Carrots for Thanksgiving side dishes? They’re a great idea to round out your feast.
Root vegetables are all over Thanksgiving tables across America. From potatoes to parsnips, we can’t get enough of them. But there’s one root vegetable that often gets overshadowed on Thanksgiving: the humble carrot. Few vegetables are quite as versatile as carrots. Whether you choose to coat them in a sugary glaze, bake them into a casserole, or simply roast them with a little olive oil, there are so many ways to show off this fall harvest veggie. Read on for our best Thanksgiving carrot recipes, based on the reviews of countless home cooks.
1. Buttery Cooked Carrots
Ready in just 25 minutes, these buttery sweet carrots will save you time this Thanksgiving. Reviewer JADISENE says, “I make this as an ‘easy’ side sometimes and it’s always a hit. I even threw it in for an extra Thanksgiving side and several were requesting it again for Christmas dinner.”
2. Whipped Carrots and Parsnips
These nutty whipped carrots make a great alternative (or addition to) mashed potatoes during the holidays. Reviewer Sarah Larsen says, “I grew up eating this…It’s not Thanksgiving or Christmas without these! We even grew our own parsnips this year.”
3. Savory Roasted Root Vegetables
Reviewer Misseswaffles says, “Wow, the ingredients and seasonings are simple yet the flavor is fantastic…The flavor was lovely and I really liked using the beet greens in the end. I found this recipe just as the leaves are starting to turn…a perfect fall dish!” This is a beautiful fall mix of beets, carrots, potatoes, chickpeas, and onion.
4. Dill Carrots
Recipe creator Laura Cotnoir says, “This recipe is number one on the request list when friends come for dinner. Melted butter, brown sugar, and dill complement the carrots while bringing out their natural flavor.” The best part? It’s ready in 20 minutes.
5. Orange-Glazed Carrots
This is a great recipe for those who prefer carrot dishes that are more tangy than sweet. Reviewer Jackie C says, “Made these last Saturday when we had my group from work over for a pre-Thanksgiving smoked turkey. Everyone loved these carrots. My hubby is not crazy about very sweet carrots, but these had a mild taste, very good!”
6. Carrot Soufflé
Reviewer Baking_Enchantress says, “This souffle is delicious and custardy. I cut the recipe by half since I was only cooking for two, and I thought it was a great new way to prepare carrots as a side dish…I’ll be making it again and sharing with friends and family who are bored with the normal carrot recipes.”
7. Balsamic-Glazed Carrots
It doesn’t get simpler than this 15-minute carrot side dish. Reviewer Jillian says, “I made these on Thanksgiving as a nice alternative to honey-glazed carrots. They have a nice sweet but tangy taste. To cut down on time and hassle, I just used a bag of steamed carrots instead. This omitted the need for olive oil and they tasted great.” It doesn’t get simpler than this carrot side dish.
8. Carrots au Gratin
For those who prefer their veggies a little cheesier, this unique holiday side dish is the way to go. Reviewer GLITTER53 says, “Believe all the good things you’ve read about this recipe and don’t change a thing! I was dubious the first time I tried this (carrots and cheese?!) but now it’s one of the most requested recipes for family get-togethers and potluck dinners!”
9. Honey-Roasted Carrots
“Can you have carrots for dessert? That’s how delicious these were! I made a pound bag (which is about 8) and couldn’t stop eating them,” says reviewer Karen Hintz. Some reviewers recommend lining the baking dish with foil for easy cleanup.
10. Sautéed Carrots and Leeks
Show off your garden veggies with this leek and carrot side dish. Reviewer Connie Orias says, “I made this for Thanksgiving and again for New Year’s Day! LOVE it and so easy.”
11. Carrot Salad
Refreshing and sweet, this carrot salad is the perfect addition to a Thanksgiving table filled with heavy casseroles and pies. Shredded carrots, apples, and slivered almonds make up the base of this colorful dish.
12. Chef John’s Bourbon-Glazed Carrots
Bourbon adds the perfect holiday touch to these glazed carrots. Chef John says, “These butter-soaked bourbon-glazed carrots are the greatest special occasion carrot side dish of all time. Sweet, savory, and oh-so glossy.”
13. Roasted Parmesan Garlic Carrots
For those who prefer cooking in the oven over the stovetop, this carrot side dish is for you. Roast chopped carrots with Parmesan, olive oil, and garlic powder for an easy, no-mess side. Recipe creator Pamela J Hagen-French says, “I made this for Christmas, and one of my guests said the carrots were ‘off the chain!’ The flavor was amazing!”
14. Baked Zesty Carrots
Buttery, creamy, and crunchy on top — these baked carrots are the perfect way to sneak in veggies for your picky eaters. “This is a tradition in our family! The horseradish isn’t overwhelming and a much tastier alternative to boring baked, boiled, or steamed carrots,” says reviewer Mardell Mitten.
15. Bok Choy, Carrots, and Green Beans
Nontraditional yet still delicious, this quick and easy stir-fry will stand out among the Thanksgiving casseroles and desserts. A medley of shallots, carrots, green beans, and bok choy are flash-fried in a wok, then simmered in vegetable broth and soy sauce until tender.
16. Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Vegetables with Thyme and Maple Syrup
Reviewer Buckwheat Queen says, “Tried and true! This is definitely a keeper…The maple syrup in this comes out with almost a smoky flavor. The fresh thyme also adds an herbal flavor that mixes well with the maple syrup and the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.”
17. Sweet Carrot Salad
Light and refreshing—you’ll want to add this dish to your Thanksgiving menu! Take it from reviewer angel who says, “I made this recipe for Thanksgiving. I made sure I made it the day before to really get the flavor in the carrots.”
