Just like that, Thanksgiving is already around the corner. I’ve mentioned in the past that Larissa and I tend to go for “just the sides” at Thanksgiving dinner, but this year, we’re on the hunt for some show-stopping vegan Thanksgiving main dish ideas to bring to our family get-together.
We love a table full of cozy sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green bean casserole, but there’s something extra satisfying about a flavorful plant-based centerpiece dish that even omnivores will love.
So, with a little help from our amazing private Facebook group, The Peas and Carrots Society, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite vegan Thanksgiving recipes—from mains and must-have sides to sauces and leftover-friendly ideas.
Whether you’re building a full vegan Thanksgiving menu or just need a few plant-based dishes for a Friendsgiving get together, we’ve got something for everyone!
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What Makes a Great Vegan Thanksgiving Menu?
Building a vegan Thanksgiving menu isn’t about simply swapping out the turkey—it’s about creating a table full of flavor, warmth, and dishes that reflect compassion and creativity. Whether you’re cooking entirely plant-based or simply adding a few vegan dishes to your holiday table, here are some tips for making every bite feel special.
Swap the Animal Products (Without Losing Flavor)
Traditional Thanksgiving recipes often rely on butter, cream, and meat-based broth. The good news is that there are easy swaps that still deliver rich flavor and satisfying texture:
- butter → vegan butter or olive oil
- milk/cream → plant-based milk (like oat, almond, or cashew)
- heavy cream → homemade cashew cream
- broth → use rich vegetable broth or mushroom stock
- cheese → nutritional yeast, vegan cream cheese, or vegan cheddar
These substitutions keep the focus on whole-food ingredients while making the entire meal feel inclusive.
Flavor Builders That Make Vegan Dishes Shine
You don’t need meat or dairy to build layers of flavor. These pantry staples and fresh additions help create a classic “Thanksgiving” feel:
- miso paste adds a deep, savory base for sauces, gravies, or marinades
- balsamic vinegar brightens up roasted veggies or glazes
- maple syrup sweetens sides and casseroles naturally
- nutritional yeast adds a “cheesy” flavor, perfect for vegan mac and cheese, stuffing, or gravy. Read about the health benefits of nutritional yeast here.
- fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, thyme, and parsley bring the holiday aroma to life
Texture and Balance
A well-rounded plant-based Thanksgiving includes creamy, crunchy, hearty, and fresh elements. Try to include a mix of:
- creamy mashed potatoes, cashew-based gravies, and dips
- crunchy roasted Brussels sprouts, pecan toppings, and salads
- hearty mains like stuffed squash, veggie pot pie, or lentil loaf
- fresh elements like cranberry sauce, herbed salads, or citrus sides
This way, your vegan Thanksgiving feast feels indulgent and complete—not like something’s missing.
Show-Stopping Vegan Thanksgiving Main Dishes
If you’ve ever worried that skipping the turkey means a less-than-exciting Thanksgiving table, don’t! Vegan main dishes can be just as hearty, flavorful, and festive—sometimes even more so.
Whether you’re looking for something cozy and familiar or want to wow your guests with something new, these dishes are all worthy of the holiday spotlight.
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice and Cranberries
This dish from Sweet Potato Soul is as beautiful as it is satisfying. Roasted acorn squash halves are filled with a savory blend of wild rice, mushrooms, cranberries, and fresh herbs—a perfect balance of sweet, earthy, and tart.
- This recipe is: vegan, gluten-free
- Get the recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe (Where Do You Get Your Protein?)
- Why we love it: It’s a gorgeous centerpiece with comforting fall flavors.
Vegan Lentil Meatloaf with Balsamic Ketchup Glaze
This isn’t your average loaf. Hearty lentils, oats, and finely chopped veggies come together with warm spices, then get topped with a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze.
- This recipe is: vegan, with a gluten-free option
- Get the recipe: Vegan Lentil Loaf (Nora Cooks)
- Why we love it: Great texture, easy to make ahead, and crowd-pleasing for mixed-diet families.
