Thanksgiving is all about gathering around a table filled with food everyone can enjoy — but when you have kids at the table, especially picky eaters, things can get tricky. If your family is vegan or you’re hosting vegan guests, the challenge doubles: how do you make plant-based sides that still feel familiar, festive, and fun for kids?
The answer lies in flavor, texture, and presentation. A good vegan Thanksgiving kid-friendly side dish balances comfort with creativity — dishes that look appealing, taste familiar, and sneak in nutrients without fuss. This guide will walk you through a full list of crowd-pleasing, plant-based sides that even your pickiest eaters will enjoy, along with hosting tips, prep tricks, and ideas to make your vegan holiday stress-free.
Why Kid-Friendly Vegan Sides Matter
When kids enjoy what’s on their plate, everyone wins. But vegan Thanksgiving dishes can sometimes feel too “grown-up” — heavy on kale salads or quinoa blends — which kids may find unfamiliar. Instead, think cozy, colorful, and customizable.
Here’s what makes a vegan Thanksgiving side dish kid-friendly:
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Familiar Flavors – Kids respond well to classic tastes like mashed potatoes, sweet corn, and roasted carrots.
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Simple Textures – Avoid mushy or overly complex textures; aim for crisp, creamy, or tender.
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Visual Appeal – Bright colors from vegetables like carrots, squash, and peas make plates more exciting.
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Mild Seasoning – Keep spices gentle. Focus on herbs and natural sweetness instead of strong flavors.
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Interactive Elements – Build-your-own dishes or toppings stations make kids more likely to eat.
And don’t forget the overall message of the holiday: gratitude, family, and kindness. When you prepare a plant-based meal, you’re extending that kindness to animals and the planet, too — a message that fits right in with Thanksgiving values. For those who like to express that lifestyle proudly, The Dharma Store (www.thedharmastore.com) offers vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton — a perfect reminder of compassion during the holidays.
1. Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Let’s start with the most classic side: mashed potatoes. The secret to making them creamy and kid-approved without dairy is using a mix of plant-based butter and unsweetened oat or almond milk.
How to make it kid-friendly:
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Keep it smooth — no lumps for texture-sensitive eaters.
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Add a small touch of garlic powder or vegan cream cheese for extra flavor.
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Serve with a drizzle of vegan gravy or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
Pro tip: Let kids mash their own portion with a fork — it’s interactive and fun!
2. Maple-Glazed Baby Carrots
Sweet and colorful, roasted carrots are always a win. Toss baby carrots in olive oil, a little maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Roast until tender and lightly caramelized.
Why it works: The natural sweetness appeals to kids, and the maple glaze feels like a treat.
Optional twist: Sprinkle with sesame seeds or a touch of cinnamon for extra warmth.
3. Vegan Mac and “Cheese”
You can’t go wrong with mac and cheese at a holiday table. For a vegan version, use cashews, nutritional yeast, and carrots or potatoes to create a creamy, cheese-like sauce.
Kid-friendly upgrades:
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Bake with breadcrumbs on top for a crispy texture.
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Mix in small steamed broccoli florets for color and nutrition.
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Serve in individual ramekins so kids get their own mini servings.
This dish is often the gateway for picky eaters to fall in love with vegan food.
4. Sweet Potato Bites with Cinnamon Sugar
Sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple — but instead of a casserole covered in marshmallows, try baked sweet potato rounds dusted with cinnamon and coconut sugar.
Why kids love it: They’re bite-sized, finger-friendly, and naturally sweet.
Serving idea: Add a tiny dollop of vegan whipped cream or coconut yogurt for a dessert-like side that’s still wholesome.
5. Cornbread Muffins (Vegan and Gluten-Free Optional)
Cornbread is both cozy and familiar. Make it vegan by swapping in flax eggs and plant-based milk. Bake in muffin tins for easy serving — perfect for little hands.
Additions kids might enjoy:
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A handful of corn kernels or diced apples for extra sweetness.
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Serve with vegan butter and a drizzle of maple syrup.
The muffin shape also helps portion control, making it less messy for kids.
6. Green Bean Casserole (Dairy-Free Version)
A staple for many Thanksgiving tables, green bean casserole can be veganized easily. Use fresh green beans, a creamy cashew or coconut milk-based sauce, and crispy fried onions on top.
How to make it more kid-friendly:
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Keep beans tender-crisp, not too soft.
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Mix in small mushrooms only if your kids are open to them; otherwise, skip them.
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Make mini casseroles in small ramekins to make the dish more fun to eat.
7. Apple-Cranberry Stuffing
Traditional stuffing can easily go vegan — use vegetable broth, olive oil, and plenty of herbs. Add diced apples and dried cranberries for a pop of sweetness that makes it more kid-appealing.
Bonus tip:
Bake part of it in muffin tins so kids can have individual “stuffing cups.” These are easier to serve and less messy on the plate.
