Growing up bouncing back and forth between veganism and vegetarianism, the holiday season always had me a bit stressed out. Would I be able to eat anything besides green salad?! While family and friends tried to be helpful in creating their dishes, they seemed to forget what it meant to be vegan. For example, aunt Susie would make a “vegan casserole” that was smothered in cream cheese. By the time I was able to start cooking for myself, I made it a point to bring my own dishes to family feasts.
Vegan cooking doesn’t have to be hard! If you are entertaining vegans this year or are new to the lifestyle yourself, there are thousands of recipes you can choose from to get all the delicious, savory flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving feast. I’ve been digging through some of my favorite recipes and have added a few more to this list. Explore what sounds good to you and don’t hesitate to ask questions in the comments.
Holidays are stressful enough. Let’s not worry about our recipe lists too 🙂
Faux Meat
How to Cook a Tofurkey Roast by I Love Vegan –Don’t be fooled. This tofu version of Turkey can be loaded with savory flavor and the team at I love Vegan teaches you how to make the right texture every time.
Stuffed Seitan Roast by Vegan Yack Attack – This recipe requires a bit more work and ingredients, but it’s an impressive looking dish. Show off your vegan cooking skills to all your friends.
Vegan Tortiere (Meat Pie) by Ricki Heller – This gluten free pie uses cauliflower “meat” that is seasoned to perfection between pie crusts.
Veggie Meatballs with Cranberry Barbecue Sauce by Catching Seeds – A great combination of sweet and savory. This is great as an entree or served up as appetizers.
Mushroom, Lentil, & Nut Wellington by Tinned Tomatoes – Who says we have to stick with traditional American food for Thanksgiving? Try out a vegan dish on this traditional recipe from the UK.
Maple Tempeh with Herbed Quinoa by Nutrition Stripped – Delight your guests with this recipe, which caramelizes the tempeh to perfection.
‘Meatless’ Entrees
The Ultimate Vegan Thanksgiving Loaf with Cranberry Glaze by I Love Vegan – I considered this a “non-meat” entree, as the loaf is stuffed with vegetables and is more delicious that a traditional faux meat version of a loaf, in my opinion.
Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice, Apples and Caramelized Onions by Abbey’s Kitchen – The title of this recipe purely speaks for itself. Hands up in you’re interested in seconds!
Vegan Pumpkin Ravioli by Veganosity – Wanna try something new this year? Why not make your own ravioli stuffed with some scrumptious pumpkin?
Vegan Pot Pie by Jessica in the Kitchen – Firstly, these are adorable mini pies! Secondly, the flaky topping and warm filling is the perfect dish on a cool fall day.
Vegan Spiral Thanksgiving Tart by the Colorful Kitchen – This dish wins for being the most colorful on the table and is loaded with a variety of nontraditional veggies for Thanksgiving.
Side Dishes – Because it’s all about the side dishes
Vegan Garlic Sage Buttermilk Biscuits by My Darling Vegan – Looking for a savory biscuit without the heaviness of butter and cream? These are perfect!
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble by Nutritional Kitchen – Sweet potatoes are one of my favorite treats for Thanksgiving. Add some pecan deliciousness? Yes, please!
Simple Vegan Stuffing by Minimalist Baker – This recipe is super simple, with only nine ingredients. I love the use of lentils to add some extra vegan protein to the dish.
Roasted Green Beans with Garlic Mushroom Sauce by Dora’s Daily Dish – I LOVE roasted green beans. This mushroom sauce is a much healthier alternative to a traditional green bean casserole.
Fall Rotini Pasta Saladby the Mediterranean Dish– To be honest, I don’t usually picture pasta salad when I think of Thanksgiving, but this recipe is the exception. It’s full of traditional favorites, like butternut squash and brussels sprouts. Yum!
Baked Mac & Cheese by Vegan Huggs – I love a baked Mac & Cheese that is loaded in crispy breadcrumbs. The vegan cheese is cashew based and scrumptious.
Harvest Quinoa Salad by Recipe Runner – This is a recipe to keep all year round. It has a beautiful variety of colors, flavors, and textures. Love this salad!
Butternut Squash, Cranberry, Apple Bake by Cafe Johnsonia – I’ve been using this recipe for years! I love baking it ahead of time and serving it on greens for a salad idea.
Spicy Bourbon Glazed Carrots by the Chunky Chef – Now I don’t usually love carrots, but add a little spice and bourbon? I’m in!
Mashed Potatoes & Mushroom Gravy by Vegan Huggs – In my opinion, mashed potatoes are a must-have during the holidays. This mushroom gravy also adds some savory flavor to the dish.
Roasted Sweet Potato Beet Stacks by Eat the Gains – Grab a muffin tin and make these adorable, colorful stacks for a sophisticated side dish.
Appetizers & Snacks
5-Minute Savory Pumpkin Hummus by Two Healthy Kitchens – Is it too basic to be obsessed with pumpkin and hummus? I don’t care; I’m in!
Vegan Holiday Wreath Appetizer by Spec of Gold – This is a gorgeous appetizer and will look incredible as the centerpiece of your table. Plus, it tastes as good as it looks.
Easiest Vegan Cheeseball by Glue & Glitter – I’m a fan of vegan cheeseballs. Plus, who doesn’t love a recipe that includes the work “easiest?”
Smoky Devil “Eggs” by Forks Over Knives – Confession, I usually cave and eat deviled eggs on Thanksgiving, but with this recipes, there is no guilt involved!
Savory Pumpkin Tart by Vegan Family Recipes – Pumpkins and pastries… some of my favorite things. The savory taste makes it the perfect way to stay the evening.
Vegan Spinach Pinwheels by Gourmandelle – Why not use a favorite classic with a vegan twist? This pinwheels will be a party favorite.
Desserts
Cinnamon Baked Pears by Jessica in the Kitchen – This is a dessert you don’t even need to feel guilty about. Plus, it is made with only five ingredients!
Gluten-free Vegan Pumpkin Pie by Healthy Slow Cooking – Pumpkin Pie is my absolute favorite dessert and it is hard to impress me. This vegan version does a pretty amazing job!
Blueberry Peach Crisp by the Remote Yogi – This is one of my favorite “healthy” desserts. It’s gluten free and doesn’t need any sugar. So good!
Mini Vegan Pecan Pies by Yummy Mummy – Looking for a bite sized treat? These pecan pies are perfect to hand around quickly at a crowded dinner.
As we are just around the corner from Thanksgiving, let me also take a quick moment to thank you all for the continued support. It’s been such a pleasure to continue building this community and sharing my journeys with you. If there is anything I can be doing to make your experience better, please let me know!
Do you have any vegan favorites? Please share them in the comments below!
Happy Thanksgiving!
