I get it, the holiday table can feel a little tricky when you're eating plant based. But trust me, you do not have to miss out on any of the cozy, classic flavors you love. I've rounded up 34 incredible vegan Thanksgiving sides that are so creamy, crispy, and comforting, nobody at the table will even think twice about what's missing. These are the dishes that make the meal.
1. Vegan Cranberry Sauce
This vegan cranberry sauce is the tangy, sweet surprise your table needs. It's all about those plump, ruby red cranberries that just burst with flavor in every spoonful. A hint of bright orange zest and a touch of maple syrup bring the whole thing to life as it simmers. The color alone is gorgeous, like little jewels on your plate. It'll make the entire feast look absolutely stunning.
2. Best Lentil Soup
When the holiday rush gets to be too much, soothe your senses with this heartwarming lentil soup. It's loaded with nutritious lentils, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, so it's both good for you and crazy delicious. Each bowl is a symphony of comforting flavors that simmer together until everything is tender and beautiful. It's a warm bowl of comfort that tastes like home in every single bite.
3. Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
This side dish feels like a warm hug. The sweet potato base is impossibly creamy and luscious, with all those cozy autumn spices woven right in. Non dairy milk and vegan butter give it that silky texture, so it's totally plant based but still feels so indulgent. Then you hit that top layer of crunchy pecan crumble, and oh my goodness. The contrast between that soft, sweet filling and the nutty crunch is just ridiculously good.
4. Vegan Crispy Roasted Cauliflower
Crispy, crunchy, and oh so satisfying, this vegan crispy roasted cauliflower is a real flavor fiesta! Each floret gets a light coating of spices before heading into the oven to roast to crispy perfection. The outside is incredibly crunchy, while the inside stays tender and juicy. Pair it with a tangy vegan dipping sauce for a truly flavorful treat that everyone will want to snack on.
5. Baked Sweet Potato Wedges
Looking for the perfect side to go with your vegan turkey roast? These baked sweet potato wedges are just the ticket! They're coated in olive oil, salt, and a little thyme, then baked to roasted, caramelized perfection. It really brings out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. Serve them with a creamy vegan aioli for a simple yet delicious addition to your Thanksgiving menu.
6. Vegan Roasted Vegetables
This medley of vegan roasted vegetables is a true celebration of the season's best flavors. We're talking zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli all roasted together. They come out of the oven caramelized and tender, their natural sweetness just enhanced by all that heat. An earthy, herby tahini based sauce is the finishing touch. It's a rustic, heart warming side that shows off a bountiful harvest.
7. Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Indulge in the creamy decadence of these vegan mashed sweet potatoes. Every spoonful is a celebration of the sweet potato's natural, wonderful sweetness. The recipe is made rich with vegan butter, creamy almond milk, and savory nutritional yeast. A sprinkle of cinnamon and some chopped parsley give it that warm, cozy, autumnal character we all crave. This dish is pure comfort and nostalgia, and honestly, it's a must have for your feast.
8. Easy Vegan Stuffed Butternut Squash
This easy vegan stuffed butternut squash is hearty elegance at its best. The tender roasted squash is brimming with a savory mix of beans, rice, and spinach. A lovely blend of herbs and spices takes all those flavors to the next level. Each bite is a balance of sweet, nutty, and earthy goodness. It's a complete, nutrition packed side that promises a unique and totally satisfying experience.
9. Vegan Dinner Rolls
These vegan dinner rolls are the perfect partner for all your favorite spreads and hearty mains. They're baked until they're a gorgeous golden brown, with the most delicate, soft crumb when you pull them apart. They're made with wholesome ingredients, so you can feel good about serving them to everyone. Warm, tender, and totally comforting, these rolls are the ultimate taste of home in every bite.
10. Stuffed Acorn Squash
This stuffed acorn squash is hearty sophistication on a plate. The roasted squash cradles a savory medley of quinoa, mushrooms, herbs, and spices. Every bite delivers an intriguing mix of textures and flavors that just works. It's an artful combination of rustic and gourmet elements, and it's absolutely perfect for a festive vegan feast.
11. Cheesy Vegan Cauliflower Casserole
This cheesy vegan cauliflower casserole is comfort food at its very finest. Tender cauliflower florets are baked in a creamy vegan cheese sauce until they're golden and bubbly. And the secret to all that cheesiness? Nutritional yeast! It's the magical ingredient that makes this casserole such a delightful treat. It's the ultimate guilt free indulgence for your vegan Thanksgiving feast.
