Thanksgiving doesn’t have to drain your wallet to be abundant, festive, and compassionate. Whether you’re new to vegan hosting or simply trying to stay within a reasonable budget this year, it’s entirely possible to create a beautiful vegan Thanksgiving meal for under $50 — with enough food to feed a small group of family or friends.
This guide will show you how to plan a full budget vegan Thanksgiving menu, with make-ahead recipes, practical cost-saving swaps, and a complete shopping list. You’ll learn how to build a memorable plant-based feast that delivers on flavor, presentation, and gratitude — without overspending.
And if you want to show off your compassionate spirit while cooking or hosting, visit The Dharma Store, where you’ll find vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton — perfect for holiday gatherings or thoughtful gifts.
Why Hosting Vegan Is Naturally Budget-Friendly
One of the great things about vegan cooking is that it centers on whole, affordable ingredients — beans, grains, vegetables, and pantry staples that stretch far without compromising taste. You’re skipping expensive animal products, which often make up the bulk of a traditional Thanksgiving budget.
Here’s how the savings break down:
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Plant-based proteins like lentils, chickpeas, and tofu cost a fraction of the price of turkey or roasts.
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Seasonal produce like squash, potatoes, carrots, and apples is cheap and widely available in November.
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Bulk items such as rice, oats, and flour can be used across multiple dishes.
By planning your menu with intention, you can serve a cozy, crowd-pleasing vegan Thanksgiving for far less than the average holiday meal.
Step 1: Plan a Simple but Abundant Menu
When you’re hosting on a budget, the key is to choose dishes that share ingredients, use affordable pantry staples, and can be made ahead. Here’s a complete six-dish vegan Thanksgiving menu that hits all the right notes — hearty, colorful, and full of flavor.
Budget Vegan Thanksgiving Menu (Serves 6–8)
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Main Dish: Lentil Loaf with Savory Mushroom Gravy
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Side 1: Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Olive Oil & Almond Milk
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Side 2: Roasted Carrots & Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze
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Side 3: Simple Cranberry Orange Sauce
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Side 4: Herb Stuffing with Celery & Onions
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Dessert: Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
Each dish uses ingredients you can find at any grocery store, and many overlap — for example, onions, garlic, and olive oil appear in multiple recipes, which keeps costs low.
Step 2: Budget Shopping List (Under $50 Total)
Here’s what you’ll need to make the full meal. Prices are approximate based on U.S. national averages as of late fall and will vary slightly by region.
Pantry Staples:
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Olive oil – $4
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All-purpose flour – $2
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Rolled oats – $2
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Brown sugar – $1.50
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Vegetable broth (2 cartons) – $3
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Dried lentils (1 lb) – $2
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Rice or bread cubes for stuffing – $2
Fresh Produce:
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2 lbs russet potatoes – $3
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1 lb carrots – $1.50
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1 lb Brussels sprouts – $3
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1 onion – $0.75
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3 cloves garlic – $0.50
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2 apples – $1.50
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1 orange – $0.75
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1 lemon – $0.75
Canned & Jarred Goods:
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1 can chickpeas (optional for stuffing or salad) – $1
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1 can cranberry sauce or 12 oz fresh cranberries – $2
Refrigerated:
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Almond milk or oat milk (unsweetened) – $2.50
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Vegan butter – $3
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Soy sauce or tamari – $1.50
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Mustard – $1
Seasonings (approximate, assuming you have salt & pepper):
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Dried thyme – $1
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Dried rosemary – $1
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Paprika – $1
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Cinnamon – $1
Estimated total: ~$45–$50
You’ll have leftover seasonings, broth, and grains for future meals, making this not only budget-friendly but practical for your pantry.
Step 3: The Recipes — Simple, Affordable & Delicious
1. Lentil Loaf with Mushroom Gravy
Estimated cost: ~$7 total
This hearty loaf replaces the traditional roast centerpiece and slices beautifully.
Ingredients:
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1 cup dried lentils
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 carrot, grated
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1 cup breadcrumbs or cooked rice
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup
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Herbs: thyme, rosemary, black pepper
How to make it:
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Cook lentils in vegetable broth until tender.
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Sauté onion, garlic, and carrot in olive oil until soft.
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Mix everything together and press into a parchment-lined loaf pan.
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Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes until firm and golden.
Gravy: Sauté mushrooms in olive oil, whisk in a spoonful of flour, and slowly add broth until smooth. Add soy sauce and herbs for richness.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Estimated cost: ~$3 total
Ingredients:
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2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
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2 tbsp vegan butter or olive oil
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½ cup almond milk
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2 cloves garlic, roasted or sautéed
Boil potatoes until soft, mash with garlic, butter, and almond milk. Season with salt and pepper. Simple, creamy, and inexpensive.
