Thanksgiving is all about coming together with loved ones to enjoy a delicious meal. While many holiday tables are filled with turkey, butter, and cheese, there’s no shortage of mouthwatering vegan options that everyone can enjoy.
From hearty mains to cozy sides, plant-based dishes can be just as festive and flavorful. This collection of vegan Thanksgiving recipes will help you create a warm and satisfying feast, whether you’re cooking for a vegan family, a mix of guests, or simply looking to add more plant-based goodness to your holiday table.
With colorful vegetables, creamy casseroles, and creative flavors, these recipes celebrate the season beautifully. Here are 25 vegan Thanksgiving recipes to inspire your holiday menu.
1. Vegan Lentil Loaf
A hearty lentil loaf makes the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table. Packed with protein-rich lentils, veggies, and flavorful spices, it’s topped with a tangy tomato glaze for a festive touch.
This dish slices beautifully, making it easy to serve. Pair it with mashed potatoes and gravy for a cozy and comforting vegan main dish that pleases everyone.
2. Stuffed Acorn Squash
Stuffed acorn squash is as beautiful as it is delicious. The tender roasted squash is filled with quinoa, cranberries, nuts, and herbs, bringing together sweet and savory flavors.
It’s colorful enough to be the star of your table and hearty enough to keep guests satisfied. This plant-based recipe is both festive and wholesome, perfect for celebrating Thanksgiving in style.
3. Vegan Mushroom Wellington
This vegan take on the classic wellington features a savory mushroom and spinach filling wrapped in flaky puff pastry. The result is a golden, elegant centerpiece that looks impressive on your holiday table.
It’s rich, hearty, and full of earthy flavors that pair wonderfully with your favorite sides. Guests won’t even miss the meat with this tasty main dish.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole
Vegan sweet potato casserole combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping. The dish is sweet, comforting, and makes a wonderful side or even a dessert.
Maple syrup adds natural sweetness, while a hint of cinnamon enhances the warm holiday flavors. This casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and adds vibrant color to your Thanksgiving spread.
5. Green Bean Casserole
A vegan twist on a holiday classic, this green bean casserole features tender green beans baked in a creamy dairy-free sauce and topped with crispy fried onions. It’s comforting, savory, and easy to make.
This dish brings nostalgia to the table while keeping it fully plant-based. It’s a must-have for anyone who loves traditional flavors with a vegan upgrade.
6. Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes without dairy? Yes, please! This vegan version uses plant-based butter and non-dairy milk to achieve the same fluffy texture and rich taste everyone loves.
They pair perfectly with vegan gravy or can be enjoyed on their own. Smooth, satisfying, and simple to make, this recipe will surely become a staple at your Thanksgiving dinner table.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a simple yet flavorful side dish that adds freshness to your Thanksgiving meal. Tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, they turn crispy on the outside and tender inside.
You can dress them up with balsamic glaze or cranberries for extra flair. These sprouts bring a touch of green to your plate and balance heavier dishes.
8. Vegan Stuffing
No Thanksgiving is complete without stuffing, and this vegan version is full of flavor. Made with crusty bread, sautéed vegetables, and fresh herbs, it bakes up golden and delicious.
Vegetable broth keeps it moist without needing butter or eggs. This savory side is perfect alongside plant-based mains and is sure to impress even the non-vegans at your Thanksgiving table.
9. Butternut Squash Soup
Velvety butternut squash soup is a cozy starter for Thanksgiving. Blended with onions, garlic, and warm spices, this soup is naturally creamy without dairy. A swirl of coconut milk makes it extra luscious, while roasted squash brings out natural sweetness.
Serve it in bowls topped with pumpkin seeds for a beautiful presentation. It’s comforting and festive, perfect for chilly evenings.
10. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
This hearty shepherd’s pie layers seasoned lentils and veggies under a blanket of creamy mashed potatoes. Baked until golden, it’s filling and packed with comforting flavors.
It’s a perfect make-ahead dish that feeds a crowd and makes a fantastic vegan centerpiece. Rich, savory, and satisfying, this shepherd’s pie is a holiday classic that everyone will enjoy digging into.
11. Maple Roasted Carrots
Maple roasted carrots are a simple yet elegant addition to the Thanksgiving table. Tossed with maple syrup and olive oil, they caramelize beautifully in the oven.
The result is tender, slightly sweet carrots with a golden finish. Garnish with fresh herbs for a festive touch. This colorful side dish is easy to prepare but adds a bright pop to your meal.
12. Vegan Mac and Cheese
This vegan mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and totally dairy-free. Made with a cashew-based sauce or nutritional yeast, it’s rich and satisfying. The pasta is baked with a golden breadcrumb topping for extra crunch.
It’s a favorite comfort food that works wonderfully as a Thanksgiving side, bringing indulgent flavor without any dairy. Even picky eaters will love it.