12. Vegan Corn Casserole
Get ready to be blown away by the irresistible charm of this vegan corn casserole. It takes the golden goodness of corn and turns it into a mouthwatering, creamy, savory dream. Each spoonful is packed with tender kernels bathed in a luscious, plant based creaminess. Baked to perfection with a golden crust, this casserole is like a warm, cozy hug in food form. You will love it.
13. Classic Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese
Is there anything more comforting than mac and cheese? I don't think so. This vegan version is a wholesome take on the beloved classic that both kids and adults will adore. Every bite is immersed in a creamy, velvety cheese sauce that coats the al dente macaroni perfectly. That sauce gets its richness from coconut milk, seasonings, Dijon mustard, and vegan butter. And the golden brown bread crumb topping? It's the perfect crispy finish. This one will make you feel like a kid again.
14. Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Okay, this vegan green bean casserole is a total flavor adventure. You get that bright, crisp snap from the green beans in every single serving. They're folded into a rich and creamy mushroom sauce that just clings to everything in the best way. And then the whole thing is showered with crispy fried onions. That crunch is completely irresistible. It's a fresh, plant based take on the classic that I think you'll want to eat by the spoonful. So good.
15. Vegan Pumpkin Soup
Dive headfirst into a bowl of this cozy vegan pumpkin soup. It is literally autumn in a dish, I'm telling you. The pumpkin and almond milk blend together so seamlessly, creating something so velvety smooth and decadently creamy. It's warmed with gentle spices and sweetened with a little maple syrup. Every single spoonful is like a hug from the inside out. A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds on top adds the most welcome crunch against all that creaminess.
16. Classic Vegan Coleslaw
Rediscover a classic with this vegan coleslaw recipe. It's a simple salad of thinly sliced cabbage and vibrant carrots, all slathered in a creamy, tangy vegan dressing. The crisp freshness of the veggies combined with that velvety dressing is an unforgettable taste sensation. It's a cool, refreshing side that brings a wonderful, delightful crunch to the Thanksgiving table.
17. Best Vegan Cornbread
This vegan cornbread is absolutely charming. It's incredibly light and fluffy, yet it still has that wholesome, hearty goodness from the cornmeal. There's a subtle sweetness to it that plays so nicely with all the savory dishes on the table. A golden square of this is just pure joy, you know? It's the classic side you need for soaking up all those saucy mains.
18. Best Vegan Mashed Potatoes
No holiday spread is complete without a big bowl of mashed potatoes, right? This vegan version is here to prove you don't need dairy to make them dreamy. They are velvety smooth and full of that rich, buttery flavor you crave. A generous amount of vegan butter is the secret to how creamy they turn out. Finish them with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and every bite becomes a little flavor bomb. Pure comfort.
19. Roasted Carrots
In a pinch and need a side dish ASAP? These roasted carrots are the answer to your prayers. They're cooked to caramelized perfection in the oven, which really brings out their natural sweetness. A light glaze of olive oil, garlic, and maple syrup enhances all that gorgeous flavor. A little sprinkle of parsley on top makes them look as good as they taste. Simple and perfect.
20. Southern Vegan Potato Salad
This Southern vegan potato salad is all about the creamy goodness. Tender cubes of potato mingle with crisp celery, sweet relish, and fresh green onions. It's all enveloped in a luscious, vegan mayo based dressing that ties everything together. A little hint of mustard adds a fantastic zing to each bite, balancing the richness perfectly. It's a fresh, satisfying side that brings so much Southern charm to the table.
21. Easy Vegan Brussels Sprouts
Need a simple side dish that comes together in under an hour? Put these vegan Brussels sprouts on your list immediately. They're roasted until they reach absolute perfection, with a crispy exterior that gives way to a tender, buttery center. The recipe uses tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, spices, and nutritional yeast for a sweet and tangy vibe. It's so easy and so delicious.
22. Southern-Style Vegan Buttermilk Biscuits
These Southern style vegan buttermilk biscuits are the ultimate comfort food. They are light, flaky, and incredibly soft, capturing everything wonderful about Southern cooking. But they're completely plant based, so you can enjoy them guilt free. The secret is a vegan buttermilk made with soy milk and apple cider vinegar. It complements the gentle flavor of the biscuits and makes them absolutely irresistible. Serve them warm from the oven and watch them steal the spotlight.
23. Roasted Beet Salad with Vegan Goat Cheese
This roasted beet salad with vegan goat cheese is a true harmony of flavors and textures. The earthy sweetness of the roasted beets pairs perfectly with a tart, vegan goat cheese crumble. A medley of fresh greens and a good balsamic dressing complete the whole picture and delight your senses. This salad is a work of art on your plate and a masterpiece for your palate. It's just stunning.
