Thanksgiving is a time for warm kitchens, comforting flavors, and gathering around a table filled with dishes that celebrate the season. While many holiday spreads feature an assortment of individual sides and main dishes, casseroles offer something uniquely comforting and practical. They are easy to make in advance, simple to transport, and ideal for feeding a crowd. With their layered flavors and hearty ingredients, vegan Thanksgiving casserole recipes bring all the nostalgia of traditional holiday meals without relying on dairy, meat, or eggs.
As more families embrace plant-based cooking, casseroles have become a major staple in vegan Thanksgiving menus. Not only do they offer convenience, but they also combine vegetables, grains, legumes, and sauces into cohesive, satisfying dishes. Whether you're hosting a fully vegan holiday or just looking for a few new recipes to round out your meal, vegan casseroles can serve as sides, mains, or potluck contributions that everyone will love.
These recipes also pair beautifully with the season’s most comforting flavors: squash, green beans, mushrooms, potatoes, cranberries, and herbs that evoke the aromas of fall. With a little creativity, casseroles can become the heart of your Thanksgiving table. And if you want to express your passion for compassionate living outside the kitchen, you can explore vegan-themed organic cotton apparel at The Dharma Store. Their message-driven clothing encourages mindful living year-round.
Below, you’ll find a collection of vegan Thanksgiving casserole recipes that are easy, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy holiday celebration.
1. Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a classic Thanksgiving dish, and making it vegan is easier than ever. Start by lightly blanching fresh green beans until tender. Instead of using canned soup, create your own creamy mushroom sauce by sautéing mushrooms, garlic, and onions with vegetable broth. Blend half the mixture with plant milk for an extra-creamy texture, and then return it to the pan to thicken.
Pour the sauce over the green beans, mix everything well, and top with crispy onions. Bake until bubbly, and you’ll have a casserole with all the comfort of the original. This dish is a great way to introduce traditionalists to vegan cooking without sacrificing flavor or nostalgia.
2. Sweet Potato and Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is a rustic, satisfying dish that becomes even more seasonal when topped with golden sweet potatoes. A Thanksgiving twist on the classic version starts with a hearty filling of lentils, carrots, celery, onions, and mushrooms simmered in vegetable broth and herbs. The filling thickens naturally as the lentils cook, creating a deeply savory base.
For the topping, mash roasted sweet potatoes with plant milk and a touch of salt. Spread the mixture over the lentil layer and bake until the top forms a light crust. This casserole offers a comforting balance of sweet and savory flavors and can easily serve as a vegan main dish during Thanksgiving.
3. Butternut Squash and Wild Rice Casserole
Butternut squash and wild rice are quintessential fall ingredients, making them perfect for a Thanksgiving casserole. Begin with cooked wild rice, which brings an earthy, nutty flavor. Combine it with roasted butternut squash cubes, sautéed onions, dried cranberries, and chopped kale. Add a creamy cashew sauce made by blending soaked cashews, garlic, broth, and nutritional yeast.
After combining everything in a baking dish, top with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts and bake until golden. The variety of textures—soft squash, chewy rice, crunchy topping—creates a memorable casserole that showcases the flavors of fall.
4. Vegan Broccoli and “Cheddar” Casserole
Broccoli and cheese casserole is a holiday classic, and a vegan version can be just as comforting. Steam fresh broccoli until tender but still bright green. For the cheese sauce, blend soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic, onion powder, and plant milk until creamy. Warm the sauce on the stove to thicken slightly.
Combine the broccoli with the sauce, pour into a casserole dish, and top with a mixture of crushed crackers and herbs. Bake until bubbly. This dish offers the creamy, savory satisfaction of a traditional cheese casserole without any dairy.
5. Savory Pumpkin, Quinoa, and Sage Casserole
Pumpkin isn’t only for pies and lattes. It brings warmth, moisture, and a deep fall flavor to savory casseroles as well. Start by cooking quinoa with vegetable broth for added flavor. Mix in sautéed onions, garlic, spinach, and white beans for a protein-rich base. Stir in pumpkin purée along with sage, thyme, and pepper to season the mixture.
Spread everything into a baking dish and top with gluten-free breadcrumbs or a walnut crumble. The pumpkin binds the ingredients together, while the sage gives the dish a distinctly Thanksgiving aroma.
