11 Delicious Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes Everyone Will Love

The holiday season is approaching, and with it comes the familiar, warm anticipation of the Thanksgiving feast. But if you’re hosting vegan guests, or are vegan yourself, that anticipation can be tinged with a little bit of stress. Will the food be flavorful enough? Will the non-vegans at the table feel like they’re missing out? The pressure to create a meal that is both compassionate and completely satisfying for everyone can feel immense.

You’re searching for more than just recipes; you’re looking for a foolproof plan to deliver a holiday meal that feels abundant, traditional, and, most importantly, incredibly delicious. You need dishes that don’t just substitute, but shine in their own right, from a showstopping main course to the creamiest side dishes and decadent desserts. You want to prove that a plant-based Thanksgiving can be a true culinary celebration, leaving every single guest happy and full.

The solution is to build a complete vegan Thanksgiving menu around a showstopping main dish like a Lentil Loaf or Mushroom Wellington, complemented by classic sides such as creamy mashed potatoes and savory stuffing, a seasonal soup or salad, and decadent desserts like pumpkin pie. These recipes, fully updated for 2025, are designed to deliver on the comforting, rich flavors everyone craves, ensuring a delicious and memorable plant-based feast that will wow every guest at your table.

Worried Your Vegan Thanksgiving Won’t Impress? Here’s How to Wow Everyone

The key to a successful plant-based holiday feast is focusing on classic, comforting flavors and textures that appeal to everyone, vegan or not. We’ve spent years perfecting our plant-based holiday menus, and we’ve learned that you don’t need meat or dairy to create a truly spectacular and satisfying meal. The secret lies in using seasonal produce, aromatic herbs, and smart techniques to build deep, savory flavors that feel both traditional and exciting. This curated list of foolproof recipes covers every course, from the main event to the final sweet bite, guaranteeing a memorable and delicious feast for everyone at the table. A complete vegan Thanksgiving menu includes a showstopping main dish like a Lentil Loaf or Mushroom Wellington, classic sides such as creamy mashed potatoes and savory stuffing, a seasonal soup or salad, and decadent desserts like pumpkin pie. These recipes, updated for 2025, ensure a delicious plant-based feast.

11 Delicious Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes for an Unforgettable Feast (2025 Update)

To discover the best vegan Thanksgiving recipes, you need a curated list of reliable, crowd-pleasing dishes that cover every course of the meal. From an impressive main dish to essential sides and classic desserts, having a go-to menu takes the stress out of holiday planning. Each recipe on this list has been carefully selected and tested to ensure it’s not just ‘good for vegan,’ but truly delicious for everyone at your table. We’ve organized them by course to help you effortlessly plan your entire unforgettable feast right from this post.

1. Hearty Lentil Loaf with Maple-Balsamic Glaze

Save this showstopping main to your “Vegan Holiday” board!

To create a satisfying and impressive vegan centerpiece, this hearty lentil loaf serves as the perfect replacement for a traditional turkey. Packed with savory lentils, textured walnuts, and umami-rich mushrooms, it’s a dish that feels both classic and comforting. The sweet and tangy maple-balsamic glaze elevates it to a true showstopper.

• Ingredients: Brown lentils, walnuts, mushrooms, onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, flax eggs, fresh thyme, sage, soy sauce. For the glaze: balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, ketchup.
• Instructions:
  1. Sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms until softened.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, sautéed vegetables, chopped walnuts, breadcrumbs, flax eggs, and herbs. Mix thoroughly.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into a greased loaf pan.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients. Brush half of the glaze over the loaf.
  5. Bake until firm and cooked through, brushing with the remaining glaze in the last 10 minutes of baking. Let rest before slicing.

Pro-Tip: For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the lentil mixture. Do not overmix, or the loaf can become dense.

2. Showstopping Mushroom Wellington

Pin this elegant main course for your next celebration!

For a truly gourmet and impressive vegan main dish, a mushroom wellington offers an elegant and celebratory centerpiece. The savory, umami-packed mushroom and chestnut filling, encased in flaky, golden puff pastry, is a sophisticated dish that feels incredibly special and is guaranteed to be a highlight of the meal.

