Thanksgiving morning doesn’t have to be a rush of meal prep and coffee. Instead, why not make it a celebration in itself? A vegan Thanksgiving brunch bridges the best of breakfast and lunch, offering comfort, creativity, and a chance to gather before the big feast—or even as the main event for those who prefer a lighter, plant-based holiday meal.
This post will walk you through delicious vegan Thanksgiving brunch menu ideas that are festive, cozy, and sure to impress. From savory scrambles and baked casseroles to sweet pastries and seasonal drinks, these dishes will fill your table with color and warmth while staying completely cruelty-free.
Why Host a Thanksgiving Brunch?
Brunch has a special kind of magic—it’s relaxed yet indulgent, unhurried but celebratory. Hosting a Thanksgiving brunch offers unique benefits:
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Less Stress: It’s easier to prep smaller dishes earlier in the day before the main dinner rush.
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More Variety: Mix breakfast favorites with Thanksgiving flavors for a creative spread.
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Flexible Timing: Perfect for friends or family who can’t make it to dinner.
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All-Day Celebration: Brunch can set the tone for a cozy, gratitude-filled day.
Vegan brunch dishes shine here—beautifully balanced, nutrient-rich, and full of fall flavor.
Setting the Scene: Cozy, Autumn-Inspired Brunch Vibes
Before you start cooking, set the tone. Think rustic charm with modern vegan flair. Use warm earth tones, natural textures, and minimal decor.
Tips for ambiance:
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Add a plaid table runner or cloth napkins in mustard or burgundy hues.
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Incorporate seasonal decor like mini pumpkins, pinecones, or eucalyptus sprigs.
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Brew fresh coffee and chai for inviting aromas.
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Play soft acoustic or jazz tunes to keep things relaxed and festive.
A Thanksgiving brunch isn’t just about food—it’s about creating a welcoming space to share gratitude and comfort.
Building the Perfect Vegan Thanksgiving Brunch Menu
A balanced brunch menu should include a mix of savory mains, sides, baked goods, and drinks. The dishes below complement each other for a well-rounded, plant-based Thanksgiving experience.
1. Savory Vegan Main Dishes
Vegan Tofu Scramble with Fall Vegetables
A hearty tofu scramble brings protein, texture, and color to your brunch spread. Add fall flavors by mixing in seasonal vegetables.
Ingredients:
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1 block firm tofu, pressed and crumbled
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1 tbsp olive oil
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½ cup diced sweet potato
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½ cup chopped kale
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¼ cup diced onions
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½ tsp turmeric
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Sauté onions and sweet potatoes until tender.
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Add crumbled tofu, kale, and spices.
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Cook until lightly golden.
Serve with avocado slices or vegan sour cream for extra richness.
Vegan Breakfast Casserole with Chickpea Flour
This gluten-free casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s loaded with veggies, chickpea batter, and savory spices that make every bite satisfying.
Ingredients:
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1 cup chickpea flour
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1 ½ cups water
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1 cup diced bell peppers
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½ cup mushrooms
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp black salt (for eggy flavor)
Directions:
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Whisk chickpea flour, water, and seasonings.
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Mix in vegetables.
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Pour into a greased baking dish and bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.
It’s a simple, make-ahead dish that feels special enough for the holiday.
2. Comforting Sides and Small Plates
Maple-Glazed Tempeh Bacon
Smoky, sweet, and crispy, tempeh bacon is a brunch staple that fits perfectly on a Thanksgiving menu.
Ingredients:
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8 oz tempeh, thinly sliced
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2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
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1 tbsp maple syrup
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½ tsp smoked paprika
Directions:
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Marinate tempeh slices in the sauce mixture for 15 minutes.
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Pan-fry or bake until crisp.
Pair with toast, pancakes, or as a topping on casseroles.
Cranberry-Orange Muffins
These muffins capture Thanksgiving flavors in a handheld, sweet form.
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose or whole wheat flour
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¾ cup almond milk
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⅓ cup maple syrup
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½ cup chopped cranberries
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Zest of 1 orange
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2 tsp baking powder
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2 tbsp coconut oil
Directions:
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Mix dry and wet ingredients separately.
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Combine and fold in cranberries and zest.
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Bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes.
They’re fragrant, festive, and perfect with coffee or tea.
Sweet Potato Hash with Brussels Sprouts
A colorful, hearty side that combines two seasonal stars—sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts.
Ingredients:
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2 cups diced sweet potatoes
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1 cup halved Brussels sprouts
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp thyme
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Salt and pepper
Directions:
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Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Toss with fresh herbs before serving.
It’s a nutrient-dense dish that brings color and crunch to your plate.
3. Baked Goods and Breads
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Glaze
These rolls fill the house with cozy holiday aromas. Pumpkin purée adds moisture, while a maple glaze brings sweetness without refined sugar.
