Thanksgiving is a celebration of gratitude, family, and—of course—delicious food. But what if you want your feast to be entirely plant-based?
With the right recipes, you can create a holiday spread that’s every bit as hearty, nostalgic, and memorable as the classic table, all without a trace of animal products. Whether you’re hosting lifelong vegans, curious omnivores, or anyone in between, these 100 vegan Thanksgiving recipes ensure everyone leaves the table full and happy.
From showstopping mains and classic sides to cozy soups, vibrant salads, and decadent desserts, you’ll discover creative twists and comforting favorites alike. Ready to plan your most flavorful vegan Thanksgiving ever?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Embracing a vegan Thanksgiving means more than just skipping the turkey. It’s about celebrating the abundance of the season with bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and dishes that bring people together.
These recipes are:
- Inclusive: Everyone can enjoy them—vegan, vegetarian, or omnivore.
- Seasonal: Packed with autumn produce like squash, sweet potatoes, and cranberries.
- Comforting: Full of cozy, nostalgic flavors you expect at Thanksgiving.
- Creative: Includes inventive twists to surprise and delight your guests.
- Make-ahead friendly: Many dishes can be prepared in advance to ease your holiday stress.
Ingredients
The following list covers the essential pantry staples and fresh produce you’ll use across these 100 recipes. Keep in mind, each recipe will have its unique ingredients, but here are the basics to keep stocked:
Category | Ingredients |
---|---|
Produce |
|
Pantry |
|
Spices |
|
Equipment
- Baking sheets
- Large and medium mixing bowls
- Heavy-bottomed pots and Dutch ovens
- Roasting pans
- Blender or food processor
- Potato masher
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Casserole dishes
- Mandoline slicer (optional for gratins and salads)
- Rolling pin (for pies and pastry)
Instructions
Since you’ll be making a bountiful spread, here’s a general guide to planning and preparing your vegan Thanksgiving menu. For individual recipes, see the detailed list below.
- Plan Your Menu: Choose 1-2 mains, 3-5 sides, a soup or salad, and 1-2 desserts to balance your feast. Mix classic and new favorites for variety.
- Prep Ahead: Wash and chop veggies, cook grains, and make pie doughs up to 2 days in advance. Store in airtight containers.
- Start with Mains: Prepare centerpiece dishes like stuffed squash, vegan roasts, or lentil loaves first, as these often require the most oven time.
- Roast & Bake Sides: While mains cook, prep and roast root vegetables, bake casseroles, and assemble salads.
- Make Gravy & Sauces: Simmer vegan gravy and cranberry sauce on the stovetop; keep warm until serving.
- Finish with Bread & Dessert: Bake vegan rolls or cornbread, and finish desserts like pies, crisps, or cakes.
- Assemble & Serve: Arrange dishes on platters, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy your stunning vegan Thanksgiving spread!
Tip: Assign guests a dish to bring, or prep as much as you can the day before to keep the holiday stress-free!
Tips & Variations
- Mix Textures: Combine creamy, crunchy, and chewy elements for interest in every bite.
- Go Global: Add a few international dishes for a festive twist. Try Turkish vegan recipes (Turkish Vegan Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals) or Indian barbecue (Indian Vegetarian Barbecue Recipes for Flavorful Grilling).
- Make It Nut-Free: Substitute seeds for nuts in sauces, stuffings, and desserts.
- Use Dehydrated Veggies: For make-ahead or travel-friendly sides, check out Recipes Dehydrated Vegetables: Easy Meals and Snacks.
- Add Smoky Flavors: Try smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or smoked mushrooms for deep, savory notes (Smoked Vegetarian Recipes for Flavorful Meatless Meals).
- Make It Kid-Friendly: Let little ones help shape rolls or assemble dessert cups!
“The beauty of a vegan Thanksgiving is that it welcomes everyone to the table. With thoughtful planning, you’ll satisfy every palate and create new traditions.”
Nutrition Facts
Each vegan Thanksgiving menu will vary, but here’s a sample nutrition profile for a plate featuring:
- Lentil loaf with mushroom gravy
- Mashed potatoes
- Green bean casserole
- Roasted root vegetables
- Cranberry sauce
Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 500-700 kcal |
Protein | 18-25g |
Carbohydrates | 85-100g |
Fat | 10-18g |
Fiber | 15-20g |
Sodium | Varies (use low-sodium broth for less salt) |
Vegan dishes are generally rich in fiber, vitamins, and phytonutrients, and can be adapted for gluten-free or low-oil diets as needed.
