Impress and nourish your guests with easy vegan Thanksgiving sides that are both flavorful and approachable. From comforting soups to vibrant vegetable dishes, these recipes are designed to be simple enough for novice cooks while delivering big, festive flavors.
This post is dedicated to my friend Tonya, who asked for Thanksgiving side ideas that are “great for novice cooks.” Below are my favorite recipes that are straightforward, make-ahead friendly, and crowd-pleasing.
These Vegan Thanksgiving sides are:
- Delicious
- Easy to make
- Perfect for beginner cooks
- Made from wholesome ingredients
- Can be prepared ahead of time for easy serving
Sweet Potato Bisque with Crispy White Beans [recipe]
Rich and creamy, this sweet potato bisque uses blended white beans in place of heavy cream to create a silky texture without dairy. Crispy air-fried white beans on top add a crunchy contrast and a touch of gourmet flair. The soup can be made ahead; crisp the beans just before serving for the best texture.
Vegan Mac & Cheese
Vegan mac and cheese is a classic for holiday comfort. Two standout versions include a creamy butternut squash-based cheese sauce and a simpler nut-free option made with soy milk, nutritional yeast, and warming spices. Both are crowd-pleasers and easy to scale for a holiday table.
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
Nut-Free Vegan Mac & Cheese
Smoky Collard Greens [recipe]
No Thanksgiving spread feels complete without collard greens for many households. These collards are tender and richly flavored with smoked paprika and soy sauce for depth and umami, while tomatoes add a bright balance. They’re an easy, soulful addition to your menu.
Wild Mushroom & Leek Stuffed Sweet Potatoes [recipe]
These stuffed sweet potatoes are filled with a creamy farro risotto mixed with wild mushrooms and leeks, then finished with a silky sweet potato sauce. They’re elegant enough for a holiday table and hearty enough to serve as a main course if you like. For another variation, try wild rice-stuffed sweet potatoes topped with red pepper aioli and herbed pecans.
Mushroom Gravy & Mashed Potatoes [recipe]
Classic comfort food—creamy mashed potatoes smothered in savory mushroom gravy. The gravy gets a major umami boost from porcini mushroom powder, giving it the depth and richness that makes this dish irresistible. It’s a comforting, familiar favorite that guests will request again and again.
Hearts of Palm Vegan Crab Cakes [recipe]
For something unexpected, these vegan “crab” cakes use hearts of palm and chickpeas seasoned with Old Bay-style spices. They crisp up beautifully when pan-fried or air-fried and make a unique, flavor-packed addition that guests will enjoy as an appetizer or side.
Toasted Coconut Butternut Squash Soup [recipe]
Bring a touch of the tropics to the holiday table with this silky butternut squash and coconut milk soup. Roasted squash, sautéed onions, and a hint of apple add natural sweetness, while coconut milk creates a luxurious texture. Finish with pomegranate arils and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses for color, brightness, and festive appeal.
Smoky Maple Brussels Sprouts & Carrots [recipe]
Simple, caramelized, and full of flavor—roasted Brussels sprouts and carrots tossed in a smoky maple glaze develop irresistible browning and sweet-savory notes. This side is easy to prepare, pairs well with richer dishes, and adds color and texture to your Thanksgiving spread.
Here are some recipes for vegan Thanksgiving main dishes!
