12 Kid-Friendly Veggie Sides for Thanksgiving Dinner

Mini Sweet Potato Casseroles

These adorable mini sweet potato casseroles are perfect portion-controlled sides that kids will find both fun and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• A pinch of nutmeg
• Mini marshmallows for topping

Cooking method:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes, then drain.
3. Mash sweet potatoes with milk, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
4. Spoon the mixture into mini ramekins and top each with a few mini marshmallows.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until marshmallows are golden brown.

Carrot Fries with Creamy Dip

Turn carrots into crispy fries for a healthier alternative that kids will love to dip.

Ingredients:

• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss carrot sticks with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
4. Mix Greek yogurt, honey, and lemon juice for the dip.
5. Serve carrot fries warm with the creamy dip.

Broccoli Tots

These homemade broccoli tots are a nutritious twist on a classic favorite that even picky eaters can't resist.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups steamed broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Chop steamed broccoli finely and mix with cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Form small tot shapes and place on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until edges are crispy and golden brown.

Zucchini Parmesan Chips

These zucchini chips are lightly crispy and seasoned with Parmesan, making them an addictive side for kids.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Parmesan, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Place zucchini slices on the sheet and sprinkle with the Parmesan mixture.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.

Honey-Glazed Baby Carrots

Simple yet flavorful, these honey-glazed baby carrots are sure to be a hit with children at the dinner table.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound baby carrots
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon butter
• A pinch of salt

Cooking method:

1. Boil baby carrots until tender, about 8-10 minutes, then drain.
2. In a skillet, melt the butter and mix in honey and salt.
3. Add the carrots to the skillet and stir until well-coated and glazed.
4. Serve warm.

Cheesy Cauliflower Rice

This cheesy cauliflower rice is a low-carb, kid-friendly side that delivers comfort food goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 small head of cauliflower, grated or riced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add cauliflower rice and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.
3. Stir in cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until cheese is melted and well-combined.
4. Serve immediately.

Buttery Corn on the Cob Bites

These mini corn on the cob bites are seasoned with butter and herbs, making them fun to eat and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn, cut into thirds
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Boil corn pieces for 5-7 minutes until tender.
2. In a bowl, mix melted butter, parsley, and salt.
3. Brush the butter mixture over the hot corn pieces.
4. Serve warm as a side.

Peas and Pancetta

A quick sauté of peas with crispy pancetta creates a savory side that balances sweet and salty flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups frozen peas
• 3 ounces pancetta, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add pancetta and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Add peas, salt, and pepper, and sauté until peas are heated through.
4. Serve immediately.

Green Bean Bundles

These green bean bundles wrapped in bacon are not only delicious but also a fun way to encourage kids to eat their veggies.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound green beans, trimmed
• 8 slices of bacon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• A pinch of salt

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bundle a small handful of green beans with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
3. Sprinkle brown sugar and salt over the bundles.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bacon is crispy.

Baked Beet Chips

Baked beet chips offer a colorful and crunchy side dish that's naturally sweet and kid-approved.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium beets, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss beet slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.