Brussels sprouts often get a mixed reaction at the Thanksgiving table, but when they’re cooked properly — roasted until crispy, caramelized, and full of flavor — they quickly become a holiday favorite. They’re versatile, pair beautifully with classic Thanksgiving dishes, and their naturally earthy, slightly sweet taste is a perfect foundation for both bold and subtle flavor combinations. For a fully plant-based holiday meal, vegan roasted Brussels sprouts offer a nutritious, colorful, and satisfying side dish that complements everything from mashed potatoes to vegan roasts and stuffing.
This guide explores the best ways to prepare vegan roasted Brussels sprouts for Thanksgiving, featuring multiple recipe variations, cooking techniques, flavor pairings, preparation tips, and serving ideas. It also explains how to make Brussels sprouts the unexpected star of your holiday menu. Whether you're hosting a fully vegan Thanksgiving or simply adding more plant-forward dishes to your celebration, these recipes will deliver exceptional flavor and wide appeal.
And if you want to bring even more plant-based cheer to your festivities, The Dharma Store sells vegan-themed organic cotton t-shirts that are perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings with family and friends.
Why Vegan Roasted Brussels Sprouts Are Perfect for Thanksgiving
Brussels sprouts thrive in fall and winter, making them a seasonal vegetable that fits naturally into Thanksgiving menus. Here are a few reasons they’re ideal for your holiday spread:
1. They Roast Beautifully
Roasting brings out the sprouts’ natural sweetness. High heat encourages caramelization, giving them a crispy exterior and tender interior.
2. They Pair with Classic Thanksgiving Flavors
Maple, balsamic, garlic, lemon, pecans, cranberries, rosemary, and thyme — all traditional holiday flavors — complement Brussels sprouts effortlessly.
3. They’re Nutritious and Satisfying
Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, Brussels sprouts add a nutritious balance to a typically rich Thanksgiving table.
4. They’re Naturally Vegan
No dairy, no animal products — and no compromise. Simple ingredients like olive oil, herbs, spices, and vegetables make Brussels sprouts inherently plant-based.
5. They’re Universally Adaptable
Whether you prefer savory herb-roasted sprouts or crave something sweet with maple glaze, the vegetable adapts to nearly any flavor direction.
Choosing the Best Brussels Sprouts for Roasting
High-quality Brussels sprouts make all the difference. Look for:
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Small to medium sprouts for sweeter flavor and tender texture
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Bright green leaves
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Tightly packed heads
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Firm, heavy sprouts for their size
Avoid yellowing, wilted, or overly large sprouts, as these tend to be bitter or tough.
How to Prep Brussels Sprouts for Perfect Roasting
Preparation is simple but important for consistent roasting:
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Trim the ends of each sprout.
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Remove loose or damaged outer leaves.
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Cut in half, especially if the sprouts are large.
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Dry completely after washing — moisture prevents crisping.
For ultra-crispy results, pull off a handful of loose leaves and roast them alongside the halved sprouts. Those stray leaves crisp up into irresistible little chips.
Core Recipe: Classic Vegan Roasted Brussels Sprouts for Thanksgiving
This foundational recipe creates perfectly caramelized sprouts that can serve as-is or be customized with your favorite flavors.
Ingredients
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1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon sea salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 425°F. High heat is essential for browning and caramelization.
2. Toss with Oil and Seasonings
Add trimmed sprouts to a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle salt, pepper, and optional spices. Toss until evenly coated.
3. Spread on a Baking Sheet
Place sprouts cut-side down in a single layer. This helps create a deeply browned surface.
4. Roast
Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until edges are crispy and centers are tender.
5. Adjust and Serve
Add more salt or herbs as desired.
This base recipe alone is delicious, but Thanksgiving calls for festive flavors. The following variations take roasted Brussels sprouts to the next level.
Recipe Variations: Vegan Brussels Sprouts for Every Thanksgiving Flavor Profile
1. Maple Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
A sweet-and-tangy combination that perfectly balances Thanksgiving’s richer dishes.
Ingredients
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Classic recipe Brussels sprouts
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2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
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1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Directions
While the roasted sprouts are still hot, toss them with maple syrup and balsamic. Return to the oven for 5 minutes to caramelize.
Why This Works
This variation adds a glossy finish with deep flavor — ideal alongside stuffing or mashed potatoes.
2. Garlic Herb Thanksgiving Brussels Sprouts
Bright, savory, and aromatic, this version pairs classic holiday herbs with golden roasted garlic.
Ingredients
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4 cloves minced garlic
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1 teaspoon thyme
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½ teaspoon rosemary
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½ teaspoon sage
Directions
Add garlic and herbs during the last 10 minutes of roasting to prevent burning.
