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25 Vegan Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

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These vegan Thanksgiving recipes include my most popular vegan appetizers, main dishes, side dishes, desserts, and more. A collection of everything you need to make a delicious plant-based Thanksgiving feast this year!

Vegan Thanksgiving recipe ideas including vegan turkey, harvest salad, mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts.

Every year I get a ton of questions from family and friends about what vegans eat for Thanksgiving. Here's a popular question: 'If you don't eat turkey, what do you eat at Thanksgiving?'

That's an easy answer - there's lots of holiday food that doesn't include turkey! Today I'm sharing over 25 of my best, classic vegan Thanksgiving recipes to help you to create an incredibly delicious vegan Thanksgiving menu. They include vegan versions of traditional side dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy, familiar (but plant based) main dishes, epic desserts, and more! I hope you find a few new favorites to add to your Thanksgiving table!

MILLION DOLLAR PLANNING TIP for hosting a stress-free Thanksgiving Dinner: When planning your menu, I recommend choosing a few make-ahead recipes that you can reheated the day of. As well, I make a master schedule: Write a list of everything you're making. Jot down next to each dish if it needs time in the oven, stove, air fryer, crock pot, microwave, etc. Note how long the dish needs to cook, and what time it has to go in. That way you won't get any appliance backlogs or forget anything - hopefully!

Table of Contents hide
1 Vegan Thanksgiving Appetizers
2 Vegan Thanksgiving Salad and Soup Recipes
3 Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes
4 Main Dish - Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes
5 Easy Bread Recipes for Thanksgiving
6 Vegan Thanksgiving Desserts
7 Vegan Pantry Items

Vegan Thanksgiving Appetizers

I LOVE a good appetizer, and I used to go overboard by making too many. That was a rookie mistake because my guests were full before we even sat down to dinner! Also appies are time consuming to make!

Pro Tip: My strategy when planning a big holiday menu is to choose one or two kick a$$ appetizer recipes that everyone loves and that can be made ahead or better yet, frozen in advance. These recipes are worth their weight in gold when it comes to managing stress levels and juggling a long TO DO list on the big day. Here's my epic go-to appie:

The BEST Vegan Sausage Rolls
This is THE ONLY appetizer you'll need for your holiday parties this year. These vegetarian sausage rolls are completely irresistible and EVERYONE devours them!
A meaty, savory filling of mushrooms and onions is rolled in tender, flaky, puff pastry then baked to golden crispy perfection. Don't forget the vegan honey mustard sauce!
This is the best vegan Thanksgiving appetizer made for vegans, vegetarians, and meat lovers alike! Make ahead and freezer friendly too!
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
Vegan mushroom sausage rolls on a baking tray.
Crispy Crunchy Vegan Chicken Nuggets (gf)
This vegan chicken nugget recipe is super flavorful and crunchy! And it's so easy to make using tofu and potato chips!
The golden nuggets are perfectly crispy & crunchy, you won’t believe they’re not fried, and no one will guess they're vegan! These nuggets make an easy and delicious vegan appetizer for cocktail parties and holiday dinners, they're a popular vegan game day snack, and kids LOVE them for dinner dipped in ketchup.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Might I suggest any of these 5-minute flavor bombs: Sweet and Spicy Tahini Sauce, Creamy Sriracha BBQ Sauce, Creamy Chipotle, Vegan Ranch
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
Crunchy tofu chicken nuggets.

Vegan Thanksgiving Salad and Soup Recipes

I love an easy, make-ahead vegan soup to serve as a starter at big holiday meals. And it's nice to have a go-to salad to serve (or take) to a Thanksgiving feast to break up all that comfort food. Here's a few of our favorite recipes:

