10 Cozy Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes Everyone Will Love

Who says Thanksgiving has to revolve around turkey and butter? This year, let’s turn the feast plant-based — and trust me, no one will miss the meat. Whether you’re hosting a fully vegan gathering or simply want to include a few standout dishes that everyone can enjoy, these vegan Thanksgiving recipes will bring warmth, flavor, and joy to your table. From creamy mashed potatoes (yes, without dairy!) to decadent desserts, we’ve got everything you need for a cozy, compassionate celebration.

So light that fall candle, pull out your favourite linen napkin, and get ready to serve a feast that’s 100% delicious and 100% vegan. Let’s dive in!

1. Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil

When it comes to comfort food, mashed potatoes sit right at the top of the list — and a great version can anchor your vegan Thanksgiving recipes menu.

Ingredients

• 3 lb (about 1.35 kg) Yukon Gold or red potatoes, peeled if desired and chopped into chunks
• 4-5 cloves garlic, roasted (see note)
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼-½ cup unsweetened almond milk or other plant milk, warmed
• Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh chives or parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss peeled garlic cloves in a drizzle of olive oil, wrap in foil and roast for about 20 minutes until soft and golden.
2. Meanwhile, place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes).
3. Drain potatoes and return to the pot. Add the roasted garlic, olive oil, and warmed plant milk. Mash gently (or use a hand mixer on low if desired) until creamy and smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley before serving.

Pro tip: Use good olive oil — it makes a difference. This is one of the most comforting dishes in your collection of vegan Thanksgiving recipes.

2. Maple-Glazed Roasted Carrots

Vibrant and sweet, these roasted carrots bring colour and elegance to your holiday table. A terrific addition to your roster of vegan Thanksgiving recipes.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb (700 g) carrots, peeled and cut into uniform sticks
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss carrots with maple syrup, olive oil, cinnamon, salt and pepper.
2. Spread the carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway, until tender and caramelised at the edges.
3. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, and serve warm.

These maple-glazed carrots are colourful, flavourful, and sure to earn a place in your lineup of vegan Thanksgiving recipes.

3. Stuffed Butternut Squash with Quinoa & Cranberries

For a show-stopping vegan entrée (or side) that looks as good as it tastes, this stuffed butternut squash shines in the world of vegan Thanksgiving recipes.

Ingredients

• 2 medium butternut squashes, halved and seeds removed
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chopped mushrooms
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried sage
• Salt & pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush squash halves with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then place cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast for about 30 minutes, until flesh is tender.
2. While squash roasts, cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
3. In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Add mushrooms and cook until tender. Stir in cooked quinoa, cranberries, pecans, sage, salt and pepper.
4. Scoop the quinoa mixture into each roasted squash half. Return to oven for 10 minutes to warm through.
5. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.

This dish brings autumnal texture and depth — a key star in your list of vegan Thanksgiving recipes.

4. Vegan Green Bean Casserole

You’d be surprised how delicious the classic green bean casserole can be, even without dairy. This remake takes its place among your standout vegan Thanksgiving recipes.

Ingredients

• 1½ lb (700 g) green beans, trimmed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp flour (all-purpose or a gluten-free alternative)
• 1½ cups unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tbsps nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari
• Salt & pepper
• 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought vegan or homemade)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then transfer to ice water to preserve colour. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté mushrooms, onion and garlic until soft. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Gradually add almond milk, whisking until smooth and thickened.
3. Stir in nutritional yeast, soy sauce, salt and pepper. Add the green beans and mix until coated.
4. Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with crispy fried onions, and bake for 15 minutes until hot and onions are golden.
5. Serve immediately.

A beloved classic reimagined for your collection of vegan Thanksgiving recipes.

5. Mushroom & Walnut “Meatloaf”

A hearty main dish alternative that absolutely deserves space among the best vegan Thanksgiving recipes — hearty, satisfying, and flavourful.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 oz (280 g) mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1½ cups walnuts, finely chopped
• 1 cup cooked brown rice (or quinoa)
• 2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 5 tbsp water (let sit 5 minutes)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Add mushrooms and continue cooking until most liquid has evaporated.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked mushrooms, walnuts, rice, flaxseed mixture, tomato paste, thyme, paprika, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Press mixture into the loaf pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, until firm and golden on top. Allow to rest 10 minutes before slicing.
5. Serve with vegan gravy.

This dish elevates your vegan Thanksgiving recipes into a highlight—robust, flavorful and satisfying.