• Ingredients: Cremini mushrooms, onions, garlic, walnuts or chestnuts, fresh thyme, spinach, vegan puff pastry, soy sauce, breadcrumbs.
• Instructions:
  1. Finely chop and sauté mushrooms, onions, and garlic until all moisture has evaporated.
  2. Stir in chopped nuts, thyme, spinach, soy sauce, and breadcrumbs to form a thick, savory filling. Let it cool completely.
  3. Roll out the vegan puff pastry sheet. Spoon the cooled filling onto the pastry, leaving a border.
  4. Fold the pastry over the filling, sealing the edges. Score the top if desired and brush with plant-based milk.
  5. Bake until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Lesson Learned: The key to a non-soggy wellington is a very dry mushroom filling. Cook the mushrooms until they release all their water and the pan is dry before proceeding.

3. The Creamiest Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Everyone needs this side dish! Save it to your “Thanksgiving Sides” board.

To make classic, creamy mashed potatoes without dairy, infuse them with the sweet, savory flavor of roasted garlic and use a quality vegan butter and plant-based milk. This technique creates an incredibly rich and fluffy side dish that rivals any traditional recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort food and an absolute must-have on the Thanksgiving table.

• Ingredients: Yukon Gold potatoes, a full head of garlic, olive oil, unsweetened plant-based milk (like oat or soy), vegan butter, salt, black pepper, fresh chives.
• Instructions:
  1. Roast the head of garlic with olive oil until soft and caramelized.
  2. Peel and boil the potatoes until fork-tender. Drain well.
  3. Return potatoes to the warm pot and mash them. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and into the potatoes.
  4. Gently warm the plant-based milk and vegan butter together. Pour into the potatoes while mashing until you reach the desired creamy consistency.
  5. Season generously with salt and pepper, and stir in fresh chives before serving.

Pro-Tip: For the fluffiest potatoes, use a potato ricer instead of a masher and avoid overworking them, which can make them gummy.

4. Savory Herb & Mushroom Stuffing

Pin the perfect vegan stuffing recipe now!

You can create a classic, flavorful Thanksgiving stuffing by using a rich vegetable broth, sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth, and a generous amount of fresh herbs like sage and thyme. This plant-based version delivers all the moist, savory goodness of traditional stuffing, with a perfectly golden and crispy top.

• Ingredients: Cubed day-old bread, vegetable broth, mushrooms, celery, onion, garlic, vegan butter, fresh sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Sauté onion, celery, and mushrooms in vegan butter until soft. Add garlic and fresh herbs and cook for another minute.
  2. In a large bowl, place the bread cubes. Pour the sautéed vegetable mixture over the bread.
  3. Gradually add the vegetable broth, tossing gently until the bread is moist but not saturated. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
  5. Bake uncovered until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Pro-Tip: Using day-old, stale bread is crucial. Fresh bread will turn to mush. If your bread is fresh, cube it and toast it lightly in the oven to dry it out first.

5. Maple-Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

The veggie side everyone will devour! Pin it for later.

To create a simple and delicious vegetable side dish, roast Brussels sprouts at a high temperature until caramelized and tender, then toss them in a sweet and tangy maple-balsamic glaze. This method transforms the humble Brussels sprout into a mouthwatering dish with crispy leaves and a flavor that perfectly balances the other savory dishes on the Thanksgiving plate.

• Ingredients: Fresh Brussels sprouts, olive oil, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, pecans, dried cranberries (optional).
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to a high temperature (400°F / 200°C).
  2. Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
  3. Roast until tender and the outer leaves are crispy and caramelized.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and balsamic vinegar.
  5. Drizzle the glaze over the hot Brussels sprouts and toss to coat. Return to the oven for a few minutes to let the glaze thicken.
  6. Top with toasted pecans and dried cranberries before serving.

Lesson Learned: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Roasting the sprouts in a single layer ensures they get crispy and caramelized instead of steaming.

6. Classic Vegan Green Bean Casserole

The ultimate comfort food! Save this vegan casserole recipe.

You can recreate the beloved green bean casserole by making a rich, creamy mushroom sauce from scratch using vegan butter, plant-based milk, and fresh mushrooms. This homemade sauce, combined with tender green beans and a crispy fried onion topping, creates a deeply flavorful and comforting casserole without any dairy or canned soup.