3. Roasted Carrots & Brussels Sprouts
Estimated cost: ~$4 total
Ingredients:
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1 lb carrots, sliced
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1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
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Salt, pepper, and thyme
Toss everything on a sheet pan and roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes until caramelized. This dish adds color and balance to your table.
4. Herb Stuffing
Estimated cost: ~$5 total
Ingredients:
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1 loaf day-old bread (cubed) or cooked rice for gluten-free option
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1 onion and 2 celery stalks, chopped
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2 cups vegetable broth
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp rosemary
Sauté onion and celery in olive oil, add herbs, toss with bread cubes and broth until moistened, and bake until golden. Perfectly classic, totally vegan.
5. Cranberry Orange Sauce
Estimated cost: ~$2.50 total
If using fresh cranberries:
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12 oz cranberries
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½ cup sugar
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Zest and juice of 1 orange
Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Chill before serving. If using canned cranberry sauce, brighten it with a little orange zest and juice stirred in.
6. Apple Crisp
Estimated cost: ~$4 total
Ingredients:
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2 apples, sliced
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1 cup rolled oats
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¼ cup flour
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¼ cup brown sugar
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2 tbsp vegan butter
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Cinnamon to taste
Mix the oat topping and crumble over apples in a baking dish. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Sweet, cozy, and inexpensive.
Step 4: Timing and Prep Schedule
A smooth Thanksgiving day starts with good prep. Here’s how to keep things stress-free.
Two Days Before:
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Shop for ingredients.
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Make cranberry sauce and refrigerate.
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Prep bread cubes for stuffing.
One Day Before:
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Make lentil loaf mixture and refrigerate unbaked.
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Wash and trim vegetables for roasting.
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Mix crisp topping and refrigerate separately from apples.
Thanksgiving Morning:
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Bake lentil loaf and start mushroom gravy.
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Roast vegetables and keep warm.
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Boil potatoes and mash them right before serving.
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Assemble and bake apple crisp while guests eat.
You can serve all dishes family-style for a cozy, communal feel — no fancy platters required.
Step 5: Budget Hosting Tips That Make a Difference
Hosting on a budget isn’t just about spending less — it’s about making smart choices that still feel generous and warm.
1. Use What You Have
Before buying new kitchenware, check what’s already in your cupboards. Mason jars work as vases or candle holders, and mismatched dishes add charm to the table.
2. Buy in Bulk
Grains, lentils, and nuts are much cheaper in bulk bins. Bring your own containers and measure only what you need.
3. Focus on Seasonal Produce
In November, root vegetables, apples, and squash are affordable and flavorful. Build your menu around what’s in season.
4. Potluck Collaboration
If your guests are open to it, have each person bring a small vegan side or dessert. You can focus your budget on the main and essentials.
5. Reduce Food Waste
Transform leftovers into meals for the next few days — mashed potato pancakes, lentil loaf sandwiches, or apple crisp parfaits for breakfast.
Step 6: Simple Table Setting Ideas on a Budget
You don’t need a decorator’s budget to make your table beautiful.
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Natural elements: Gather pinecones, branches, and candles for a rustic centerpiece.
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Layer linens: Use a neutral cloth and add a colorful scarf or runner on top.
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Personal touches: Write each guest’s name on a small tag tied to a napkin.
A welcoming table sets the tone for gratitude — not extravagance.
Step 7: Celebrate Compassion and Community
Hosting a vegan Thanksgiving is about more than saving money; it’s about creating a table full of compassion and mindfulness. Every dish reflects care for animals, the planet, and the people you share it with.
And if you want to carry that spirit beyond your kitchen, consider wearing it proudly. The Dharma Store offers vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton, perfect for sparking conversations or gifting to fellow plant-based friends this season.
Final Thoughts
Hosting a vegan Thanksgiving on a budget is not just achievable — it’s deeply rewarding. With smart planning, affordable ingredients, and a touch of creativity, you can create a feast that rivals any traditional spread for a fraction of the cost.
From hearty lentil loaf to sweet apple crisp, every dish on your menu will remind guests that generosity, gratitude, and flavor don’t depend on a big budget. The best celebrations are built on thoughtfulness, not price tags.
So this Thanksgiving, set your table with intention, invite your loved ones, and enjoy a truly abundant vegan feast — affordable, ethical, and unforgettable.