Serving Suggestions
- Set a Festive Table: Use autumn leaves, candles, and colorful linens to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- Serve Family Style: Let guests help themselves to platters of mains and sides, encouraging conversation and connection.
- Balance the Menu: Offer a mix of hot and cold dishes, and be sure to include both classic flavors (like sage and cranberry) and bold innovations.
- Accommodate Allergies: Clearly label dishes with potential allergens and offer gluten-free or nut-free alternatives.
- Include a Signature Drink: Warm apple cider, spiced cranberry punch, or a creative mocktail will complete your feast.
100 Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes
Ready for endless inspiration? Here’s a list of 100 vegan recipes to build your ultimate Thanksgiving menu.
Mix and match to suit your taste and guest list!
Mains & Centerpieces
- Stuffed butternut squash with wild rice and cranberries
- Vegan lentil loaf with mushroom gravy
- Seitan roast with sage and rosemary
- Stuffed acorn squash with quinoa, pecans & apples
- Cashew cheese and spinach stuffed shells
- Vegan shepherd’s pie with lentils and veggies
- Chickpea “meatloaf” with tomato glaze
- Stuffed portobello mushrooms
- Pumpkin risotto with roasted garlic
- Jackfruit pot pie
Classic Sides
- Creamy mashed potatoes with vegan butter
- Mushroom gravy
- Green bean casserole with crispy onions (Allens Green Beans Recipe)
- Maple roasted Brussels sprouts
- Orange-glazed carrots
- Candied sweet potatoes
- Vegan mac and cheese (Bahamian Macaroni And Cheese Recipe: A Tasty Delight)
- Cranberry-orange sauce
- Herbed stuffing with sourdough bread
- Cornbread stuffing
Grain & Bean Salads
- Farro salad with roasted squash and pecans
- Wild rice salad with dried cherries and walnuts
- French lentil salad with Dijon vinaigrette
- Quinoa, kale, and cranberry salad
- Chickpea and roasted beet salad
Soups & Starters
- Butternut squash soup with coconut milk
- Creamy pumpkin soup with ginger
- Carrot-apple soup with thyme
- Roasted cauliflower soup
- Lentil vegetable soup (Lipton Vegetable Soup Mix Recipes for Easy Family Meals)
Breads & Muffins
- Rosemary-garlic focaccia
- Classic vegan dinner rolls
- Sweet potato biscuits
- Cranberry-orange muffins
- Vegan cornbread (Z Tejas Cornbread Recipe)
Roasted & Grilled Vegetables
- Roasted root vegetables with balsamic glaze
- Maple-mustard glazed carrots and parsnips
- Grilled eggplant with garlic and herbs
- Roasted beets with citrus vinaigrette
- Spiced cauliflower steaks
Potato Dishes
- Classic mashed potatoes
- Potato gratin with cashew cream
- Twice-baked potatoes with chives
- Sweet potato mash with maple and cinnamon
- Potato and leek soup
Gravies & Sauces
- Rich mushroom gravy
- Classic brown vegan gravy
- Apple cider gravy
- Cashew cream sauce
- Vegan aioli with roasted garlic
Stuffings & Dressings
- Wild rice and cranberry stuffing
- Classic bread stuffing with sage
- Cornbread and pecan stuffing
- Quinoa and mushroom stuffing
- Apple-celery stuffing
Salads & Slaws
- Kale salad with maple-mustard vinaigrette
- Shaved Brussels sprout salad with cranberries
- Spinach salad with roasted pears and walnuts
- Apple-fennel slaw
- Pomegranate and arugula salad
Appetizers & Finger Foods
- Stuffed mushrooms with walnut “sausage”
- Mini lentil-walnut meatballs
- Vegan cheese ball (Veggie Cheese Ball Recipe for Easy Party Appetizers)
- Phyllo-wrapped spinach and artichoke bites
- Roasted red pepper hummus
Desserts
- Classic vegan pumpkin pie (1796 Pumpkin Pie Recipe)
- Pecan pie with maple syrup
- Apple crisp with oat topping
- Sweet potato pie
- Vegan rugelach (Vegan Rugelach Recipe: Easy, Delicious Dairy-Free Treat)
- Chocolate-avocado mousse
- Pear and cranberry crumble
- Vegan cheesecake with cranberry swirl
- Spiced pumpkin cake
- Gingerbread cookies
Other Festive Sides
- Glazed pearl onions
- Maple baked beans
- Rutabaga mash (Rutabaga Recipes Vegan: Tasty Plant-Based Meal Ideas)
- Spiced cranberry chutney
- Roasted garlic mashed cauliflower
Unique & Global Dishes
- Turkish-style stuffed eggplant (Turkish Veg Recipes: Easy & Flavorful Dishes to Try)
- Moroccan-spiced chickpeas and carrots
- Smoky black bean stew
- Sweet potato and lentil tagine
- Vegan cassoulet
Breakfast & Brunch (for Thanksgiving morning)
- Pumpkin spice pancakes
- Cranberry-orange scones
- Tofu scramble with roasted veggies
- Sweet potato hash
- Overnight oats with pecans and spices
Drinks
- Spiced apple cider
- Cranberry-orange punch