• Ingredients: Fresh green beans, mushrooms, onion, garlic, vegan butter, flour, unsweetened plant-based milk, vegetable broth, soy sauce, crispy fried onions.
• Instructions:
  1. Blanch the fresh green beans until tender-crisp.
  2. In a skillet, make a creamy mushroom sauce by sautéing mushrooms and onions in vegan butter, then whisking in flour, plant milk, and broth until thickened. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
  3. Combine the blanched green beans with the mushroom sauce and half of the crispy fried onions.
  4. Transfer to a baking dish and top with the remaining fried onions.
  5. Bake until the sauce is bubbly and the onions on top are golden brown.

Pro-Tip: Making the creamy mushroom sauce from scratch is the key. It provides a much richer and more complex flavor than any store-bought alternative and is surprisingly easy to do.

7. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

A sweet and savory favorite! Add this to your Thanksgiving menu.

To make a delicious vegan sweet potato casserole, create a creamy, spiced sweet potato filling and top it with a crunchy, crumbly pecan and brown sugar streusel instead of marshmallows. This approach provides a wonderful textural contrast and a rich, caramelized flavor that is both indulgent and sophisticated.

• Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, vegan butter, plant-based milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg. For the topping: chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, vegan butter, oats.
• Instructions:
  1. Bake or boil sweet potatoes until very tender. Mash them with melted vegan butter, plant milk, maple syrup, and spices.
  2. Spread the sweet potato mixture into a baking dish.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the topping ingredients (pecans, flour, brown sugar, oats, and cold vegan butter) and mix with your fingers until a crumbly texture forms.
  4. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potatoes.
  5. Bake until the filling is hot and the topping is golden and crisp.

Pro-Tip: For a deeper flavor in the filling, use roasted sweet potatoes instead of boiled ones. Roasting caramelizes their natural sugars.

8. Velvety Butternut Squash Soup with Sage

The perfect starter! Pin this cozy soup recipe.

The perfect elegant starter for a Thanksgiving meal is a velvety butternut squash soup, made creamy with full-fat coconut milk and infused with aromatic sage and ginger. This seasonal soup is incredibly easy to make, yet its smooth texture and warm, comforting flavors feel luxurious and set a wonderful tone for the feast to come.

• Ingredients: Butternut squash, onion, garlic, ginger, vegetable broth, full-fat coconut milk, fresh sage, olive oil, salt, pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in olive oil. Add the peeled and cubed butternut squash and cook for a few minutes.
  2. Add the vegetable broth and fresh sage, bring to a boil, then simmer until the squash is very tender.
  3. Remove the sage leaves. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until completely smooth.
  4. Stir in the coconut milk and heat through gently. Do not let it boil.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with a swirl of coconut cream and toasted seeds.

Lesson Learned: For the creamiest texture, it’s essential to use full-fat canned coconut milk. The lighter carton varieties won’t provide the same richness.

9. Pomegranate & Apple Harvest Salad

Add a fresh touch to your feast! Save this beautiful salad idea.

To balance the richness of other Thanksgiving dishes, serve a refreshing and festive harvest salad featuring crisp apples, juicy pomegranate seeds, and crunchy candied pecans. Dressed in a simple maple-dijon vinaigrette, this salad provides a bright, tangy counterpoint and adds vibrant color and texture to the holiday table.

• Ingredients: Mixed greens or arugula, a crisp apple (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), pomegranate seeds, candied pecans or walnuts. For dressing: olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, dijon mustard.
• Instructions:
  1. In a small jar, shake together all the dressing ingredients until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, thinly sliced apple, pomegranate seeds, and candied pecans.
  3. Just before serving, drizzle with the desired amount of dressing and toss gently to combine.
  4. Serve immediately to prevent the greens from wilting.

Pro-Tip: To prevent the apple slices from browning, toss them in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.

10. The Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Pie

It’s not Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie! Pin this vegan recipe now.

You can bake a perfect traditional pumpkin pie without eggs or dairy by using full-fat coconut milk for richness and cornstarch to help the filling set. This combination creates a luxuriously creamy, perfectly spiced pumpkin filling inside a flaky vegan crust that delivers the classic holiday flavor everyone loves.

