These 5 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Sides Will Make Your Holiday

I’m always the guy telling folks that bacon is the best way to take roasted vegetables to the next level or that smoked ham hocks are the boost your braised greens need. But come holiday season, you need recipes that satisfy meat eaters and vegetarians alike. From steeping greens in umami-packed miso butter to studding roasted brussels sprouts with savory mushroom “lardons,” your Thanksgiving sides will never be the same.

A duo of alliums—shallots and pearl onions—become irresistibly sweet when roasted, making them the ideal partner to slightly bitter brussels sprouts. Bacon, the usual star in recipes like this, is replaced with lardons made from king oyster mushrooms, making this an ideal vegetarian side dish that even meat lovers will enjoy.

This riff on the Thanksgiving classic features tender-crisp green beans in a silky vegetarian sauce. With incredible crunch and intense nutty flavor, almost-burnt almonds take this dish to the next level; carefully cut one almond in half after the initial bake to make sure it’s browned all the way through.

Hearty autumn greens take on new life when braised in a miso butter–laced broth. These richly flavored greens make a versatile side dish for everything from turkey and fish to sweet potatoes and squash.

With brown sugar, vinegar, and liquid aminos, these sweet potatoes are the best balance of savory and sweet. You know they are perfectly cooked when they are tender but not falling apart.

Swiss chard lends a pleasant earthiness to this hearty stuffing; meaty chestnuts add texture and richness. Choose high-quality crusty bread for this recipe to ensure a fluffy texture and crisp top.