6. Vegan Gravy That Actually Tastes Like Gravy

No holiday feast is complete without gravy. Here’s one of the top contenders among vegan Thanksgiving recipes — rich, savoury, and effortless.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, chopped
• ¼ cup flour
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tsp nutritional yeast
• ½ tsp dried sage
• Salt & pepper

Directions

1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add mushrooms and cook until they have released their liquid.
2. Sprinkle flour over mushrooms and stir for 1 minute.
3. Gradually whisk in vegetable broth until smooth. Add soy sauce, nutritional yeast, sage, salt and pepper.
4. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, meatloaf or stuffing.

This is a game-changer in your lineup of vegan Thanksgiving recipes—rich, umami-packed, and essential.

7. Cranberry Orange Relish

Bright, tart, and refreshing — this relish adds zest and colour to your vegan Thanksgiving recipes spread.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
• 1 orange (zest + juice)
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. In a food processor, combine cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, maple syrup, ginger and salt. Pulse 6-8 times until mixture is chopped but still textured (not pureed).
2. Transfer to a bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow flavours to meld.
3. Serve chilled.

This simple but vibrant side is one of the most fun vegan Thanksgiving recipes — and it looks gorgeous on the table too.

8. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble

Dessert disguised as a side? You bet. This decadent dish deserves a spot in your holiday menu of vegan Thanksgiving recipes.

Ingredients

• 3 lb (1.35 kg) sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the pecan crumble:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ¼ cup rolled oats
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil sweet potatoes until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and mash with almond milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla and salt. Spread into a baking dish.
2. In a small bowl, mix pecans, oats, maple syrup, coconut oil and cinnamon. Sprinkle over the sweet potato layer.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden and crisp.
4. Serve warm.

This sweet potato casserole is a show-stopper among vegan Thanksgiving recipes — indulgent yet entirely plant-based.

9. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Crispy on the outside, tender inside — these Brussels sprouts bring texture and elegance to your vegan Thanksgiving recipes table.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb (700 g) Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• Optional: Toasted pecans or walnuts for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp at the edges.
2. While roasting, mix balsamic vinegar and maple syrup in a small saucepan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Transfer roasted Brussels sprouts to a serving bowl, drizzle with the balsamic glaze and sprinkle with toasted nuts if using.

Simple, elegant — this dish earns its place among the best vegan Thanksgiving recipes.

10. Pumpkin Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream

Let’s end sweetly. This dessert is the grand finale of your vegan Thanksgiving recipes — rich, creamy and gloriously autumnal.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1½ cups rolled oats
• ½ cup almond flour
• 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• Pinch of salt

For the filling:

• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) pumpkin purée
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 ml) full-fat coconut milk
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

For the coconut whipped cream:

• 1 can full-fat coconut milk, chilled overnight
• 2-3 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. To make crust: In a food processor, pulse oats until coarse flour, then add almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup and salt. Press mixture into a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish. Bake 10 minutes; remove and cool slightly.
3. To make filling: In a bowl, combine pumpkin purée, coconut milk, maple syrup, cornstarch, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt. Pour into the crust and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until edges are set but centre still slightly wobbly. Allow to cool completely, then chill for at least 2 hours.
4. To make coconut whipped cream: Scoop the solidified coconut cream (discard liquid) into a mixing bowl. Whip with powdered sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy.
5. Serve slices with a dollop of coconut whipped cream.

This beloved dessert wraps up your selection of vegan Thanksgiving recipes with sweetness and style.

Final Thoughts & Serving Tips

There you have it — ten standout dishes that prove you don’t need meat, dairy or compromise to host an unforgettable Thanksgiving. These vegan Thanksgiving recipes cover everything: mains, sides, extras, and dessert. A few friendly tips for your big day:

• Plan ahead: Many of these dishes can be prepped the day before (mashed potatoes, relish, casserole).
• Mix textures: Soft (mashed potatoes), crisp (roasted Brussels), sweet (carrots) and creamy (pumpkin pie) give a satisfying balance.
• Label clearly: If you have non-vegans around, let them know these dishes are cruelty-free — they might be pleasantly surprised!
• Drinks matter: Pair with your favourite fall cocktails or mocktails to elevate the experience.

For even more inspiration and additional dishes to round out your menu, check out this ultimate guide to vegan Thanksgiving recipes by an expert blog. Read more here 

Wishing you a warm, flavour-packed, and compassion-filled holiday feast. May your plates be full, your laughter loud, and your hearts even fuller. Happy Thanksgiving from Kewl Recipes! 🍁