Few things feel as comforting and nostalgic as a warm basket of freshly baked rolls or bread on Thanksgiving Day. The aroma of dough rising, the golden crusts glistening with vegan butter, and the satisfying tear of soft, fluffy interiors—it’s all part of the holiday magic.
If you’re planning a fully plant-based feast, you don’t have to skip the beloved bread basket. With the right ingredients and a few key techniques, you can make vegan Thanksgiving rolls and bread recipes that are every bit as tender, buttery, and indulgent as their dairy-based counterparts.
This guide will show you how to create easy, foolproof vegan bread and roll recipes perfect for your Thanksgiving table—plus tips for make-ahead prep, flavor variations, and how to keep them fresh.
Why Vegan Rolls and Bread Belong on Every Thanksgiving Table
Bread has a way of bringing people together—it’s communal, shareable, and universally loved. For vegans, it’s also a canvas for creativity. Skipping dairy and eggs doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or texture. Here’s why vegan rolls and breads are perfect for the holiday season:
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Inclusive for all guests: Vegan bread is naturally free from dairy and eggs, making it ideal for those with allergies or dietary preferences.
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Healthier fats: Using olive oil, coconut oil, or vegan butter provides heart-healthy alternatives without compromising flavor.
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Simple swaps: Non-dairy milk and plant-based butter substitutes create nearly identical results to traditional baking.
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Unbeatable aroma: A tray of freshly baked rolls fills your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.
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Perfect pairing: Vegan rolls complement every dish—from gravies and soups to roasted vegetables and lentil loafs.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these recipes are designed to be approachable and rewarding.
Key Ingredients for Fluffy Vegan Bread and Rolls
Before diving into recipes, let’s look at the essentials that make plant-based baking shine.
1. Flour
All-purpose flour yields soft, fluffy rolls. You can also mix in some whole wheat flour for a slightly nutty flavor and extra nutrition.
2. Plant-Based Milk
Oat, soy, or almond milk work best. Use unsweetened versions for a neutral taste, and warm the milk slightly before mixing—it activates the yeast.
3. Vegan Butter or Oil
Vegan butter gives a rich, traditional flavor, while olive or coconut oil provides moisture and tenderness.
4. Yeast
Active dry yeast or instant yeast helps the dough rise. Always check expiration dates for effectiveness.
5. Sweetener
A touch of sugar or maple syrup feeds the yeast and enhances browning.
6. Salt
Adds flavor and balances sweetness—don’t skip it.
With these staples, you can create everything from dinner rolls to rustic loaves and savory herb breads.
1. Classic Vegan Dinner Rolls
Why it works:
Soft, buttery, and perfectly golden, these classic dinner rolls taste just like the ones from your childhood—but entirely vegan.
Ingredients:
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3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
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1 cup warm plant-based milk (around 110°F)
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¼ cup vegan butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
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3 tbsp sugar
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1 tsp salt
Instructions:
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In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
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In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
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Add melted vegan butter and yeast mixture to the flour. Stir until a dough forms.
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Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
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Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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Punch down the dough, divide into 12 equal pieces, and shape into balls.
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Arrange in a greased baking pan, cover, and let rise again for 30 minutes.
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Bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, until golden brown.
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Brush with melted vegan butter right out of the oven.
Pro tip:
For an extra holiday touch, sprinkle coarse sea salt or fresh herbs on top before baking.
2. Garlic & Herb Vegan Pull-Apart Rolls
Why it works:
These savory rolls combine aromatic herbs, garlic, and soft dough for a mouthwatering pull-apart centerpiece.
Ingredients:
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 packet active yeast
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1 cup warm oat milk
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
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1 tbsp minced garlic
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp salt
Instructions:
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Mix yeast and warm milk in a bowl; rest until foamy.
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Stir in olive oil, herbs, garlic, and salt.
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Add flour gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms.
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Knead 8 minutes, then let rise for 1 hour.
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Shape dough into small balls and place in a greased round baking dish.
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Let rise 20–30 minutes.
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Brush with olive oil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, until lightly golden.
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Brush again with garlic-infused vegan butter before serving.
Pro tip:
Serve these with vegan gravy or alongside roasted vegetables for a savory balance to sweet Thanksgiving dishes.
3. Whole Wheat Maple Dinner Rolls
Why it works:
A wholesome twist on traditional rolls, these use whole wheat flour and maple syrup for a subtle sweetness and hearty texture.
Ingredients:
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2 cups whole wheat flour
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 packet yeast
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1 cup warm soy milk
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2 tbsp vegan butter, melted
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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1 tsp salt
Instructions:
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Mix yeast, warm milk, and maple syrup in a bowl; let it foam.
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Combine flours and salt in a large bowl.
