The yummiest holiday of the year is here! Set your table with crowd-pleasing vegan dishes and your Thanksgiving will be remembered for months. Below is a curated collection of recipes, prep tips, and sample menus to guide your holiday cooking—perfect even if you start a few hours before guests arrive. Scroll through, pick what you want to make, and enjoy a stress-free celebration.
Beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes—they’re all coming to the table this year! Planning a delicious vegan meal shouldn’t be stressful, so this guide collects favorite recipes and helpful tips. Many of these dishes appear in my cookbook, Sweet Potato Soul, which includes even more holiday recipes.
If you prefer pre-made vegan options, I include recommendations later in the article—keep scrolling for ready-to-buy solutions.
A Moment of Gratitude
Thanksgiving is a wonderful reminder to cultivate gratitude year-round. Regularly acknowledging what you’re thankful for can boost well-being and happiness. Try small daily habits—set a phone reminder to name three things you appreciate, or keep a short gratitude journal. Over time, these practices help develop an “attitude of gratitude” that enriches daily life.
Now, let’s dive into the food!
Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes
Main Dishes
No dry turkey here—these vegan main dishes are the stars. Many are among my most popular recipes and make impressive holiday centerpieces.
Elegant Mushroom Wellington
Meaty, savory vegetables layered in buttery vegan puff pastry make a show-stopping centerpiece. This refined, plant-based Wellington is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
The Best Vegan Lentil Meatloaf
A comforting loaf made with lentils, toasted walnuts, vegetables, and a balsamic ketchup glaze—perfect for holidays or any dinner.
Whole Cauliflower Piccata
An elegant, easy-to-make centerpiece dressed in a bright lemon-piccata sauce that complements classic holiday sides.
Whole Roasted Cabbage “Turkey”
Roasting a whole cabbage for hours yields a crisp exterior and tender layers inside—an adventurous, flavorful alternative to traditional roasts.
Mushroom Étouffée
A Creole-inspired, deeply flavored mushroom étouffée that satisfies both plant-based and omnivorous guests.
Wild Rice Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes filled with wild rice, mushrooms, a roasted red pepper sauce, and herb-roasted pecans—delicious as a side or main.
Pan-Fried Oyster Mushrooms
Juicy, savory pan-fried oyster mushrooms are versatile—add them to sandwiches, pastas, or serve as a hearty holiday side.
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
A comforting casserole topped with fluffy sweet potatoes—perfect for potlucks and holiday dinners.
Mushroom-Stuffed Sweet Potato
Stuffed with wild mushrooms and braised leeks, these sweet potatoes are beautiful, hearty, and satisfying.
Thanksgiving Soups
Soup makes a warming appetizer while the rest of the meal finishes. These rich, flavor-packed soups set the tone for a memorable Thanksgiving.
Vibrant Beet Soup with Sweet Potatoes
A nutrient-dense, immune-boosting soup with beets, sweet potatoes, carrots, ginger, and garlic—bright and comforting for colder days.
Curried Parsnip Soup
Creamy and warmly spiced, this parsnip-carrot soup comes together in about 30 minutes and is a cozy starter for any holiday meal.
Coconut Butternut Squash Soup
Rich and silky with coconut milk, apples, and aromatics—this soup is naturally sweet and perfect for fall gatherings.
Sweet Potato Soup
A creamy bisque boosted with white beans for richness and topped with crispy beans for texture—simple and satisfying.
Ethiopian-Spiced Kabocha Squash Soup
A cozy, spiced kabocha soup made with Berbere seasoning for an aromatic, healthful starter.
Sweet Potato Parsnip Bisque
Savory parsnips pair beautifully with sweet potato in this velvety bisque made extra creamy with coconut milk and white beans.
Thanksgiving Sides
Sides define the meal: mashed potatoes and gravy, collard greens, mac and cheese, and glazed sweet potatoes are among the favorites. Below are plenty of options to round out your table.
Divine Sourdough Stuffing
Sourdough, roasted squash, sautéed vegetables, and herbs make a savory, comforting stuffing that belongs on every holiday table.
Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Light, fluffy, and buttery without dairy—these mashed potatoes are a holiday essential.
Vegan Mushroom Gravy
Savory, silky mushroom gravy that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes and roasted mains.
Vegan Collard Greens
Southern-style collards cooked until tender and richly seasoned—an essential comforting side.
Vegan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy-tasting pasta made with roasted butternut squash and nutritional yeast—comfort food at its best.
Vegan Gluten-Free Cornbread
Moist, tender cornbread made without dairy or eggs—great alongside chilis, soups, and holiday mains.
Roasted Beets and Carrots
Simple roasted root vegetables that are flavorful, colorful, and nutritious—ideal for holiday plates.
Air Fryer Carrots
Tender and caramelized in minutes, these air fryer carrots are an easy, budget-friendly side.
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Carrots
Smoky maple glaze and a touch of spice create a naturally sweet and savory holiday side.
10 Minute Air Fryer Green Beans
Crispy exterior, tender inside—air fryer green beans are a fast, flavorful side that pairs with everything.
Gochujang Oven Roasted Carrots
A bold, savory-sweet Korean-inspired glaze elevates roasted carrots into a standout holiday side.
Chili Lime Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Salty, sweet, and spicy—these glazed sweet potatoes are bright and addictive.
Butternut Squash Slow Cooker Stuffing
Make stuffing in a slow cooker for hands-off convenience—mushrooms and butternut squash add depth and warmth.
Orange Miso Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Sticky, tender, and balanced with bright orange and savory miso—an elevated take on candied yams.
