Butternut Squash Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes to Savor

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to showcase hearty, comforting dishes that bring warmth and joy to the table. When it comes to vegan options, butternut squash shines as a star ingredient, offering a naturally sweet, creamy texture and vibrant color that’s impossible to resist.

Whether you’re catering to plant-based guests or simply want to add a seasonal twist to your holiday feast, butternut squash-based vegan recipes are both satisfying and festive. From savory mains to delightful sides, these recipes embrace the cozy flavors of fall while keeping things wholesome and cruelty-free.

In this post, we’ll explore several delicious butternut squash vegan Thanksgiving recipes that are easy to prepare and sure to impress. Each recipe highlights the versatility of butternut squash and incorporates warming spices, fresh herbs, and complementary ingredients to elevate your holiday spread.

Ready to make your Thanksgiving dinner memorable and vegan-friendly? Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Butternut squash is a nutritional powerhouse loaded with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Its naturally sweet flavor allows it to blend seamlessly into both savory and sweet dishes.

These recipes are designed to be simple yet elegant, perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks.

Each dish offers a unique texture and flavor profile—from creamy soups to hearty casseroles and roasted vegetable medleys. Plus, these recipes are entirely plant-based, meaning they’re free from dairy, eggs, and other animal products, catering to vegans and those with dietary restrictions alike.

Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece or easy side dishes to round out your meal, these butternut squash recipes will bring warmth and festive cheer to your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients

• 2 medium butternut squash (about 3-4 pounds), peeled and cubed
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup canned coconut milk (full fat for creaminess)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup cooked quinoa (optional, for stuffing or casserole)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
• Fresh sage and thyme (about 2 tbsp each, chopped)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, for cheesy flavor)

Equipment

• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Medium saucepan or pot
• Blender or immersion blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Oven
• Serving dishes

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the butternut squash: Peel, remove seeds, and cube the squash into roughly 1-inch pieces. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and half of the cinnamon and nutmeg.
3. Roast the squash: Spread the cubes on the baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and caramelized around the edges, flipping halfway through.
4. Sauté the aromatics: While the squash roasts, heat the remaining olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, and remaining spices; sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Make the soup base: Add the roasted butternut squash to the saucepan along with vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Blend until creamy: Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender in batches. Blend until smooth and creamy.
7. Stir in coconut milk and maple syrup: Return the soup to the pot, stir in coconut milk, maple syrup, and nutritional yeast if using. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
8. Optional quinoa casserole: In a baking dish, mix roasted squash cubes with cooked quinoa, chopped nuts, fresh herbs, and a splash of vegetable broth. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy on top.
9. Garnish and serve: Serve soup hot, garnished with fresh sage or thyme, and a drizzle of coconut cream or olive oil. For the casserole, sprinkle additional nuts and herbs before serving.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra depth of flavor, try roasting the butternut squash with a sprinkle of smoked chili powder or cumin. You can also swap out quinoa for farro or brown rice in the casserole for a different texture.”

• Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to kick up the heat.
• Sweet vs. savory: For a sweeter dish, increase the maple syrup and add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins.
• Herb swap: Use rosemary instead of sage for a piney, fragrant twist.
• Nut-free option: Omit nuts or replace with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
• Use pumpkin: Substitute canned pumpkin puree for roasted squash in the soup for a quicker version.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These butternut squash vegan recipes pair wonderfully with a variety of classic Thanksgiving sides and mains. Consider serving the soup as a starter, followed by a hearty grain salad or roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.

For a cozy holiday spread, serve the casserole alongside vegan stuffing or mashed potatoes. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the rich flavors, while fresh cranberry sauce adds a burst of color and sweetness.

Don’t forget to check out other seasonal recipes for your Thanksgiving table, such as our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food or the delightful Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes.

For more vegan pasta inspiration, try the Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe.

Conclusion

Butternut squash is a wonderfully versatile ingredient that can transform your vegan Thanksgiving menu into something truly special. Its natural sweetness and creamy texture lend themselves beautifully to both soups and casseroles, making it a crowd-pleaser no matter your guests’ dietary preferences.

By using wholesome, plant-based ingredients and warming spices, these recipes bring out the best of autumn’s bounty while keeping your meal comforting and nourishing. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply exploring new holiday flavors, these butternut squash recipes will add color, taste, and festive cheer to your Thanksgiving table.

Give these dishes a try this holiday season—you might just find your new favorite Thanksgiving tradition!

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