Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean hours of cooking or juggling a dozen dishes at once. If you’re craving a simpler, stress-free celebration without sacrificing taste or festivity, vegan Thanksgiving sheet pan dinner recipes are your answer. These one-pan wonders bring balance, flavor, and ease to your holiday table—all while highlighting the best seasonal produce.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to create a full vegan Thanksgiving meal using sheet pans—complete with main courses, sides, and even dessert. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, these recipes make plant-based holiday cooking a joy.
Why Choose a Vegan Sheet Pan Dinner for Thanksgiving?
For many, Thanksgiving means full-day cooking marathons. But sheet pan meals change the game. Here’s why they’re perfect for a vegan Thanksgiving:
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Less Cleanup: One or two pans mean fewer dishes, freeing more time for celebration.
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Even Cooking: Roasting everything together ensures consistent flavor and texture.
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Balanced Nutrition: You can combine protein, veggies, and grains in a single dish.
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Endless Variety: Seasonal vegetables, plant-based proteins, and spices can be customized to taste.
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Perfect for Small Gatherings: Ideal for couples, roommates, or small families who want the holiday vibe without the excess.
The Essentials: How to Build a Vegan Thanksgiving Sheet Pan Dinner
Before diving into recipes, let’s break down the foundation of a great sheet pan meal:
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Choose the Right Pan: A large, rimmed half-sheet pan (18x13 inches) works best to prevent spills and promote even roasting.
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Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: These prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless.
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Balance Ingredients: Combine protein-rich foods (tofu, tempeh, chickpeas) with complex carbs (sweet potatoes, squash) and vibrant vegetables (Brussels sprouts, carrots).
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Add Flavor Layers: Use herbs, marinades, and glazes for depth. Don’t shy away from bold seasoning.
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Roast Smart: Start with ingredients that take longer to cook, then add quicker-cooking items midway for perfect timing.
1. Sheet Pan Maple-Dijon Roasted Veggies & Tofu
A perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory, this dish brings together seasonal produce and protein-packed tofu.
Ingredients:
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1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
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1 large sweet potato, diced
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1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
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1 red onion, sliced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp maple syrup
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tsp thyme
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F and line your pan with parchment paper.
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Whisk olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and thyme.
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Toss tofu and vegetables in the mixture.
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Spread evenly on the sheet pan and roast for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway.
Why It Works: The caramelized maple glaze and Dijon create a festive, slightly sweet finish that perfectly complements the earthy vegetables.
2. Harvest Sheet Pan Bowl with Roasted Chickpeas & Butternut Squash
This colorful dish doubles as a hearty main course or vibrant side. Roasted chickpeas bring crunch and protein, while butternut squash adds natural sweetness.
Ingredients:
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1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
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2 cups diced butternut squash
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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½ red onion, sliced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Toss all ingredients on a sheet pan.
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Roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
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Serve over quinoa or farro for a full meal, or drizzle with tahini sauce.
Optional Tahini Drizzle:
Whisk together 2 tbsp tahini, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and a splash of warm water until smooth.
Why It Works: This dish is both beautiful and satisfying—packed with color, fiber, and bold autumn flavor.
3. Sheet Pan Vegan “Sausage,” Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts
A hearty, rustic combination that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Perfect for a main dish or substantial side.
Ingredients:
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2 vegan sausages (such as lentil or apple-sage varieties), sliced
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1 cup baby potatoes, halved
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1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
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1 apple, diced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp rosemary
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper
Directions:
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Arrange everything on a sheet pan and toss with olive oil and seasonings.
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Roast at 400°F for 30 minutes until potatoes are crisp and Brussels sprouts are tender.
Why It Works: The contrast of smoky, savory sausage and sweet apple creates the ideal Thanksgiving flavor profile—comforting and balanced.
4. Vegan Stuffed Squash Sheet Pan Dinner
Stuffed acorn squash halves make a stunning centerpiece for any vegan Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients:
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2 acorn squashes, halved and seeded
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1 cup cooked wild rice
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½ cup cranberries
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¼ cup chopped pecans
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp maple syrup
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1 tsp cinnamon
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Salt to taste
Directions:
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Brush squash halves with olive oil and maple syrup, then roast cut side down for 20 minutes at 400°F.
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Mix rice, cranberries, pecans, and cinnamon.
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Flip squash halves, fill with mixture, and bake for another 15 minutes.
