Looking for creative vegan Thanksgiving ideas? Scroll on for my most festive plant-based recipes, from appetizers and sides, to main dishes.
Thanksgiving is – and I suspect forever will be – my favorite holiday. When I first started cooking for Thanksgiving (or in my case, Friendsgiving), I began with all the classics I’d seen Rachael, Giada, and Ina offer on the Food Network: turkey, gravy, potatoes, stuffing.
But when I transitioned to eating primarily plant-based, I knew some changes would have to be made. The goat cheese on my crostini made way for cashew ricotta, the turkey drippings in my gravy became mushrooms, and so on. Lest it sound like I was giving something up, my Thanksgivings actually became even more abundant. And putting together my annual menu – without any meat or dairy – became my favorite creative challenge of the whole year.
If you’re gearing up for your first “wfpb” holiday meal – or heading to a potluck – you may be wondering what to put on your menu. Below, I’ve rounded up my favorite vegan Thanksgiving recipes, including turkey-free mains, starchy sides, vegetables, salads, and of course, my beloved mushroom gravy.
Vegan Mains
Stuffed Portobellos with Spinach and Farro
Basically an XL version of the classic appetizer.
Tempeh Marsala
A plant-based take on the Italian-American favorite.
Mini Eggplant Lasagnas
Roasted eggplant layered with marinara and cashew ricotta.
Mushroom Hand Pies
A meatless take on the classic beef version.
Mushroom Bourguignon
Beef makes way for mushrooms in this French bistro classic.
Tempeh Shepherd’s Pie
A hearty tempeh filling with red wine, plus with fluffy mashed potatoes.
Salads + Vegetables
The Best Thanksgiving Salad
A festive arugula salad with roasted sweet potatoes, apple, cranberries, and almonds.
Spiced Roasted Carrots with Tahini
A light and easy 30-minute recipe.
Charred Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts with mustard-balsamic glaze and pomegranate.
Massaged Kale Caesar Salad
Featuring an umami-packed cashew dressing and homemade croutons.
Smoky Creamed Corn
Made with miso, smoked paprika, and coconut milk.
Miso Roasted Cabbage
An unexpected alternative to Brussels sprouts.
Vegan Gravy
A make ahead-able gravy with mushrooms, white wine, and soy sauce.
Starchy Sides
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Like a warm, cozy hug.
Mushroom-Leek Stuffing
Will make your whole home smell like Thanksgiving.
Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Ready in less than 30 minutes, no oven required.
Vegan Potatoes au Gratin
Layers of fluffy potato slices in a rich cashew béchamel.
Thanksgiving Farro Salad
Featuring chewy grains, carrots, herbs, and cranberries.
French “Melting Potatoes”
My quest to make the best brunch potatoes led me to this genius French technique.
White Bean Purée with Fried Leeks
An easy alternative to mashed potatoes.
Appetizers
The Ultimate Holiday Snack Board
Charcuterie, who?
Balsamic Caramelized Onion Crostini
Everybody’s favorite thing at every party I’ve ever cooked for. Period.
Muhammara (Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip)
A 5-minute dip made with pantry staples.
Tuscan Beans on Toast
The perfect Italian bite to pair with a glass of wine.
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