Best Vegan Crab Cakes
Quick, flavorful cakes with red pepper aioli—great as appetizers or a unique side.
Sweet Potato & Brussels Sprouts Gratin
A crispy breadcrumb topping over tender vegetables creates a satisfying dairy-free gratin.
Kabocha Squash Caramelized Onion Spread
Sweet and savory, this spread is delicious on crostini or as a creative side alternative.
Desserts
The sweetest part of the meal—save room for these desserts, especially my Nana’s sweet potato pie. Classic pies and baked treats make the perfect holiday finish.
Vegan Pecan Pie
Sweet, gooey, and rich—this pecan pie is made without animal products and is holiday-ready.
Nana’s Vegan Sweet Potato Pie
A creamy plant-based filling of roasted sweet potatoes and butternut squash, spiced and baked in a flaky vegan crust—comforting and nostalgic.
Vegan Apple Pie with Apple Peel Caramel
A spiced deep-dish apple pie with a silky apple-peel caramel topping—cozy and indulgent.
Vegan Chocolate Pecan Pie
Bittersweet chocolate, toasted pecans, and maple make this pie decadently satisfying.
The Most Delicious Vegan Pumpkin Pie
A silky filling of pumpkin and butternut squash, perfectly spiced for a true taste of fall.
Flaky Vegan Pie Crust
A tender, buttery-feeling crust that works for both sweet and savory pies—easy to make from pantry staples.
No-Bake Sweet Potato Bars
A quick, no-bake dessert with gingerbread-inspired crust and creamy filling—ideal for busy hosts.
Cozy Vegan Apple Crisp
An easy, comforting apple crisp with an oat-based crumble—less sugar, big flavor.
Vegan Apple Tart with Walnut Crust
A sophisticated apple tart with a gluten-free walnut crust—ideal when you want something elegant.
Crustless Vegan Pecan Pie
A gluten-free, easy-to-make option served in individual ramekins for a personal touch.
Festive Cocktails
Add festive beverages to set the tone—cocktails and a non-alcoholic mocktail offer a warm welcome. Apple cider sangria is a favorite to start the evening.
Best Apple Cider Sangria
Apples, cinnamon, red wine, and citrus mingle into a spiced, fruity sangria. For best flavor, let it sit several hours before serving.
Apple Nutmeg Mocktail
A festive non-alcoholic option made with apple cider, aquafaba, and nutmeg—crowd-pleasing and celebratory.
Winter Sunrise Cocktail
A pretty cocktail to impress guests—serve in your best glasses for holiday sparkle.
Pomegranate Aperol Spritz
Light, bubbly, and easy to make—pomegranate adds a festive note to this simple spritz.
Pomegranate Margarita
A festive twist on the margarita—bright and celebratory for holiday gatherings.
Thanksgiving Prep Tips & Timeline
Hosting a holiday meal is easier with a timeline. Here’s a practical plan to keep you organized and calm.
- 3–5 Days Ahead: Do your shopping early to avoid sold-out items and crowded stores.
- 1–3 Days Ahead: Make desserts and refrigerate. Prepare soups, sauces, and dressings. You can also make mac and cheese and some mains like lentil loaf or roasted cauliflower—reheat at 325°F for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Morning Of: Tackle time-consuming items such as rolls, stuffing, and any roasts (like the Wellington).
- 3–4 Hours Before Dinner: Roast and cook vegetable sides—collard greens, roasted vegetables, etc.
- Before Serving: Warm dishes on the stove or in the oven. If guests serve themselves, use warming trays to keep food hot.
Sample Vegan Thanksgiving Menus
Classic Soulful Thanksgiving
Lentil Loaf
Smoky Collard Greens
Vegan Mac & Cheese
Mashed Potatoes
Mushroom Gravy
Candied Yams
Air Fryer Green Beans
Slow Cooker Stuffing
Sweet Potato Pie
California-Style Thanksgiving
Mushroom Wellington
Sweet Potato Soup
Sourdough Stuffing
Roasted Beets & Carrots
Chili Lime Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Apple Crisp
Apple Cider Sangria
Health Conscious Feast
Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Coconut Butternut Squash Soup
Gochujang Roasted Carrots
Sourdough Stuffing
Mushroom Gravy
No-Bake Sweet Potato Bars
Store-Bought Vegan Thanksgiving Options
If you don’t want to cook everything from scratch, these ready-made vegan options can save time while still delivering great flavor.
Big Mountain Foods Plant Roast
A tender, meaty plant roast with a nostalgic flavor profile and accompanying mushroom gravy—available at select grocery stores.
Gardein Turk’y Roast
A milder-textured vegan roast that appeals to guests who prefer lighter flavors; commonly available at major retailers.
Pepperidge Farm Classic Stuffing
This classic packaged stuffing is accidentally vegan—add vegan butter, onions, celery, and vegetable broth for a quick side.
Tofurky Savory Gravy
A convenient, plant-based gravy option from the makers of the classic vegan turkey—easy to find at many supermarkets.
Bob’s Red Mill Instant Mashed Potatoes
Instant potato flakes prepared with vegan butter and non-dairy milk make silky mashed potatoes when you need a fast solution.
Vegan Mac & Cheese with Store-Bought Cheese
Using store-bought vegan cheeses speeds up mac and cheese while delivering authentic flavor—an easy shortcut for holiday cooking.
Marie Callender’s Apple Pie
Many commercial fruit pies are accidentally vegan; this widely available apple pie is an easy dessert option.
Daiya Pumpkin Cheesecake
A frozen vegan pumpkin cheesecake available at major grocery stores—an alternative to traditional pies.
