35 Best Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes You Won’t Regret Trying
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a feast of wholesome vegan dishes, from crowd-pleasing mains to festive sides and decadent desserts.
Thanksgiving is all about sharing delicious food and gratitude with loved ones, and a plant-based feast can be just as festive, satisfying, and memorable. Whether you’re hosting a fully vegan celebration or simply accommodating plant-based guests, this curated collection of vegan Thanksgiving recipes covers every course—mains, classic sides, hearty salads, show-stopping desserts, and more. Each recipe is crafted to please everyone at the table, ensuring you won’t miss a single traditional flavor, texture, or comforting moment.
Main Dish Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes
Give plant-based ingredients the spotlight with these hearty, flavor-packed mains that rival the traditional centerpiece.
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Herbed Quinoa
Halved acorn squash is roasted to caramelized perfection, then filled with a savory blend of quinoa, dried cranberries, sautéed onions, and fresh herbs. The filling is tossed with toasted pecans and a maple-sage vinaigrette, making for a showy and satisfying entree with all the festive fall flavors.
Mushroom Lentil Wellington
A flaky, golden pastry envelops a robust mixture of mushrooms, walnuts, lentils, and thyme. Perfect for slicing at the table, this plant-based twist on classic Wellington offers deep umami flavor and a stunning centerpiece presentation.
Butternut Squash Risotto
Creamy arborio rice is simmered in a savory vegetable broth with roast butternut squash, shallots, and fresh sage. Finished with a touch of nutritional yeast for richness, this dish delivers silky, luscious texture without any dairy.
Chickpea-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushroom caps are loaded with a hearty chickpea and wild rice stuffing, seasoned generously with garlic, rosemary, and caramelized onions. Each mushroom comes out savory, juicy, and worthy of a main-course spotlight.
Holiday Vegetable Pot Pie
This family-style vegan pot pie features tender carrots, peas, potatoes, and mushrooms in a creamy dairy-free sauce, tucked beneath a crisp, golden crust. Flaky, comforting, and packed with vegetables, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Classic Vegan Thanksgiving Sides
These plant-based versions of beloved side dishes deliver all the cozy holiday nostalgia without any animal products. Each recipe focuses on maximizing flavor and texture, giving everyone something to love.
Savory Vegan Stuffing
Crusty cubes of bread absorb a medley of sautéed celery, onions, carrots, and mushrooms, all tossed in fresh sage and thyme. Baked until golden and crisp on top, with a moist, fluffy interior.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Yukon Gold potatoes are whipped with roasted garlic, vegan butter, and a splash of almond or soy milk, resulting in a luxuriously smooth side that’s every bit as indulgent as the classic. Top with chives and a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
Mushroom Gravy
Deeply flavorful, thick vegan gravy made from a base of sautéed mushrooms, onions, vegetable broth, tamari, and herbs. Ideal for ladling over mashed potatoes or stuffing—and robust enough to win over even the most traditional guests.
Maple-Orange Cranberry Sauce
Whole cranberries are simmered with maple syrup, orange juice, and a touch of cinnamon, replacing cane sugar with natural sweetness and a zesty finish. Skip the canned sauce; homemade is vibrant, tangy, and effortless.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Nutty Oat Topping
Fluffy whipped sweet potatoes, seasoned with ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, are topped with a pecan-oat crumble. Notes of maple syrup and rosemary add warmth, while the baked topping delivers satisfying crunch.
Butternut Squash Casserole
Roasted cubes of butternut squash mingle with caramelized onions, pearl onions, and leafy greens, baked under a crust of panko and herbs for a colorful, comforting side dish perfect for a festive table.
Salads and Vegetable Sides
Bring color and freshness to the table with these inventive vegan sides that feature in-season produce and bold flavors.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Paper-thin sprouts are tossed with toasted sunflower seeds, pomegranate seeds, and tart apple slices, then finished with a lemon-dijon vinaigrette. It’s crunchy, bright, and a welcome contrast to heavier dishes.
Maple-Glazed Carrots
Rainbow carrots are roasted with olive oil, maple syrup, garlic, and thyme until caramelized and tender. Garnish with chopped parsley and orange zest for a cheerful, naturally sweet side.
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Lemon Salsa Verde
Thick cauliflower slices are oven-roasted and topped with a salsa verde of lemon, capers, and fresh herbs, making for an elegant, plant-forward addition to your holiday spread.
Green Bean Almondine
Fresh green beans are blanched and then sautéed with slivered almonds, garlic, and a touch of lemon juice, delivering crunch, nuttiness, and zip in every bite.
Cranberry Apple Kale Salad
Lacinato kale is massaged with olive oil and tossed with thin apple slices, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a salad that’s equal parts hearty and festive.
Bread, Rolls, and Spreads
Round out your Thanksgiving table with these fluffy, fragrant vegan breads and flavorful spreads.
Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Soft, golden rolls flavored with real pumpkin puree, nutmeg, and a touch of maple syrup make a delightful basket of bread. Serve with vegan butter or a homemade cinnamon-maple spread.
Herbed Cashew Cheese Spread
Smooth, tangy cashew-based cheese whipped with lemon juice, garlic, and a blend of fresh herbs. Perfect with crackers, crudités, or warm bread as a starter.
