Thanksgiving morning often starts slowly—with coffee brewing, cozy sweaters, and the smell of something delicious wafting through the kitchen. For those who celebrate later in the day, a vegan Thanksgiving brunch is the perfect way to gather early and enjoy a meal that bridges breakfast and lunch with comfort, flavor, and a festive twist.
In this guide, you’ll find the best vegan Thanksgiving brunch menu ideas—a full spread of savory scrambles, sweet pastries, hearty sides, and warming beverages to start the holiday right. These recipes are creative yet approachable, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a slower, more mindful morning.
Whether you’re hosting family or enjoying a laid-back Friendsgiving, these plant-based brunch ideas offer a perfect blend of coziness and celebration.
Why Host a Vegan Thanksgiving Brunch?
Thanksgiving is traditionally all about dinner, but brunch offers a refreshing alternative—or addition—to the holiday. A vegan brunch lets you celebrate the flavors of fall while keeping things light, casual, and compassionate.
Here’s why it’s worth the effort:
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Flexible timing: Perfect for early risers or as a prelude to the big feast later.
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Balanced flavors: Combines sweet and savory elements, with plenty of variety.
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Stress-free cooking: Many dishes can be prepped ahead of time.
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Inclusive options: Vegan brunch recipes suit a range of dietary needs.
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Relaxed atmosphere: Brunch is about enjoyment, not formality.
With seasonal ingredients like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, apples, and cranberries, your vegan Thanksgiving brunch can be just as memorable as the evening meal.
Setting the Scene for Your Thanksgiving Brunch
Before diving into recipes, think about presentation. The beauty of brunch is in the details: warm colors, rustic decor, and cozy textures.
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Decor: Add mini pumpkins, candles, and autumn leaves for a festive touch.
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Serveware: Use mismatched mugs, wooden boards, and linen napkins for charm.
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Music: Soft acoustic or jazz instrumentals create a relaxed mood.
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Drinks: Offer both coffee and herbal teas—plus a fun holiday mocktail.
Brunch is about savoring the moment, so make your table as inviting as the food itself.
The Ultimate Vegan Thanksgiving Brunch Menu
To make your planning simple, here’s a full brunch spread broken into five categories: mains, sides, breads, sweets, and beverages. You can mix and match depending on the number of guests or the style you’re going for.
1. Savory Mains
A. Tofu Scramble with Fall Vegetables
Why it works:
This protein-packed dish replaces scrambled eggs with crumbled tofu, seasoned to perfection. Add roasted vegetables for an autumnal touch.
Ingredients:
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1 block firm tofu, drained and crumbled
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1 tbsp olive oil
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½ tsp turmeric
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ cup diced butternut squash
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½ cup chopped kale
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Sauté squash in olive oil until soft.
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Add tofu, turmeric, and garlic powder.
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Stir in kale and cook until wilted.
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Season with salt and pepper.
Pro tip:
Top with avocado slices or a drizzle of vegan hollandaise for extra flavor.
B. Vegan Breakfast Hash
Why it works:
This hearty skillet combines potatoes, peppers, onions, and sausage-style vegan crumbles. It’s satisfying, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients:
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4 medium potatoes, diced
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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1 onion, diced
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½ cup vegan sausage crumbles
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Olive oil, salt, and paprika
Instructions:
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Pan-fry potatoes until golden.
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Add peppers, onions, and sausage.
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Season with salt and paprika.
Pro tip:
Serve with a dollop of cashew sour cream or vegan cheese shreds.
C. Sweet Potato and Spinach Frittata
Why it works:
A vegan frittata made with chickpea flour or tofu delivers the texture of eggs without any animal products.
Ingredients:
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1 cup chickpea flour
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1 cup water
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1 cup diced cooked sweet potato
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1 cup spinach
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½ tsp turmeric
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Salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Whisk chickpea flour and water until smooth.
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Fold in sweet potato, spinach, and seasoning.
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Pour into a greased skillet and bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
Pro tip:
Top with caramelized onions or fresh herbs for an elegant finish.
2. Sides & Small Plates
A. Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries
Why it works:
This dish brings a mix of savory and sweet, with crisp sprouts and bursts of tart cranberry.
Ingredients:
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1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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2 tbsp olive oil
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¼ cup dried cranberries
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Salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Toss sprouts in oil and maple syrup.
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Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes.
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Add cranberries before serving.
Pro tip:
Sprinkle toasted almonds for crunch.
B. Vegan Sweet Potato Pancakes
Why it works:
Perfectly spiced and fluffy, these pancakes are a Thanksgiving brunch must-have.
Ingredients:
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1 cup mashed sweet potato
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tbsp baking powder
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1 cup oat milk
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1 tsp cinnamon
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2 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions:
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Mix wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine.
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Cook on a greased skillet until bubbles form.
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Flip and cook another minute.
Pro tip:
Serve with vegan butter and a drizzle of maple syrup—or toasted pecans for crunch.
C. Apple Sage Breakfast Sausage (Vegan)
Why it works:
Savory and slightly sweet, these homemade patties are full of holiday flavor.
Ingredients:
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1 cup cooked lentils
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½ cup oats
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1 apple, grated
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tsp sage
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½ tsp smoked paprika
Instructions:
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Mash ingredients together into a coarse mixture.