Fall Harvest Salad Recipe with Crispy Quinoa (vegan + gf)
This healthy Autumn Harvest Salad is made with a base of mixed greens (kale, arugula, leafy greens) and slaw. It's packed with all the best fall flavors and textures like Honeycrisp apples, crispy quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, avocados, candied walnuts and pumpkin seeds, pomegranates, and feta cheese tossed together with an incredible honey mustard dressing.
Highlights: Vegan, vegetarian, plant based, gluten free, high protein, high fiber recipe that all eaters love!
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
Crispy quinoa on a fall harvest salad.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Crunch Salad
The most craveable crunchy flavorful Brussels sprouts salad ever! Made with pomegranates, pistachios, and toasted ramen noodles for extra crunch - this salad is a showstopper on the Holiday table!
Easy to make, this tasty salad is tossed with the prettiest and most delicious, creamy pomegranate balsamic vinaigrette.
Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, and make ahead friendly.
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
Pomegranate dressing poured on Brussel sprouts salad.
Ultimate Vegan Tomato Bisque Soup
Super easy to make, this vegan tomato soup is extra creamy, thick, and decadent! Slow roasted tomatoes, onions and garlic, vegan heavy cream and fresh herbs are blended together to create this super flavorful tomato bisque. A family favorite!
A gorgeous, vegan starter for your Thanksgiving feast - make it a few days in advance then just heat and serve. SO GOOD!
Dairy free, vegan, vegetarian, plant based, and gluten free!
Bowl of dairy-free tomato soup topped with a pile of croutons and a sprinkle of grated cheese.
Cauliflower Rice & Mushroom Soup
There's a ton of texture and epic autumn flavors in this hearty mushroom and kale, cauliflower-broccoli riced soup. The savory, creamy curry mushroom broth will make your tastebuds sing and warm your body from the inside out.
Suitable for vegan, vegetarian, plant based, gluten free eaters. Make ahead friendly too!
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
Pot of vegetable soup with blue and white striped napkin.

Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

When it comes to Thanksgiving, it's all about the side dishes. If you don't know what to serve a vegan or vegetarian friend or family member for Thanksgiving dinner, here's a few plant based side dishes everyone loves.

Easy, Elegant Duchess Potatoes (vegan + gf)
Duchess potatoes are an elegant, deceptively easy side dish! Creamy mashed potatoes are piped into swirls then baked until crispy and golden on the outside and rich and fluffy on the inside. The texture combination is irresistible and addictive!
A show-stopping, make-ahead, freezer-friendly potato side dish perfect for your vegan Thanksgiving menu!
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
Pretty ruffled potato swirls with golden lacy edges.
The Best Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Potato lovers rejoice! These creamy, buttery yet light and fluffy, vegan mashed potatoes are totally irresistible. In this post I share my tips for making mashed potatoes that have the perfect creamy texture and rich buttery garlic flavor without any dairy!
Suitable for all eaters: vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, plant based and meat eaters. Make ahead friendly too.
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
Bowlful of mashed potatoes with butter and chives.
Seriously Delicious Vegan Gravy
Learn how to make full-flavored mushroom gravy without any drippings and no lumps! Great gravy recipe for beginners!
This vegan gravy is easy to make and tastes divine. It will take your vegan biscuits, mashed potatoes, and vegan turkey to a whole new level of deliciousness. The classic velvety texture and savory gravy flavor is so incredible, even meat eaters ask for seconds.
Vegan, Vegetarian, Plant Based, Gluten Free friendly. Make ahead friendly too!
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
Bowl of mashed potatoes and gravy.
Ultimate Crispy Smashed Potatoes
There's plenty of good reasons to make these crispy potato nuggets - here's the top 3: They have crispy skins, the middle is tender and creamy, and they are incredible slathered in gravy or pretty much any other sauce!
If you have any leftovers, they are out of this world delicious fried up with green onions and butter for brunch the next day!
Suitable for vegan, vegetarian, plant based, and gluten free eaters. Make ahead friendly.
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
Crispy smashed potatoes topped with sour cream and green onions.
Healthier Cranberry Sauce (EASY!)
Homemade cranberry sauce is quick and easy to make from scratch with fresh or frozen cranberries. This lower sugar cranberry sauce recipe is not too sweet and is easy to customize. It's way better than canned cranberries, and it's SO PRETTY!
They can be prepared a week in advance making it the perfect cranberry sauce recipe for beginners and first time hosts! Homemade cranberry sauce is naturally free from animal products and it's gluten free - a great side dish for vegan Thanksgiving dinner.
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
Cranberry sauce in a bowl.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts (2 ways!)
Our holiday table ALWAYS includes a big bowl of Brussels sprouts.
I like to roast them until sweet and caramelized with a few crispy charred leaves, but my niece (Chef Steph) has the whole family addicted to ultra crispy deep fried Brussels sprouts. I've included both ways to cook Brussels sprouts in the recipe.
Either way, we love them doused in Nana's tangy cream sauce.
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
Tray of roasted Brussels sprouts.

