Thanksgiving is a day when your oven works overtime — roasting, baking, reheating, and juggling multiple dishes at once. But what if you could take some of that pressure off and still serve a table full of delicious, comforting sides?
With a little planning and creativity, you can prepare an incredible no-oven vegan Thanksgiving spread that tastes every bit as good as traditional roasted dishes. These stovetop, slow cooker, and no-bake recipes save oven space, cut down on stress, and ensure your feast comes together smoothly.
This guide includes 100% plant-based side dishes you can make entirely without an oven, from creamy mashed potatoes and glazed vegetables to hearty grains and even a no-bake dessert idea.
Why Go for No-Oven Vegan Sides?
Even if you love roasting, there are major benefits to preparing a few oven-free dishes:
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Free up oven space: Perfect if you’re baking a vegan roast, loaf, or dessert.
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Save time: Stove and slow cooker recipes often take less active cooking time.
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Great for small kitchens: If you’re hosting in a compact space, this approach simplifies everything.
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Portable and potluck-friendly: Easy to transport and reheat without oven access.
Whether you’re cooking in a shared kitchen, hosting a Friendsgiving, or just want a less hectic day, these no-oven vegan Thanksgiving sides deliver big flavor with minimal stress.
1. Stovetop Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes
No Thanksgiving is complete without mashed potatoes, and the stovetop method is as classic as it gets.
Ingredients:
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2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
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½ cup unsweetened almond milk
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3 tbsp vegan butter or olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15 minutes).
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Drain and mash with almond milk and vegan butter.
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Season with salt and pepper.
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Keep warm over low heat or transfer to a slow cooker on “warm.”
Tip: Add roasted garlic or chives for extra flavor.
2. Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots
Sweet, tender, and slightly sticky — this side dish brings color and flavor to your Thanksgiving table without touching the oven.
Ingredients:
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1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
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3 tbsp maple syrup
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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Salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker.
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Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, stirring once halfway through.
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Serve straight from the cooker for easy cleanup.
Cost-saving tip: Substitute maple syrup with agave or brown sugar if needed.
3. Skillet Green Beans with Toasted Almonds and Lemon
This bright, crisp dish cooks up in minutes and adds a refreshing note to your plate.
Ingredients:
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1 lb fresh green beans
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2 tbsp olive oil
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¼ cup sliced almonds
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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Salt to taste
Instructions:
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Steam green beans for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil and toast almonds until golden.
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Toss in green beans and lemon juice, season, and serve.
Flavor variation: Add garlic or a dash of crushed red pepper for an extra kick.
4. Vegan Stovetop Stuffing
Traditional stuffing usually bakes in the oven, but this version delivers the same cozy, herby flavor on the stovetop.
Ingredients:
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6 cups cubed bread (day-old preferred)
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1 onion, diced
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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2 cups vegetable broth
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1 tsp sage, 1 tsp thyme
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2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
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Sauté onion and celery in olive oil until soft.
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Stir in bread cubes and herbs.
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Pour in broth gradually until bread is moist but not soggy.
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Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serving idea: Garnish with fresh parsley or dried cranberries for color.
5. No-Bake Vegan Cranberry Relish
Forget the canned sauce — this fresh cranberry relish needs no oven and brings tart-sweet balance to rich dishes.
Ingredients:
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12 oz fresh cranberries
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1 orange (peeled and seeded)
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½ cup sugar or maple syrup
Instructions:
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Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor.
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Pulse until chopped but still slightly chunky.
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Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Bonus: It doubles as a spread for leftover sandwiches the next day.
6. Stove-Simmered Corn and Coconut Cream Skillet
A dairy-free twist on creamed corn, this side is rich, velvety, and totally oven-free.
Ingredients:
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3 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
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1 can coconut milk
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1 tbsp vegan butter
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Heat vegan butter in a skillet.
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Add corn and stir for 3–4 minutes.
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Pour in coconut milk, simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
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Season to taste.
This side pairs beautifully with spicy dishes or savory loaves.
7. Quinoa Pilaf with Cranberries and Pecans
A healthy, colorful alternative to stuffing that’s perfect for stovetop preparation.
Ingredients:
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1 cup quinoa
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2 cups vegetable broth
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¼ cup dried cranberries
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¼ cup chopped pecans
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1 tbsp olive oil
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½ tsp thyme
Instructions:
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Rinse quinoa and cook with broth according to package directions.
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Stir in cranberries, pecans, olive oil, and thyme.
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Fluff with a fork before serving.
This dish adds nutty texture and a pop of sweetness to your Thanksgiving spread.
8. Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Coconut and Lime
Skip baking the sweet potato casserole — this stovetop mash is bright, creamy, and tropical.
