The Best Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

Hello, lovely foodies! If you’re planning to make this year’s Thanksgiving extra special, why not make it plant-based, fabulous, and full of flavor? Whether you’re vegan, hosting vegans, or just looking to add a few meat-free dishes to the table, a Vegan Thanksgiving can be just as festive, delicious, and satisfying as the classic holiday spread.

Gone are the days when a vegan Thanksgiving meant just a salad and a sad side of mashed potatoes. Nope, we’re talking about mouthwatering dishes that will leave even the most committed carnivores wanting more. From savory mains to indulgent sides and even dessert (oh yes, there’s dessert!), I’ve got you covered with recipes that bring all the holiday joy and none of the animal products.

Let’s dive into the festive vegan deliciousness, shall we?

1. Vegan Stuffing: The Ultimate Holiday Side

Stuffing is a classic that absolutely cannot be missed at Thanksgiving. This vegan version is savory, herb-packed, and just as hearty as its non-vegan counterpart. With toasted bread cubes, sautéed onions, garlic, celery, and lots of fresh sage, it’s everything you want in a Thanksgiving side.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of day-old sourdough or whole-grain bread (cut into cubes)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed veggies, vegetable broth, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is well-coated.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.

This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or even a vegan mushroom gravy! And if you’re looking for the perfect baking dish to bring this dish to life, a sturdy glass or ceramic casserole dish will make sure your stuffing bakes to perfection every time

2. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie: A Hearty Main Course

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting main dish that can stand up to any roast turkey, look no further than Vegan Shepherd’s Pie. It’s packed with a savory lentil filling, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s everything you want in a satisfying holiday main course.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup frozen peas
• 4 cups mashed potatoes (see next recipe for how to make them!)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Cook the lentils according to the package instructions and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.
3. Add garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cooked lentils and peas, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer the lentil mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly over the lentils.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. Serve hot.

Want to make the prep even easier? Consider investing in a good food processor to chop your veggies quickly and uniformly. It’ll save you tons of time in the kitchen!

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3. Vegan Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and Dreamy

You can’t have Thanksgiving without mashed potatoes, and this vegan version is every bit as creamy and rich as the traditional kind. The secret? A little bit of vegan butter and cashew cream to make these mashed potatoes extra indulgent.

Ingredients:

• 4 large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup vegan butter
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 1/4 cup cashew cream (see below for how to make it)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and return them to the pot.
2. Add the vegan butter, almond milk, and cashew cream to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.

Cashew Cream: Blend 1/2 cup raw cashews with 1/2 cup water until smooth. This is your secret weapon for creamy dishes!

These mashed potatoes pair perfectly with everything on your vegan Thanksgiving table, from stuffing to roasted Brussels sprouts.

4. Vegan Pecan Pie: A Sweet Finish

You can’t end a Thanksgiving feast without a dessert that’s just as sweet as the memories you’ll make. This vegan pecan pie is rich, gooey, and packed with caramelized flavor, with a crust that’s crisp and buttery (thanks to plant-based butter!).

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made vegan pie crust (or homemade!)
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine maple syrup, coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, vanilla, and cornstarch. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in the pecans. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the filling is set and the crust is golden. Let cool before slicing.

Vegan Thanksgiving Coming Soon: The Perfect Vegan Gravy Recipe

Psst! Stay tuned for my next blog post where I’ll be sharing the perfect Vegan Gravy to pair with all these delicious dishes. It’s rich, savory, and can be made in minutes—trust me, it’ll be the crowning glory of your holiday spread!

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A whole vegan Thanksgiving feast that’s full of flavor, comfort, and festive cheer. With dishes like savory stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, and decadent pecan pie, there’s no need to miss out on anything this holiday season. Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just looking to add a little more plant-based goodness to your celebration, these recipes will make your Thanksgiving unforgettable.

As Alway, Keep Cooking!