Whether it’s your first or sixth time hosting Thanksgiving dinner, planning a holiday menu can be a whirlwind. It’s equal parts exciting and stressful, especially if you’re trying to accommodate all types of dietary needs. But we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up our favorite vegan Thanksgiving recipes, ranging from finger foods to side dishes to mouthwatering desserts. Vegan and non-vegan guests alike will drool over these 21 plant-based holiday recipes.
Vegan Thanksiving Appetizers
1. Stuffed Mushrooms
Vegan, Gluten-free | Total time: 25 minutes
These vegan stuffed mushrooms are a party host’s dream come true. They’re easy to make, inexpensive, and double as appetizers and entrées. Better yet, these bite-sized goodies can pass as a fancy party dish. You can also customize the filling, depending on what you’re craving or have on hand.
2. Vegan Sweet Potato Rolls
Vegan | Total time: 30 minutes (Rise time: 1 hour)
Contrary to popular belief, Thanksgiving potato dishes aren’t limited to mashed potatoes and casseroles. You can also make a batch of vegan sweet potato dinner rolls with just seven simple ingredients. Serve with vegan butter and let the compliments roll in.
3. Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Maple Mustard Dressing
Vegan | Total time: 15 minutes
A Thanksgiving spread wouldn’t be complete without a healthy dose of veggies. With this crunchy broccoli salad, your guests can enjoy a light and festive appetizer. The salad also includes a unique maple mustard dressing, which adds a sweet yet tangy seasonal touch. Yum!
4. Rustic Rosemary & Herb Crackers
Vegan, Gluten-free | Total time: 40 minutes
Everything about these rustic rosemary and herb crackers screams “Thanksgiving.” Made with chickpea flour, ground flaxseed, and dried herbs like rosemary and sage, these crunchy snacks are essential for the holidays. As an added bonus, your gluten-free guests can enjoy them too.
5. Spreadable Vegan Cashew Cheese
Vegan | Total time: 45 minutes (Chill time: 4 hours)
If you’re going to serve vegan crackers, you might as pair them with vegan cashew cheese! It calls for just seven ingredients, including cashews, vegan cream cheese, and nutritional yeast. Depending on your menu, you can shape it into a ball or serve it as a spread.
6. Vegan Veggie Nuggets
Vegan, Gluten-free | Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
For a no-stress appetizer, make these kale and sweet potato veggie nuggets for Thanksgiving. They can be made in advance and heated up as soon as your guests arrive. These nuggets are also great for keeping the kids occupied, but if we’re being honest — us adults want some as well.
Vegan Thanksgiving Main Dishes
7. Creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Linguine with Fried Sage
Vegan | Total time: 35 minutes
From the orange-colored sauce to the seasonal flavors, this creamy vegan butternut squash linguine is perfect for Thanksgiving. You can even replace the linguine with the pasta of your choice, such as gluten-free chickpea pasta. Top it off with vegan Parmesan and dig in.
8. Vegan Risotto with Asparagus & Mushroom
Vegan, Gluten-free, Soy-free | Total time: 1 hour
Like linguine, vegan risotto is a simple recipe that manages to look (and sound) fancy. This particular recipe calls for mushrooms and asparagus, but you can experiment with your favorite veggies. Feel free to add herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme for a seasonal spin.
9. Easy Vegan Pot Pie
Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free | Total time: 1 hour
While we love pot pie all year round, there’s something so comforting about eating it on Thanksgiving. Extra points if you make a vegan pot pie in individual ramekins. This option is ideal if you’re hosting a small gathering, but you can easily use the filling for a regular-sized pie dish.
10. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
Vegan | Total time: 1 hour
If you’re all about tradition, make a vegan shepherd’s pie for Thanksgiving. With a hearty filling of soy mince, mushrooms, onions, and maple syrup, this holiday dinner is a must for any vegan cook. In a pinch? Speed things up by using boxed mashed potatoes mixed with vegan butter and herbs.
11. Vegan Mushroom Wellington
Vegan | Total time: 1 hour
Thanks to the flaky puff pastry crust and juicy mushroom filling, this vegetable mushroom wellington will steal the show. It’s even made with a vegan egg wash! Pair it with potatoes, beans, or any classic Thanksgiving side.
12. Vegan Holiday Roast
Vegan | Total time: 2 hours and 15 mintes
For a Thanksgiving meal that will truly impress your guests, make this vegan holiday roast. The roast, which is made of ingredients like vital wheat gluten and pinto beans, is packed with tasty stuffing. It’s also smothered in mouth-watering glaze, making it a brilliant addition to your Thanksgiving menu.
Vegan Thanksgiving Sides
13. Vegan Stuffing
Vegan | Total time: 45 minutes
Ah, stuffing. The holidays simply wouldn’t be complete without it. Fortunately, it’s easy to make a vegan stuffing recipe with leftover bread and basic ingredients. In addition to the classic celery and onions, you can even add dried cranberries or chopped carrots for extra flavor and texture.
14. Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Vegan | Total time: 1 hour
Non-dairy milk, mushrooms, and flour come together in this easy vegan green bean casserole. The recipe even includes homemade “fried” onions, which are baked in the oven for a slightly healthier version. Even your non-vegan guests will eat this one right up.
15. Roasted Sugar Snap Peas
Vegan, Gluten-free | Total time: 15 minutes
Sometimes, the best side dishes are the simplest. Take this recipe for roasted sugar snap peas, for example. In just 15 minutes, a few handfuls of sugar snap peas can be transformed into savory and crunchy side dish. Serve them with hummus or as is.
16. Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Hazelnuts and Rosemary
Vegan, Gluten-free | Total time: 40 minutes
Treat your taste buds to a flavorful veggie side dish by making maple balsamic brussels sprouts. Toss in rosemary and hazelnuts and you’ve got a gluten-free and vegan side dish. Bonus: If you’re expecting a crowd, simply double or triple the recipe.
17. Vegan Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy
Vegan | Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
When it comes to Thanksgiving, mashed potatoes and gravy are right up there with stuffing and green bean casserole. And thanks to this vegan mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy recipe, it’s possible to make a version that’s ideal for all types of diets.
Vegan Thanksigiving Desserts
18. Vegan Pumpkin Pie
Vegan, Dairy-free | Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes (Chill time: 8 hours)
You’ll be happy to know that you won’t have to skip the pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving. Instead of using eggs for structure and texture, this vegan pumpkin pie uses canned coconut milk. When chilled, the filling becomes deliciously creamy and pudding-like.
19. Frozen Banana Cream Pie
Vegan, Gluten-free | Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes
OK, so maybe pumpkin pie isn’t for everyone. If you’ve got a few guests who could do without, make this frozen banana cream pie for Thanksgiving. It might not be a traditional dish, but it’s one of those desserts people can never pass up.
20. Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
Vegan | Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Is it a side dish? Is it a dessert? Is it… sweet potato casserole? The Internet might not ever agree on this classic dish’s category, but one thing is for sure: It’s downright delicious. We can’t get enough of this vegan version made with non-dairy milk and a crunchy pecan topping.
21. Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars
Vegan, Gluten-free, Soy-free | Total time: 50 minutes
Looking for a pumpkin dessert that’s easy to split and share? Make these oatmeal pumpkin bars, which are both gluten-free and vegan. The oatmeal crust is even made with pecans, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Thank you for sharing!
Feature photo: sonyakamoz/Bigstock