6. Mushroom and Potato Gratin Casserole
For those who crave something rich and comforting, a vegan mushroom and potato gratin checks every box. Thinly slice potatoes and layer them in a baking dish with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Pour a creamy sauce made from blended cashews, vegetable broth, and herbs over each layer.
Bake until the potatoes are tender and the top is lightly browned. This casserole offers a sophisticated flavor profile without being complicated to prepare. The combination of mushrooms and potatoes makes it an excellent companion to other Thanksgiving dishes.
7. Harvest Cornbread Casserole
Cornbread casseroles are naturally cozy, and a vegan version is both tender and full of seasonal flavor. Use your favorite vegan cornbread batter, and fold in corn kernels, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and finely chopped jalapeños if you like a little heat. Spread the mixture into a baking dish and bake until golden.
This casserole pairs beautifully with savory dishes and adds a touch of sweetness to the Thanksgiving spread. It also reheats well, making it great for leftovers.
8. Cranberry, Apple, and Sweet Potato Bake
This casserole blends sweet and tart flavors into a seasonal dish that works well as a side or even a dessert-like addition. Layer thin slices of sweet potatoes with chopped apples and fresh cranberries. Sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of maple syrup before covering and baking until tender.
The cranberries break down into a tangy sauce, while the apples and sweet potatoes soften into a naturally sweet filling. This dish brings a pop of color to the table and helps balance savory casseroles.
9. Wild Mushroom and Barley Bake
A hearty mushroom and barley casserole offers deep flavor and a satisfying chewiness. Sauté a mix of mushrooms—cremini, shiitake, or maitake—for depth. Combine with cooked barley, onions, carrots, and celery. Add fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, along with vegetable broth and a spoonful of nutritional yeast.
Bake until the ingredients meld together. The result is a warming, earthy casserole that complements traditional Thanksgiving flavors perfectly.
10. Vegan Mac and Cheese Casserole
Mac and cheese is a comforting holiday favorite, and a vegan version can be just as creamy. Cook your pasta, then toss it in a sauce made from blended potatoes, carrots, cashews, nutritional yeast, and spices. The potato-carrot base creates a creamy texture without the need for dairy.
Pour the mixture into a casserole dish, top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, and bake until the top is crisp. This casserole brings a nostalgic element to the Thanksgiving table and appeals to guests of all ages.
Make-Ahead Tips for Vegan Thanksgiving Casseroles
One of the biggest advantages of casseroles is their make-ahead potential. Because Thanksgiving involves multiple dishes, preparing casseroles in advance reduces stress significantly. Many of these casseroles can be assembled 24 to 48 hours before baking. Simply store them covered in the refrigerator and bake on Thanksgiving Day.
For maximum efficiency:
• Prep vegetables ahead of time
• Use pre-cooked grains like wild rice or quinoa
• Make sauces earlier in the week
• Par-bake casseroles and finish the cooking just before serving
These strategies keep your kitchen organized and allow you to enjoy the holiday without last-minute chaos.
Serving Vegan Casseroles at Thanksgiving
Vegan casseroles can serve as sides, mains, or even centerpieces. A lentil shepherd’s pie or wild rice casserole works beautifully as the main dish for plant-based guests, while vegetable-based casseroles function as flavorful sides. Their versatility allows you to build a complete, cohesive Thanksgiving menu that highlights variety and comfort.
Casseroles also make excellent potluck dishes since they travel well and can stay warm for long periods.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving is a celebration of good food, good company, and gratitude. Vegan Thanksgiving casserole recipes bring warmth, convenience, and creativity to the holiday table while honoring the flavors of the season. Whether you’re preparing a traditional spread or exploring new ways to celebrate with plant-based dishes, casseroles offer comfort and ease without compromising flavor.
Each recipe above showcases the richness and versatility of plant-based cooking, helping you create a table filled with nourishing, satisfying, and memorable dishes. And if you want to share your passion for plant-based living beyond the kitchen, explore vegan-themed organic cotton apparel at The Dharma Store, where each design reflects compassion and mindful living.
With casseroles that warm the heart and bring people together, your Thanksgiving celebration will be cozy, effortless, and full of flavor.