Main Dish - Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

My family loves something to slather gravy over so after lots of recipe testing, this succulent tofu turkey recipe was crowned the winner for Thanksgiving (and Christmas) dinner. I've included a few other tasty, indulgent, and show-stopping vegan main course recipes for your Thanksgiving holiday menu too!

Juicy Vegan Turkey for Thanksgiving Dinner!
This vegan turkey is made with turkey-seasoned shaved tofu (sage & onion seasoning). Ready in just 15 minutes, it has ALL the nostalgic turkey flavors and textures (but no turkey!).
If you're looking for something to replace turkey at Thanksgiving try this super meaty, juicy, and tender tofu turkey with lots of irresistibly crispy edges and plenty of flavor. Everyone in the family loves this vegan turkey smothered in gravy.
Suitable for all eaters: vegan, vegetarian, plant based, gf & meat eaters love it too!
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
Gravy being poured onto a pile of turkey slices on a white plate with a silver fork.
The BEST Thanksgiving Stuffing (vegan version)
This easy plant based Stuffing Recipe is a vegan take on my Grandmother's classic Pennsylvania Dutch stuffing recipe. Talk about savory vegan Thanksgiving comfort food at it's very best! Each flavorful bite is a delectable combination of crispy golden bits mixed with soft buttery chunks. My family is obsessed!
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
Classic bread stuffing recipe for Thanksgiving.
EPIC Vegan Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce
Like any great Italian dish worth its weight, there is a time comitment when making a traditional lasagna. But I promise you it's worth it when you bite into the layers of rich red marinara sauce, creamy white béchamel sauce, meaty filling, and tender pasta!
You just might need to take a minute . . . This vegan lasagna is truly extraordinary.
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
vegan lasagna in a pan with a piece missing
Easy Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups
This plant based lasagna recipe is fairly easy to make compared to traditional lasagnas. It's got lots of Italian flavor and classic lasagna textures. Plus it's super pretty and looks gorgeous on your Thanksgiving (Friendsgiving) table.
Make it ahead and then just pop it into the oven before serving. Makes tasty leftovers!
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
Vegan Lasagna Roll in a plate of marinara sauce topped with cheese.
Incredible Vegan Shepherd's Pie
This EASY vegan Shepherd's pie is a thick layer of hearty vegan mince topped with fluffy, garlic mashed potatoes baked to crispy golden perfection. It's my incredible vegan version of Gordon Ramsay's classic British Shepherd's pie recipe. Super flavorful, thick, rich, and oh so satisfying.
Perfect for all eaters: vegan, vegetarian, plant based, and gluten free to boot!
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
Ramekins filled with Shepherd's pie topped a piped edge of mashed potatoes.

Easy Bread Recipes for Thanksgiving

No holiday dinner is complete without my favorite carb: bread! If you're a bread lover too, here's a few EASY homemade bread recipes to include in your Thanksgiving menu. All these bread recipes are simple and perfect for beginners!:

Soft & Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls
Super soft, fluffy, and buttery, these vegan dinner rolls are a cinch to make using my master refrigerator dough recipe. Make the dough up to 2 weeks in advance so the day of your big dinner, just shape and bake the rolls.
First time baking bread? This simple, foolproof bread recipe will make you look like a pro! Mix the dough together in 5 minutes (up to a week in advance) then just shape and bake the day of your Thanksgiving dinner.
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
Freshly baked golden brown dinner rolls.
Quick & Easy Vegan Cornbread (with salted maple butter)
Nothing smells better than cornbread baking in the oven. This tried and true vegan cornbread recipe is a family favorite for good reason. It's bursting with corn flavor, and we love the buttery golden crust and tender moist center dotted with corn and jalapeño peppers.
Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, it makes an incredible (and popular) side dish for Thanksgiving.
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
Stone ground cornbread in a cast iron pan topped with jalapenos and whipped butter.
Easiest No-Knead Overnight Bread (vegan)
The miracle of this No-Knead Bread recipe is its simplicity to make (great beginner bread recipe!). But the magic of it is it produces a crispy, crackly golden crust and a soft tender crumb every single time!
There's nothing better than a thick warm slice of bread slathered in butter. Is there?
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
Freshly baked rustic bread surrounded by baking paper in a Dutch oven.

