The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Vegetables with Turkey

Turkey is a classic main dish for many holidays and family gatherings. While the turkey itself is delicious the vegetable side dishes really take the meal to the next level. Choosing the right vegetables to serve alongside turkey can accentuate the flavors and make for a more memorable feast. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best vegetable pairings for turkey and provide tips to cook them to perfection.

Why Vegetables Matter with Turkey

Turkey has a mild, versatile flavor that pairs well with many different vegetables. The vegetables add nice pops of color, contrasting textures, and complementary flavors. Roasted and mashed vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and squash balance out the turkey’s richness. Brighter green vegetables like Brussels sprouts, green beans, and asparagus add freshness. And roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and beets add sweetness.

Choosing seasonal vegetables to serve with turkey not only improves flavor, but can also reduce cost for your holiday spread. Taking advantage of what’s ripe and readily available helps make the meal more special.

The Best Vegetables to Pair with Turkey

Potatoes

Mashed, roasted, or scalloped potatoes are a no-brainer pairing with turkey. They soak up the tasty pan juices and their creaminess balances the turkey’s textures. For extra flavor, use chicken or turkey stock instead of milk when mashing them.

Sweet Potatoes

Honey-glazed sweet potatoes or a sweet potato casserole with marshmallows on top makes for a perfect holiday side. Roast cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme for a simple and delicious pairing.

Squash

Butternut squash and acorn squash varieties work well roasted or pureed into a soup. The natural sweetness pairs nicely with turkey. For roasted squash, just toss cubed squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts caramelize and become sweet and crispy Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic before roasting. For extra flavor, top with crispy bacon bits or toasted nuts

Carrots

Glazed carrots are a fast, easy vegetable to make for a holiday meal. Cook peeled baby carrots in broth with brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup to get a nice glaze. Season with thyme or ginger for extra flavor.

Parsnips

Though they look like white carrots, parsnips have a sweeter, nuttier flavor when roasted. You can prepare them just like carrots. They pair nicely with the savory turkey.

Green Beans

Green beans provide color and texture contrast. Roast them with olive oil, salt, and pepper or quickly steam or sauté them. Top with slivered almonds or crispy fried shallots.

Asparagus

Fresh asparagus can be expensive, but it’s worth splurging on for the holidays. Simply roast or grill it with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add lemon zest or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Beets

Roasting brings out beets’ natural sweetness. Roast beet wedges tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Top with feta or goat cheese and walnuts for balance.

Corn

When in season, corn on the cob makes for a fun, hands-on side dish. Boil or grill it and serve with a flavored butter. Creamed corn is also delicious with turkey.

Green Beans

Green beans pair nicely with turkey whether they’re sautéed, steamed, or roasted with olive oil and seasonings. For extra flavor, top them with toasted almond slices or crispy fried shallots.

Tips for Cooking Vegetables for Turkey

• Cut vegetables to similar sizes so they cook evenly.

• Toss vegetables with oil and seasonings before roasting.

• Use broth or stock instead of water when steaming for more flavor.

• Roast veggies before or alongside the turkey to allow them to soak up juices.

• Don’t overcook! Vegetables should be tender but still have some bite.

• Add fresh herbs, nuts, cheese, or breadcrumbs as garnishes.

Sample Recipes

Honey Glazed Carrots

Ingredients: baby carrots, honey, butter, thyme

Instructions: Simmer carrots in broth. Add honey and thyme. Cook until glazed.

Roasted Parsnips and Beets

Ingredients: parsnips, beets, olive oil, salt, pepper, goat cheese

Instructions: Toss and roast vegetables. Top with crumbled goat cheese.

Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients: green beans, mushroom soup, fried onions

Instructions: Mix together green beans, soup, and onions. Bake until hot and bubbly.

Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Chives

Ingredients: potatoes, butter, milk, garlic, chives

Instructions: Boil then mash potatoes. Add butter, milk, and seasoning.

Make Your Turkey Feast Unforgettable

With so many options for delicious vegetable pairings, it’s easy to transform your holiday turkey into a mouthwatering feast. Combining classic roasted and mashed veggies with fresh green vegetables can provide the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Getting creative with seasonings and toppings for your vegetable sides will keep your holiday spread feeling festive yet comfortable.