If you think carrots are just a boring side dish, oh my friend, I have some delicious news for you. These are the Thanksgiving carrot recipes that will totally steal the show, from sweet and sticky roasted carrots to rich, spiced desserts. And the best part? I've rounded up 17 of my favorites so you can find your new holiday hero right here.
1. Carrot Apple Bread
I don't know about you, but I always like to have something sweet on the table with our holiday dinners. For me, that usually means some kind of quick bread for people to munch on while they chat. If that sounds like your kind of tradition, you have to try this sensational carrot and apple bread.
2. Carrot Pie
Move over pumpkin pie, because this gorgeous carrot pie is coming for your title of Best Thanksgiving Dessert! Made with carrots and warm spices, every single bite is so mouthwateringly tasty you'll be reaching for seconds before you even finish your first slice. The caramelized layer of maple syrup, allspice, ginger, and cinnamon on top is pure magic. Yum!
3. Carrot Soup Recipe
Soup is one of my absolute favorite cooked carrot recipes, especially for a cozy Thanksgiving day lunch or starter. It's warm and comforting but still nice and light, so it'll keep you satisfied while the turkey finishes up. A small bowl before the main meal won't weigh you down one bit.
4. Crunchy Carrot Butternut Slaw
Forget boring leafy greens and try this show stopping carrot slaw instead. It's loaded with taste and texture while staying fabulously light. Packed with carrots, squash, cabbage, and celery, it's the perfect crunchy contrast to soft potatoes and meat. Pair it with Thanksgiving dinner leftovers or enjoy it all on its own as a fresh lunch.
5. Carrot Fritters
If you want to get the kids excited about eating their veggies, these carrot fritters are absolutely the way to go. They're packed with zucchini, carrots, garlic, and scallions, so every bite is full of color and flavor. Serve them alongside turkey, ham, beef, or chicken and watch them disappear in minutes.
6. Pumpkin Carrot Muffins
Here's a fun dinner roll alternative that doubles as a holiday breakfast or sweet treat! The combo of shredded carrots and fall favorite pumpkin is to die for. And that kick of sweet cream cheese is exactly what you need with all those warm spices.
7. Roasted Carrot Hummus
Whip up this roasted carrot hummus for a delicious Thanksgiving appetizer that everyone will adore. Seriously, your dinner guests will not be able to get enough of this carrot side dish! Made with just a handful of ingredients, this Mediterranean inspired appetizer is completely effortless to make.
8. Crispy Baked Carrot Fries
Fries are pretty much always a good idea, but these crispy baked carrot fries taste extra scrummy during the holiday season! They're a great option if you're watching what you eat too. You'll satisfy that French fry craving without all the oil that comes with deep frying, and the kids will absolutely love them.
9. Roasted Carrots and Brussels Sprouts
As a serious sprout lover, I cannot recommend this sheet pan roasted carrots and Brussels sprouts recipe enough. It's practically fool proof and ready in just 30 minutes. You barely have to do any prep work, but the resulting dish is a total winner for any occasion.
10. Cauliflower Carrot Gratin
Looking for a decadent side dish to serve this year? Whip up this cauliflower carrots au gratin and watch your family drool! Tender carrots covered in a cheesy sauce and topped with buttery panko bread crumbs are pure luxury and creaminess. It might look fancy with that baked crumb topping, but this gratin is actually pretty simple to make.
11. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots
Busy bees are going to fall hard for these garlic and Parmesan roasted carrots. They only take five minutes to prep but taste like a million bucks. I mean, is there anything that garlic and Parmesan don't improve? Just toss chopped carrots with olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs, then roast until everything is crispy and fragrant.
12. Healthy Baked Carrot Chips
Serving chips with Thanksgiving dinner might sound a little unusual, but these carrot chips are a seriously yummy exception. They're bright, crispy, lightly salted, and have just a bit of spice to boot. They're such a fun alternative to the usual Thanksgiving carrots. Trust me, the kids will inhale these chips faster than you can make them!
13. Mashed Carrots and Parsnips
Swap out those tired mashed potatoes for something a little more exciting this holiday. A touch of orange juice and zest takes these mashed carrots and parsnips to a whole new level of deliciousness. Honestly, they're so tasty I have a feeling they'll become a go to side dish all year long, not just for Thanksgiving.
14. Carrot Ribbon Salad
How stunning is this carrot side dish? It's crunchy, vibrant, and guaranteed to make any turkey dinner look a million times better. And the best part of all? You don't even need to turn on the oven!
15. Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots
These honey roasted carrots are just begging to sit next to a big, juicy Thanksgiving turkey. Roasting them brings out all that natural sweetness and makes them even more incredible. And honestly? The sweeter the better when it comes to holiday sides, right?
16. Moroccan-Spiced Roasted Carrots
Add a little extra spice to your Thanksgiving dinner with these Moroccan spiced roasted carrots. The complex Moroccan spices pair so beautifully with the sweet, caramelized carrots. Serve them with the turkey or set them out as a tasty appetizer. Either way, they're incredible dipped in that creamy dill and yogurt sauce.
17. Balsamic Glazed Carrots
Colorful, caramelized roasted carrots are such an easy yet super impressive side dish for your Thanksgiving table. I love how beautiful this dish looks with the colored veggies, but regular orange carrots work just as well. And let's be real, that brown sugar and balsamic vinegar glaze makes everything taste amazing.