Home Vegan Post 10 Easy Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes Everyone Will Love

10 Easy Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes Everyone Will Love

10 Easy Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes Everyone Will Love

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, gathering, and of course, feasting. But if you’re hosting a plant-based holiday meal, you may be wondering how to create holiday classics without meat, dairy, or eggs. Whether you're fully vegan, feeding mixed-diet guests, or simply seeking healthier options, these easy vegan Thanksgiving recipes offer comforting flavors, show‑stopping presentation, and minimal fuss—perfect for a memorable plant-based feast.

From mains to sides to sweet ending treats, these recipes are approachable enough for any home cook. Let’s dive in.

1. Butternut Squash & Sage Vegan Stuffed Roast

Why it’s a winner: Gorgeous centerpiece, savory and filling.

Ingredients overview:

  • Whole butternut squash or acorn squash halves

  • Filling of wild rice, herbs, sautéed onions, cranberries, and walnuts

  • Olive oil, sage, salt & pepper

Preparation:
Roast the squash first, then spoon in the savory rice mixture and bake until golden. The result is rich and aromatic—ideal for presentation and serving.

2. Lentil-Nut Vegan “Meatloaf”

Why it’s a holiday classic vegan‑style: Hearty, sliceable, satisfying.

Key ingredients:

  • Cooked lentils

  • Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

  • Bread crumbs or oats

  • Onion, garlic, tomato paste, herbs

Instructions:
Combine ingredients, press into a loaf pan, and bake. Glaze with tomato-based sauce before the last 10 minutes for a glossy finish. Great served hot or at room temperature.

3. Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Why they’re perfect: Classics made endlessly creamy—no dairy needed.

Ingredients:

  • Yukon gold or russet potatoes

  • Plant‑based milk and vegan butter or olive oil

  • Garlic, salt, pepper, optional nutritional yeast

Method: Boil potatoes until tender, mash with warm plant‑based milk and butter alternative, season well, and serve.

4. Vegan Herb & Garlic Stuffing

Why it’s beloved: Traditional flavor meets plant-based ease.

Ingredients:

  • Cubed day-old or toasted bread

  • Sautéed celery, onion, garlic

  • Vegetable broth, fresh sage, rosemary, thyme

Instructions: Mix bread with sautéed veggies and herbs, moisten with broth, and bake until golden. Add mushrooms or cranberries for flavor twists.

5. Green Bean Almondine with Lemon Zest

Why it’s fresh & elegant: A crisp vegan side with a citrus finish.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh green beans or haricots verts

  • Toasted almond slivers

  • Olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, salt

Instructions: Blanch beans until bright, sauté lightly with garlic and olive oil, toss in almonds and lemon zest just before serving.

6. Vegan Creamed Corn with Coconut Milk

Why it’s indulgent vegan‑style: Sweet, creamy, and dairy‑free.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh or frozen corn

  • Coconut milk or cashew cream

  • Onion, garlic, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper

Instructions: Sauté aromatics, add corn and dairy‑free milk, simmer until thickened. A subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with savory mains.

7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Maple‑Balsamic Glaze

Why it stands out: Caramelized edges, tangy‑sweet finish.

Ingredients:

  • Halved Brussels sprouts

  • Olive oil, salt, pepper

  • Drizzle of maple syrup and balsamic vinegar after roasting

Instructions: Roast sprouts at high heat until crisp‑tender, then toss with glaze. Garnish with rosemary or crushed pecans.

8. Vegan Pumpkin Sage Biscuits

Why it’s comforting: Perfect for soaking up gravy—flaky and flavorful.

Base ingredients:

  • Flour (all-purpose or whole wheat)

  • Pumpkin purée

  • Baking powder, chopped fresh sage

  • Plant‑based milk or butter alternative

Instructions: Mix into a soft dough, drop or cut biscuits, bake until golden. Serve warm with vegan butter or gravy.

9. Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole

Why it’s festive: Sweet, nutty, and ideal for satisfying everyone’s dessert side.

Ingredients:

  • Mashed sweet potatoes sweetened lightly with maple syrup

  • Crisp pecan streusel topping made with oats, pecans, coconut oil, cinnamon

Instructions: Spread sweet potato layer, top with streusel, and bake until caramelized. Serve warm for best texture.

10. Vegan Pumpkin Pie with Cashew‑Coconut Filling

Why it’s the showstopper: Buttery crust meets creamy, spiced filling.

Ingredients:

  • Pie crust (use vegan butter or oil)

  • Pumpkin purée

  • Cashew cream or coconut milk

  • Maple syrup, pumpkin spice, cornstarch or arrowroot for thickening

Instructions: Prebake crust briefly, pour in spiced filling, and bake until set. Chill completely before slicing with vegan whipped cream.

Holiday Menu Planning Tips

  • Plan ahead: Roast or prep dishes like squash or lentils a day early to save time.

  • Use pantry staples: Many ingredients overlap—plant milk, canned beans, nuts, spices—cut down grocery complexity.

  • Balance textures: Pair creamy dishes with crisp greens or roasted vegetables for contrast.

  • Group flavors: Serve savory and sweet dishes in separate zones to simplify service.

  • Label dishes: If serving a mixed crowd, note which are vegan for ease of guests.

Make-Ahead & Storage Guide

  • Bake Items Ahead: Pie crust, mashed sweet potatoes, and casserole toppings can all be prepped and refrigerated up to 2 days ahead.

  • Assemble the Day Before: Stuffed squash and lentil loaf can be assembled, covered, and baked fresh on Thanksgiving.

  • Store Smart: Most sides keep well in airtight containers for 3–4 days; reheat gently with a splash of plant milk or broth.

  • Freeze Extras: Stuffing mix, pie filling, or roulade slices freeze well—ideal for holiday leftovers.

Nutritional & Hosting Benefits

  • Plant-based protein: Lentil loaf, stuffing with nuts, and tofu-based casseroles offer substantial protein.

  • Lower saturated fat and no cholesterol: All dishes are dairy- and meat-free, reducing cardiovascular risk.

  • High fiber and micronutrients: Squash, sweet potatoes, legumes, and whole grains deliver vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

  • Inclusive for dietary needs: Naturally vegan, many dishes can accommodate gluten-free or nut-sensitive guests with simple tweaks.

Pairing Food with a Food-Forward Message

Celebrating a plant-based Thanksgiving is about more than food—it’s about embodying compassion and sustainability in every choice. If you want to carry that spirit beyond the kitchen, check out The Dharma Store. Their vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton help you wear your values proudly. Perfect for hosts who want to express ethical living in style.

Final Thoughts

These easy vegan Thanksgiving recipes deliver all the flavors, textures, and holiday spirit you expect—without animal products. From showstopping mains to indulgent desserts, you can host a plant-based feast that delights omnivores and vegans alike.

Whether you’re planning ahead or cooking on the day, this menu offers balance, ease, and joy. Vegan holiday cooking has never been easier—or more delicious.

Wishing you a warm, compassionate, and flavor-filled Thanksgiving!