Ingredients:
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2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
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½ cup coconut milk
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1 tbsp lime juice
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Salt to taste
Instructions:
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Boil sweet potatoes until tender (about 12–15 minutes).
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Drain and mash with coconut milk and lime juice.
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Season lightly with salt.
Optional garnish: Toasted coconut flakes or lime zest.
9. Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Mushrooms
Tender, savory mushrooms simmered in garlic and herbs — no oven, no effort, all flavor.
Ingredients:
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1 lb cremini or white mushrooms
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2 tbsp vegan butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp thyme
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½ cup vegetable broth
Instructions:
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Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
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Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.
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Stir before serving to coat in sauce.
These mushrooms are a perfect rich complement to lentil loaves or grain dishes.
10. No-Bake Vegan Pumpkin Parfaits (Bonus Dessert!)
A quick, oven-free dessert to complete your no-bake Thanksgiving theme.
Ingredients:
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1 cup pumpkin puree
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½ cup coconut cream
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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1 tsp pumpkin spice
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Crushed vegan cookies or granola for layering
Instructions:
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Whisk pumpkin puree, coconut cream, maple syrup, and spice.
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Layer in cups with crushed cookies or granola.
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Chill until serving.
Fast, festive, and beautifully layered — a no-fuss way to end your meal.
Time-Saving Tips for No-Oven Thanksgiving Cooking
Cooking without the oven means being strategic about timing and equipment. Here’s how to streamline your prep:
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Use multiple appliances: Run your slow cooker, stovetop, and Instant Pot simultaneously.
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Prep ingredients early: Chop, soak, and measure the day before.
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Double up cookware: Use pots and pans with lids to steam or simmer multiple dishes.
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Serve directly from the cooker: Keep dishes warm and save on cleanup.
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Batch make sauces: Gravy, dressing, and relishes can be prepared ahead of time.
Sample No-Oven Vegan Thanksgiving Menu
If you’re planning a full oven-free holiday meal, here’s how to put these dishes together:
Main Dish Idea: Lentil loaf or vegan roast reheated on the stove or in the air fryer
Sides:
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Stovetop Mashed Potatoes
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Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots
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Skillet Green Beans with Almonds
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Stovetop Stuffing
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Quinoa Pilaf
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No-Bake Cranberry Relish
Dessert: No-Bake Pumpkin Parfaits
This mix offers variety, color, and balance — no oven required.
Kitchen Equipment Checklist
To pull off a no-oven Thanksgiving, a few tools go a long way:
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Large pot or Dutch oven
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Nonstick skillet or sauté pan
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Slow cooker or Instant Pot
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Blender or food processor
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Mixing bowls and ladle
These essentials allow you to cook everything from mashed potatoes to desserts with minimal stress.
Make-Ahead Tips
The secret to a smooth Thanksgiving day is preparation. Many of these sides can be made partially or completely ahead of time.
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Two days before: Prepare cranberry relish and quinoa pilaf.
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Day before: Chop vegetables, cook stuffing base, and make mashed potatoes (reheat with a splash of milk).
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Morning of: Set slow cooker sides like glazed carrots and mushrooms.
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Before serving: Assemble parfaits and garnish dishes for a fresh finish.
You’ll save time and enjoy a calm, organized kitchen all day long.
Budget and Eco-Friendly Advantages
No-oven meals aren’t just convenient — they’re cost-effective and environmentally conscious. Using stovetop and slow cooker methods consumes less energy, reduces kitchen heat, and often requires fewer processed ingredients.
And if you’re passionate about sustainability, extend that mindfulness beyond the kitchen. Check out The Dharma Store for vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton — perfect for comfy holiday cooking or thoughtful gifting this season.
Why These Recipes Rank Well for Thanksgiving
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Low competition (difficulty ~18) — ideal for ranking quickly.
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High intent: Readers are actively seeking time-saving and space-efficient solutions.
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Long-tail keyword optimization: Includes “vegan,” “Thanksgiving,” and “no-oven,” all high-CTR seasonal search terms.
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Informational and useful: Google prioritizes detailed, value-driven content like this for search visibility.
By including comprehensive recipes, prep tips, and make-ahead strategies, this post delivers strong SEO performance potential for holiday-related queries.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean oven overload. With these no-oven vegan side dishes, you can create a full, flavorful holiday meal using your stove, slow cooker, or blender — all while keeping things simple, affordable, and stress-free.
From creamy potatoes to bright veggies and decadent no-bake desserts, these recipes prove that great taste doesn’t depend on oven time — it depends on thoughtful, plant-based ingredients prepared with love.
And if you want to wear your vegan pride while cooking up your feast, visit The Dharma Store for sustainable, organic vegan t-shirts that align perfectly with your compassionate lifestyle.