24. Garlic Smashed Potatoes
Looking to add a little rustic charm to your holiday table? These garlic smashed potatoes are the answer. Tender Yukon potatoes are lightly smashed and then oven crisped until they're perfectly golden. They're brushed with plant butter and olive oil, and dusted with garlic powder and red pepper flakes. The outside gets satisfyingly crunchy, while the inside stays fluffy and hearty. A finish of fresh herbs turns this humble dish into something truly festive.
25. Easy Vegan Gravy
You need a good gravy to bring the whole plate together, and this vegan recipe is it. It starts with a hearty vegetable broth, so it's full of savory goodness. Onion powder, soy sauce, and a little Dijon mustard work their magic to create a flavor that's layered and complex. It's the soul warming finishing touch your entire vegan feast has been waiting for. Pour it over everything, friends.
26. Vegan Broccoli Casserole
When it comes to hearty casseroles, broccoli is always a winner, and this creamy vegan delight is guaranteed to be your new favorite. Crisp broccoli florets are bathed in a velvety vegan cheese sauce that's loaded with mushrooms and cashews. A golden, crunchy cracker topping brings a beautiful play of textures. It's a vibrant, wholesome side that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds without a doubt.
27. Best Vegan Rice Pilaf
This vegan rice pilaf is like a comforting embrace with every single bite. It's made with basmati rice, orzo, celery, and aromatics, so it's bursting with delightful flavors. It's a wholesome, heartwarming side dish that's as lovely to look at as it is to eat. You'll want to put a big scoop of this next to everything on your plate.
28. Mashed Butternut Squash
This mashed butternut squash is fall flavor at its finest. The nutty notes of the squash really shine, especially with the addition of nutmeg, a little cayenne pepper, and maple syrup. It's whipped until it reaches a creamy, velvety consistency that's just so comforting. It's a simple yet incredibly delicious treat, making it the perfect addition to your vegan Thanksgiving spread.
29. Vegan Fall Harvest Salad
This vegan fall harvest salad is a celebration of the season's bounty. It's loaded with fresh greens, tart apples, butternut squash, dried cherries, nuts, and hearty roasted pumpkin seeds. A drizzle of raspberry balsamic glaze brings a tangy sweetness that just makes all the flavors sing together. Every single forkful tastes like autumn, I swear. Your tastebuds will thank you.
30. Vegan Stuffing
You just can't have Thanksgiving without a big casserole of stuffing, and this vegan version is ready to party. It's packed with aromatics, herbs, and veggies, so every single bite is loaded with flavor. Whole grain bread cubes get toasted and then moistened with vegetable broth, making it perfectly soft and savory. This stuffing is a true testament to how amazing plant based cooking can be. It's a flavorful masterpiece, plain and simple.
31. Vegan Butternut Squash Soup
This vegan butternut squash soup is a beautiful harmony of sweet and savory. The rich flavor of roasted butternut squash mingles with the earthy notes of thyme and basil. It's a combination that feels both comforting and a little bit luxurious. Coconut milk is stirred in to make it extra creamy and add a subtle sweetness. It's a hearty, delicious bowl of fall flavors that you'll want to savor slowly.
32. Roasted Pumpkin Hummus
Dip into the rich, savory goodness of this roasted pumpkin hummus. It's such a fantastic twist on the classic, and it's packed with all the best fall flavors. The creamy texture of chickpeas blends beautifully with the sweet, earthy flavor of roasted pumpkin. With sesame oil, lemon juice, and olive oil in the mix, this hummus is truly a taste sensation. Serve it up with pretzels, crackers, or breadsticks and enjoy.
33. Vegan Squash Casserole
This vegan squash casserole is the essence of the season, all wrapped up in one baking dish. The sweet, nutty notes of the squash swim in a sauce that's completely creamy and vegan. On top, you get this crispy layer that contrasts so beautifully with the velvety filling underneath. It's a warm, inviting dish that really captures the heart of Thanksgiving and shows off just how wonderful plant based cuisine can be.
34. Vegan Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing
This vegan kale salad with maple balsamic dressing is here to brighten up your entire feast. It's got such fresh, vibrant flavors from the crisp kale, baby spinach, red apple, pecans, and cranberries. But the real star is that luscious maple balsamic dressing. It's a perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and savory that coats every single element beautifully. This salad boasts a stunning palette of fall colors that will bring so much holiday spirit to your table.