Hosting Thanksgiving is a joyful challenge—especially when you’re feeding a large group. The good news? Creating vegan Thanksgiving side dishes for a crowd doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. With a few thoughtful recipes and clever prep, you can fill your table with plant-based dishes that everyone will love—vegans and non-vegans alike.
This guide covers hearty, crowd-pleasing side dishes that are big on flavor, easy to scale up, and made from wholesome, cruelty-free ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a mix of both, these vegan sides will make your Thanksgiving meal shine.
And if you want to celebrate your compassionate lifestyle beyond the dinner table, check out The Dharma Store—they offer vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton, perfect for wearing proudly during the holidays or gifting to fellow plant-based friends.
Why Vegan Side Dishes Steal the Show
The best part about Thanksgiving isn’t just the “main dish”—it’s the sides. From creamy potatoes to roasted vegetables, sides bring warmth, texture, and color to the holiday table.
Vegan side dishes can easily outshine their non-vegan counterparts because:
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They rely on whole, plant-based ingredients that are naturally flavorful.
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They’re inclusive, ensuring everyone—vegan, dairy-free, or otherwise—can enjoy them.
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They’re easy to scale up for larger groups.
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They emphasize freshness and creativity, offering a lighter balance to traditional heavy fare.
Below, you’ll find ten carefully curated vegan side dish recipes designed to feed a crowd without sacrificing flavor or presentation.
1. Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes
A Thanksgiving classic that everyone expects—and loves.
Ingredients:
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5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
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1 cup unsweetened almond milk (warm)
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½ cup vegan butter
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Boil potatoes until tender, about 20 minutes.
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Drain and mash with warm almond milk and vegan butter.
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Season generously with salt and pepper.
Pro Tip: Use a potato ricer for ultra-smooth texture. Add roasted garlic for an extra depth of flavor.
Why It Works for a Crowd: You can make this ahead and keep it warm in a slow cooker—no last-minute stress.
2. Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pecans
A sweet and savory dish that brings warmth and caramelized goodness.
Ingredients:
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4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
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3 tablespoons maple syrup
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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½ cup chopped pecans
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Dash of cinnamon and salt
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F.
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Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt.
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Roast for 30–35 minutes, stirring halfway through.
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Add pecans during the last 10 minutes.
Why It Works for a Crowd: It’s easy to double or triple the recipe, and the sheet pans go straight from oven to table.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
A perfect balance of crisp, tangy, and sweet that even skeptics will enjoy.
Ingredients:
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3 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and pepper
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2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions:
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Toss sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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Roast at 425°F for 25 minutes until golden.
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Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Why It Works for a Crowd: This dish holds up well at room temperature and can be made hours in advance.
4. Vegan Green Bean Almondine
Light, crunchy, and a break from heavier sides.
Ingredients:
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2 lbs green beans, trimmed
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3 tablespoons vegan butter
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¼ cup sliced almonds
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Lemon juice to finish
Instructions:
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Steam or boil green beans until tender-crisp.
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In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic.
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Add almonds and toast lightly.
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Toss with green beans and finish with lemon juice.
Why It Works for a Crowd: A bright, elegant dish that pairs beautifully with any main course.
5. Vegan Cornbread Casserole
Soft, slightly sweet, and a crowd favorite that doubles as comfort food.
Ingredients:
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2 cups cornmeal
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1 cup flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 cups almond milk
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¼ cup maple syrup
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¼ cup melted vegan butter
Instructions:
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Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine.
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Pour into a greased casserole dish.
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Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.
Why It Works for a Crowd: Cornbread is universally loved and easy to slice into generous portions.
6. Herbed Wild Rice Pilaf
A sophisticated side that adds texture and a nutty flavor.
Ingredients:
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3 cups cooked wild rice
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1 cup diced celery
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1 cup chopped mushrooms
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½ cup dried cranberries
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon thyme
Instructions:
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Sauté celery and mushrooms in olive oil.
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Add cooked rice, cranberries, and thyme.