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Add yeast mixture and melted butter; stir and knead for 10 minutes.
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Let rise for 1 hour, until doubled.
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Shape into rolls, place on a baking sheet, and proof for 20 minutes.
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Bake at 375°F for 20–22 minutes.
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Brush with maple butter before serving.
Pro tip:
Add chopped nuts or dried cranberries for texture and color.
4. Easy No-Knead Vegan Bread Loaf
Why it works:
This rustic, crusty loaf is perfect for those who want artisan-style bread without fuss. It pairs beautifully with soups, vegan gravies, or dips.
Ingredients:
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 ½ tsp salt
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½ tsp instant yeast
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1 ½ cups warm water
Instructions:
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In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and yeast.
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Add warm water and stir until combined. The dough will be sticky.
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Cover the bowl and let rest for 12–18 hours at room temperature.
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Preheat oven to 450°F with a covered Dutch oven inside.
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Transfer dough onto a floured surface, shape into a ball, and place on parchment paper.
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Carefully place dough into the hot pot, cover, and bake for 30 minutes.
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Remove the lid and bake another 10–15 minutes for a crisp crust.
Pro tip:
Let the bread cool completely before slicing to preserve the crumb texture.
5. Sweet Pumpkin Vegan Rolls
Why it works:
Pumpkin puree makes these rolls tender, moist, and rich in flavor. The subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with savory dishes or as a breakfast bread.
Ingredients:
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3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 packet yeast
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½ cup warm almond milk
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½ cup pumpkin puree
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¼ cup vegan butter, melted
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3 tbsp sugar
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½ tsp cinnamon
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1 tsp salt
Instructions:
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Activate yeast with warm milk and sugar.
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Add pumpkin puree, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt; mix well.
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Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
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Knead for 8–10 minutes and let rise for 1 hour.
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Divide into balls, arrange in a baking dish, and proof for 30 minutes.
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Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
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Brush with cinnamon maple glaze (1 tbsp maple syrup + 1 tbsp melted vegan butter + dash of cinnamon).
Pro tip:
Serve with vegan butter or homemade cranberry spread for a festive twist.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Thanksgiving prep can be hectic, so planning ahead is essential. Luckily, vegan rolls and breads store well when handled properly.
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Make ahead: Prepare dough a day in advance and refrigerate after the first rise. Bring to room temperature before baking.
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Freeze: Baked rolls freeze beautifully. Let them cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to one month.
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Reheat: Warm in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave briefly before serving.
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Keep soft: Brush warm rolls with melted vegan butter and cover with a clean towel to lock in moisture.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
Vegan bread recipes are incredibly adaptable. Try adding these flavor boosters to suit your Thanksgiving menu:
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Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or sage for savory rolls.
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Seeds: Sprinkle sesame, poppy, or flax seeds before baking.
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Sweet: Add orange zest, cranberries, or cinnamon sugar.
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Savory: Mix in caramelized onions, garlic, or olives.
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Gluten-free option: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose blend and increase rising time slightly.
Each of these variations brings something unique to the table—perfect for impressing family and guests alike.
How to Serve Vegan Rolls & Breads at Thanksgiving
Presentation matters, especially on a festive table. Here’s how to serve your vegan rolls and breads beautifully:
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Warm them up before serving: Guests love freshly baked aroma.
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Use a bread basket: Line it with a linen napkin to keep rolls warm.
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Offer toppings: Include small dishes of vegan butter, olive oil with herbs, or maple butter.
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Pair thoughtfully: Serve alongside soups, stews, or roasted vegetables.
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Make it centerpiece-worthy: A pull-apart roll ring or braided loaf looks stunning on the holiday table.
A Word on Sustainability and Vegan Living
Thanksgiving is about gratitude—not just for food, but for the world that provides it. Vegan baking embraces this spirit by choosing cruelty-free, sustainable ingredients that nourish both body and planet.
If you love expressing your vegan values beyond the kitchen, check out The Dharma Store. They offer vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton—perfect for showing your compassion in style or gifting to a fellow plant-based foodie this season.
Final Thoughts
Baking vegan Thanksgiving rolls and bread recipes doesn’t require fancy equipment or complicated steps—just a little patience, warmth, and the right ingredients. From classic buttery dinner rolls to wholesome whole wheat loaves and aromatic herb breads, every recipe here delivers soft, fluffy results that everyone will enjoy.
These breads are more than just sides—they’re symbols of sharing, comfort, and creativity. As your guests reach for another roll, they’ll be tasting not just flour and butter, but care, inclusivity, and the joy of plant-based cooking.
This Thanksgiving, let your bread basket overflow with goodness, gratitude, and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked vegan rolls.