Buzzfeed Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes for a Delicious Feast

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and of course, delicious food. For those embracing a plant-based lifestyle or simply looking to add more vegan options to their holiday table, BuzzFeed’s vegan Thanksgiving recipes offer a fantastic way to celebrate the season with vibrant, flavorful dishes that everyone will love.

These recipes combine classic comfort foods with wholesome ingredients, ensuring that your feast is both festive and cruelty-free. Whether you’re craving a hearty main dish or crave a sweet, seasonal dessert, BuzzFeed’s collection makes it easy to enjoy a compassionate and satisfying Thanksgiving meal.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best BuzzFeed vegan Thanksgiving recipes, highlighting why they’re so popular, what you’ll need to make them, and tips to perfect your plant-based holiday feast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

BuzzFeed’s vegan Thanksgiving recipes stand out because they perfectly balance taste, texture, and ease of preparation. These dishes often utilize familiar ingredients like mushrooms, nuts, and seasonal veggies to create rich, satisfying flavors that mimic traditional holiday staples.

One of the best aspects is how accessible the recipes are. Even if you’re new to vegan cooking, the clear instructions and readily available ingredients make it simple to create memorable dishes.

Plus, these recipes are designed to impress both vegan and non-vegan guests alike, making your Thanksgiving dinner inclusive and delicious.

From creamy mashed potatoes made with plant-based butter to savory lentil loaves packed with herbs and spices, each recipe is crafted to bring warmth and joy to your holiday table.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked lentils – a great protein base for vegan mains
• 2 cups mushrooms, finely chopped – for umami flavor
• 1 large onion, diced – adds sweetness and depth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – essential aromatic
• 1 cup vegetable broth – to bind and flavor
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped – for texture and richness
• 2 cups fresh bread crumbs – for structure
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari – umami boost
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – classic Thanksgiving herb
• 1 teaspoon dried sage – adds earthiness
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil – for sautéing
• 1 cup mashed potatoes (made with plant-based butter and almond milk)
• 1 cup fresh cranberries – for homemade cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup maple syrup – natural sweetener
• 1 tablespoon orange zest – brightens the sauce
• Various seasonal vegetables (e.g., Brussels sprouts, carrots, green beans) for side dishes

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowls (medium and large sizes)
• Baking dish or loaf pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Food processor (optional for finely chopping nuts or bread crumbs)
• Pot for boiling vegetables or potatoes
• Blender or immersion blender (for cranberry sauce)
• Oven

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or baking dish with a little olive oil.
2. Sauté the onions and garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms: Stir in finely chopped mushrooms and cook until the moisture evaporates and mushrooms are browned, about 7-10 minutes.
4. Combine the main ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together cooked lentils, sautéed mushroom mixture, chopped walnuts, bread crumbs, soy sauce, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
5. Add vegetable broth: Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, stirring to combine. The mixture should hold together but not be too wet. Adjust broth or bread crumbs as needed.
6. Transfer to baking dish: Press the mixture into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly.
7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until firm and golden on top.
8. Prepare cranberry sauce: While the loaf bakes, combine fresh cranberries, maple syrup, and orange zest in a small pot over medium heat. Cook until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Blend slightly with an immersion blender for a smoother texture if desired.
9. Cook mashed potatoes: Boil peeled potatoes until tender. Drain and mash with plant-based butter and almond milk until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
10. Prepare sides: Roast or steam seasonal vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
11. Serve: Remove the lentil loaf from the oven and slice. Serve alongside mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and your choice of vegetable sides.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, substitute walnuts with pumpkin seeds or omit entirely and increase bread crumbs slightly to maintain texture.

Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread crumbs or oats in place of traditional bread crumbs.

Add more depth of flavor by stirring in finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized onions.

For extra moisture, mix in a tablespoon of ground flaxseed soaked in 3 tablespoons of water (flax egg) before baking.

Try these vegan recipes alongside this feast for a complete meal: Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe, Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes, and Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This lentil loaf pairs wonderfully with classic vegan mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce, but you can also elevate your table with other seasonal favorites. Roasted root vegetables glazed with maple syrup or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provide fresh contrast to the hearty main dish.

Don’t forget to include warm, crusty bread rolls or vegan biscuits to soak up all the delicious sauces. For dessert, try complementing your meal with a vegan pumpkin pie or whatever sweet treat you prefer.

If you’re looking for more side ideas, check out the Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes or the Maple Bourbon Pickles Recipe for unique flavors that your guests will rave about.

Conclusion

BuzzFeed vegan Thanksgiving recipes offer a perfect way to enjoy the holiday with dishes that are nourishing, flavorful, and compassionate. By replacing traditional animal-based ingredients with wholesome plant-based alternatives, you create a feast that honors the season while respecting all living beings.

These recipes are not only delicious but also approachable for cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re hosting a full vegan dinner or just looking to add a few plant-powered dishes to your table, this collection will inspire and satisfy.

Embrace the creativity and warmth of a vegan Thanksgiving and make this holiday your most memorable yet!

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