Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather with friends and family, but preparing a full holiday meal can feel overwhelming, especially when your oven is already occupied with the main dish. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious vegan Thanksgiving sides that don’t require an oven. With a few smart recipes and some strategic planning, you can create flavorful, crowd-pleasing sides using just your stove, slow cooker, or even your blender.
These no-oven vegan sides are perfect for beginner cooks, busy hosts, or anyone looking to maximize their kitchen space while keeping the meal stress-free.
Why Choose No-Oven Sides?
Before we dive into recipes, it’s helpful to understand why oven-free sides are a smart choice for Thanksgiving:
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Maximize oven space: Your main dish, like a roast or lasagna, often needs the oven. Stove or slow-cooker sides prevent bottlenecks.
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Save time and energy: No preheating or long bake times. Many recipes cook faster or can be made ahead.
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Easy cleanup: Minimal trays and baking dishes make post-holiday cleanup simpler.
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Beginner-friendly: Many no-oven sides require just one pot, pan, or slow cooker, making them perfect for new cooks.
Essential Tools for No-Oven Sides
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Large skillet or sauté pan: Perfect for sautéed greens, skillet hash, or grain dishes.
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Slow cooker or Instant Pot: Ideal for beans, lentils, or creamy casseroles without heating up the oven.
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Blender or food processor: For dips, mashed vegetables, and creamy sauces.
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Large pot: For boiling grains, pasta, or vegetables.
With these basics, you can create a full spread of no-oven sides without sacrificing flavor or presentation.
No-Oven Vegan Side Recipes
Here’s a curated list of stove- and slow-cooker-friendly vegan Thanksgiving sides that will impress guests and free up oven space.
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes (Stove-Top)
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Ingredients: Yukon gold potatoes, unsweetened plant milk, vegan butter, garlic, salt, pepper.
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Instructions: Boil peeled and chopped potatoes until tender. Mash with plant milk, vegan butter, and garlic until creamy.
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Tips: Use a potato ricer for extra smooth texture. Add roasted garlic for richer flavor.
2. Slow Cooker Stuffing
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Ingredients: Cubed bread (vegan), onion, celery, vegetable broth, fresh herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary), cranberries.
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Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally.
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Tips: Avoid soggy stuffing by adding bread gradually. You can toast cubes lightly on the stove before adding.
3. Maple-Glazed Carrots (Stove-Top)
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Ingredients: Carrots, maple syrup, vegan butter, cinnamon, salt.
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Instructions: Simmer carrots in a skillet with maple syrup, vegan butter, and cinnamon until tender and glazed.
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Tips: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a squeeze of orange juice for extra festive flavor.
4. Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds
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Ingredients: Fresh green beans, sliced almonds, garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, pepper.
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Instructions: Blanch green beans briefly, then sauté with garlic and olive oil. Toss with toasted almonds and lemon zest.
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Tips: Toast almonds separately to keep them crunchy.
5. Quinoa Cranberry Salad
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Ingredients: Quinoa, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, green onions, lemon vinaigrette.
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Instructions: Cook quinoa on the stove, cool slightly, then toss with cranberries, pecans, and dressing.
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Tips: Prepare this salad a day ahead and chill; flavors improve as they meld.
6. Vegan Creamed Spinach (Stove-Top)
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Ingredients: Fresh spinach, garlic, onion, plant milk, nutritional yeast, flour alternative (like cornstarch), salt, pepper.
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Instructions: Sauté garlic and onion, add spinach until wilted. Stir in plant milk, cornstarch, and nutritional yeast to thicken.
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Tips: For extra creaminess, blend a portion of the spinach with the sauce before stirring back.
7. Butternut Squash Soup (Slow Cooker or Stove)
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Ingredients: Butternut squash, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, coconut milk (optional), spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger).
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Instructions: Cook squash, onion, and garlic in broth until soft. Blend until smooth, then stir in coconut milk and seasonings.
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Tips: Roast the squash in advance on the stove-top skillet or boil for extra flavor.
8. Sweet Potato Mash with Maple and Cinnamon
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Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, plant milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt.
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Instructions: Boil sweet potatoes until soft. Mash with milk, maple syrup, and spices until creamy.
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Tips: Add a small amount of orange zest for a bright, festive twist.
9. Cranberry-Orange Sauce
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Ingredients: Fresh cranberries, orange juice, sugar or maple syrup, orange zest.
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Instructions: Simmer cranberries with juice and sweetener until thickened. Stir in zest before serving.
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Tips: Make a day ahead — flavors improve overnight.
10. Garlic and Herb Mushrooms
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Ingredients: Button or cremini mushrooms, garlic, fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary), olive oil, salt, pepper.
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Instructions: Sauté mushrooms with garlic and herbs until tender and golden.
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Tips: Finish with a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
Tips for Stress-Free No-Oven Thanksgiving Sides
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Plan for staggered cooking: Start dishes that take longer first, like slow cooker sides.
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Use multi-tasking tools: A slow cooker, Instant Pot, or large skillet can allow several dishes to cook simultaneously.
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Make-ahead options: Quinoa salads, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes can be prepared the day before.
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Keep flavors balanced: Include a mix of creamy, sweet, tangy, and savory sides for variety.
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Garnish for presentation: Fresh herbs, nuts, and seeds make no-oven sides look festive without extra effort.
Advantages of No-Oven Sides
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Frees up the oven for your main course.
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Reduces cooking stress and energy usage.
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Allows for last-minute adjustments and easy reheating.
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Makes hosting more beginner-friendly — no complex roasting or baking.
With a well-planned selection, guests won’t even notice the oven was never used for these sides.
Bonus Tip: Embrace Your Style
Hosting a stress-free, vegan Thanksgiving doesn’t stop at food. Incorporating eco-friendly, vegan lifestyle touches adds charm and personality. Consider cozy, themed apparel from The Dharma Store — their organic cotton vegan-themed t-shirts are perfect for showcasing your plant-based pride while cooking or mingling with guests.
Final Thoughts
No-oven vegan sides prove that Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be complicated. From creamy mashed potatoes to savory mushrooms and make-ahead salads, you can create a colorful, flavorful, and stress-free spread without ever turning on your oven.
By relying on the stove, slow cooker, and blender, you:
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Keep your kitchen organized and your oven free.
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Make meal prep accessible for beginners.
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Deliver delicious dishes your guests will rave about.
With these no-oven vegan Thanksgiving sides, you can focus on hosting, enjoying your company, and savoring the holiday flavors, all while keeping your holiday prep manageable and joyful.