Thanksgiving is all about gathering, gratitude, and, of course, food.
But if you’re hosting or attending a dinner where plant-based dishes are needed, you don’t have to settle for bland sides or skip the classics.
Vegan Thanksgiving recipes can be just as comforting, hearty, and festive as traditional ones.
From creamy mashed potatoes to pumpkin pie, these dishes will make your table shine — and everyone, vegan or not, will want a taste.
1. Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy, creamy, and buttery — without the butter. Vegan mashed potatoes are smooth, rich, and every bit as comforting as the traditional version.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Boil in salted water until fork-tender, then drain well. Mash the potatoes with vegan butter, slowly adding warm plant milk until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
How to Serve It
Serve hot with vegan gravy or roasted vegetables. Garnish with a sprinkle of chives.
2. Vegan Stuffing
This stuffing has all the flavors of Thanksgiving: hearty bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and fragrant herbs. It’s moist, savory, and perfect for the holiday table.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf crusty bread, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp dried sage and thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Toast the bread cubes in the oven until golden. In a skillet, sauté onion, celery, and carrot in olive oil until soft. Combine bread, vegetables, and herbs in a baking dish. Pour broth evenly over and bake at 375°F until the top is crisp and golden.
How to Serve It
Scoop onto plates beside mashed potatoes and gravy. Serve warm for the best texture.
3. Vegan Green Bean Casserole
A creamy, crunchy, plant-based version of the holiday favorite. Fresh green beans in a mushroom sauce topped with crispy onions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based milk
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Blanch green beans until just tender. In a skillet, cook mushrooms with olive oil, then stir in flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in plant milk to form a thick sauce. Toss in the green beans and transfer to a baking dish. Top with crispy onions and bake until bubbling.
How to Serve It
Bring it to the table warm with extra fried onions sprinkled on top.
4. Vegan Lentil Loaf
A hearty main dish that can replace turkey. Lentils, veggies, and oats baked together with savory seasonings and topped with a tangy glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked lentils
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, grated
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Spices: garlic powder, thyme, smoked paprika
Instructions
Sauté onions and carrots in olive oil. Mix with cooked lentils, oats, and seasonings until thick. Press into a loaf pan and spread tomato paste on top. Bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes until firm.
How to Serve It
Slice thick pieces and serve with vegan gravy or cranberry sauce.
5. Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
Creamy sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan and oat crumble. It’s sweet, warm, and feels like dessert for dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup plant milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- Topping: 1/2 cup pecans, 1/2 cup oats, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp vegan butter
Instructions
Boil or roast sweet potatoes until soft, then mash with plant milk, vegan butter, and maple syrup. Spread in a baking dish. Mix pecans, oats, sugar, and butter for the topping and sprinkle over. Bake at 350°F until golden.
How to Serve It
Scoop onto plates and enjoy as a sweet-savory side dish.
6. Vegan Cranberry Sauce
Tangy, sweet, and fresh. This cranberry sauce is easy to make and adds brightness to the rich flavors of Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
Simmer cranberries, sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan until berries burst and the mixture thickens. Stir in orange zest and let cool before serving.
How to Serve It
Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside lentil loaf or stuffing.
7. Vegan Pumpkin Pie
No Thanksgiving is complete without pumpkin pie. This version is creamy, spiced, and completely dairy-free.
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch vegan pie crust
- 1 can of pumpkin puree
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
Whisk together pumpkin puree, coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and spices until smooth. Pour into pie crust and bake at 350°F for about 50 minutes, until set. Let cool completely before slicing.
How to Serve It
Serve chilled with a dollop of coconut whipped cream.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving doesn’t need to revolve around turkey and butter to feel festive. These vegan recipes prove that plant-based dishes can be just as rich, comforting, and satisfying.
From savory lentil loaf to classic pumpkin pie, each dish celebrates the flavors of the season without compromise.
Whether you’re hosting a fully vegan dinner or simply adding a few plant-based options, these recipes will bring everyone together at the table.