Perfect For
Guests who love traditional Thanksgiving flavors.
3. Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprouts
For color, texture, and a pop of festive sweetness, this variation is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
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½ cup dried cranberries
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½ cup toasted pecans
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1 teaspoon orange zest
Directions
After roasting, mix warm sprouts with cranberries, pecans, and zest. Serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love It
The chewiness of dried fruit, crunch of nuts, and brightness of citrus create a complex, seasonal dish.
4. Dijon Mustard Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For people who love tangy, slightly sharp flavors, Dijon adds a welcome punch.
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon maple syrup
Directions
Whisk the glaze and toss sprouts after roasting. Return to oven for 3 to 5 minutes.
Flavor Notes
This variation is excellent with savory dishes like vegan meatloaf or lentil roast.
5. Lemon Pepper Brussels Sprouts
Citrusy, fresh, and lightly spicy — lemon pepper brings brightness to a heavy meal.
Ingredients
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
Directions
Add lemon juice and zest after roasting to preserve their freshness.
6. Smoky Paprika Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For a deeper, slightly smoky flavor without using any animal-based ingredients.
Ingredients
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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Pinch of cayenne (optional)
Serving Ideas
Pairs beautifully with hearty mains like stuffed squash.
How to Make Brussels Sprouts Extra Crispy for Thanksgiving
To get restaurant-level roasted Brussels sprouts:
Use high heat
425°F is ideal for crisping the outer layers.
Don’t crowd the pan
Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting.
Use enough oil
Oil helps caramelize and crisp. Don’t skimp, but don’t drench.
Place cut-side down
The flat surface caramelizes better when touching the hot pan.
Flip halfway through
Ensures even browning on all sides.
Choose a dark baking sheet
It conducts heat better than shiny ones.
Make-Ahead Instructions for Thanksgiving Prep
You can simplify holiday cooking by preparing Brussels sprouts ahead.
Prep Ahead (24–48 hours)
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Trim and halve sprouts.
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Par-Roast Method
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Roast for 15 minutes — stopping before full crisping.
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Cool completely.
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Refrigerate until Thanksgiving Day.
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Finish roasting for 10–15 minutes at 425°F.
This technique ensures freshly roasted sprouts with less day-of stress.
How to Serve Brussels Sprouts on a Vegan Thanksgiving Table
Brussels sprouts complement nearly every Thanksgiving dish. Serve them alongside:
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Vegan mashed potatoes
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Wild rice stuffing
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Lentil loaves
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Vegan roasts
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Baked tofu cutlets
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Maple-glazed carrots
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Herb roasted potatoes
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Cranberry sauce
They add color, texture, freshness, and balance to the plate.
Flavor Pairings That Elevate Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For an even more cohesive Thanksgiving menu, try these combinations:
Maple + Mustard + Thyme
Perfect for a menu with savory roasts.
Balsamic + Rosemary + Cranberries
Works well with stuffing-heavy menus.
Garlic + Lemon + Black Pepper
Ideal for lighter, brighter dishes.
Paprika + Garlic + Olive Oil
Adds warmth to a meal with rich gravies.
Each profile complements traditional holiday flavors while remaining entirely plant-based.
Tips for Hosting a Vegan Thanksgiving with Brussels Sprouts
Create a balance of sweet and savory dishes
Brussels sprouts pair beautifully with sweet sides like sweet potato casserole or cranberry sauce.
Offer multiple variations
Serving two Brussels sprouts dishes — one savory, one sweet — can satisfy diverse preferences.
Use fresh herbs whenever possible
Fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage elevate the entire dish and add Thanksgiving aromatics.
Dress up your table
Small touches like seasonal serving bowls and festive clothing make the meal feel special. Check out The Dharma Store for vegan-themed organic cotton t-shirts that celebrate plant-based living.
Final Thoughts
Vegan roasted Brussels sprouts can be one of the most flavorful, appealing, and versatile Thanksgiving side dishes when prepared with care. Their ability to pair with a wide range of flavors — sweet, smoky, savory, herbaceous, citrusy, or tangy — makes them a valuable addition to any plant-based holiday menu. With the right preparation, seasoning, and roasting method, Brussels sprouts become beautifully crisp, tender, and packed with deep, caramelized flavor that guests of all dietary preferences will enjoy.
Whether you choose a classic roasted version or experiment with maple balsamic, garlic herb, or cranberry pecan variations, these vegan Brussels sprouts will bring color, texture, and delicious seasonal flavor to your Thanksgiving table. And to add a fun plant-powered touch to your celebration, consider festive vegan-themed apparel from The Dharma Store as you gather with loved ones for your holiday feast.