10 Vegetables That Go Perfectly with Turkey

Vegetables That Go with Turkey

Turkey is a popular main dish for Thanksgiving and other holidays, but it can be a bit bland on its own. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious vegetables that go well with turkey to help make it a more flavorful and satisfying meal.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best vegetables to serve with turkey, as well as some tips for cooking them to perfection. We’ll also provide some recipe ideas for how to incorporate these vegetables into your Thanksgiving feast.

So whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or a more complex accompaniment, we’ve got you covered. Read on for all the details!

Vegetable	Pairing	Notes
Brussels sprouts	Roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper	A classic holiday side dish
Green beans	Steamed or roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper	Another classic holiday side dish
Mashed potatoes	With butter, sour cream, and chives	A must-have for any Thanksgiving dinner
Cranberry sauce	With turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes	A traditional holiday condiment
Pumpkin pie	With a scoop of vanilla ice cream	The perfect way to end a Thanksgiving meal

Introduction

Turkey is a traditional centerpiece for Thanksgiving dinner, and for good reason. It’s a delicious and versatile meat that can be roasted, grilled, or smoked. But what vegetables should you serve with turkey?

The right vegetables can help to balance out the richness of the turkey and add some color and flavor to your meal. In this blog post, we’ll share some of our favorite vegetables to serve with turkey, along with tips for choosing and cooking them.

Popular Vegetables to Serve with Turkey

Here are some of the most popular vegetables to serve with turkey:

* Green beans. Green beans are a classic side dish for Thanksgiving dinner. They’re crisp, flavorful, and easy to cook. You can simply boil them or roast them in the oven.
* Mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes are another popular choice for Thanksgiving dinner. They’re creamy, comforting, and delicious. You can make them with any type of potatoes you like, and you can add in different flavors and ingredients, such as sour cream, butter, garlic, or cheese.
* Stuffing. Stuffing is a traditional side dish for Thanksgiving dinner. It’s made with bread, vegetables, and meat, and it’s baked inside the turkey. Stuffing can be made in a variety of ways, so you can find a recipe that fits your taste.
* Sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious side dish for Thanksgiving dinner. They’re naturally sweet, and they can be roasted, mashed, or fried.
* Carrots. Carrots are a healthy and versatile vegetable that can be served with turkey in a variety of ways. You can roast them, boil them, or serve them raw.
* Brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts are a cruciferous vegetable that are packed with nutrients. They’re often roasted or steamed, and they can be served with a variety of sauces.
* Corn. Corn is a sweet and versatile vegetable that can be served with turkey in a variety of ways. You can boil it, roast it, or grill it.
* Peas. Peas are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be served with turkey in a variety of ways. You can steam them, boil them, or add them to a salad.
* Asparagus. Asparagus is a spring vegetable that is packed with nutrients. It’s often roasted or grilled, and it can be served with a variety of sauces.

Tips for Choosing Vegetables to Serve with Turkey

When choosing vegetables to serve with turkey, there are a few things to keep in mind:

* Consider the flavor of the turkey and the other dishes you’re serving. If you’re serving a roasted turkey, you might want to choose vegetables that have a similar flavor profile, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. If you’re serving a smoked turkey, you might want to choose vegetables that have a more assertive flavor, such as grilled vegetables or roasted Brussels sprouts.
* Choose vegetables that are in season and fresh. Seasonal vegetables are typically more flavorful and nutritious than vegetables that are out of season. When choosing vegetables to serve with turkey, try to choose vegetables that are in season at your local farmers market.
* Cook the vegetables in a way that complements the turkey. If you’re serving a roasted turkey, you might want to roast the vegetables in the same oven. If you’re serving a grilled turkey, you might want to grill the vegetables on the same grill. This will help to ensure that the vegetables and the turkey are cooked to the same temperature and that they have a similar flavor.
* Serve the vegetables in a variety of colors and textures to create a visually appealing dish. When you’re plating your vegetables, try to include a variety of colors and textures. This will help to make your dish look more appealing and appetizing.

These are just a few of the many vegetables that you can serve with turkey. By following these tips, you can create a delicious and nutritious Thanksgiving dinner that everyone will enjoy.

Additional Tips for Cooking Vegetables with Turkey

* Toss the vegetables with a little oil and seasoning before roasting or grilling. This will help to keep them from drying out.
* Check the vegetables frequently while they’re cooking. They can burn quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on them.
* Serve the vegetables immediately after they’re cooked. This will help to keep them warm and flavorful.

Here are some specific recipes for vegetables that you can serve with turkey:

* [Roasted Green Beans with Garlic and Parmesan](https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/215472/roasted-green-beans-with-garlic

3. Recipes for Vegetables to Serve with Turkey

Roasted green beans with almonds

Ingredients:

* 1 pound green beans, trimmed
* 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Toss the green beans with the olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the green beans on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the beans are tender and browned.
4. Sprinkle the almonds over the green beans and serve immediately.

