These vegan Thanksgiving recipes are crazy delicious and festive at the same time. Make them and you will surely impress everyone at the table.
Table of Contents
What can I cook for a vegan Thanksgiving dinner?
Vegans can enjoy a variety of traditional Thanksgiving dishes by swapping meat, dairy, and eggs in the recipes for vegan-friendly alternatives, especially when it comes to side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and stuffing.
You can get creative with the main dishes and try a seitan roast, store-bought vegan roast (like Tofurky), or a casserole.
For more tasty vegan recipes for fall, check out our vegan Thanksgiving desserts, vegan pumpkin recipes, vegan sweet potato recipes, vegan Fall recipes, and vegan apple recipes roundups.
Classics
Thanks to the wizardry of the vegan gods, roast turkey is back on your Thanksgiving menu this year. A blend of spices, plus a magical ingredient known as “seitan,” fool your taste buds into thinking that this baby just gobble gobbled yesterday.
Move over beef meatloaf! The lentils in this dish stole your job and have sent you packin’ this fine Thanksgiving. With its blend of lentils, chickpeas, and tomato sauce, you won’t miss meaty meatloaf one iota.
Your autumn stuffing’s gone wild with this blend of wild rice, lentils, and plenty of fall fruits to make it hardy, satisfying, and more deliciously savory than any dish deserves to be! It just might compete with the vegan turkey for “Best Dish on the Table.”
When it comes to making memorable mashed potatoes, less is more because the flavor of the potatoes speaks out loud and clear. This blend of yellow potatoes, olive oil, and nutritional yeast is simply delicious.
The secret’s in the sauce, the soy sauce, in this vegan gravy recipe. Its umami magic turns up the flavor quotient of other ingredients until they practically burst at the proverbial seams with flavor.
Who would have thought that a little mix of creamy mushroom flavor, savory seasonings, and fresh green beans would come to epitomize all that’s good and holy on Thanksgiving? But as this green bean casserole recipe demonstrates, it IS all that’s good and holy!
This cranberry sauce equals tang on the table at Thanksgiving and perfectly juxtaposes its sometimes savory counterparts, like turkey and stuffing. It also clears that palate like nobody’s business, ensuring you’ll taste every bite, no matter how many bites you take.
“Don’t fill up on bread!” Whoever said that probably never tried this fabulous recipe. Thank goodness, it only makes a “small” batch of fifteen pillowy-soft vegan dinner rolls — just enough for the Thanksgiving table.
Hey, someone pass me the cornbread. Oh, you mean that light and fluffy, dairy-free, egg-free and vegan cornbread? That’s right. It’s got just a hint of sweetness and all of the cornbread flavor that everyone adores.
This mac and cheese recipe celebrates Thanksgiving comfort food in grand style. Garlic, nutritional yeast, and Old Bay seasoning marry together in a tasty blend that makes you forget that this dish has no cheese.
Creamed corn is a Thanksgiving must but it doesn’t have to be that stuff from a can. It’s easy to make your own and — newsflash — it can be dairy-free. With just five ingredients, it’s a side dish everyone at the table will adore.
Fresh collard greens sprinkled with tomatoes and seasoned with garlic and onions add festive colors to your Thanksgiving spread this year. They’re so good, you’ll ask for more.
With brown sugar, vegan butter, and fresh apples snuggled in a vegan pie crust, this vegan apple pie reminds you why apple pie ranks right up there in importance to mom. Tastes great with a side of vegan vanilla ice cream.
Pumpkin Pie with Candied Pecans
Decisions, decisions. Should it be pecan pie or a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving? Here’s an easy solution — put both in the same pie! This vegan pecan-topped pumpkin pie solves that age old dilemma and satisfies every Thanksgiving dessert desire.
The crumbled pecans and sweet brown sugar are more than just set decoration in this sweet potato casserole. They’re the addictive crunch that juxtaposes the soft, creamy texture of the sweet potatoes to make every bite the main event in this tabletop theatrical show.
With a crust that practically flakes off the end of the fork by itself to its pecan-laden center of wonder, the only thing standing between you and more pie is the dollop of vegan whipped cream on top of it.
Who wants some punch? Everyone, especially when it has the flavors of the season. This Thanksgiving Punch only has three ingredients — apple cider, caramel syrup and pumpkin pie spice. When they say it really packs a punch, this is what they were talking about.
