Whether it’s your first year or 20th year of cooking a vegan thanksgiving menu, you always need new ideas. Check out the best vegan thanksgiving recipes for everyone!
Thanksgiving is like the Olympics of creating the best recipes all in one day (or across a few days) and being vegan doesn’t change that. You still want the absolute best vegan thanksgiving recipes to show off to all your family and friends.
But what should those recipes be? What are the best vegan thanksgiving recipes?
Luckily, we’re here to help.
We have a ton of great ideas that will fill your bellies and leave you and everyone who eats your food satisfied and wanting more. They may even say they are shocked that everything is vegan and can’t believe that vegan food can be this good. Yes, we are confident that are recipes will shock those you make them for!
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Watch our Vegan Thanksgiving Menu 2021 Video:
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of vegan Thanksgiving recipes will I find here?
- main dishes
- sides
- appetizers
- breakfasts
- desserts
- and even bread options
What do vegans eat on Thanksgiving?
For starters, vegans eat the same things that everyone else eats. Only, there are no animal products involved in their meals.
A traditional Thanksgiving meal has turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese, pumpkin or sweet potato pie, and usually a lot more!
A vegan Thanksgiving menu has all of these things or some variation of them, just made in a way that doesn’t contain animal products, including eggs and dairy.
Can I make these recipes Top 8 Allergen Free?
We answer this is almost every single post we have, but since there are so many here, it’s hard to give one definitive answer.
Most of these recipes can be Top 8 Allergen Free if you follow our steps in each post.
All of the recipes below are vegan, which means they are naturally dairy and egg free if you have those allergies.
We do our best to make our recipes allergen friendly, and describe that in each post.
How do you have a vegan turkey?
This is probably the only thing that we do not currently have a recipe for. But we didn’t want to leave you empty handed if you are set on replacing that. We do have a few main dish ideas below though.
There are many store bought vegan options from companies like Tofurky and Gardein and they can usually start to be found in October as a seasonal item. These typically are made out of wheat gluten, soy, or a combination of both. Check out our vegan turkey roasts review and video!
However, we know that many of you want whole foods plant based options and so for that, we’d check out the alternatives that we listed below.
What should I do if I’m hosting a vegan over?
The best that you can do is be as accommodating as possible. Vegans have come to expect that not everything or even most of what is at a meal is going to be suitable to them; however, that doesn’t mean that you can’t surprise them.
Make simple swaps like using oil or vegan butter in recipes, especially side dishes where butter is the only non-vegan ingredient.
Get more hosting tips here.
Is it wrong to take a meal to someone’s house if I’m the only vegan?
If you don’t host Thanksgiving and you celebrate, then likely you are going somewhere else.
It’s not rude to take over a plate of things you have made ahead of time. Our first vegan Thanksgiving, we made vegan meatballs, mashed potatoes and broccoli. We put it in reusable containers and warmed it up at the host’s house.
Now, if you do this be prepared people will ask questions, but it’s a great time to expose others to veganism.
We did bring a vegan dessert to share and guess what, no one knew it was vegan. But it surely brought joy to the guest with a dairy allergy that was happy to learn there was something they could have. Everyone wins!
The Best Vegan Thanksgiving Menu
No matter what you choose, we hope you have a delicious and fun filled holiday!
Vegan Thanksgiving Breakfasts
Below are 10 ideas for a delicious vegan Thanksgiving breakfast. Don’t see what you want? No worries! Check out more than 4 dozen other vegan breakfast ideas!
Dairy Free Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
THESE DAIRY FREE PUMPKIN CINNAMON ROLLS WITH PUMPKIN SPICED DAIRY FREE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING ARE LITERALLY WHAT YOUR SWEET TOOTH DREAMS ARE MADE OF EVERYDAY. TRY OUT THESE VEGAN CINNAMON ROLLS TODAY! I BET YOU CAN’T TELL THE DIFFERENCE AND THINK IT’S THE BEST CINNAMON ROLL RECIPE EVER!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Pumpkin Bread
You must make this delicious vegan pumpkin bread at least once every fall! Perfectly spice, soft, easy to make and allergy friendly!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Waffles
These vegan waffles are absolutely perfect! Super soft and fluffy and pairs perfectly for your next brunch! Oil free. Can be Top 8 Allergy Free.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Sausage Gravy & Biscuits
Top the best dairy free homemade flaky, buttermilk biscuits with absolutely amazing vegan sausage gravy for the ultimate Southern style vegan sausage gravy and biscuits.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Breakfast Skillet
This delicious vegan breakfast skillet recipe is the perfect option for a filling and delicious skillet potatoes recipe. Whether you are going to a brunch or wanting a quick breakfast skillet at your house, this will be a hit!
