussels Sprouts
    2 of 30 Candied Carrots
    3 of 30 Balsamic-Roasted Green Beans with Parmesan
    4 of 30 Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
    5 of 30 Kale Salad with Balsamic & Parmesan
    6 of 30 Mashed Cauliflower & Yukon Golds
    7 of 30 Apple, Fig & Brussels Sprouts Salad
    8 of 30 Honey-Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
    9 of 30 Jalapeño Creamed Corn
    10 of 30 Skillet Green Bean Casserole for Two
    11 of 30 Bitter Greens Salad with Persimmons, Manchego & Hazelnut Vinaigrette
    12 of 30 Roasted Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts
    13 of 30 Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
    14 of 30 Green Beans with Parmesan-Garlic Breadcrumbs
    15 of 30 Citrus-Rosemary Cranberry Sauce
    16 of 30 Cauliflower with Peppadew Peppers & Raisins
    17 of 30 Creamed Brussels Sprouts
    18 of 30 Buttermilk-Sage Mashed Potatoes
    19 of 30 Sautéed Green Beans & Onions
    20 of 30 Massaged Kale Salad
    21 of 30 Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Sweet Potatoes
    22 of 30 Balsamic Roasted Cabbage
    23 of 30 Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
    24 of 30 Vietnamese-Style Coconutty Brussels Sprouts
    25 of 30 Balsamic Roasted Carrots
    26 of 30 Roasted Green Beans with Applewood Bacon
    27 of 30 Three-Cheese Whipped Potatoes
    28 of 30 Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole
    29 of 30 Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Smoky Aioli
    30 of 30 Roasted Kalettes with Pine Nuts & Currants

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2022 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    30 Last-Minute Thanksgiving Side Dishes in 30 Minutes
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.