8. Rainbow Roasted Veggies
Roasted vegetables don’t have to be boring. Create a “rainbow tray” of bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and purple potatoes.
Make it interactive:
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Let kids help line up the veggies by color before roasting.
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Drizzle with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt — simple and delicious.
The vibrant colors and mild taste make this dish one of the easiest ways to get picky eaters excited about vegetables.
9. Creamed Corn (Vegan Style)
Creamed corn is sweet, comforting, and fits perfectly on the Thanksgiving table. Blend part of the corn with plant milk and vegan butter, then mix it back into the whole kernels for that creamy texture.
Serving tip:
Sprinkle with smoked paprika or parsley for visual appeal. Kids love the mild sweetness and smooth texture.
10. Vegan Dinner Rolls
Soft, warm rolls are a must for soaking up all those Thanksgiving flavors. Use a simple vegan dough recipe with non-dairy butter and oat milk.
Kid-friendly idea:
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Shape them into small knots or mini rolls.
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Serve with a side of vegan butter or jam for variety.
These make a great comfort food element, especially for kids who prefer plain carbs.
11. Roasted Apple Slices with Cinnamon
Instead of heavy desserts, offer a sweet side that doubles as a lighter treat. Slice apples thinly, toss with cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup, and roast until golden.
Why it works:
Kids love the smell, taste, and bite-sized format. Plus, it adds a fun alternative to traditional pie.
12. Butternut Squash Fries
A healthy twist on fries, these baked squash sticks are crispy outside and tender inside.
To make:
Slice butternut squash into sticks, coat with olive oil and light seasoning, and bake until golden.
Kid hack: Serve with a vegan ranch or ketchup dip — dipping makes everything more fun!
13. Simple Vegan Gravy
Even picky eaters love dipping their food. This vegan gravy uses vegetable broth, soy sauce (or tamari), flour, and a touch of nutritional yeast for flavor.
Pair with: mashed potatoes, cornbread muffins, or veggie fries.
Make-Ahead Tips for Parents
Preparing for Thanksgiving with kids around can be hectic. Here’s how to make it easier:
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Plan two days ahead: Choose 4–5 sides from the list and create a prep schedule.
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Pre-chop veggies: Store in labeled containers in the fridge.
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Pre-bake muffins or rolls: Reheat them in the oven just before serving.
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Let kids help: Give them simple tasks — stirring, mashing, or arranging food by color. It helps them feel included (and more likely to eat what they made).
Presentation Tricks to Win Over Picky Eaters
Sometimes, it’s all about the look. Try these ideas to make your vegan side dishes more appealing to kids:
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Mini portions: Small servings look less intimidating. Use ramekins, muffin tins, or cute bowls.
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Color coordination: Bright foods like carrots, squash, peas, and corn make plates pop.
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Fun names: Rename dishes — “Sweet Potato Coins,” “Rainbow Veggie Fries,” or “Magic Green Beans.”
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DIY toppings bar: Let kids sprinkle herbs, seeds, or vegan cheese shreds themselves.
Balancing Tradition and New Tastes
One of the best things about Thanksgiving is honoring family traditions. The good news is that vegan side dishes can fit right in. Mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and sweet corn are familiar flavors — they just get a compassionate update with plant-based ingredients.
By framing vegan dishes as “family favorites made a little differently” instead of “special vegan food,” you’ll make kids more open to trying them.
And as the meal comes together, it’s a great time to reflect on gratitude — not just for good food, but for the kindness that vegan cooking represents. It’s a message you can wear and share, too. The Dharma Store (www.thedharmastore.com) sells vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton — a simple, stylish way to express compassion at your holiday gathering.
How to Keep the Meal Relaxed and Joyful
Even the best menu can go sideways if the atmosphere feels stressful. Keep it fun:
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Play light background music.
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Let kids serve themselves from platters to feel included.
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Celebrate their curiosity when they try something new.
Remember, Thanksgiving is about connection. When the food is made with care and shared with gratitude, even picky eaters can find something to love.
Final Thoughts
Creating vegan Thanksgiving kid-friendly side dishes for picky eaters doesn’t have to be hard. Stick to familiar flavors, simple textures, and fun presentation. From mashed potatoes and cornbread muffins to maple-glazed carrots and butternut fries, these dishes prove that vegan can be both comforting and exciting.
The beauty of a plant-based Thanksgiving is that it aligns with the season’s message — gratitude, kindness, and care for all living beings. As you set your table and share your meal, you’re also sharing values that make the holiday truly meaningful.
And if you want to take that message beyond the table, check out The Dharma Store (www.thedharmastore.com) — where vegan-themed, organic cotton t-shirts let you celebrate compassion year-round.
With these delicious, kid-approved vegan sides, your Thanksgiving table will be one that everyone — big or small, picky or adventurous — will remember with joy.