Bread and rolls are the unsung heroes of every Thanksgiving table. Whether used to soak up gravy, sandwich leftovers, or simply enjoyed warm from the oven, they embody the heart and comfort of the holiday. This year, you can easily make your table both compassionate and indulgent with these vegan Thanksgiving bread and roll recipes—no butter, milk, or eggs required. The result? Fluffy, flavorful, golden-brown perfection that even non-vegans will love.
This guide walks you through the best plant-based breads and rolls for Thanksgiving, along with baking tips, flavor variations, and serving ideas to make your holiday meal unforgettable.
Why Choose Vegan Bread and Rolls for Thanksgiving?
Vegan bread isn’t just an ethical choice—it’s a delicious one. Plant-based baking has evolved beyond expectations, and today’s vegan breads are just as soft, buttery, and satisfying as their dairy-based counterparts.
Here’s why going vegan for your Thanksgiving bread basket is a great idea:
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Healthier ingredients: Plant-based recipes often rely on heart-healthy fats like olive oil or coconut oil.
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Allergy-friendly: Dairy- and egg-free breads are ideal for guests with dietary restrictions.
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Sustainable: Vegan baking reduces the carbon footprint of your meal.
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Inclusive: Everyone at the table can enjoy a warm roll, no matter their diet.
The best part? You don’t need complicated substitutes. A few simple swaps create vegan versions that taste just like the classics.
Key Ingredients in Vegan Bread Baking
Understanding the basics will help you master vegan bread and roll recipes every time.
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Flour: Unbleached all-purpose flour works best for soft rolls, while whole wheat adds heartiness.
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Yeast: Active dry yeast or instant yeast helps dough rise beautifully.
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Plant-based milk: Almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk provide moisture and subtle flavor.
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Fat: Vegan butter, coconut oil, or olive oil replicate the richness of traditional butter.
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Sweetener: Maple syrup, agave, or sugar help feed the yeast and balance flavors.
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Salt: A small but essential ingredient for depth and balance.
Once you’ve got these staples, you can create any bread recipe with ease.
1. Classic Vegan Dinner Rolls
These fluffy, buttery rolls are the ultimate Thanksgiving crowd-pleaser. Soft on the inside with a golden crust, they pair perfectly with vegan gravy, soups, or spreads.
Ingredients:
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1 cup warm almond milk (about 110°F)
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2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
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2 tbsp sugar
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3 tbsp melted vegan butter (plus more for brushing)
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp salt
Instructions:
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Mix warm almond milk, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let it sit 10 minutes until foamy.
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Add melted vegan butter and salt. Gradually stir in flour until a soft dough forms.
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Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
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Punch down dough and divide into 12–15 rolls. Shape and place in a greased baking dish.
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Cover and let rise another 30 minutes.
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Bake at 375°F for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown.
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Brush with melted vegan butter before serving.
These rolls come out light, tender, and rich—ideal for soaking up vegan gravy or spreading with plant-based butter.
2. Whole Wheat Maple Rolls
If you love nutty, slightly sweet rolls, this recipe brings wholesome flavor to your table. They complement both savory dishes and sweet spreads like cranberry butter.
Ingredients:
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1 cup warm oat milk
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2 tsp active yeast
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3 tbsp maple syrup
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3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
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2 cups whole wheat flour
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tsp salt
Instructions:
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Combine warm oat milk, yeast, and maple syrup. Let sit until bubbly.
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Add melted coconut oil, salt, and flours, stirring until dough forms.
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Knead for 10 minutes and let rise for 1 hour.
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Shape into rolls and arrange in a round pan.
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Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
These rolls have a subtle sweetness and hearty texture that balance Thanksgiving’s rich flavors.
3. Vegan Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Bread
Add a savory twist to your bread basket with this fragrant, shareable loaf. It’s packed with garlic, herbs, and buttery goodness—completely vegan.
Ingredients:
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3 cups flour
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1 cup warm plant milk
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2 tsp active yeast
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2 tbsp sugar
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3 tbsp vegan butter, melted
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2 tbsp olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp chopped parsley
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1 tsp dried rosemary
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½ tsp salt
Instructions:
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Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Rest for 10 minutes.
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Add flour, salt, and melted vegan butter. Knead until smooth.
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Let rise 1 hour.
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Roll out dough, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle garlic and herbs.
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Cut into strips, stack, and place in a loaf pan.
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Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
This bread fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma and looks stunning as a centerpiece.
4. Vegan Cornbread Muffins
Cornbread adds cozy, Southern flair to your Thanksgiving table. These vegan muffins are tender, slightly sweet, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
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1 cup cornmeal
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1 cup flour
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1 tbsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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1 cup unsweetened almond milk
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1 tsp apple cider vinegar
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¼ cup maple syrup
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¼ cup melted vegan butter
Instructions:
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Combine almond milk and vinegar. Let curdle for 5 minutes.