Main Dishes
These meaty portobello mushroom steaks have a twofold secret — the balsamic and tamari marinade, both sweet and salty, and the creamy basil, lemon and garlic aioli which is added at the end. Both highlight the mushrooms’ natural umami.
This couscous stuffed acorn squash is a showcase of Fall ingredients. It’s also customizable, so clean out that veggie drawer and go to town. Easy to prepare, and it can be enjoyed as a main or a side.
Stuffing-Muffins with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Could you even have Thanksgiving without stuffing and mashed potatoes with gravy? This is the vegan and gluten-free version which cooks up in a muffin tin for pre-portioned serving at its finest.
Quinoa Stuffed Squash with Walnuts and Pomegranate
There is something so fun about everyone at the table getting their own individual quinoa stuffed mini squash. It’s also a hearty side dish that really delivers in the flavor department.
Bowls are all the rage right now, so a Thanksgiving bowl seems like a total no brainer. All of those comforting flavors — roasted acorn squash, carrots, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, mashed potatoes and gravy — mingled together in one go? Perfection.
‘Cheesy’ Butternut Squash Pasta
This creamy golden mac and cheese side dish shines a spotlight on the power of plants and ingenuity when it comes to creating a perfect mac and cheese side dish this Thanksgiving. Fresh butternut squash, vegan cheese, and an explosion of spices that leave you lining up for more.
Butternut Squash Shepherds Pie
Here’s a new take on an old classic — shepherd’s pie reimagined for a newer, healthier generation. Its bottom layer is creamy lentils. Then there’s a wild toss of carrots and mushrooms. The final layer is a luscious coconut butternut squash.
Stuffed Roasted Butternut Squash
Ladies and gentleman, I give you a vegan holiday centerpiece — a stuffed, roasted butternut squash. It’s fit for a king’s feast and tastes of sage, wild rice, nuts and little pops of cranberry.
Smoky Southern-Style Meatless Meatloaf
Being vegan doesn’t mean giving up comfort food favorites. This meatless meatloaf topped with barbecue sauce not only looks like the real thing but it’s so packed with flavor that you won’t miss the old, boring meatloaf for a minute.
Vegan Minestrone With Butternut Squash
This stew doesn’t play. A bowl of this chunky, hearty minestrone stew is a meal-and-a-half of veggie, bean and pasta love.
Roasted Red Pepper & Squash Soup
When roasted red peppers and acorn squash get together, it’s magic. This creamy soup has just a little spice from the fresh ginger and takes about an hour to develop all of its yummy layers of flavor.
This version of a pithivier has the warm flavors of Thanksgiving layered inside a flaky vegan puff pastry crust. Any guest who cuts into one of these impressive little pies will be in awe of your culinary genius.
When the elegant truffle meets an unpretentious lasagna noodle, worlds collide in the most delicious way. These roll-ups are a garlic mushroom extravaganza that come together in no time and are a little something different for the dinner table.
Vegan Vegetable Pot Pie with Biscuits
Here’s a dish that could be a mid-week family dinner or have a coveted spot on the Thanksgiving table. Golden brown scratch-made biscuits atop a rich veggie stew equals nothing short of comfort food bliss.
Sweet Potato Ravioli with Mushrooms
Ah, it’s like Autumn on a plate. Homemade pasta dough stuffed with cashew cream, sweet potato puree and fresh thyme. Sprinkle sautéed mushrooms and shallots across your raviolis and you’ve created a restaurant-quality meal.
Festive Vegan Falafel with Cranberry Pear Dip
Falafel, that old vegan standard, has just gotten a holiday makeover. Adding a decadent pear and cranberry dip on the side makes it a sweet and savory celebration, just in time for Thanksgiving.
Vegan Butternut Squash and Pear Pizza
The problem with this vegan pear pizza is that you’ll have to share it. They’ll smell the roasting pears and squash, toasty crust and garlic cashew sauce and they’ll all come running. Pity. It’d make a fine meal for one.
Sides
Need a last minute, easy peasy side for the holiday table? Roasted green beans with garlic can be prepped in only ten minutes and will cook in 20 minutes. Fresh and delicious! Don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Arugula And Pear Salad With Candied Walnuts
Maple Glazed Carrots with Lemon Cashew Cream
Bring these heirloom carrots to your holiday table and watch their jaws drop. By the end of the meal, everyone will be fighting about which is better, the taste or the presentation.
A mix of sweet kernels of corn, vegan butter, and a dash of sea salt swirl together in ooey-gooey gustatory harmony in this vegan corn pudding. It’s so good your Thanksgiving turkey will sing its praises.
