Thanksgiving is a time to gather, celebrate, and enjoy a feast full of flavors. These Delicious Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes are here to prove that you don’t need animal products to create a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with festive flavors. From appetizers to desserts, these dishes will delight vegans and non-vegans alike!
1. Lentil and Mushroom Loaf with Maple Glaze
Why You’ll Love It:
- Protein-packed and savory with a hint of sweetness from the maple glaze.
- Perfect as the centerpiece of a vegan Thanksgiving spread.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 5 tablespoons water (flax egg)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms in olive oil until softened.
- Mix the flax egg and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mash slightly to create a sticky mixture.
- Press into the loaf pan and bake for 40 minutes.
- Mix the glaze ingredients, spread over the loaf, and bake for another 10 minutes.
2. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
Why You’ll Love It:
- Dairy-free and naturally sweet with a velvety texture.
- Easy to make and perfect for starting your meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
- Add squash and vegetable broth. Simmer for 20 minutes until tender.
- Blend until smooth and stir in coconut milk and curry powder. Season to taste.
3. Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Why You’ll Love It:
- A creamy classic made with plant-based ingredients.
- Crispy fried onions make it extra irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
Directions:
- Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes and drain.
- Cook mushrooms in olive oil, add flour, then whisk in almond milk and broth to make a sauce.
- Stir in green beans and transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with fried onions and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
4. Wild Rice and Cranberry Stuffing
Why You’ll Love It:
- A gluten-free, nutrient-packed alternative to traditional stuffing.
- Bursting with holiday flavors like cranberries, sage, and rosemary.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
Directions:
- Cook wild rice in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
- Sauté onion and celery, then mix with rice, cranberries, pecans, and herbs.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes to heat through.
5. Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds
Why You’ll Love It:
- Sweet, caramelized Brussels sprouts with a crunchy almond topping.
- A quick and easy side dish that’s full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Sprinkle with almonds before serving.
6. Vegan Mashed Potatoes with Mushroom Gravy
Why You’ll Love It:
- Creamy mashed potatoes with a rich, savory mushroom gravy.
- Comfort food that’s entirely plant-based.
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mushroom Gravy:
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Directions:
- Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with almond milk, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté mushrooms, add flour, and whisk in broth and soy sauce until thickened.
- Serve gravy over mashed potatoes.
7. Pumpkin Pie Bars with Pecan Crust
Why You’ll Love It:
- A dairy-free, egg-free twist on pumpkin pie in an easy-to-serve bar format.
- Perfectly spiced and naturally sweetened.
For the Crust:
- 1 cup pecans, finely ground
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
For the Filling:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Press crust mixture into a baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
- Mix filling ingredients and pour over crust. Bake for 30 minutes, then chill before slicing.
8. Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel
Why You’ll Love It:
- Naturally sweet and topped with a crunchy, nutty streusel.
- No marshmallows—just wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Streusel:
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Directions:
- Boil and mash sweet potatoes with coconut milk, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
- Mix streusel ingredients and sprinkle on top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
FAQs
1. Are these recipes gluten-free?
Many are naturally gluten-free or can be adapted with gluten-free ingredients.
2. Can I make these dishes ahead of time?
Yes, most of these recipes can be prepped in advance and reheated on Thanksgiving Day.
3. How do I ensure non-vegans will enjoy these dishes?
Focus on bold flavors, textures, and presentation—these recipes are satisfying for everyone!
4. Can I double these recipes?
Absolutely, these recipes can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings.
5. Where can I find vegan substitutes for ingredients like butter and milk?
Most grocery stores carry plant-based butter, almond milk, or coconut milk in the baking or refrigerated section.
These Delicious Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes showcase the best of plant-based cooking for the holidays. With dishes that are hearty, flavorful, and festive, they’ll please everyone around the table. Enjoy a compassionate and delicious feast this year!