Vegan Thanksgiving Desserts

Finish off your plant based Thanksgiving dinner with something for your sweet tooth. Here are some of my quickest, most delicious, vegan desserts sure to satisfy the whole family:

Easy Flaky Puff Pastry Apple Galette (vegan)
This vegan apple galette is a cinch to make with puff pastry, a few apples, and all the warming spices. It's less work than apple pie, but tastes just as good!
Super elegant and pretty, this rustic apple tart is perfection with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or whipping cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
Apple tart in puff pastry drizzled with caramel sauce.
The BEST Vegan Apple Crumble
An easy, vegan apple dessert that's as delicious and nostalgic as apple pie, but A LOT less work. Made with a gooey cinnamon-apple filling topped with a double helping of crispy oat crumble topping, it takes only 15 minutes of hands-on time!
This is my son's favorite dessert for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our tradition is he peels the apples, and I make a HUGE pan so there are leftovers for breakfast. It's my favorite too - because we make it together.
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
Apple crisp with scoop of vanilla ice cream on a white and gold plate.
EASY, Gooey Monkey Bread
This vegan monkey bread recipe is awesome! It's one of those super easy recipes that is SO addictive, you could 'accidentally' eat the whole pan to yourself.
Fun and simple to make from scratch using refrigerator dough (it's a great recipe for beginners and the kids LOVE to help). The soft, fluffy cinnamon bites are a perfect cross between the gooey, sticky sweet center of a cinnamon roll and a vegan donut hole!
The perfect vegan dessert for brunch or vegan Thanksgiving.
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
White ceramic pie plate with freshly baked monkey bread drizzled with lemon icing.

Vegan Pantry Items

Sometimes (depending where you live), it's a challenge to find specific vegan condiments and pantry ingredients for a holiday recipe. So I typically make my own. Below are three recipes I use all the time starting at Thanksgiving all the way through Christmas and the winter season. They are quick and easy pantry recipes.

Vegan Worcestershire Sauce (GF)
Homemade vegan Worcestershire sauce has all the salty, sour, umami flavors with just a kiss of sweetness as the original Worcestershire, but no anchovies (and no gluten)!
It's the perfect vegan alternative to Worcestershire sauce adding a ton of flavor to vegan Caesar salad, bloody Mary's, tofu marinades, and stews like vegan chili, vegan shepherd's pie and vegan spaghetti.
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
Worcestershire sauce substitute being poured from a measuring cup into a bottle.
Homemade Sage and Onion Seasoning (Poultry Seasoning)
The perfect sage and onion savory seasoning for holiday side dishes like vegan turkey, sage and onion stuffing, roasted veggies, and potatoes.
Easy and inexpensive to make, this is the most reached for spice in our pantry during the holiday season.
We're obsessed and sprinkle it over absolutely everything!
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
Jar of homemade sage and onion poultry seasoning.
Vegan Heavy Cream Substitute
This cashew based recipe is the best tasting, dairy free substitute for heavy cream! Trust me, it's easy to make vegan heavy cream at home. Use it in creamy soups, stews, vegan pasta sauces, vegan desserts, and more. My husband loves it in his morning coffee!
This heavy cream alternative is gluten free, plant based, dairy free, vegan and it freezes like a dream.
CHECK OUT THIS RECIPE!
Dairy free heavy cream substitute made from cashews being poured into a jar.

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you find some new recipe inspiration in my collection of vegan Thanksgiving food. Be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see what you're making, and don't forget to leave a comment and review on your favorite recipes.
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Originally posted November 2023. Updated photos and recipes October 2024

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