13. Vegan Gravy
Gravy is essential for Thanksgiving, and this vegan version doesn’t disappoint. Made with vegetable broth, herbs, and a touch of soy sauce, it’s rich, savory, and silky smooth.
Perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, stuffing, or lentil loaf, this gravy ties the meal together. It’s quick to make and adds a comforting finishing touch to your holiday dishes.
14. Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, dairy-free sauce create a mouthwatering dish that feels indulgent yet vegan. This recipe is rich, garlicky, and topped with a golden crust.
It’s a great alternative to mashed potatoes, offering a little variety on the table. Comforting and satisfying, scalloped potatoes will quickly become a new Thanksgiving favorite.
15. Vegan Cornbread
Warm, golden cornbread is a must-have for Thanksgiving. This vegan version uses plant-based milk and oil, resulting in moist, fluffy bread with just the right sweetness.
Serve it with vegan butter or maple syrup for a cozy side dish. Cornbread pairs perfectly with savory mains and adds a touch of Southern charm to your holiday spread.
16. Roasted Root Vegetables
A medley of roasted root vegetables adds rustic beauty to your Thanksgiving feast. Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes are tossed with olive oil, garlic, and herbs before roasting to perfection.
The caramelized edges bring out their natural sweetness. This colorful side dish is easy, healthy, and full of flavor, making it a great way to showcase seasonal produce.
17. Vegan Cranberry Sauce
Tangy cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving classic that’s naturally vegan. Fresh cranberries are simmered with sugar and orange zest until they burst into a vibrant, sweet-tart sauce.
It’s simple, refreshing, and balances out richer dishes on the table. This sauce is the perfect companion for stuffing, lentil loaf, or roasted veggies, adding a festive splash of color and flavor.
18. Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild rice pilaf brings a nutty, chewy texture and earthy flavor to the holiday table. Cooked with onions, garlic, and broth, it’s then tossed with dried cranberries and pecans for seasonal flair.
This side dish is hearty, flavorful, and colorful, complementing both mains and casseroles. It’s also naturally gluten-free, making it a versatile choice for a Thanksgiving crowd.
19. Vegan Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is the heart of Thanksgiving desserts, and this vegan version keeps the tradition alive. A spiced pumpkin filling made with coconut milk sits in a flaky, dairy-free crust.
It’s sweet, creamy, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Serve chilled with a dollop of vegan whipped cream for the ultimate holiday treat that no one will resist.
20. Garlic Roasted Cauliflower
Garlic roasted cauliflower is a simple yet flavorful side dish. Toss florets in olive oil, garlic, and spices, then roast until golden and crispy. This recipe is light but tasty, balancing the richness of heavier dishes.
It’s quick to prepare and can be dressed up with herbs or lemon zest for extra flavor. A healthy, delicious addition to your Thanksgiving meal.
21. Vegan Pecan Pie Bars
For a sweet twist, vegan pecan pie bars offer all the flavors of traditional pecan pie in a handheld treat. Made with a buttery vegan crust and gooey pecan filling, they’re perfect for dessert tables.
These bars are rich, nutty, and sweet, giving guests a bite-sized option to enjoy after the big meal. They’re festive and always a crowd favorite.
22. Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Mashed cauliflower is a lighter alternative to traditional potatoes. Blended with roasted garlic, plant-based milk, and olive oil, it’s creamy and full of flavor. This dish is low-carb but doesn’t compromise on comfort.
It’s perfect alongside rich vegan mains like lentil loaf or mushroom wellington. A wholesome choice for guests who want something cozy but not too heavy.
23. Vegan Pumpkin Bread
Soft, moist vegan pumpkin bread is a seasonal favorite. Flavored with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg, it’s perfect for snacking or serving as part of your holiday dessert spread.
This recipe is dairy-free, egg-free, and filled with cozy autumn spices. It makes a wonderful make-ahead treat that pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
24. Balsamic Roasted Beets
Balsamic roasted beets add a deep, earthy flavor and a vibrant pop of color to your table. Roasted until tender, then glazed with balsamic vinegar, they’re both tangy and slightly sweet.
This dish is simple but elegant, complementing both mains and sides. The jewel-toned beets make your Thanksgiving spread look extra festive while providing a healthy, flavorful option for guests.
25. Vegan Apple Crisp
End your meal with a cozy vegan apple crisp. Sweet apples are baked under a crunchy oat and cinnamon topping, creating a dessert that’s warm and satisfying.
Serve it with vegan ice cream for extra indulgence. This classic fall dessert is simple to make and always a hit. It’s the perfect sweet ending to a hearty Thanksgiving celebration.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to enjoy comforting, flavorful meals, and these vegan recipes prove that plant-based dishes can be just as festive and satisfying as traditional ones. From hearty mains like lentil loaf and mushroom wellington to sweet treats like pumpkin pie and apple crisp, every recipe brings warmth and joy to the holiday table. Celebrate with compassion and delicious flavors this season.