Ingredients:
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2 ½ cups flour
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¾ cup pumpkin purée
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2 tbsp coconut oil
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¼ cup maple syrup
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1 tsp cinnamon
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1 tbsp yeast
Directions:
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Prepare dough, roll out, and spread with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
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Roll, slice, and bake for 25–30 minutes.
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Drizzle with maple glaze before serving.
Perfectly soft and spiced, these rolls are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Herbed Vegan Biscuits
These biscuits add a savory note to your brunch, ideal for pairing with vegan gravy or butter.
Ingredients:
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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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½ cup vegan butter
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¾ cup almond milk
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1 tbsp chopped rosemary
Directions:
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Cut butter into dry ingredients.
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Add milk and herbs.
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Bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes.
Serve warm with mushroom gravy or cranberry chutney.
4. Sweet Finishes
Mini Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecakes
Creamy and festive, these individual cheesecakes use cashews for a silky texture and pumpkin spice for that Thanksgiving touch.
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups soaked cashews
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½ cup pumpkin purée
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¼ cup coconut cream
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¼ cup maple syrup
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1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Directions:
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Blend all ingredients until smooth.
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Pour into muffin liners and freeze for 2–3 hours.
They’re elegant, easy, and portion-friendly.
Apple Pie Overnight Oats
Perfect for early risers or meal preppers, this sweet brunch dish brings Thanksgiving dessert flavors to breakfast form.
Ingredients:
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1 cup rolled oats
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1 cup almond milk
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½ cup diced apples
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1 tsp cinnamon
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1 tbsp maple syrup
Directions:
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Combine ingredients in a jar.
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Refrigerate overnight.
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Serve with nuts or raisins.
Creamy, cozy, and no-cook—it’s the simplest way to start a holiday morning.
5. Festive Beverages
Spiced Apple Cider
A warm, aromatic drink that captures the essence of the season.
Ingredients:
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4 cups apple cider
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2 cinnamon sticks
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2 cloves
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1 orange peel
Directions:
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Simmer ingredients for 15–20 minutes.
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Strain and serve warm.
Add a cinnamon stick garnish for presentation.
Pumpkin Spice Latte (Vegan Style)
Skip the coffee shop—make your own dairy-free PSL at home.
Ingredients:
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1 cup oat milk
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2 tbsp pumpkin purée
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1 tsp maple syrup
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½ tsp pumpkin spice
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¼ cup brewed coffee or espresso
Directions:
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Heat and whisk all ingredients except coffee.
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Pour coffee into a mug, top with the spiced milk.
Rich, comforting, and perfect for sipping while chatting around the brunch table.
Putting It All Together: Sample Vegan Thanksgiving Brunch Menu
Here’s a complete sample menu that combines the dishes above for a balanced, crowd-pleasing brunch:
Main Dishes:
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Vegan tofu scramble with fall vegetables
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Chickpea breakfast casserole
Sides:
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Sweet potato hash with Brussels sprouts
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Maple-glazed tempeh bacon
Baked Goods:
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Pumpkin cinnamon rolls
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Herbed vegan biscuits
Sweets:
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Mini pumpkin cheesecakes
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Cranberry-orange muffins
Drinks:
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Spiced apple cider
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Vegan pumpkin spice latte
This menu offers something for everyone—sweet, savory, hearty, and light—all perfectly suited to the Thanksgiving spirit.
Hosting Tips for a Seamless Brunch
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Prep the Night Before: Bake muffins, prepare casseroles, and chop veggies ahead.
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Set Up a Self-Serve Station: Let guests build plates and pour drinks at their own pace.
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Use Warmers: Keep dishes like casseroles and tofu scrambles hot using slow cookers or warming trays.
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Add Personal Touches: Handwritten menus or name cards make the experience special.
Brunch is about enjoyment, not perfection—embrace a laid-back rhythm while keeping flavors bold and fresh.
The Vegan Touch: Gratitude Meets Compassion
A vegan Thanksgiving brunch isn’t just a meal—it’s a mindful act of appreciation for nature’s abundance. By choosing plant-based ingredients, you’re showing gratitude not only for your loved ones but also for animals and the planet.
If you love expressing your vegan values beyond the table, visit The Dharma Store. They offer vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton, perfect for sharing your compassion and style during the holiday season and beyond.
Final Thoughts: Thanksgiving, Reimagined for Brunch Lovers
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be confined to a single feast at dinner. Hosting a vegan Thanksgiving brunch brings comfort, creativity, and community to the forefront. It’s a time to slow down, share a meal, and celebrate gratitude through food that nourishes body and spirit.
From savory scrambles and casseroles to sweet muffins and lattes, these vegan Thanksgiving brunch menu ideas prove that compassion and flavor belong together. Whether you’re hosting a pre-feast gathering or replacing the main dinner with a cozy midday meal, you’ll be serving more than food—you’ll be serving kindness, comfort, and holiday joy.