Easy Vegetable Pot Pie
This pot pie features a creamy filling of potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and sweet corn, all simmered in vegetable broth with butter (or vegan butter) and baked in a golden crust.
- This recipe is: vegetarian, easily made vegan (use plant-based butter / margarine and use a vegan crust)
- Get the recipe: Easy Vegetable Pot Pie (Vegetarian Zen)
- Why we love it: It uses simple, familiar vegetables and is comforting, tasty, and satisfying. Plus, it’s also a great make-ahead dish or leftover winner.
Crust Note: If you use an off‑the‑shelf pie crust, double-check the label—some contain dairy, lard, or other animal‑derived ingredients.
Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
This twist on the classic uses lentils and vegetables under a blanket of creamy mashed sweet potatoes.
- This recipe is: vegan, gluten-free, high in fiber
- Get the recipe: Vegan Shepherd’s Pie (Minimalist Baker)
- Why we love it: It combines a holiday favorite (sweet potatoes!) with protein-packed comfort.
Mushroom Wellington
If you’re looking for something elegant and a little dramatic, this one’s for you. Savory mushroom duxelles and greens wrapped in flaky pastry make an excellent Thanksgiving main dish.
- This recipe is: vegan, not gluten-free
- Get the recipe: Mushroom Wellington (Oh My Veggies!)
- Why we love it: It’s a vegan showstopper that always earns “oohs” at the holiday table.
Vegan Turkey Roast (For the Faux-Meat Fans)
There are some great store-bought vegan turkey substitutes out there now—Tofurky, Gardein, and Field Roast all offer seasoned, roast-style mains that pair perfectly with stuffing and gravy.
This product is: vegan, soy-based
Find faux-meat turkey substitutes at: Thrive Market or Amazon
Why we love it: Easy to heat and serve, especially if you’re short on time or oven space.
Cozy Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Let’s be honest—side dishes often steal the show at Thanksgiving, and the vegan versions of traditional side dishes are every bit as delicious. From creamy mashed potatoes to roasted veggies with just the right crunch, these plant-based dishes bring color, texture, and big flavor to the holiday table.
Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, dreamy, and totally dairy-free! Use Yukon Golds or Russets for a soft, fluffy mash. Swap in plant-based milk (we love oat or unsweetened almond) and vegan butter for richness.
For a flavor boost, stir in roasted garlic or a touch of cashew cream.
- Get the recipe: The Best Vegan Mashed Potatoes (Rainbow Plant Life)
- Pair with: Mushroom gravy (see below) or your favorite vegan sauce.
Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
Mash cooked sweet potatoes with maple syrup, cinnamon, a splash of plant-based milk, and a pinch of sea salt. Top with chopped pecans, oats, and a drizzle of coconut oil for a crunchy topping.
- Optional: Use vegan marshmallows (like Dandies) if you like a more classic topping.
- Get the recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole with Maple Pecan Topping (Jessica in the Kitchen)
Collard Greens with Smoky Miso Dressing
Slow-cooked greens with garlic, onions, and a smoky miso dressing offer something savory and slightly unexpected. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Check out this recipe from The Washington Post.
Vegan Stuffing (Sourdough or Cornbread Style)
Skip the eggs and butter—just cube your bread, dry it out in the oven, then mix with sautéed celery, onions, mushrooms, and herbs. Toss with vegetable broth until moist but not soggy, and bake until it’s golden on top.
- Get the recipe: Vegan Sourdough Bread Stuffing (Vegan Huggs)
- Optional mix-ins: walnuts, dried cranberries, or chopped apples.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F until crispy, then drizzle with a warm maple syrup and balsamic vinegar glaze. For extra crunch, add toasted pecans or sunflower seeds.
Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole
What’s Thanksgiving without a good old-fashioned green bean casserole? Honestly, it’s the first thing I load up on when I start scooping food on my plate. Here’s our recipe for a great dairy-free green bean casserole that skips the canned soup (all the processed stuff you don’t want!).
Sauces, Gravies, and Condiments That Bring It All Together
Even the best vegan Thanksgiving dishes can feel incomplete without something saucy on the side. From classic cranberry sauce to rich, savory gravies and creamy drizzles, these finishing touches tie your whole plate together.