Why It Works: This recipe looks elegant but takes minimal effort. The combination of sweet, nutty, and tart flavors is quintessentially Thanksgiving.
5. Sheet Pan Vegan Gnocchi with Vegetables
Yes, gnocchi can be roasted! This one-pan meal gives you pillowy, crispy textures paired with fall vegetables.
Ingredients:
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1 package vegan gnocchi
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1 cup cherry tomatoes
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1 zucchini, sliced
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½ red onion, sliced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper
Directions:
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Toss all ingredients on a pan and spread evenly.
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Roast at 425°F for 20–25 minutes until gnocchi is golden.
Why It Works: The high heat crisps the gnocchi while vegetables caramelize beautifully—fast, flavorful, and family-friendly.
6. Sheet Pan Cranberry Glazed Tempeh with Roasted Vegetables
This dish takes traditional Thanksgiving flavors and gives them a modern, vegan twist.
Ingredients:
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8 oz tempeh, sliced into strips
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1 cup carrots, sliced
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1 cup parsnips, sliced
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1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
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¼ cup cranberry sauce
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1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp rosemary
Directions:
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Whisk cranberry sauce, vinegar, and oil for the glaze.
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Coat tempeh and veggies in the mixture.
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Roast at 400°F for 30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Why It Works: The glaze caramelizes beautifully, giving the tempeh a tangy-sweet coating that feels celebratory and comforting.
7. Dessert: Sheet Pan Vegan Apple Crisp
A sweet finale that’s big on flavor but light on cleanup.
Ingredients:
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4 apples, sliced
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1 cup rolled oats
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¼ cup almond flour
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¼ cup coconut oil
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¼ cup maple syrup
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1 tsp cinnamon
Directions:
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Spread apples on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
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Mix oats, flour, oil, syrup, and cinnamon into a crumble.
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Sprinkle over apples and bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
Why It Works: It’s a rustic, crowd-pleasing dessert that uses pantry staples and delivers that classic Thanksgiving comfort.
Tips for the Perfect Vegan Sheet Pan Thanksgiving
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Stagger Cooking Times: Start with denser ingredients like potatoes or squash, then add quicker-cooking veggies midway.
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Mind the Space: Don’t overcrowd your pan; roasting requires airflow to achieve caramelization.
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Use Two Pans for Variety: Roast your protein and veggies separately if you want different textures or flavor profiles.
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Make a Sauce or Dressing: Elevate your meal with a drizzle of vegan gravy, tahini, or balsamic glaze.
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Garnish for Flair: Add fresh herbs or toasted nuts before serving to bring everything together.
Sample Vegan Thanksgiving Sheet Pan Menu
Here’s how you can combine the recipes above into a complete, cohesive meal:
Main Dish: Cranberry glazed tempeh with roasted vegetables
Side 1: Maple-Dijon roasted veggies and tofu
Side 2: Harvest sheet pan chickpea bowl
Dessert: Apple crisp
Pair with a warm beverage like spiced apple cider or a pumpkin chai latte, and you’ve got a festive, effortless Thanksgiving dinner that feels complete.
Why Vegan Sheet Pan Dinners Are Perfect for Every Cook
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan cook or just starting to explore plant-based eating, sheet pan meals simplify the process without compromising flavor or nutrition. They allow for creative combinations, batch cooking, and easy scaling—ideal for hosting or solo dining.
Most importantly, these recipes capture what Thanksgiving is all about: gratitude, abundance, and togetherness—without the stress.
Celebrate Simplicity and Compassion
Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, family, and gratitude. By preparing a vegan sheet pan dinner, you’re embracing not only simplicity but also compassion—for animals, the planet, and your own well-being.
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Final Thoughts: Effortless Elegance, Vegan Style
A vegan Thanksgiving sheet pan dinner proves that simplicity and sophistication can coexist. Each dish is wholesome, balanced, and deeply satisfying—perfect for intimate gatherings, Friendsgiving parties, or anyone who wants to spend less time cooking and more time celebrating.
By leaning on roasted vegetables, seasonal flavors, and plant-based proteins, you can create a feast that honors the spirit of Thanksgiving while keeping things uncomplicated. Minimal prep, maximum joy—that’s what vegan holiday cooking should be.
Whether you’re serving a crowd or treating yourself to a peaceful dinner for one, these sheet pan recipes will fill your table with color, flavor, and gratitude. Because when compassion leads the way, every meal is worth celebrating.