Creamy cashew milk, nutritional yeast, and a dash of nutmeg converge in this vegan creamed spinach that’s just enough creamy for comfort and just enough spicy “cheese” for the ultimate taste kick.
This pretty Autumn dish makes a hearty side dish or a light lunch meal, just make sure to use vegan feta cheese.
Chive & Garlic Duchess Potatoes
Get ready for gasps of wonder when you present a tray of these chive and garlic duchess potatoes. Using a piping bag is the key to making these beauties look so elegant and it’s easier than you may think.
Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Halved Brussel sprouts are roasted in a marinade of avocado oil, balsamic vinegar, and pure maple syrup until they’re practically bursting with a sweet and tangy flavor.
All of the colors, textures and flavors of this seasonal bread salad will delight the palate while being a feast for the eyes. Enjoy it as a lunch or a light dinner.
Here’s a promise — if you put a basket of these potato croquettes on your Thanksgiving table, you will indeed be celebrated. Golden and crispy, they look so inviting and will make a perfect addition to an already crowded plate.
It’s crunch time for salad lovers. Think tart Granny Smith apples, crisp celery and coarsely chopped pecans all tossed with spinach and citrus and al dente pasta. This autumn salad bursts with fresh, seasonal flavors.
Sweet slivers of almonds and fresh green beans spar in this green bean almondine to see who wins for the crispiest, tastiest ingredient in a Thanksgiving dish. Only your taste buds can decide who wins that fight! You might need two helpings to decide who wins this gustatory duke-out!
They’re a side dish. No, they’re a breakfast. No way, they’re a side dish! Calm down everyone. They’re jalapeño cornbread muffins and they can be a side dish and a quick grab-and-go leftover breakfast.
Y’all, what would Thanksgiving be without a heaping helping of cornbread stuffing? It just wouldn’t be right. So here’s a recipe that has all the textures and flavors without any of the gluten or the guilt.
Mashed Potatoes with Mushroom Gravy
No Thanksgiving meal would be complete without offering your guests a piping-hot bowl of fluffy mashed potatoes. The mushroom gravy ups the ante and turns this standard into a vegan-friendly must.
Fact — no Thanksgiving would be complete without cranberry sauce. This version is a super easy four-ingredient recipe that tastes sensational and has no sugar. It’s also low in carbs and paleo friendly, so don’t hold back.
Desserts
Sitting just below a bubbling top of toasted marshmallows, the fresh sweet potatoes and flaky crust that make up this delish vegan sweet potato pie will stuff your tummy faster than your second helping of turkey will and be sweeter going down to boot.
Looking for something a little different for the Thanksgiving dessert table? Chai spices are so warm and inviting and when paired with pear, it’s a dream come true. The flavor combination is unbeatable especially when it’s served in a buttery, vegan crust.
Give yourself a break this Thanksgiving and throw together this vegan apple crumble. Made with simple ingredients, you can assemble it ahead of time and then bake it on the big day. It doesn’t get much easier than that.
Let’s be honest — some people are just fed up with pumpkin pie. But believe me when I tell you that no one ever turns down a well executed pumpkin roll. Yummy pumpkin cake stuffed with light, aquafaba cream? Too darn delightful to pass up.
Apple Cider Cake with Maple Glaze
Apple cider and autumn go together, so why not make a cake that celebrates both? It is bursting with those flavors of cinnamon and maple that everyone craves when the leaves start to turn and the wind gets crisp.
If you’re like me, it’s hard to resist any bite-sized dessert. I mean, the calories don’t count if you can pop it in your mouth in one go, right? It’s everything you like about pumpkin pie in a single, delicious bite.
Gather your guests around. They can smell the apple-cinnamon goodness as you present the hot pan. Get a plate and watch their anticipation. Flip that baby out and they’ll see the caramelized apple goodness on top. Dessert perfection achieved.
This pumpkin bundt cake is so good that it doesn’t even need a glaze. Sure, if you want to gild the lily, by all means, go for it. You can also make it without a bundt pan! Three cheers for a flexible recipe!
Click for more vegan Thanksgiving desserts.
Drinks
Pour you and your bestie a glass of apple cider sangria, sit in front of a crackling fire and let the fun begin. Apples and cinnamon sticks all get familiar in a crisp white whine with a dash of whiskey and cider thrown in for good measure.
Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Cider
Treat your guests to an intoxicating holiday aroma as soon as they walk in your door. This recipe adds orange to apple cider and when simmered gently in a slow cooker, it’s both fragrant and irresistible.