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Toss until heated through.
Why It Works for a Crowd: Pilaf dishes stay warm easily and can be made in large batches without losing flavor.
7. Vegan Stuffing with Mushrooms & Herbs
A Thanksgiving must-have made completely plant-based.
Ingredients:
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10 cups cubed crusty bread (day-old)
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3 cups vegetable broth
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1 ½ cups diced onion and celery
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2 cups chopped mushrooms
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon sage and thyme each
Instructions:
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Sauté onion, celery, and mushrooms in olive oil.
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Mix with bread cubes and herbs.
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Gradually add broth until moist but not soggy.
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Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Why It Works for a Crowd: Stuffing is easy to make in large quantities and fits seamlessly with any menu.
8. Vegan Mac and “Cheese” Bake
Creamy, nostalgic, and a guaranteed hit with guests of all ages.
Ingredients:
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1 lb elbow macaroni
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2 cups cashews (soaked)
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1 ½ cups plant milk
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3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon mustard
Instructions:
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Blend cashews, milk, and seasonings into a smooth sauce.
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Pour over cooked macaroni.
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Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until golden.
Why It Works for a Crowd: Comforting, familiar, and easily scalable—it’s the ultimate vegan crowd-pleaser.
9. Roasted Root Vegetable Medley
A rustic, colorful side that celebrates seasonal produce.
Ingredients:
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2 carrots, 2 parsnips, 2 beets, cubed
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon rosemary
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Salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F.
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Toss all ingredients together.
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Roast for 35–40 minutes until tender.
Why It Works for a Crowd: Simple, beautiful, and full of earthy sweetness—it adds color and variety to any spread.
10. Vegan Cranberry Orange Relish
A bright, zesty twist on traditional cranberry sauce.
Ingredients:
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12 oz cranberries
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1 orange, zested and juiced
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½ cup maple syrup
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Pinch of cinnamon
Instructions:
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Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
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Simmer for 10–15 minutes until cranberries burst.
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Cool before serving.
Why It Works for a Crowd: It’s make-ahead friendly and adds a tangy contrast to rich dishes.
Hosting Tips for Feeding a Large Vegan Thanksgiving Crowd
Cooking for a big group can be joyful—but it’s also a logistical puzzle. Here are a few practical tips to keep things stress-free:
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Plan dishes that share ingredients. For example, use sweet potatoes in multiple recipes to reduce prep.
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Make ahead where possible. Many vegan sides, like stuffing or casseroles, reheat beautifully.
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Use large sheet pans. They maximize oven space and ensure even cooking.
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Keep dishes warm. Use slow cookers or warming trays to hold food without overcooking.
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Balance the menu. Include a mix of creamy, crunchy, and fresh sides for variety.
Pairing Your Vegan Sides
If you’re building a full vegan feast, pair these side dishes with a hearty main such as:
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Lentil loaf or seitan roast
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Stuffed squash with quinoa and cranberries
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Vegan mushroom Wellington
Add a few sauces or gravies to tie everything together, and you’ll have a spread that satisfies even the biggest appetites.
Make It Festive & Meaningful
Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food—it’s about gratitude, connection, and compassion. Hosting a vegan Thanksgiving embodies those values beautifully. By cooking plant-based dishes, you’re making a choice that’s kind to animals, gentle on the planet, and nourishing for everyone at the table.
For a touch of style and purpose, visit The Dharma Store. Their collection of vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton is perfect for holiday gifting—or wearing proudly while you cook your Thanksgiving feast.
Final Thoughts
These vegan Thanksgiving side dish recipes for a crowd prove that feeding a large group can be flavorful, festive, and fully plant-based. From creamy mashed potatoes to vibrant roasted vegetables and indulgent vegan mac and cheese, every dish brings comfort and creativity to your table.
This year, let your Thanksgiving be about abundance in every sense: abundant flavor, compassion, and gratitude. With these dishes, your crowd won’t just be satisfied—they’ll be inspired.