Mushroom Gravy (No Drippings Needed!)
Sauté finely chopped mushrooms, onion, and garlic in olive oil or vegan butter. Stir in flour to create a roux, then whisk in vegetable broth, tamari, and nutritional yeast. Simmer until thick and glossy.
Check out our homemade vegan mushroom gravy recipe—it’s rich, flavorful, and easy to make ahead for your holiday table.
Quick tip: A splash of balsamic vinegar at the end brightens the flavor, and blending it makes for an extra-smooth finish.
Cashew Cream (Vegan’s Answer to Cream Sauce)
Blend soaked cashews with plant-based milk or water, garlic, lemon juice, and salt until silky smooth. Add rosemary or thyme for a holiday flavor. This one’s great over roasted root veggies or used as a base for vegan white gravy.
Here’s a recipe to try from The Resplendent Kitchen.
Cranberry Sauce with a Twist
Sauté fresh cranberries with orange juice, orange zest, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until they burst and thicken. Stir in vanilla and let the sauce set slightly.
Check out our homemade vegan cranberry sauce recipe—it’s bright, festive, smooth in under 20 minutes.
Quick tip: Use fresh orange juice and zest for a citrus spark, and adjust the maple syrup at the end so it’s just sweet enough without being overwhelming.
Miso Dressing
This one’s a secret weapon. A simple blend of white miso, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger makes a bright dressing for salads or a drizzle for collard greens. It balances out heavier dishes and adds a pop of flavor to your plate.
Check out this recipe from Foxes Love Lemons.
These condiments don’t just support your main dishes—they elevate them. And if you’re planning a plant-based holiday feast for omnivores too, these extra flavor touches might just be the part they rave about most.
Sweet Vegan Thanksgiving Desserts
No holiday feast is complete without dessert! These vegan Thanksgiving desserts are cozy, seasonal, and the perfect finish to your plant-based meal.
Classic Vegan Pumpkin Pie
Creamy pumpkin filling, warm spices, and a flaky crust make this a timeless holiday favorite.
- This recipe is: vegan
- Get the recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Pie (Vegetarian Zen)
- Why we love it: It’s simple, traditional, and can be made ahead.
Easy Vegan Apple Galette
Rustic and beautiful, this dessert layers cinnamon-scented apples inside a crisp, golden crust.
- This recipe is: vegan
- Get the recipe: Vegan Apple Galette (Simple Green Recipes)
- Why we love it: It looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make.
Vegan Salted Caramel Cheesecake
Rich and decadent with a creamy texture.
- This recipe is: vegan
- Get the recipe: Vegan Salted Caramel Cheesecake (The Banana Diaries)
Why we love it: It’s indulgent enough to be the star of the dessert table.
Vegan Pecan Pie Bars
All the flavor of pecan pie with the convenience of easy-to-serve bars.
- This recipe is: vegan
- Get the recipe: Vegan Pecan Pie Bars (Sweet Simple Vegan)
- Why we love it: Perfect for potlucks or when you don’t want to fuss with slicing pie.
Vegan Apple Pie
Juicy apples tucked in a flaky vegan crust (or under a crunchy oat crumble topping); it’s comfort food at its sweetest.
- This recipe is: vegan, can be gluten-free
- Get the recipe: Vegan Apple Pie (Vegetarian Zen)
Why we love it: A cozy twist on apple pie that pairs perfectly with vegan ice cream.
Make-Ahead Tips and Leftover Goodies
Let’s face it—cooking everything on Thanksgiving Day can feel overwhelming. The good news is that many vegan Thanksgiving recipes can be made ahead, stored easily, and even taste better the next day.
What to Make Ahead (and How)
- Stuffing Prep and assemble the day before, refrigerate, then bake right before serving.
- Sweet Potato Casserole Make the base a day or two ahead and refrigerate. Add your crunchy topping and bake on the big day.
- Gravy Most vegan gravy (especially mushroom or cashew-based) reheats beautifully. Just whisk in a little broth when warming it up.
- Mashed Potatoes Can be made ahead and reheated with a splash of plant-based milk and a pat of vegan butter.
- Cranberry Sauce This one actually tastes better the next day.
- Vegan Loaf or Wellington Can often be fully cooked and reheated, or assembled and baked fresh.
Pro Tip: Use stackable containers and label everything clearly—holiday fridge Tetris is real!
Leftovers You’ll Actually Look Forward To
The best part of a big holiday meal? Turning leftovers into something new and delicious. Try these:
- Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Scoop leftover lentil loaf or veggies into baked sweet potatoes. Drizzle with leftover cashew cream or miso dressing.
- Open-Faced Vegan Sandwiches Layer lentil loaf, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce on thick toast. Top with gravy for the ultimate “leftover stack.”
- Thanksgiving Panzanella Cube leftover sourdough stuffing and toss with roasted veggies and a fresh vinaigrette for a next-day salad.
- Hearty Soup Starter Toss roasted veggies and leftover greens into a pot with vegetable broth for a cozy post-holiday soup.
With a little planning, you’ll spend less time stressing in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday—and your plant-based Thanksgiving feast will last beyond just one meal.
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean turkey and heavy cream. A vegan Thanksgiving can be just as flavorful, festive, and filling—with dishes that celebrate compassion, creativity, and whole, nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re going fully plant-based or just adding a few vegan dishes to your holiday table, the recipes and ideas in this post can help you build a feast that everyone will enjoy.
And remember—this time of year is about connection. If a dish doesn’t turn out picture-perfect, that’s okay. What matters most is the spirit behind the food and the joy of sharing it.
We’d love to see what you’re making! Share your menu (or your Thanksgiving wins and flops—we’ve had both!) in our Peas and Carrots Society on Facebook.
Looking to avoid cooking and grab Thanksgiving on the go? Check out Vegan Thanksgiving To Go? Yup! 5 Places You Can Get it Now.
And if you found this post helpful, consider signing up for our newsletter, The Vegetarian Zen Newsbeet, for more recipes and tips straight to your inbox.
This post is an updated and expanded version of episode 334 of our podcast. You can listen to that episode below (or find us on Spotify or any other podcast platform):
Vegan Thanksgiving FAQ
Can I use any plant-based milk for mashed potatoes or baking?
Yes, but choose unsweetened, unflavored options. Oat milk and soy milk are great for mashed potatoes because they’re creamier. For baking, almond, cashew, or oat milk all work well—just skip anything with added vanilla or sugar unless the recipe calls for it.
How can I make sure I get enough protein at a vegan Thanksgiving?
Great question—and one we get often. Plenty of plant-based main dishes are protein-packed: things like lentils, chickpeas, white beans, tofu, or tempeh. Add a hearty Vegan Lentil Meatloaf, White Bean Pot pie, or Stuffed Acorn Squash to your table and you’re set.
What should I serve for guests who expect turkey?
You have a few options. A well-seasoned vegan turkey substitute (like Tofurky or Field Roast) is quick, satisfying, and hits the traditional note. Or, offer a main dish like Mushroom Wellington or Stuffed Sweet Potatoes that feels just as festive. Honestly? Most folks are happy as long as the food tastes great!
How can I avoid hidden animal products in store-bought items?
Read those labels! Common sneak-ins include:
Gelatin (in marshmallows or jellied cranberry sauce) If you want to use marshmallows, try a vegan version like Dandies (our favorite!).
Butter or dairy (in stuffing mixes, pie crusts, gravies)
Chicken/beef broth (in packaged sides)
Look for vegan-certified products or make simple swaps using vegetable broth, plant-based milk, and vegan butter.
What’s the best way to reheat vegan Thanksgiving leftovers?
Most sides and mains reheat beautifully! Use the oven for stuffing, loaves, or roasted veggies to keep textures crisp. For mashed potatoes and gravies, warm gently on the stove with a splash of plant milk or broth. For leftover pot pie, 350°F for 15-20 minutes usually does the trick.
