Thanksgiving is all about abundance — good food, gratitude, and gathering around the table. But with rising grocery costs, hosting can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to keep things vegan and affordable. The good news? You can absolutely prepare a full vegan Thanksgiving menu under $30 without sacrificing flavor, variety, or celebration.
This complete six-dish menu serves 4–6 people comfortably. Every recipe is built from low-cost, high-nutrition ingredients you can find at any grocery store. No fancy vegan substitutes, no expensive specialty products — just wholesome, comforting food made from scratch.
And yes, it’s all delicious.
The $30 Vegan Thanksgiving Game Plan
The key to keeping your vegan Thanksgiving under $30 is strategic simplicity — combining budget-friendly staples like potatoes, lentils, seasonal produce, and pantry basics into cozy, crowd-pleasing dishes.
Here’s what we’ll be cooking:
-
Lentil Loaf with Maple Glaze — the hearty main course.
-
Garlic Mashed Potatoes — creamy and rich without dairy.
-
Simple Vegan Gravy — silky, flavorful, and easy.
-
Roasted Vegetables with Herbs — colorful, caramelized perfection.
-
Cranberry-Orange Relish — tangy and fresh.
-
Pumpkin Oat Crisp — the budget-friendly dessert finale.
This menu hits every flavor note — savory, sweet, tangy, and earthy — while keeping prep simple enough to pull off in a single afternoon.
The $30 Shopping List
Here’s your complete grocery list with approximate U.S. average prices (based on generic store brands):
Produce:
-
5 lbs potatoes – $3.50
-
1 lb carrots – $1.00
-
1 lb onions – $1.50
-
1 bunch celery – $1.50
-
1 orange – $0.75
-
1 bag fresh cranberries (12 oz) – $2.50
-
1 small pumpkin or can of pumpkin purée – $2.00
-
1 head garlic – $0.75
Pantry & Dry Goods:
-
1 lb lentils – $2.00
-
Rolled oats (1 lb) – $2.00
-
Vegetable broth (1 quart) – $2.00
-
Soy sauce or tamari (small bottle) – $1.50
-
Flour – $1.50
-
Olive oil – $1.00 (small bottle or on-hand)
-
Brown sugar – $1.50
-
Maple syrup – $2.00
Herbs & Seasonings:
-
Dried thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, pepper – $1.50 (bulk or small jars)
Total: ≈ $29.50
You may already have a few of these staples at home, which makes this meal even more affordable.
Dish 1: Lentil Loaf with Maple Glaze
The star of your cheap vegan Thanksgiving table, this lentil loaf is hearty, satisfying, and packed with protein. It slices beautifully and pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Ingredients:
-
1 cup dry lentils
-
1 cup oats
-
1 onion, finely chopped
-
2 carrots, shredded
-
2 celery stalks, diced
-
2 tbsp soy sauce
-
2 tbsp flour
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp sage
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Maple Glaze:
-
2 tbsp ketchup
-
1 tbsp maple syrup
-
1 tsp soy sauce
Instructions:
-
Preheat oven to 375°F.
-
Cook lentils in 2 ½ cups water until soft (about 20 minutes).
-
Sauté onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil until tender.
-
Combine all ingredients in a bowl, mash slightly, and mix well.
-
Press into a parchment-lined loaf pan.
-
Spread glaze over top.
-
Bake 40–45 minutes until firm and golden.
Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, adding sweet-savory depth that tastes like something far fancier than its humble ingredients.
Dish 2: Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, fluffy, and flavorful, these vegan mashed potatoes use olive oil and broth instead of butter or cream.
Ingredients:
-
5 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
½ cup vegetable broth (add more as needed)
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
-
Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (15–20 minutes).
-
Drain and mash with garlic, olive oil, and broth.
-
Season generously with salt and pepper.
For extra creaminess, use a hand mixer — no one will miss the dairy.
Dish 3: Simple Vegan Gravy
Rich and savory, this easy gravy pulls everything on the plate together — perfect for ladling over your lentil loaf and mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
2 tbsp flour
-
2 cups vegetable broth
-
1 tbsp soy sauce
-
½ tsp thyme
-
Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
-
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
-
Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until golden.
-
Slowly pour in broth while whisking.
-
Add soy sauce, thyme, and pepper. Simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes).
It’s smooth, deeply flavorful, and can be made ahead — just reheat with a splash of broth before serving.
Dish 4: Roasted Vegetables with Herbs
Roasting vegetables concentrates their sweetness and creates a medley of textures that make any meal feel festive.
Ingredients:
-
1 lb carrots, sliced
-
1 onion, cut into wedges
-
2 celery stalks, chopped
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tsp rosemary, 1 tsp thyme
-
Salt and pepper
Instructions:
-
Preheat oven to 400°F.
-
Toss vegetables in olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.
