Few things complete a Thanksgiving meal like the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread. Warm, soft rolls served straight from the oven bring comfort and nostalgia to any table. Traditionally, Thanksgiving breads rely heavily on dairy and eggs—but it’s entirely possible to achieve that same tenderness, golden color, and buttery flavor without using any animal ingredients.
In this guide, we’ll explore easy vegan Thanksgiving roll and bread recipes that are as light, fluffy, and satisfying as their non-vegan counterparts. From classic dinner rolls to herbed loaves and pull-apart bread, these recipes will fill your kitchen with warmth and your heart with gratitude.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your plant-based journey, these recipes are approachable, foolproof, and crowd-pleasing. And if you want to celebrate your vegan lifestyle beyond the kitchen, check out The Dharma Store, where you’ll find vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton—perfect for compassionate cooks and bakers alike.
Let’s roll up our sleeves (pun intended) and get baking.
Why Vegan Rolls and Breads Deserve a Spot on the Thanksgiving Table
Bread has long been a symbol of abundance and sharing—a fitting centerpiece for Thanksgiving. But vegan versions offer even more to be thankful for:
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Compassionate cooking: No dairy, eggs, or animal byproducts—just wholesome, cruelty-free ingredients.
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Healthier fats: Replacing butter with olive oil or vegan butter keeps the texture tender while lowering cholesterol.
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Inclusive baking: These breads are perfect for guests with dairy or egg allergies, or anyone following a plant-based diet.
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Flavor versatility: Herbs, seeds, and grains can transform simple dough into something extraordinary.
Plus, vegan bread baking is easier than many think. Once you know how to replace eggs and dairy, you can make nearly any bread recipe 100% plant-based.
Key Vegan Baking Substitutes
Before diving into recipes, here are a few reliable swaps that ensure perfect texture and flavor:
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Butter substitute: Use vegan butter, coconut oil, or olive oil for richness and moisture.
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Milk substitute: Oat milk, soy milk, or almond milk add creaminess and structure.
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Egg substitute (if needed): Flaxseed meal mixed with water or aquafaba (chickpea brine) works wonders for binding and rise.
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Sweetener alternatives: Maple syrup or organic cane sugar (look for vegan-certified sugar) enhance flavor without refinement.
These ingredients ensure your rolls and breads come out just as fluffy, golden, and aromatic as traditional versions.
1. Classic Soft Vegan Dinner Rolls
Nothing beats a basket of golden, pillowy dinner rolls served warm with vegan butter.
Ingredients:
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup warm oat milk
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2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
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2 tablespoons vegan butter (melted)
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2 tablespoons maple syrup or sugar
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1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
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In a small bowl, combine warm oat milk, yeast, and maple syrup. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
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In a large mixing bowl, add flour and salt.
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Stir in the yeast mixture and melted vegan butter.
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Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes.
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Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
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Punch down dough, divide into 12 equal pieces, and shape into balls.
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Place in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise another 30 minutes.
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Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown.
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Brush with melted vegan butter after baking for that signature shine.
Why It Works:
The dough stays light and airy thanks to oat milk and vegan butter, while the hint of maple syrup adds depth of flavor.
2. Herbed Olive Oil Pull-Apart Bread
Perfect for sharing, this bread combines aromatic herbs with a golden, buttery texture that pulls apart effortlessly.
Ingredients:
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3 cups flour
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2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
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1 cup warm almond milk
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 teaspoons dried rosemary or thyme
Instructions:
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Mix warm almond milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar; let bloom for 10 minutes.
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Add flour, olive oil, herbs, and salt. Knead until smooth.
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Let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
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Roll dough into small balls, coat each in olive oil and herbs, then layer into a loaf pan.
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Let rise 30 minutes more.
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Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It:
The infused olive oil gives this bread a delicate crispness while keeping it moist inside.
3. Vegan Garlic Knots
Soft, chewy, and coated in garlicky vegan butter—these knots are a showstopper on any Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients:
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2 ½ cups flour
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1 cup warm soy milk
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2 teaspoons yeast
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic Butter Coating:
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3 tablespoons melted vegan butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
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Prepare dough as usual—mix, knead, and let rise for an hour.
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Roll out dough into strips, tie each into a knot.
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Let rest 15 minutes, then bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
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Toss baked knots in garlic butter and parsley mixture.
