Name: Easy Zucchini Side Dishes for Thanksgiving - Zucchini Recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; Grated parmesan cheese (optional); Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley (optional)

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Let’s talk zucchini. You know, that green veggie that always seems to multiply in your fridge like it’s trying to start a family? Yeah, that one. I used to look at zucchini like a sidekick, the Robin to my Thanksgiving turkey Batman. But oh boy, was I wrong. Turns out, with a little creativity (and a lot of garlic), zucchini can totally steal the show. I remember last Thanksgiving when I tried to sneak some roasted zucchini onto the table next to the mashed potatoes and stuffing. I figured nobody would touch it. Well, guess what disappeared before the cranberry sauce? Yep. Zucchini. Even Uncle Joe, who thinks vegetables are a conspiracy, asked for seconds. So if you’ve ever stood in your kitchen, staring down a pile of zucchini and wondering what to do with it besides spiralizing it into sadness, this one’s for you. These easy zucchini recipes are warm, flavorful, and perfect for your holiday table — or any Tuesday night when you just want something tasty without overthinking it.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Zucchini Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Recipe
3) Ingredients for Zucchini Side Dishes for Thanksgiving
4) How to Make Zucchini Side Dishes for Thanksgiving
5) Tips for Making Zucchini Side Dishes for Thanksgiving
6) Making Zucchini Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Zucchini Side Dishes
8) Try these Side Dish Recipes next!
9) Zucchini Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Zucchini can totally carry the Thanksgiving table (yes, even next to mashed potatoes).
Use pantry staples and 30 minutes to whip up these roasted zucchini bites.
Perfect for vegetarians, gluten-free guests, or folks who just love crispy edges and garlic.
This side dish keeps well, making it great for prep-ahead feasts.

2) Easy Zucchini Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Recipe

Let’s be real—Thanksgiving side dishes are where the magic happens. The turkey’s cool, but side dishes? That’s the parade of the plate. I never imagined zucchini would become a front-runner on my holiday menu, but these easy zucchini recipes changed everything. They’re fast, flavorful, and blessedly simple.

When I first tossed zucchini rounds with garlic powder and paprika, I didn’t expect much. Now? I roast them until golden, hit ’em with a sprinkle of parmesan, and they vanish before the stuffing even gets noticed. What makes these zucchini side dish recipes shine is the crisp edge, tender bite, and that low-effort prep. This is peak zucchini dinner recipes territory—and that’s coming from someone who used to ignore the zucchini bin at the store.

So whether you’re planning your big Thanksgiving spread or just need a weekday win, these are the best zucchini recipes for getting something green on the table without groans. Don’t be surprised if they outshine the bird.

3) Ingredients for Zucchini Side Dishes for Thanksgiving

Zucchini: I go for four medium ones. Too small and you’re slicing forever. Too big and you’re dealing with zucchini boats. Just right means easy prep and perfect bite-size rounds.

Olive Oil: Just enough to coat everything and help those edges get crispy. You could use avocado oil too if that’s what’s in the cupboard.

Garlic Powder: Adds that dependable savory kick. You could use fresh garlic, but it burns quicker. Garlic powder behaves.

Onion Powder: Brings a mellow sweet flavor that pairs well with the garlic. I add a bit more if I’m in the mood.

Smoked Paprika: Gives it a smoky nudge without needing bacon. Plus, it adds some color—nobody wants pale zucchini.

Salt and Pepper: Obvious, but they do the heavy lifting for flavor. I go heavy on the pepper when I’m feeling bold.

Grated Parmesan (Optional): Totally optional but totally worth it. That salty, nutty finish makes the whole thing feel fancy with zero extra work.

Fresh Herbs (Optional): A little thyme or chopped parsley on top adds color and gives it that homemade look, even if you made it 15 minutes before dinner.

4) How to Make Zucchini Side Dishes for Thanksgiving

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. You want it hot so the zucchini gets those crisp edges. Cold ovens make sad veggies.

Step 2. Toss the zucchini rounds with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. I like to do this in a big bowl or zip-top bag to get everything evenly coated.

Step 3. Spread the slices out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If they’re piled on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of roast. And no one’s asking for steamed zucchini on Thanksgiving.

Step 4. Pop the tray in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. Flip them halfway through if you want both sides golden. I sometimes forget, and they’re still great.

Step 5. Once they’re out, sprinkle with parmesan and fresh herbs, if you’re using them. Serve warm or at room temp—they don’t complain either way.

5) Tips for Making Zucchini Side Dishes for Thanksgiving

Don’t slice the zucchini too thin. Anything thinner than a quarter-inch turns into chips (which is fun, but not what we’re going for here). You want soft centers with crisp edges.

Use high heat. Roasting works better around 400°F. Lower temps make zucchini mushy and sad. Trust the process.

Skip overcrowding. Give the zucchini space on the baking sheet. If they’re touching, they’ll steam. Two pans are better than one soggy pan.

6) Making Zucchini Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Ahead of Time

You can roast the zucchini a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up. I’ve even served them cold, and no one noticed. They’re good like that.

If you’re planning to make a big batch, prep all the seasoning and slice the zucchini ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers and roast just before dinner. That way, everything tastes fresh without last-minute stress.

And hey, if you forget the herbs or parmesan? No big deal. The flavor’s still spot on. That’s why I love zucchini recipes dinner options like this—room for error without tasting like it.

7) Storing Leftover Zucchini Side Dishes

Pop any leftovers into a container with a tight lid and store them in the fridge. They’ll last about three to four days. You can reheat them in the oven or toss them into a hot skillet for a quick warm-up.

If you’ve got an air fryer, use it. Just a few minutes brings those crispy edges back like magic. Microwaving works in a pinch, but it softens them up more.

I’ve even tucked these into wraps the next day or tossed them over rice. So don’t let them sit forgotten behind the cranberry sauce—they’re still tasty after Thanksgiving.

8) Try these Side Dish Recipes next!

9) Zucchini Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Recipe