I have a serious soft spot for carrots at Thanksgiving. They bring the sweet, the savory, and the most gorgeous pop of color to the table. I rounded up 17 incredible recipes that prove this humble veggie deserves way more than a spot on the crudité platter. Let's get into it.

1. Crispy Baked Carrot Fries

Fries are delicious any time of year, but these crispy baked carrot fries feel extra special during the holiday season. They're the perfect way to satisfy a French fry craving without all that oil from deep frying. And yes, the kids will absolutely love them too.

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2. Healthy Baked Carrot Chips

Serving chips with Thanksgiving dinner might sound a little unusual, but these carrot chips are a delicious exception. They're bright, crispy, lightly salted, and have a little kick of spice. They're such a fun twist on the usual Thanksgiving carrots. The kids will inhale them faster than you can make them, I promise.

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3. Pumpkin Carrot Muffins

Here's a fun alternative to dinner rolls that also doubles as a holiday breakfast or sweet treat. The combo of shredded carrots and pumpkin is absolutely to die for. And that little kick of sweet cream cheese is exactly what all those warm spices need.

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4. Crunchy Carrot Butternut Slaw

Forget boring leafy greens and go for this show stopping carrot slaw instead. It's loaded with taste and texture but still fabulously light. Packed with carrots, squash, cabbage, and celery, it's the perfect crunchy contrast to soft potatoes and meat. It's amazing with Thanksgiving leftovers or as a fresh little lunch on its own.

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5. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Busy bees, these garlic Parmesan roasted carrots are for you. They take just five minutes to prep but taste like a million bucks. I mean, is there anything garlic and Parmesan doesn't make better? Toss chopped carrots with olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs, then roast until everything is crispy and fragrant.

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6. Moroccan-Spiced Roasted Carrots

Bring a little extra spice to your Thanksgiving dinner with these Moroccan spiced roasted carrots. The warm, complex spices pair so beautifully with the sweet caramelized carrots. Serve them alongside the turkey or set them out as a tasty appetizer. Either way, dipping them in that creamy dill and yogurt sauce is pure bliss.

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7. 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 foolproof and ready in just 30 minutes. You won't need to do much prep at all, and the result is a total winner for any occasion.

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8. Carrot Fritters

If you want the kids to actually get excited about eating their veggies, these carrot fritters are the move. They're packed with zucchini, carrots, garlic, and scallions, so every bite is full of color and flavor. They go beautifully with turkey, ham, beef, or chicken. Total crowd pleasers.

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9. Carrot Pie

Step aside, pumpkin pie. This gorgeous carrot pie is coming for your crown. Made with carrots and warm spices, every single bite is so ridiculously good you'll be craving seconds before you finish the first slice. The caramelized maple syrup layer with allspice, ginger, and cinnamon is the perfect finishing touch.

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10. Carrot Ribbon Salad

How stunning is this carrot side dish? It's crunchy, vibrant, and makes any turkey dinner look a million times more beautiful. And the best part? There's no cooking required at all.

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11. Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Colorful, caramelized roasted carrots are such an easy and gorgeous side for your Thanksgiving spread. The mix of colored veggies looks absolutely stunning, though regular orange carrots taste just as amazing. That brown sugar and balsamic vinegar glaze makes everything mouthwatering.

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12. Carrot Apple Bread

There's always something sweet on our table during holiday dinners. Usually it's a quick bread that people can nibble on while they chat. If that sounds like your kind of tradition, you have to try this sensational carrot and apple bread.

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13. Carrot Soup Recipe

Soup is one of my absolute favorite ways to cook carrots. It's the perfect thing for a Thanksgiving day lunch or a light starter before the big meal. It's warm and cozy but still nice and light, so it fills you up without weighing you down. A small bowl before the turkey is just right.

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14. Roasted Carrot Hummus

Whip up this roasted carrot hummus for a Thanksgiving appetizer everyone will adore. Your dinner guests seriously won't be able to get enough of it. With just a handful of ingredients, this Mediterranean inspired appetizer comes together effortlessly.

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15. Cauliflower Carrot Gratin

Looking for a decadent side dish this year? Whip up this cauliflower carrot gratin and watch your family swoon. Tender carrots get blanketed in a cheesy sauce and topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs for the creamiest, most luxurious bite. It looks fancy with that baked crumb topping, but it's actually pretty simple to throw together.

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16. Mashed Carrots and Parsnips

Give those tired mashed potatoes a little break this holiday and make these mashed carrots and parsnips instead. A splash of orange juice and a little zest takes the whole dish to a new level of yum. I'm pretty sure these won't just be a Thanksgiving side for you. You'll want them all year long.

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17. Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots

These honey roasted carrots are exactly what a big, juicy Thanksgiving turkey needs sitting right next to it. Roasting pulls out all their natural sweetness and makes them even more delicious. Honestly, the sweeter the better with these beauties.

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