-
Spread on a baking sheet and roast 30 minutes, flipping halfway.
These caramelized vegetables add vibrant color and complement the richness of the other dishes.
Dish 5: Cranberry-Orange Relish
Forget canned sauce — this fresh, tangy relish takes minutes to make and brightens your entire plate.
Ingredients:
-
12 oz bag cranberries
-
1 orange (zested and juiced)
-
½ cup sugar or brown sugar
Instructions:
-
Combine cranberries, orange juice, zest, and sugar in a saucepan.
-
Bring to a simmer and cook 10 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
Serve chilled or at room temperature. It’s sweet, tart, and adds the perfect balance to your savory sides.
Dish 6: Pumpkin Oat Crisp
The perfect ending — warm, spiced pumpkin filling with a crunchy oat topping. It’s simple, cozy, and incredibly affordable.
Ingredients:
-
1 can pumpkin purée or 2 cups cooked pumpkin
-
¼ cup brown sugar
-
1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg
-
1 cup oats
-
2 tbsp flour
-
2 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
Instructions:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F.
-
Mix pumpkin, sugar, and spices in a baking dish.
-
Combine oats, flour, and oil for the topping.
-
Sprinkle topping over filling and bake 25 minutes until golden.
Serve warm — no pie crust needed, just pure autumn comfort.
How to Keep Costs Low Without Sacrificing Flavor
Creating a vegan Thanksgiving menu under $30 is easier when you plan smart. Here’s how to stretch your budget further while keeping every dish delicious.
1. Buy in Bulk When Possible
Lentils, oats, and flour are much cheaper per pound in bulk bins or generic packaging.
2. Choose Seasonal Produce
Carrots, potatoes, celery, and pumpkin are at their peak in fall — they’re affordable and flavorful.
3. Use Every Part
Save vegetable scraps from chopping to make your own broth for free.
4. Go Heavy on Herbs and Spices
Inexpensive dried herbs like thyme and sage bring out deep flavor in simple ingredients.
5. Shop Store Brands
Nearly every grocery store has its own brand of pantry staples that are just as good for less.
These strategies let you serve an impressive feast that feels luxurious, even on a tight budget.
Time-Saving Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving
Hosting doesn’t have to mean spending all day in the kitchen. With this plan, you can prep nearly everything in advance.
Day Before:
-
Cook lentils and roast vegetables.
-
Make cranberry relish and refrigerate.
-
Prepare pumpkin oat crisp filling (bake fresh next day).
Thanksgiving Day:
-
Bake lentil loaf.
-
Mash potatoes and make gravy right before serving.
-
Warm roasted veggies in the oven while the loaf rests.
In about two hours, you’ll have a full Thanksgiving spread ready to serve — no takeout or store-bought shortcuts needed.
Make It Special: Setting the Table on a Budget
Even if you’re keeping costs low, your Thanksgiving table can still feel festive and cozy.
Try these budget-friendly touches:
-
Use what you have. A mix of plates and mugs feels homey and charming.
-
DIY centerpiece. Arrange apples, candles, and herbs on a tray for instant warmth.
-
Play with color. Use orange napkins or sprigs of rosemary for a pop of fall color.
-
Serve family-style. Big platters encourage sharing and conversation.
It’s the atmosphere and connection that make the meal memorable — not the price tag.
Bonus: How to Reuse Leftovers Creatively
Don’t let a single bite go to waste. These vegan Thanksgiving leftovers transform easily into next-day comfort meals.
-
Lentil loaf sandwiches: Layer slices with cranberry relish on toast.
-
Stuffed veggie bowls: Top leftover roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes with gravy.
-
Pumpkin crisp parfaits: Layer with yogurt or coconut cream for a sweet breakfast treat.
Stretching your leftovers adds even more value to your budget feast.
A Compassionate and Affordable Holiday
Thanksgiving is about gratitude, community, and kindness — and serving a plant-based meal reflects those values beautifully. Choosing vegan ingredients isn’t just budget-friendly; it’s also gentle on the planet and kind to animals.
If you want to carry that same compassion beyond your kitchen, check out The Dharma Store. They offer vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton — perfect for expressing your values in style. It’s a simple way to live more sustainably while celebrating everything you love about being vegan.
Final Thoughts: Abundance on a Budget
This cheap vegan Thanksgiving menu under $30 proves that generosity doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With thoughtful planning, simple ingredients, and a little creativity, you can serve a meal that feels abundant, comforting, and completely satisfying.
Each dish — from the savory lentil loaf to the sweet pumpkin oat crisp — brings warmth and connection to your table. You’ll feed your guests, your spirit, and your gratitude without breaking the bank.
Because the true essence of Thanksgiving isn’t about how much you spend — it’s about how much love and care you bring to the meal.