Thirsty? How about some apple cider, orange juice, cinnamon sticks and rum all decked out in a glass with apples and oranges? I know I’m ready for a big holiday glass of that festive brew.
Everybody’s had mulled cider but how many people have dared to mull pear juice? This drink is next level yummy. Clementine juice adds a citrus zing to the subtly sweet pear. A whole batch takes only 15 minutes to make.
Let the children sip on some cider — I got myself a tumbler of Apple Cinnamon Whiskey Smash. The flavors of fall and whiskey make a perfect match, and it’s amazing how something so cool can warm you right up.
For those occasions when, for whatever the reason, you can’t have a cocktail, there’s nothing wrong with indulging in a little mocktail. It’s a celebration in a glass but without any regret the next day.
Appetizers
Looking for an extra nibble for your holiday guests? Blow their minds with these vegan sausage rolls that have all the flavor without any of the (wait for it) sausage! They don’t need it — the umami comes from mushrooms, cashews and soy sauce.
Stromboli is a party food classic and this vegan version makes a perfect holiday appetizer. Roll up some grainy mustard, veggies, vegan cheese and deli meat in pizza dough and bake. Slice and you’re ready to serve.
While others are pigging out on pigs in a blanket, up the sophistication with a vegan take — I present garlicky olives neatly tucked in their own little blankets. These are so simple and impressive for vegans and non-vegans alike.
Need a savory pâté dipping solution that doesn’t involve meat? Of course it’s the mighty mushroom that comes to the appetizer rescue. All of that umami flavor in a scrumptious pâté that is perfect on crackers, French bread or as a veggie dip.
Watch out, Buffalo sauce, chili garlic sauce is eyeing your crown. It has already cozied up to the Brussels sprouts and is making a name for itself. A little heat, a little soy, a little garlic and wow — an appetizer that wakes up your palate.
Nothing says holiday appetizer like an old fashioned cheese ball. Too bad you can’t have a vegan cheese ball…or can you? Yes, you can and it’s delicious. Vegan cheeses, nuts, dried cranberries, fresh herbs and spices are all it takes to be the star of your platter.
You will never go wrong serving stuffed mushrooms at a party. Italian bread crumbs tossed with all kinds of herbs and seasonings in a roasted mushroom make for a perfect, savory bite. Vegans, call dibs because the non-vegans will descend and seize them.
FAQ
Thanksgiving is an American holiday, so vegans in the United States usually celebrate. There is also Canadian Thanksgiving, celebrated in early October as a harvest feast, that has a similar menu to American Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving dishes are delicious and have been popularized around the world, so many vegans around the world have tried some of them!
For vegans looking for a classic main dish for Thanksgiving, try homemade seitan, a vegan pastry-wrapped roast, or a store-bought vegan roast (like Tofurky) instead of turkey. Not interested in meat alternatives? For a veggie-centric option, try a meatless loaf, a vegetable casserole, or stuffed acorn squash.
While most Thanksgiving side dishes are not vegan, fortunately it’s easy to make vegan versions of these dishes by simply swapping out the butter for vegan butter, chicken or turkey broth for vegetable broth, and cheese for vegan cheese in dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and roasted vegetables.
Some delicious vegan Thanksgiving desserts are veganized versions of traditional dessert recipes like pumpkin pie, pumpkin cake, apple pie, cranberry bread, and pecan pie. Don’t forget to top your pies with vegan whipped cream and serve with dairy-free ice cream!
70+ Easy Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes (Full Menu)
Ingredients
- chickpea meatloaf
- roasted green beans
- mushroom gravy
- cornbread stuffing
- glazed carrots
- mashed potatoes
- butternut squash
Instructions
- Choose your favorite Thanksgiving meal from the list.
- Click on the name to get to the recipe.
- Happy cooking!
So yummy~~ Can’t wait for Thanksgiving. Gonna make some of these recipes for the family
Thank you! Everything looks delicious.
Thank you! Great recipes.
Thank you, great Thanksgiving menu ideas
4 more days <3 this will be my first vegan thanksgiving, and I got permission to make a few meals, im really excited
Thank you Kate! The family has already chosen a few recipes from here that I will make this Thursday.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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OMG. These look fabulous! I’m going to try three this year. We usually have vegan lasagna but I can’t wait to taste some of these. TY!!
Going through this list one by one in preparation for Thanksgiving and let me tell you…everything is effin delicious!!