Best Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes Hot for Food Lovers

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and—let’s face it—a fabulous feast. But if you’re planning a plant-based celebration, the pressure is on to create dishes that are not just “good for vegan,” but absolutely crave-worthy for everyone at the table.

That’s where this collection of the best vegan Thanksgiving recipes hot for food comes in! We’ve curated a selection of hearty, flavorful, and show-stopping mains, savory sides, and a dessert that will make you forget all about turkey and dairy.

Whether you’re hosting a fully vegan dinner or bringing a dish to share, these recipes will warm your kitchen and your heart. So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s make this holiday the most delicious one yet!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan Thanksgiving recipes aren’t just about replacing the classics—they’re about celebrating the bounty of autumn in the most delicious way possible. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to evoke the cozy flavors you crave during the holidays, like earthy roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, and umami-rich gravies—all 100% plant-based.

• Flavorful & Comforting: Rich gravies, creamy sauces, and perfectly roasted veggies mean you won’t miss a thing.
• Inclusive: Everyone at the table, vegan or not, will love these dishes.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Many of these recipes can be prepped in advance, making your holiday stress-free.
• Impressive Presentation: These recipes look as good as they taste—perfect for a festive spread.

Ready to wow your guests? Let’s dive into this vegan Thanksgiving menu!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for a classic vegan Thanksgiving spread featuring Lentil Loaf with Savory Mushroom Gravy, Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Maple-Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts:

Equipment

• Large saucepan
• Baking sheet
• Loaf pan (9×5-inch)
• Mixing bowls
• Large pot (for potatoes)
• Potato masher
• Skillet (for gravy)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Instructions

Lentil Loaf

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment or lightly grease.
2. Cook the lentils: Combine lentils and vegetable broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes until tender and most liquid is absorbed. Drain excess liquid if needed.
3. Sauté the veggies: In a skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, carrot, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
4. Mix and mash: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked lentils, sautéed veggies, oats, ground flaxseed, tomato paste, soy sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mash together with a potato masher or fork, leaving some texture.
5. Pack and bake: Press the mixture firmly into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until firm and golden. Let cool 10 minutes before slicing for best texture.

Mushroom Gravy

1. Sauté mushrooms & onion: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms and onion. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, until browned and moisture is mostly evaporated.
2. Add garlic & flour: Stir in minced garlic. Sprinkle flour over and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Simmer: Slowly pour in vegetable broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Add soy sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring, until thickened to your liking.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep warm until serving.

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil potatoes: Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a big pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes, until fork-tender.
2. Infuse garlic: In a small saucepan, melt vegan butter and gently heat minced garlic for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant but not brown.
3. Mash and mix: Drain potatoes and return to pot. Add garlic-butter, half the plant milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until creamy, adding more milk as needed.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep warm until serving.

Maple-Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Toss sprouts: In a bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and black pepper.
3. Roast: Spread on baking sheet, cut side down. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until deeply golden and crispy on edges.
4. Serve immediately for best texture.

Tips & Variations

• Make-Ahead: The lentil loaf and mashed potatoes can be made a day ahead. Reheat gently before serving.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free oats and flour, and tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Add-Ins: Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the lentil loaf for crunch.
• Switch Up the Veggies: Swap in sweet potatoes for the mashed potatoes, or try Swiss chard or kale sautéed as an additional side.
• Extra Sides: Complement your meal with creamy vegetable alfredo or a light veggie soup starter.

For perfect slices, let the lentil loaf stand 10-15 minutes before cutting. This helps it hold together beautifully!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown per serving (based on 1/8th of the full meal, including loaf, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and gravy):

Nutrition may vary based on ingredients and any extra sides added.

Serving Suggestions

• Centerpiece: Serve thick slices of lentil loaf topped with mushroom gravy, flanked by a mountain of creamy mashed potatoes and a generous helping of roasted Brussels sprouts.
• Festive Extras: Add a simple green salad, or try vegan cranberry sauce and roasted root vegetables.
• Bread Basket: Round out your table with homemade vegan bread machine rolls or crusty sourdough.
• Dessert: Don’t forget a sweet finish—this vegetarian date cake is easy and crowd-pleasing.

Conclusion

Whether you’re hosting your first plant-based Thanksgiving or you’re a seasoned vegan chef, these recipes prove that comfort food can be warm, hearty, and totally satisfying without a trace of animal products.

The combination of a savory lentil loaf, luscious mushroom gravy, creamy mashed potatoes, and caramelized Brussels sprouts will have everyone coming back for seconds—vegan or not.

Don’t be surprised if these dishes become new family traditions. The best part?

You can serve up compassion, health, and incredible flavor all in one joyful meal. Have a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving—filled with gratitude and great food!

More Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes Hot for Food: A Listicle

If you’re hungry for even more inspiration, here are some of the best vegan Thanksgiving recipes that will keep your feast hot, hearty, and festive. From mains to desserts, each one is a surefire crowd-pleaser!

Vegan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

• Roast spaghetti squash halves, then fill with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, garlic, and white beans. Top with vegan cheese and bake until bubbly. Try this twist on classic comfort food with our stuffed squash recipes.

Creamy Vegan Bechamel Green Bean Casserole

• Toss blanched green beans with a homemade vegan bechamel sauce and crispy onions for a rich, decadent side that’s totally dairy-free.

Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

• A base of lentils, carrots, peas, and corn in a savory gravy, topped with fluffy mashed potatoes, then baked until golden. This is the ultimate comfort food casserole!

Vegetable Alfredo Bake

• Toss your favorite seasonal veggies (like broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots) with creamy vegan alfredo and baked pasta for a decadent, crowd-pleasing main or side.

Vegan Mushroom Wellington

• Layers of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and greens wrapped in puff pastry. Bake until golden for a stunning main dish that’s elegant and hearty.

Slow Cooker Vegan Chili

• Let your slow cooker do the work while you prep other dishes! Beans, tomatoes, corn, and warming spices make this a cozy must-have for your holiday table.

Maple-Roasted Root Vegetables

• Toss a blend of carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and red onions with maple syrup, olive oil, and fresh thyme. Roast until caramelized and serve hot.

Vegan Gravy (Soy-Free Option)

• Make a simple, flavorful gravy with sautéed onions, garlic, vegetable broth, and a touch of miso or tahini for umami. See more soy-free vegan ideas for allergy-friendly options.

Vegan Mac and Cheese

• Blend soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, plant milk, and a pinch of turmeric for a creamy, cheesy sauce over elbow macaroni. Bake with breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.

Date-Sweetened Pumpkin Pie

• Whip up a classic pumpkin pie with a date and oat crust, filled with spiced pumpkin puree and coconut cream. It’s the perfect sweet ending to your meal! For more sweet treats, try our vegetarian date cake.

With these hot vegan Thanksgiving recipes, you’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable, plant-based holiday feast. Happy cooking and happy holidays!

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