Why It Works:
The melted vegan butter coating mimics the traditional buttery finish, while garlic and parsley elevate the flavor.
4. Whole Wheat Maple Dinner Rolls
For a heartier and slightly sweet option, these rolls feature the warmth of whole grains and maple syrup.
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup warm oat milk
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2 tablespoons vegan butter
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2 tablespoons maple syrup
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2 teaspoons yeast
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1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
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Combine oat milk, yeast, and maple syrup; let sit until foamy.
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Stir in flours, salt, and melted vegan butter.
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Knead until smooth, then let rise until doubled.
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Shape into rolls and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Why It’s Great:
The mix of whole and white flour creates the perfect balance between hearty texture and soft crumb.
5. Vegan Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Seasonal and festive, pumpkin purée gives these rolls a tender, golden hue and subtle sweetness.
Ingredients:
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3 cups flour
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½ cup pumpkin purée
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¾ cup warm soy milk
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2 tablespoons vegan butter
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2 tablespoons sugar
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2 teaspoons yeast
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1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
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Combine milk, yeast, and sugar; let sit 10 minutes.
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Add pumpkin purée and melted butter.
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Stir in flour, salt, and cinnamon if using.
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Knead until smooth, then let rise for 1 hour.
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Shape and bake for 18–20 minutes.
Why It Works:
Pumpkin adds moisture and natural color while keeping the texture soft and fluffy.
6. Vegan Stuffed Bread Loaf with Spinach and Herbs
For a centerpiece-worthy option, this stuffed bread is both flavorful and filling.
Ingredients:
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3 cups flour
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1 cup warm almond milk
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 teaspoons yeast
Filling:
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1 cup spinach, sautéed
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1 tablespoon vegan cream cheese or hummus
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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Fresh herbs
Instructions:
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Prepare dough and let it rise.
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Roll out flat, spread filling evenly, then roll up like a log.
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Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
Why It Shines:
This loaf combines bread and side dish in one, perfect for impressing guests.
7. Easy Vegan Biscuits
Quick, flaky, and golden, vegan biscuits are a wonderful alternative to yeast rolls for busy cooks.
Ingredients:
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2 cups flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ cup cold vegan butter
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¾ cup oat milk
Instructions:
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Mix dry ingredients.
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Cut in cold vegan butter until crumbly.
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Add oat milk, stir until just combined.
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Roll out, cut circles, and bake at 425°F for 12 minutes.
Why It’s Easy:
No rising or yeast required—just mix, shape, and bake.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Bread Every Time
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Use warm (not hot) liquid: Around 105°F–110°F activates yeast without killing it.
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Don’t over-knead: Too much kneading can make the bread dense.
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Brush after baking: Melted vegan butter or olive oil gives your bread a glossy, bakery-style finish.
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Let it rest: Allow baked bread to cool slightly before cutting for the best texture.
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Freeze leftovers: Most rolls and loaves freeze beautifully for up to a month.
Pairing Ideas for Vegan Rolls and Breads
Vegan breads complement nearly every Thanksgiving dish. Try pairing them with:
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Vegan gravies and sauces for a rich, savory experience.
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Seasonal soups like pumpkin, butternut squash, or lentil.
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Stuffing and casseroles for a hearty, cozy combination.
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Herbed olive oil dips or vegan compound butters.
A warm roll or slice of fresh bread makes any holiday meal complete.
Why Baking Vegan Matters
Choosing to bake vegan isn’t just about ingredients—it’s about intention. Every plant-based loaf represents compassion, sustainability, and a mindful connection to what we eat. When your Thanksgiving spread features cruelty-free bread, it embodies gratitude for both the planet and its living beings.
And if you’re passionate about spreading that message beyond the table, visit The Dharma Store. Their vegan-themed t-shirts, made from soft organic cotton, are a stylish way to express your values while supporting ethical fashion.
Final Thoughts
These vegan Thanksgiving rolls and bread recipes prove that plant-based baking can be every bit as indulgent, soft, and satisfying as traditional breadmaking. Whether you’re whipping up classic dinner rolls, garlic knots, or herbed loaves, each recipe brings warmth and flavor to your celebration.
The best part? You can share these breads with everyone—vegans, omnivores, and gluten-free guests alike—knowing they’ll love every bite.
This Thanksgiving, break bread not just as a tradition, but as a celebration of kindness, flavor, and togetherness.