• Ingredients: 1 unbaked vegan pie crust, pumpkin puree, full-fat coconut milk, maple syrup, cornstarch, pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves), vanilla extract, salt.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven and prepare your pie crust in a pie dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, coconut milk, maple syrup, cornstarch, spices, vanilla, and salt until completely smooth.
  3. Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust.
  4. Bake until the center is just set (it should have a slight wobble).
  5. Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack for at least 4 hours to allow the filling to fully set before slicing.

Lesson Learned: Don’t skip the cooling time! This is the most crucial step. Slicing into a warm pumpkin pie will result in a soupy mess. Patience is key for that perfect slice.

11. Rustic Apple Crumble with Oat Topping

The easiest, coziest dessert. Save this apple crumble recipe!

For a simple and crowd-pleasing dessert, bake a rustic apple crumble with a sweet, jammy apple filling and a crunchy, buttery oat streusel topping. It’s much easier to assemble than a traditional pie but delivers all the warm, comforting flavors of fall, making it the perfect end to a holiday meal.

• Ingredients: Apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon. For the topping: rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, cold vegan butter.
• Instructions:
  1. Peel, core, and slice the apples. Toss them with lemon juice, maple syrup, and cinnamon in a baking dish.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping.
  3. Cut in the cold vegan butter with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple mixture.
  5. Bake until the fruit filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp. Serve warm.

Pro-Tip: For the best texture, use a mix of apples—some that hold their shape (like Honeycrisp) and some that break down more (like McIntosh)—to get a filling that’s both chunky and saucy.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to a Flawless Vegan Thanksgiving

To quickly review the most important strategies for a successful vegan Thanksgiving meal, remember these core principles. This summary reinforces the value from the recipes and will help you feel confident in your holiday cooking plan.

• Build Around a Showstopper: A hearty main like a Lentil Loaf or Mushroom Wellington creates a satisfying centerpiece for the meal.
• Veganize the Classics: You don’t have to miss out. Creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and green bean casserole are all easily made vegan and delicious.
• Balance with Freshness: A vibrant soup or a crisp harvest salad provides a welcome contrast to the richer, savory dishes on the table.
• Don’t Skimp on Dessert: Classic desserts like Pumpkin Pie and Apple Crumble are holiday non-negotiables, and vegan versions can be just as decadent.
• Flavor is Everything: Use fresh herbs, roasted garlic, and caramelization techniques to build deep, savory flavors that will impress every guest.

People Also Ask About Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

Here we address the most common questions and concerns users have when planning a plant-based holiday meal, using insights from popular search queries.

What is a good vegan substitute for turkey on Thanksgiving?

Excellent vegan substitutes for turkey include hearty, savory dishes that can be a true centerpiece. Popular options are a well-seasoned Lentil Loaf, an elegant Mushroom Wellington wrapped in puff pastry, or a stuffed acorn or butternut squash. For a more direct replacement, store-bought or homemade seitan roasts can provide a “meaty” texture and can be seasoned with traditional poultry herbs like sage and thyme.

Can I prepare vegan Thanksgiving dishes ahead of time?

Absolutely! Many vegan Thanksgiving dishes are perfect for making ahead. Casseroles like stuffing and sweet potato casserole can be fully assembled a day or two in advance and baked on Thanksgiving. Soups often taste even better the next day. Desserts like pumpkin pie need to be made ahead to set properly. This frees up valuable time and oven space on the holiday itself.

How do I make my vegan gravy flavorful?

The key to flavorful vegan gravy is building a rich umami base. Start by sautéing mushrooms, onions, and garlic until deeply caramelized. Use a robust vegetable broth, not just water. To add depth, incorporate a splash of soy sauce or tamari, a spoonful of nutritional yeast for a cheesy note, and classic herbs like thyme and sage. A cornstarch slurry will thicken it perfectly at the end.

Final Thoughts

Creating a memorable vegan Thanksgiving is all about celebrating abundance with comforting, flavorful, and compassionate food. With these recipes, you have everything you need to build a feast that will have everyone asking for seconds. What’s the one vegan dish you’re most excited to make this year? Share it in the comments below