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Form into small patties.
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Pan-fry in a little oil until browned.
Pro tip:
Make a double batch—they disappear fast.
3. Breads & Pastries
A. Vegan Pumpkin Scones
Why it works:
These lightly sweet, spiced scones are the essence of autumn. Serve with coffee or tea for the perfect brunch treat.
Ingredients:
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2 cups flour
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2 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp cinnamon
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½ cup pumpkin puree
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¼ cup maple syrup
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¼ cup coconut oil
Instructions:
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Combine dry ingredients.
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Mix in pumpkin, syrup, and coconut oil until dough forms.
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Shape into a circle, cut into wedges, and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.
Pro tip:
Add a simple glaze of powdered sugar and almond milk for extra sweetness.
B. Cranberry Orange Muffins
Why it works:
Bright, tart, and lightly sweet—these muffins bring a burst of freshness to your brunch table.
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups flour
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½ cup sugar
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ cup orange juice
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1 tbsp orange zest
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½ cup chopped cranberries
Instructions:
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Mix wet and dry ingredients separately.
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Combine, fill muffin tins, and bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes.
Pro tip:
Serve warm with vegan butter for the best texture.
C. Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Why it works:
Soft, gooey, and utterly indulgent—these rolls make the morning feel special.
Ingredients:
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2 cups flour
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1 packet yeast
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¾ cup plant milk
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2 tbsp vegan butter
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½ cup brown sugar
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1 tbsp cinnamon
Instructions:
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Make dough, let rise for 1 hour.
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Roll out, fill with butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
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Roll, slice, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Pro tip:
Top with cashew cream frosting or simple vanilla glaze.
4. Sweet Treats
A. Mini Pumpkin Parfaits
Why it works:
Light, creamy, and festive, these parfaits look stunning on any table.
Ingredients:
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1 cup pumpkin puree
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½ cup coconut yogurt
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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½ tsp pumpkin spice
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Granola for layering
Instructions:
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Mix pumpkin, yogurt, syrup, and spice.
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Layer with granola in small cups.
Pro tip:
Top with crushed pecans or coconut whipped cream.
B. Vegan French Toast Bake
Why it works:
A make-ahead dish that feeds a crowd—rich, comforting, and perfect with coffee.
Ingredients:
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1 loaf vegan bread, cubed
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2 cups oat milk
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2 tbsp flaxseed meal
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1 tsp vanilla
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1 tsp cinnamon
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¼ cup maple syrup
Instructions:
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Mix all wet ingredients, pour over bread cubes in a baking dish.
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Let soak 10 minutes.
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Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.
Pro tip:
Add sliced bananas or blueberries for extra flavor.
5. Beverages
A. Spiced Apple Cider
Why it works:
Warm, aromatic, and naturally sweet—this is autumn in a cup.
Ingredients:
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4 cups apple cider
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1 cinnamon stick
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3 cloves
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1 orange slice
Instructions:
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Simmer ingredients in a pot for 15 minutes.
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Strain and serve warm.
Pro tip:
Add a splash of ginger juice for a zingy finish.
B. Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte
Why it works:
No need for a coffee shop when you can make your own dairy-free PSL at home.
Ingredients:
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1 cup brewed coffee
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1 cup oat milk
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1 tbsp pumpkin puree
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½ tsp cinnamon
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1 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions:
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Heat milk, pumpkin, and spices together.
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Froth and pour over coffee.
Pro tip:
Top with coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
C. Cranberry Mimosa (Non-Alcoholic Option)
Why it works:
A festive brunch drink that’s both beautiful and refreshing.
Ingredients:
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½ cup cranberry juice
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½ cup sparkling water or orange juice
Instructions:
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Pour chilled cranberry juice and sparkling water into glasses.
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Garnish with fresh cranberries.
Pro tip:
For a mocktail twist, use ginger beer instead of sparkling water.
Make-Ahead and Serving Tips
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Prep the night before: Many items—like casseroles, cinnamon rolls, or parfaits—can be assembled ahead.
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Keep it buffet-style: Brunch is meant to be casual; let guests serve themselves.
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Balance the menu: Mix sweet, savory, and fresh dishes for variety.
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Don’t forget beverages: A warm drink bar with cider and coffee is always a hit.
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Finish with something light: A fruit salad or parfait balances rich foods beautifully.
Wearing Your Values This Thanksgiving
Hosting a vegan Thanksgiving brunch is about more than great food—it’s about celebrating compassion, creativity, and connection. Every plant-based dish reflects kindness to animals and the planet while bringing joy to the table.
If you love showing your vegan pride beyond the kitchen, check out The Dharma Store. They offer vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton—soft, sustainable, and designed for people who care deeply about their values.
Just like your Thanksgiving brunch, The Dharma Store combines comfort with purpose.
Final Thoughts
Brunch might not be the traditional Thanksgiving meal, but it’s quickly becoming a beloved part of the holiday for those who crave something fresh and flexible. With these vegan Thanksgiving brunch menu ideas, you can enjoy a morning feast full of color, flavor, and gratitude.
From savory scrambles to pumpkin pastries and warm spiced drinks, every dish on this menu celebrates abundance the plant-based way. So light the candles, pour the cider, and toast to a compassionate holiday filled with love and nourishment.