Classic Vegan Cornbread
This sweet and crumbly cornbread is made entirely without dairy, using almond milk and olive oil for tenderness and flavor. Delicious with soups, stews, or alongside your holiday spread.
Desserts: Decadent Vegan Sweets
When it comes to Thanksgiving desserts, plant-based baking delivers just as much joy and indulgence. Here are festive vegan treats for every sweet tooth.
Vegan Pumpkin Pie
Rich and custardy pumpkin filling—made from pure pumpkin puree, coconut milk, and warming spices—baked in a flaky, buttery vegan crust. Serve with a dollop of coconut whipped cream for the full effect.
Apple Crisp with Oat-Pecan Topping
Tart apples are baked until bubbling beneath a golden layer of oats, pecans, and brown sugar. This homey dessert is both comforting and crowd-pleasing, especially when topped with vegan vanilla ice cream.
Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
All the rich flavors of pecan pie with a chocolate twist—presented in easy-to-serve bar form. Made with a chewy date-based crust, these bars are indulgent yet wholesome enough for seconds.
Pear and Cranberry Galette
Rough-puff vegan pastry cloaks sweet pears and tart cranberries in a rustic, free-form tart. The perfect dessert for anyone seeking bright seasonal flavors.
Maple Sweet Potato Blondies
Fudgy blondies are enriched with mashed sweet potato and sweetened with pure maple syrup for a naturally rich, autumnal treat. Top with toasted pecans or coconut flakes.
Dairy-Free Cheesecake with Berry Swirl
A creamy cashew and coconut-based cheesecake is finished with a seasonal swirl of cranberry or blueberry compote. Each luscious bite is rich yet light, ensuring you have room for seconds.
What others are reading
Tips for Hosting a Vegan Thanksgiving
- Plan Ahead: Many vegan Thanksgiving dishes can be made or prepped a day ahead. Assemble casseroles, mix doughs, or cook grains in advance to reduce day-of stress.
- Flavor Boosters: Fresh herbs, citrus zest, toasted nuts, and seeds can elevate plant-based recipes and provide satisfying layers of flavor and texture.
- Label Everything: Clearly labeling dishes helps guests with allergies and dietary restrictions feel comfortable and welcomed.
- Offer Variety: Present a colorful spread by including roasted, raw, and steamed veggies as well as grains, legumes, and hearty mains.
- Inviting Everyone: These recipes are designed to be loved by vegans and omnivores alike, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can these vegan recipes be made gluten-free?
A: Many can! Use gluten-free flour blends for baked goods, swap out regular bread for gluten-free in stuffing, and double-check labels on store-bought items like broth and pastry.
Q: How can I make creamy vegan sauces or gravies?
A: Use plant-based milks such as oat, almond, or soy, and thicken with flour or cornstarch. Nutritional yeast adds rich, cheesy flavor to sauces and gravies.
Q: What’s the best vegan main dish for impressing non-vegans?
A: Mushroom Wellington, stuffed squash, and creamy risotto are all great options—they’re hearty, flavorful, and visually stunning. Pot pies and casseroles are also perennial favorites among all eaters.
Q: Are there easy, make-ahead dessert options?
A: Absolutely. Pumpkin pie, apple crisp, blondies, and no-bake bars can all be made in advance and are perfect for prepping ahead of your big holiday meal.
Q: Which vegan dish resembles turkey the most?
A: Store-bought vegan roasts or homemade seitan-based dishes can mimic the texture and presentation of a traditional turkey, but hearty mains like stuffed squash and mushroom Wellingtons provide a satisfying, centerpiece-worthy alternative.
Sample Vegan Thanksgiving Menu
| Course | Recommended Dish |
|---|---|
| Starter | Herbed Cashew Cheese Spread with Crackers |
| Main Entrée | Stuffed Acorn Squash |
| Staple Sides | Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Savory Vegan Stuffing, Maple-Orange Cranberry Sauce |
| Vegetable Side | Maple-Glazed Carrots or Roasted Cauliflower Steaks |
| Bread | Pumpkin Dinner Rolls or Vegan Cornbread |
| Dessert | Vegan Pumpkin Pie or Apple Crisp |
Conclusion: A Feast Everyone Can Celebrate
The spirit of Thanksgiving is about coming together and sharing abundant, thoughtfully-prepared food. These 35 vegan Thanksgiving recipes ensure there’s something nostalgic, comforting, and irresistible for every guest. Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or a seasoned vegan host, this lineup guarantees a holiday table that’s colorful, cruelty-free, and deeply delicious. Enjoy the process and relish every bite!
References
- https://www.loveandlemons.com/vegan-thanksgiving-recipes/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULHvU0-qF1w
- https://www.forksoverknives.com/recipes/vegan-menus-collections/10-incredible-vegan-sides-thanksgiving-table/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/g34061674/vegan-thanksgiving-recipes/
- https://zerowastechef.com/2018/11/16/a-zero-waste-vegan-thanksgiving-menu/
- https://melissatraub.com/how-to-plan-the-best-plant-based-thanksgiving/
- https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2019-11-15/how-to-make-a-vegan-thanksgiving-dinner
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/a20445708/thanksgiving-dinner-menu-delicious-easy-recipes/
- https://www.bluezones.com/2016/11/plentiful-plant-based-thanksgiving-recipes-30-minutes/
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