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In a bowl, mix dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients and stir until smooth.
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Divide into muffin tins.
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Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.
They’re perfect served warm with vegan butter or drizzled with maple syrup.
5. Sweet Potato Vegan Biscuits
These biscuits are a soft, golden dream—sweet potatoes make them moist and naturally sweet, while vegan butter keeps them rich.
Ingredients:
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1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tbsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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¼ cup cold vegan butter, cubed
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⅓ cup almond milk
Instructions:
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Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Cut in vegan butter until crumbly.
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Add sweet potato and almond milk; mix gently until dough forms.
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Roll out and cut into biscuits.
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Bake at 425°F for 12–14 minutes.
These pair beautifully with cranberry sauce or maple butter.
6. No-Knead Vegan Rosemary Bread
For a rustic, artisan touch, this no-knead rosemary bread requires minimal effort and yields bakery-quality results.
Ingredients:
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tsp salt
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½ tsp instant yeast
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1 ½ cups warm water
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1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
Instructions:
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Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Stir until sticky dough forms.
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Cover with plastic wrap and let rest 12–18 hours at room temperature.
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Preheat oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven inside.
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Shape dough into a ball, place on parchment, and bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 15 minutes.
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—this loaf is perfect for dipping in vegan gravy or olive oil.
7. Vegan Cranberry Pecan Bread
For something festive, this loaf combines tart cranberries with buttery pecans for a sweet-savory balance.
Ingredients:
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2 ½ cups flour
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2 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp cinnamon
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¼ tsp salt
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1 cup almond milk
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⅓ cup maple syrup
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¼ cup coconut oil, melted
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½ cup chopped cranberries
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½ cup pecans, chopped
Instructions:
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Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
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Whisk wet ingredients separately, then combine.
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Fold in cranberries and pecans.
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Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes.
It’s ideal served with breakfast or as a lightly sweet addition to your dinner spread.
Pro Tips for Perfect Vegan Bread and Rolls
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Check yeast freshness: Old yeast won’t rise well. Always proof it in warm liquid first.
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Use room-temperature ingredients: Cold liquids can slow yeast activation.
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Don’t over-knead: Stop when dough is smooth and slightly elastic.
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Add moisture if needed: Vegan doughs sometimes need a splash more milk for softness.
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Brush with vegan butter: This creates a golden crust and enhances flavor.
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Cool slightly before serving: Bread continues to bake slightly after removal from the oven.
Flavor Variations for Holiday Magic
Once you master the base recipes, get creative with these festive twists:
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Cranberry-Orange Rolls: Add orange zest and dried cranberries to classic dough.
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Garlic-Parmesan Knots: Toss baked rolls with vegan butter, garlic, and nutritional yeast.
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Pumpkin Rolls: Substitute pumpkin purée for part of the milk for seasonal color and flavor.
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Everything Bagel Rolls: Sprinkle everything seasoning on top before baking.
Small tweaks like these make your bread basket feel unique and exciting every year.
Pairing Guide: What to Serve With Vegan Bread & Rolls
| Bread Type | Perfect Pairing |
|---|---|
| Classic Dinner Rolls | Vegan brown gravy or herbed butter |
| Garlic Herb Pull-Apart | Soups and stews |
| Cornbread Muffins | Vegan chili or maple butter |
| Sweet Potato Biscuits | Cranberry sauce |
| Rosemary Bread | Olive oil and balsamic vinegar |
Bread plays a supporting role—but it can easily steal the spotlight when served thoughtfully.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
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Prep in advance: Most vegan doughs can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight for easy baking.
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Freeze after baking: Wrap tightly and reheat in the oven for fresh-out-of-the-oven texture.
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Refresh with steam: Place rolls in a warm oven with a pan of water for a few minutes to restore softness.
These tips ensure your breads stay fresh and fluffy—even if you bake them the day before Thanksgiving.
The Heart of Vegan Baking
Vegan bread and rolls aren’t just about substituting ingredients—they’re about intention. They represent thoughtfulness, inclusivity, and creativity. Every roll you bake is a small act of compassion that still delivers all the comfort and joy of traditional recipes.
If you want to extend that spirit beyond the kitchen, consider visiting The Dharma Store, where you’ll find vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton. Their sustainable designs are a stylish way to express your commitment to a kinder world—perfect for the holiday season.
Final Thoughts: The Joy of Breaking Bread Together
Thanksgiving is a time to share warmth, gratitude, and great food. With these vegan Thanksgiving bread and roll recipes, you’ll fill your table with soft, golden, dairy-free goodness that brings everyone together. From fluffy dinner rolls to sweet potato biscuits and herbed loaves, these recipes prove that compassion and comfort can rise beautifully—just like a well-made dough.
So preheat your oven, roll up your sleeves, and bake with love. This Thanksgiving, every bite of bread tells a story—one of kindness, abundance, and plant-based joy.