- Maple chai latte
- Mulled wine (alcohol-free version)
- Pumpkin pie smoothie
Bonus Treats & Snacks
- Almond cashew clusters (Almond Cashew Clusters Recipe)
- Air fryer granola (Air Fryer Granola Recipe)
- Vegan funnel cake (Vegan Funnel Cake Recipe for Easy Homemade Treats)
- Zucchini bread with raisins (Zucchini Bread Recipes With Raisins)
- Dehydrated veggie chips (Recipes Dehydrated Vegetables: Easy Meals and Snacks)
Conclusion
With these 100 vegan Thanksgiving recipes, you’re ready to create a holiday spread that’s every bit as festive, satisfying, and memorable as any traditional feast. Whether you’re serving an intimate gathering or a lively crowd, these dishes are designed to bring everyone together—nourished and inspired.
Don’t be afraid to get creative, tweak recipes to suit your family’s tastes, and start new traditions that put compassion and flavor at the heart of your celebration. Wishing you a warm, joyful, and delicious vegan Thanksgiving!
For more inspiration beyond Thanksgiving, explore our Vegan Casserole Recipes: Easy for quick weeknight dinner and treat yourself to Vegan Easter Dessert Recipes Everyone Will Love for your next occasion.
Happy cooking!
đź“– Recipe Card: 100 Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes
Description: A curated collection of 100 delicious vegan recipes perfect for Thanksgiving. Enjoy plant-based versions of holiday classics with friends and family.
Prep Time: PT1H30M
Cook Time: PT3H0M
Total Time: PT4H30M
Servings: 100 servings
Ingredients
- 5 cups chopped butternut squash
- 3 cups cooked lentils
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 2 cups cranberries
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 6 cups mashed potatoes
- 3 cups vegan mushroom gravy
- 2 cups vegan stuffing mix
- 2 cups roasted Brussels sprouts
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 cups canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roast butternut squash and Brussels sprouts until tender.
- Prepare lentils according to package instructions.
- Mix mashed potatoes with coconut milk until creamy.
- Combine cranberries and maple syrup in a saucepan and simmer.
- Prepare vegan stuffing as directed on the package.
- Sauté spinach until wilted.
- Toast pecans lightly in a skillet.
- Mix pumpkin puree with spices for a pie filling.
- Layer ingredients as desired for each recipe.
- Serve with vegan mushroom gravy.
- Enjoy your vegan Thanksgiving feast!
Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 7g | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 38g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “100 Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A curated collection of 100 delicious vegan recipes perfect for Thanksgiving. Enjoy plant-based versions of holiday classics with friends and family.”, “prepTime”: “PT1H30M”, “cookTime”: “PT3H0M”, “totalTime”: “PT4H30M”, “recipeYield”: “100 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“5 cups chopped butternut squash”, “3 cups cooked lentils”, “4 cups baby spinach”, “2 cups cranberries”, “2 cups chopped pecans”, “6 cups mashed potatoes”, “3 cups vegan mushroom gravy”, “2 cups vegan stuffing mix”, “2 cups roasted Brussels sprouts”, “1 cup coconut milk”, “2 cups canned pumpkin puree”, “1 cup maple syrup”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Roast butternut squash and Brussels sprouts until tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Prepare lentils according to package instructions.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix mashed potatoes with coconut milk until creamy.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine cranberries and maple syrup in a saucepan and simmer.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Prepare vegan stuffing as directed on the package.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Saut\u00e9 spinach until wilted.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Toast pecans lightly in a skillet.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix pumpkin puree with spices for a pie filling.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Layer ingredients as desired for each recipe.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve with vegan mushroom gravy.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Enjoy your vegan Thanksgiving feast!”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220”, “proteinContent”: “7g”, “fatContent”: “6g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “38g”}}