Mashed potatoes with garlic and rosemary

Ingredients:

* 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/4 cup butter, softened
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until they are smooth.
3. Add the milk, butter, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the potatoes and stir until combined.
4. Serve immediately.

Stuffing with sausage and apples

Ingredients:

* 1 loaf (1 pound) French bread, cubed
* 1 pound ground sausage
* 1 cup chopped onion
* 1 cup chopped celery
* 1 cup chopped apple
* 1/2 cup chopped parsley
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, sausage, onion, celery, apple, parsley, chicken broth, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
4. Transfer the stuffing to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the stuffing is heated through and browned on top.

Sweet potatoes with marshmallows

Ingredients:

* 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1/4 cup butter, melted
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1/4 cup chopped pecans
* 1/4 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, and pecans.
3. Toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
4. Spread the sweet potatoes in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the marshmallows are melted.

Carrots with honey and thyme

Ingredients:

* 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
* 1/4 cup honey
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the carrots, honey, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
4. Spread the carrots on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and browned.

Brussels sprouts with bacon and butter

Ingredients:

* 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
* 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1/4 cup chicken broth
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the Brussels sprouts, bacon, butter, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
4. Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and roast

Q: What are some vegetables that go well with turkey?

A: There are many vegetables that pair well with turkey, including:

* Green beans. Green beans are a classic side dish for turkey, and they can be cooked in a variety of ways. Roasted green beans with almonds or balsamic vinegar are a popular choice.
* Potatoes. Potatoes are another versatile side dish that can be mashed, roasted, or fried. They are also a good source of potassium, which is an important nutrient for muscle recovery.
* Carrots. Carrots are a sweet and crunchy vegetable that can be roasted, steamed, or grilled. They are also a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for healthy vision.
* Brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts are a nutrient-rich vegetable that is often overlooked. They are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Brussels sprouts can be roasted, steamed, or fried.
* Sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a healthier alternative to white potatoes. They are a good source of fiber, vitamin A, and potassium. Sweet potatoes can be roasted, mashed, or fried.

Q: How do I cook vegetables to go with turkey?

A: There are many ways to cook vegetables to go with turkey. Here are a few tips:

* Roast vegetables. Roasting vegetables is a great way to bring out their natural flavors. To roast vegetables, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and browned.
* Steam vegetables. Steaming vegetables is a healthy way to cook them. To steam vegetables, place them in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover the pot and steam the vegetables for 5-10 minutes, or until tender.
* Saut vegetables. Sauting vegetables is a quick and easy way to cook them. To saut vegetables, heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the vegetables and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until tender.

Q: What are some tips for choosing vegetables to go with turkey?

A: When choosing vegetables to go with turkey, there are a few things to keep in mind:

* Consider the flavors of the turkey. If you are serving a roasted turkey, you may want to choose vegetables that have a similar flavor profile, such as roasted vegetables or grilled vegetables. If you are serving a smoked turkey, you may want to choose vegetables that have a more assertive flavor, such as roasted Brussels sprouts or sauted greens.
* Consider the texture of the vegetables. You want to choose vegetables that have a different texture than the turkey. For example, if you are serving a roasted turkey, you may want to choose roasted vegetables or steamed vegetables. If you are serving a smoked turkey, you may want to choose sauted vegetables or grilled vegetables.
* Consider the colors of the vegetables. You want to choose vegetables that will add visual interest to your plate. For example, if you are serving a roasted turkey, you may want to choose a variety of vegetables in different colors, such as green beans, carrots, and red potatoes. If you are serving a smoked turkey, you may want to choose vegetables that are a darker color, such as roasted Brussels sprouts or grilled asparagus.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when cooking vegetables to go with turkey?

A: There are a few common mistakes people make when cooking vegetables to go with turkey. Here are a few tips to avoid these mistakes:

* Don’t overcook vegetables. Overcooked vegetables can become mushy and tasteless. To avoid this, cook vegetables until they are just tender.
* Don’t underseason vegetables. Vegetables need to be seasoned with salt and pepper to bring out their flavor. Be sure to season vegetables before cooking them.
* Don’t crowd vegetables in the pan. When cooking vegetables, it is important to not crowd them in the pan. This will prevent them from cooking evenly.

Q: What are some other ways to serve vegetables with turkey?

A: In addition to serving vegetables as a side dish, there are many other ways to incorporate them into your Thanksgiving meal. Here are a few ideas:

* Add vegetables to your stuffing. Stuffing is a traditional Thanksgiving side dish

there are many different vegetables that can be paired with turkey to create a delicious and nutritious meal. Some of the best options include green beans, asparagus, carrots, and potatoes. When choosing vegetables to serve with turkey, it is important to consider the flavors and textures of both the turkey and the vegetables. For example, if you are serving a roasted turkey, you might want to choose vegetables that can withstand high heat, such as asparagus or carrots. If you are serving a grilled turkey, you might want to choose vegetables that are more delicate, such as green beans or tomatoes. By taking the time to pair the right vegetables with your turkey, you can create a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying.