55+ Best Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes
If you're in need of vegan Thanksgiving recipes, this collection has got you covered! Featuring a combination of main courses, sides, gravies, cranberry sauce recipes, and desserts, you'll be sure to find the perfect vegan dishes for your holiday table.
A Thanksgiving Day spent with family and friends is worth all the traffic jams and airport delays.
You finally get to meet the new babies in the family, hug your grandparents, and find out what mischief your nieces and nephews have been up to.
It's also a chance to make special occasion food that you normally don't eat the rest of the year.
But whether you host every year or celebrate at someone else's home, the day is usually chaotic.
Not everyone follows a vegan lifestyle so you try to pull together a holiday feast of dishes that all will enjoy.
This year, let’s make your Thanksgiving menu planning a little easier.
Below are some of the best recipes to please both meat eaters and vegan family members. You'll find everything from the main course to side dishes and dessert.
And the best part? Every one of these mouth-watering dishes is vegan!
Main Dishes
Holiday Chickpea Veggie Loaf
This main dish will be on everyone’s plates this holiday season. It’s the ideal meatless loaf to eat with gravy and a side of mashed potatoes. Chickpeas are mixed with tasty vegetables and held together with flax eggs. Line the loaf pan with parchment paper to easily remove and serve.
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Thanksgiving Wellington by This Wife Cooks
You need only whisper the words ‘puff pastry’ and you’ll see how fast these slices of juicy vegan roast fly off the tray! Chickpeas, quinoa and mushrooms combine with veggies and seasonings to create a delicious entrée. Don’t forget to defrost the pastry overnight in the fridge.
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Vegan Roast with Mushrooms by This Healthy Kitchen
Shhhh….! This roast uses top-secret ingredients to achieve the spectacular texture and umami flavor your guests will go crazy for! Ok, ok, I’ll spill: it’s nutritional yeast and vital wheat gluten with a bit of miso paste and tahini thrown in. The spices listed will create a turkey flavor but you can modify with other herbs so it tastes more like roast beef.
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Stuffed Butternut Squash by Homemade in the Kitchen
As lovely as this dish looks, it’s even more delightful to eat. You’ll want to savor the fragrant rice, chickpeas, crunchy pecans, sweet cranberries, and toasted scoops of butternut squash. There’s also a bonus recipe for roasting the seeds as well.
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Thanksgiving Dinner Cake by Vegan Dollhouse
With its mashed potato rosettes, gravy ‘frosting’ and tofu ‘coffee cake’ texture, this cake will get quite a few second glances. And even more second servings! Inside is a light filling of roasted brussels sprouts and stuffing, with a satisfying base of seasoned, extra-firm tofu. Yum!
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Mushroom Seitan Wellington by The Carrot Underground
Seitan, made from wheat gluten, is an excellent source of vegan protein. This recipe shows you how to make it yourself with beans, veggies and vital wheat gluten flour. It’s an intricate process but the taste is worth the extra steps!
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Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash
This elegant dish features homemade bread stuffing with pears, pecans and dried cranberries, all stuffed in a pretty (and edible) acorn shell. Feel free to add quinoa or wild rice for more oomph but don’t fill up too much - save room for dessert!
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Chickpea Meatloaf by Running on Real Food
This recipe uses chickpeas, oats and nuts, along with veggies to form a gorgeous vegan loaf, finished with a tomato and maple syrup glaze on top. When running your food processor, make sure to keep the filling chunky for best results.
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Nut Roast by Splash of Taste
This interesting recipe features four kinds of nuts, along with brown lentils, mushrooms and a mixture of veggies, to create a flavorful dish . If you don’t have parsnip, use sweet potato. And you only need to butter the pan - the loaf will easily slide out when cooled.
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Seitan Roast Beef by My Plantiful Cooking
You won’t believe how easy it is to make this luscious roast! Using the core seitan base of vital wheat gluten and nutritional yeast, along with a few simple ingredients, pop everything into your food processor and let the magic begin. The liquid smoke gives a more meaty taste as well.
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Stuffed Acorn Squash by Veggies Save the Day
This recipe brings out the Mediterranean-inspired flavors with quinoa, chickpeas, garlic and lemon juice. The filling is enticing enough to eat on its own but on top of a squash, it’s a Thanksgiving happy meal!
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Layered Cashew Nut Roast by Vegan Punks
Cashews, spinach, cheeeeeeeese….are you drooling yet? This super easy nut roast has a surprise layer of melted vegan cheese and spinach. Drizzle on some vegan gravy and your Thanksgiving table needs nothing else! Ok, maybe a few side dishes.
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Side Dishes
Vegan Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Here’s a vegan version of a family favorite that’s unbelievably creamy! The secret is to use a vegan cream cheese and skip the butter. It’s also easy to whip up with your electric mixer (be careful not to overmix!).
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Oil-free Creamed Corn by This Healthy Kitchen
It’s a savory dish of chunky corn in a creamy sauce that warms your heart! This recipe shows you how to accomplish it without dairy or oil and it works with fresh, canned or frozen corn.
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Green Bean Casserole by A Virtual Vegan
One of the Thanksgiving classics, this vegan green bean casserole is entirely made from scratch. Instead of store-bought fried onions, you’ll create a fresher, tastier version in your kitchen. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast brings out all the yummy flavors.
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Vegan Cornbread by Rainbow Plant Life
You can’t go wrong with this recipe - it’s been tested 20 times! If you love a cornbread that’s moist on the inside but crispy on the outside, bake it in your cast iron skillet. You’ll also get tips on which type of cornmeal to use and why a tiny amount of sugar is enough.
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Dinner Rolls by Make It Dairy Free
For even the pickiest eaters, there are always dinner rolls. These are soft, fluffy and use only six ingredients. Try to make them right before you sit down at the dinner table because they are best served warm.
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Vegan Stuffing by Clean Green Simple
This simple recipe turns leftover bread into a crunchy, flavorful side dish and a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. It’s lovely on its own but you can add vegan sausage crumbles to make it heartier.
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Sweet Potato Casserole by ZardyPlants
If you’re curious but still hesitant to try a sweet potato casserole, this is the recipe for you. It carefully balances the sweetness with the right type of sugar and bit of sea salt. You’ll also use vegan marshmallows which contain no animal products. It might even become your new favorite side dish!
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Simple Mashed Potatoes by Cook Eat Live Love
Don’t leave it to chance - learn which potatoes have the best texture and how to blend a few different types. You can use a regular potato masher, potato ricer or a food mill for a smoother mix. This recipe also has great tips on adding extra ingredients like fresh herbs for delicious variations.
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Vegan Casserole with Chickpeas and Butternut Squash
Warm and friendly chickpeas, roasted butternut squash and vegan cheese…what’s not to love?! You can roast a whole squash or save yourself some time this holiday season and pick up the pre-cut bags instead. Keep your blender handy for a quick puree before you pop everything back into the oven.
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Quinoa Stuffing by Eating by Elaine
This recipe swaps out bread for quinoa grains, while maintaining the classic stuffing flavor and crunch that you’re used to. It’s a clever way to include quinoa in the menu but still keep the tradition of the holiday. And it uses a fun little ingredient - chopped apples!
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Gluten-Free Stuffing by Veggies Don't Bite
Find out how to make stuffing that doesn’t turn into a mushy mess. Chickpeas boost the nutritional value of simple stuffing and there are plenty of ideas for other delicious ingredients you can add.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash by Happy Kitchen
Crispy, chewy brussels sprouts straight out of the oven and onto my plate, please! But yes, I’ll take it with a side of butternut squash, pecans, pomegranate seeds and all kinds of other autumn delights. Then, drizzle on the avocado and roasted garlic dressing so I can remember why I love Thanksgiving so much!
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Instant Pot Creamed Spinach by Profusion Curry
This vegan creamed spinach is lighter than the usual version and easy to make in the Instant Pot. Use frozen spinach from a bag (not a box) and make the roux separately on the stove-top. It’s cozy and rich without the dairy.
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Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes by Apples for CJ
Here’s a simple but delicious recipe you can toss to your little kitchen helpers! It’s easy to prepare and kids will love adding the spices, then mixing by hand for huge flavor. Each cube roasts to perfection in your parchment-lined pan.
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Maple Roasted Carrots by Best Served Vegan
Isn’t it funny how all orange vegetables suit your autumn Thanksgiving table so well? But don’t limit yourself - experiment with different varieties of carrots with gorgeous rainbow colors. You’ll also be intrigued by the unique mix of ingredients - see if you’re bold enough to try the last one!
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Southern Gluten-Free Cornbread Stuffing by Strength and Sunshine
Sometimes you’re lucky to have this problem where there are too many side dishes to choose from. Here’s a great way to combine two of them - a cornbread stuffing! Allow the cornbread to dry out or become a bit stale to avoid a soggy stuffing. And go ahead and bake it in your cast iron pan for an authentic cornbread experience.
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Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Onions by Running on Real Food
Sautéed green beans without oil? Bring it on! The garlic and caramelized onions in this dish partner well with fresh green beans and the maple syrup and fresh thyme give it a subtle and tantalizing flavor.
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Stovetop Gluten-Free, Vegan Mac and Cheese
This decadent dish is all about the cheese. The recipe includes many suggestions for a creamy vegan version that melts well. It’s also a convenient side dish because it’s cooked on the stove, leaving room in the oven for other items on your vegan Thanksgiving menu.
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Spinach Mushroom Stuffing by Dianne’s Vegan Kitchen
This hearty stuffing has more of a savory taste, combining toasted bread (or vegan stuffing mix) with two popular ingredients, spinach and mushroom. Feel free to add other vegetables and nuts for crunch as well.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts by Hurry the Food Up
To prep the brussels sprouts in advance, cut off the stalks and chop them one or two days ahead. Save the roasting for the big day because the crispy, flavorful sprout shells are what everyone's looking for!
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Mashed Sweet Potatoes by Best Served Vegan
What’s the tastiest way to prepare sweet potatoes? You can either boil, roast or steam them to make this comforting side dish. There are a few unusual ingredients (like orange juice!) but use them - your guests will be raving about every delicious spoonful.
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Slow Cooker Corn Casserole by Veggie Fun Kitchen
This bowl of cheesy corn goodness uses silken tofu as a vegan sour cream. It gives it a wholesome, creamy texture that your guests will appreciate. Add cornbread and green chilies and you’ll be on your way to culinary fame!
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Gluten Free Stuffing by The Fit Cookie
This is a fabulous side dish for guests with allergies. Make it vegan by swapping out the chicken broth for your favorite vegetable version. The final outcome depends on how much broth and the type of bread you use so read the tips carefully.
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Green Bean Casserole by The Pretty Bee
You’ll batter and fry your own onions for this one so you know it’s going to be amazing! Using your food processor to chop up the mushrooms will also save you time. And it only needs 15 minutes in the oven to blend into a sumptuous feast.
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Roasted Root Vegetables by The Urben Life
This satisfying side dish is easy to prepare and even easier to love. The lemon tahini dressing and fresh herbs bring out all the rich, earthy flavors of each vegetable. Use any type of root vegetable that you’re currently craving - they all work!
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Gravy and Cranberry Sauce
Vegan Mushroom Gravy with White Wine by Dianne's Vegan Kitchen
Adding white wine to your gravy takes it to the next level. Pour this mushroom gravy with white wine on your mashed potatoes, vegan roasts, and more. It also freezes well for future indulgences.
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Red Wine Gravy by A Virtual Vegan
Not a fan of white wine? Here’s a recipe using red wine, cranberry sauce, AND a medley of flavorful vegetables (use a sieve for the final sauce). You can also make this up to four days ahead of time or freeze and defrost the night before.
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Chickpea Flour Gravy
You’ll feel like a chef while you’re making the beautiful roux for this gravy. Chickpea flour dissolves easily and binds the rest of the ingredients. Be careful not to walk away from this one as it burns easily.
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Mushroom Gravy by Make It Dairy Free
This rich, chunky gravy is a blend of savory but simple ingredients. Miso paste pulls it all together and a bit of nutmeg in the end gives it a subtle, sophisticated touch.
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Vegan Cranberry Sauce
You know those juicy bags of cranberries you see during the holidays? You can make your own sauce with them to get an exquisite, made-from-scratch taste! And the results are so beautiful you might want to use the photo as your new phone wallpaper…but let’s just stick to eating it.
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Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce by A Virtual Vegan
Here’s a thorough guide to making cranberry sauce both on stove-top and in your Instant Pot. The best piece of advice? Don’t sweeten your sauce too much - it needs the tartness to offset some of the richer Thanksgiving dishes.
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Spiced Cranberry Sauce by Our Plant-Based World
Did you know you can make cranberry sauce from dried cranberries?! Simply rehydrate them with a tea and citrus blend. This recipe uses fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and cloves for more depth. If you want to vary it, you can try pumpkin spice mix instead.
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Roasted Cranberries by Peel with Zeal
Yes, they’re roasted! A delicious concoction of fresh cranberries, juice, bourbon, sugar and spices sit in the hot oven for about 45 minutes, or until the cranberries soften and break down. You can finish it off with an immersion blender to release more of the juices.
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Desserts
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie by My Quiet Kitchen
Pumpkin pie is hugely popular at Thanksgiving but can you make it gluten-free AND oil-free? This recipe shows you how, adding the right amount of sweetness to truly enjoy this spiced pie. You can also tailor it to be nut-free.
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Classic Apple Pie by Rainbow Nourishments
This recipe has great time-saving tips, like using a food processor for the crust and making an apple filling that doesn't need to be cooked first. Now you can spend your time assembling the pastry lattice work on top, along with the adorable details.
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Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake by Vegan Blueberry
What’s your favorite cheesecake topping? Is it pumpkin pie, by any chance? Here’s a heavenly combination of sweet, rich pumpkin, resting on a layer of cheesecake, in a chewy graham-cracker crust. I guess you really can have it all!
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Crustless Sweet Potato Pie by Strength and Sunshine
After a full holiday meal, you might prefer a small bite of something absolutely delicious, like this chilled sweet potato pie. Top it with vegan whipped cream and enjoy the sweet sensation of a light treat after a blissful meal.
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Gluten-Free Apple Galette by Delightful Adventures
This beautiful dessert is an easier alternative to apple pie and you can still add a scoop of vegan ice cream on top. You can also try mini versions of these but you might want to stash one away for yourself before they’re all gone!
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Oil-Free & Gluten-Free Pecan Pie by My Quiet Kitchen
What’s the best part of the pecan pie? The sweet, crunchy pecans! Here’s a way to make it less sugary so you can enjoy more of the flavorful pecan filling. You’ll love the addition of cooked oatmeal, along with fun flavors like orange zest and bourbon (entirely optional!).
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Pumpkin Donuts by plant.well
This is the quintessential fall treat! It has all the flavors we love this time of year, in a soft, chewy, lightly-sweetened donut, draped in a sweet maple glaze. You will need a donut pan to bake these soft treats.
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Pumpkin Pie Truffles
These seasonal pumpkin chocolate truffles are mesmerizing! You can almost imagine a decadent dozen of them sitting in a familiar gold box. Use a cookie scoop to keep them all the same size and sprinkle crushed graham crackers for maximum cuteness.
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Rhubarb Apple & Oat Crumble by THE VGN WAY
Gather your ramekin collection - they’ve got an important job to do! These darling desserts are a fabulous way to use up your apple picking stash because you can mix the types of apples you use. And there’s no crust to make either!
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Layered Pumpkin Dessert by Veggies Don't Bite
If you’re a fan of delicate, mini versions of popular desserts, you’ll love this one! Crushed cookies, almond butter, and pumpkin puree are just a few of the sweet fillings. Each layer can be enjoyed individually or mixed together - it’s up to the lucky person who grabs one of these.
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Pumpkin Pie Pudding by Eating by Elaine
Pumpkin puree is something you NEED in your pantry all year long. But for Thanksgiving, it’s extra special because you can do amazing things with it, like this light pudding infused with intense pumpkin flavor and the richness of cashews. It’s easy to whip up and it makes a refreshing dessert.
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Pecan Pie Bars by plant.well
Here’s another way to enjoy pecans at Thanksgiving: turn them into bars! A sprinkle of flour and ground flax seeds turn the pecans into an unforgettable dessert. This is also a great recipe to make ahead of time.
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