Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and food that brings everyone to the table — including the pickiest little eaters. But if you’re planning a vegan Thanksgiving, you might be wondering how to make plant-based dishes that both kids and adults will enjoy. The secret? Keep things simple, colorful, and familiar, while sneaking in a few extra nutrients along the way.
In this post, you’ll discover eight kid-friendly vegan Thanksgiving side dishes that parents will love too. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and full of wholesome ingredients. Best of all, they’ll fit seamlessly into your Thanksgiving spread without requiring a separate “kids’ table” menu.
And if you’re passionate about sharing your vegan values year-round, check out The Dharma Store — they offer vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton that let you wear your compassion proudly at the dinner table or anywhere you go.
Why Kid-Friendly Vegan Sides Matter
Thanksgiving is about connection, and food plays a big part in that. When kids are excited about what’s on their plate, they’re more likely to eat well, try new foods, and enjoy the meal.
A kid-friendly vegan Thanksgiving side dish doesn’t have to mean plain or bland — it just needs to be approachable. Familiar textures, fun colors, and mild but tasty seasonings go a long way. Plus, the same dishes can easily be enjoyed by adults, making mealtime easier for everyone.
So, let’s make this holiday delicious, inclusive, and stress-free with dishes that make everyone — from toddlers to grandparents — happy.
1. Maple-Roasted Carrots with Cinnamon
Kids love sweet flavors, and this dish turns simple carrots into a warm, caramelized treat that feels like dessert but counts as a veggie.
Ingredients:
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1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 tablespoons maple syrup
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½ teaspoon cinnamon
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Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss the carrots with oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
They come out tender, slightly sticky, and irresistibly sweet — perfect for kids and adults alike.
Parent tip: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or roasted pumpkin seeds for an adult-friendly upgrade.
2. Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes
No Thanksgiving table is complete without mashed potatoes. This dairy-free version is silky, rich, and every bit as comforting as the classic.
Ingredients:
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2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes
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4 tablespoons vegan butter
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½ cup warm oat milk
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Boil potatoes until fork-tender, drain, and mash with vegan butter and oat milk. Season to taste.
The result? Fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes that everyone will love — especially when topped with vegan gravy.
Parent tip: Make it interactive by letting kids “design their mashed potato bowl” with toppings like chives, corn, or peas.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Oat Topping
This classic Thanksgiving side gets a vegan makeover that’s both indulgent and nutrient-packed.
Ingredients:
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3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
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¼ cup maple syrup
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon salt
Topping:
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½ cup oats
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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2 tablespoons vegan butter
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¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
Mix sweet potato base ingredients and spread in a baking dish. Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over the top. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until golden.
It’s naturally sweet, rich, and a guaranteed kid favorite.
4. Vegan Mac and Cheese with Hidden Veggies
Few things please a crowd like mac and cheese — and this version sneaks in some extra nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
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12 oz elbow pasta
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1 cup steamed cauliflower
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1 cup diced carrots
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½ cup cashews (soaked)
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1 cup plant milk
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3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt to taste
Instructions:
Blend everything (except pasta) into a smooth sauce. Pour over cooked pasta and heat until creamy.
The sauce is cheesy, rich, and full of hidden veggies. Kids won’t even notice — and parents will love the added nutrients.
5. Mini Vegan Cornbread Muffins
These bite-sized muffins are slightly sweet, buttery, and perfect for little hands. They’re a fun addition to any Thanksgiving spread.
Ingredients:
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1 cup cornmeal
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1 cup flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1 cup plant milk
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¼ cup maple syrup
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¼ cup melted vegan butter
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients, pour into mini muffin tins, and bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes.
Serve with vegan butter or cranberry jam for a cozy holiday touch.
Parent tip: Add corn kernels or diced jalapeños to half the batch for a grown-up version.
6. Green Bean Fries
A creative twist on a Thanksgiving classic, these crispy green bean fries are fun to eat and loaded with flavor.
Ingredients:
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1 pound green beans, trimmed
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Toss green beans with oil, breadcrumbs, and seasoning. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes until crisp.
Serve with vegan ranch or ketchup for dipping — kids will devour them like fries.
7. Apple Cinnamon Couscous
This dish is light, fruity, and aromatic — a great way to balance out heavier Thanksgiving flavors.
Ingredients:
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1 cup couscous
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1 ¼ cups apple juice
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1 apple, diced
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½ teaspoon cinnamon
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¼ cup raisins
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1 tablespoon vegan butter
Instructions:
Bring apple juice to a boil, add couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Stir in remaining ingredients and fluff with a fork.
It’s a sweet and savory side that doubles as breakfast the next day.
8. Roasted Veggie Tater Tots
Turn veggies into crispy bites that kids can’t resist. This recipe works with sweet potatoes, carrots, or cauliflower.
Ingredients:
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2 cups cooked, mashed veggies
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Mix ingredients, shape into small tots, and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serve with ketchup or vegan aioli for dipping. Parents will love how easy and mess-free these are.
How to Encourage Kids to Try New Vegan Foods
Sometimes, even the best recipes can get a “no thanks” from little ones. Here are a few gentle strategies to make Thanksgiving mealtime smoother and more fun:
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Let them help cook: Kids are more likely to try something they helped make. Let them stir, mash, or sprinkle toppings.
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Describe flavors, not labels: Instead of saying “vegan” or “healthy,” talk about how something tastes — sweet, crispy, buttery.
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Serve familiar favorites: Pair new dishes with something recognizable, like rolls or potatoes.
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Make it colorful: The more visually fun the plate looks, the more inviting it is.
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Keep portions small: Let kids sample without pressure — they might surprise you by going back for more.
Setting the Scene: A Family-Friendly Vegan Table
Presentation makes a big difference, especially for kids. Here are a few tips to create a warm, inclusive Thanksgiving table that everyone enjoys:
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Use small plates and serving spoons for easy access.
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Include finger foods like cornbread muffins or tater tots.
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Serve dips and sauces separately — kids love dipping!
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Add a few decorations like mini pumpkins or leaf cutouts to make the table festive.
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Keep the mood light: Play gentle background music and encourage conversation about gratitude.
Keeping Thanksgiving Sustainable and Compassionate
The beauty of a vegan Thanksgiving goes beyond delicious food — it’s about compassion and sustainability. Every plant-based dish helps reduce waste and promote kindness toward animals and the environment.
This mindset extends to what we wear, too. Show your commitment to vegan living proudly with a soft, eco-friendly t-shirt from The Dharma Store. Their organic cotton designs celebrate plant-based values while keeping you stylish and comfortable — perfect for holiday gatherings or casual weekends.
Final Thoughts: Building Family Traditions with Compassion
A vegan Thanksgiving doesn’t mean missing out — it means adding intention, creativity, and kindness to your celebration. These kid-friendly vegan Thanksgiving side dishes prove that plant-based eating can be joyful, inclusive, and delicious for everyone at the table.
From maple-roasted carrots to creamy mashed potatoes, every bite carries warmth and gratitude. As your kids grow, they’ll remember not just the food, but the love and laughter that surrounded it.
This holiday, keep things simple, colorful, and compassionate. Let your Thanksgiving table reflect your values — delicious food, happy family, and mindful living. And if you want to wear those values on your sleeve (literally), explore The Dharma Store for vegan-themed t-shirts that make a statement as kind as your cooking.
Happy Thanksgiving, and here’s to a new generation of compassionate eaters who know that vegan food can be just as festive — and even more fun.