Check out this recipe
Easy Vegan Tofu Scramble
This easy vegan tofu scramble is the perfect scrambled eggs substitute! Pair with a side of breakfast hash and vegan bacon for a complete meal.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Apple Pull Apart Bread
This vegan apple pull apart bread is perfect for get togethers! Soft, fluffy, apple bread with flakey layers and a sweet glaze drizzled on top makes this a hit!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Pumpkin Butter Cinnamon Buns
These vegan pumpkin butter sugar buns are fluffy and full of flavor. Great for breakfast on the go or fall get togethers!
Check out this recipe
No Yeast Vegan Apple Fritters
Perfectly fried dough that is layered inside with delicious, juicy apples and drizzle with a simple glaze is what makes these no yeast vegan apple fritters so incredible.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Cinnamon Babka
This vegan cinnamon babka is a stunner! Super easy to make despite its intricate details. Can be served for dessert or breakfast!
Check out this recipe
Don’t see what you are looking for? We likely have it or a variation? For example, you may not want the pumpkin cinnamon rolls listed above, but we have over 25 different vegan cinnamon roll variations! Make sure you check out all our vegan breakfast ideas!
Vegan Thanksgiving Appetizers
If you have one of those families (whether you host or not) that do holidays ALL day long, then appetizers are a must. Also, if you are one of those families (no judgement) that say dinner is at 4pm, but every year it doesn’t start until at least 6pm, then you also need appetizers. Here’s some of our favorite vegan appetizer recipes!
Vegan Thanksgiving Turkey Veggie Tray
Learn how to make this super easy vegan thanksgiving turkey veggie tray. A quick vegan appetizer that will be a huge hit for your holiday get together!
Check out this recipe
Easy Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms
A platter of these easy vegan stuffed mushrooms will wow a crowd! The only thing you will wonder is why didn't you make more!
Check out this recipe
Easy Vegan Tuscan Stuffed Mushrooms
These easy vegan Tuscan stuffed mushrooms will transform your mind right to Italy! The only thing you will wonder is why didn't you make more!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
This Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip is perfect for a crowd or to enjoy all by yourself. Dip with tortilla chips or crackers. Top 8 Allergen Friendly.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Nacho Cheese
This is the BEST Vegan Nacho Cheese that you've ever tried. Ready in just 10 minutes. Completely planted based, nut free and contains no carrots or potatoes.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Sausage Balls
Vegan Sausage Balls are an easy vegan appetizer that needs 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep! They can also be an on the go breakfast idea.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Grape Jelly Meatballs
These easy vegan grape jelly meatballs are perfect for appetizers or dinner meals! Needs just 3 ingredients! Make on the stove or in a crockpot!
Check out this recipe
How to Make a Vegan Charcuterie Board
Get 10 tips for how to make the perfect vegan charcuterie board and over 100 vegan ideas for what to put on your vegan grazing board.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Beer Cheese
We've taken this southern favorite and made it vegan! This vegan beer cheese is a must have for get togethers and takes just 10 minutes to throw together. Paired with our 1 hr vegan pretzels for the ultimate combo!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Avocado Egg Rolls
These vegan avocado egg rolls are perfect for appetizers or a meal and it's basically like fried guacamole, but better. Pair it with salsa or our vegan nacho cheese for a delicious combo!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Thanksgiving Main Dishes
These Thanksgiving Vegan main dishes are not your typical main dishes if you only usually have a turkey; however, they are vegan plant based options to switch up that we think you will love! PS: New traditions are fun!
Get even more vegan Thanksgiving main course ideas!
Vegan Hasselback Squash
This vegan hasselback squash with brown butter sage sauce is perfect for a main dish for the holiday. Rich, sweet flavor that's inexpensive and easy for beginner cooks!
Check out this recipe
Mushroom Free Vegan Lentil Wellington
This easy mushroom free vegan lentil wellington recipe will be the perfect centerpiece for your holidays.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash
This fall main course is perfect for entertaining and can serve as a beautiful centerpiece. Easy, flavorful, and healthy! It will be the talk of the table!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Honey Garlic Oven Fried Tofu
This vegan honey garlic oven fried tofu with roasted broccoli sheet pan meal is so easy to make yet loaded with flavor! You will want to make this again and again!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Swedish Meatballs
If you've ever been to Ikea, then you've likely had Swedish meatballs. However, these vegan Swedish meatballs are even more amazing than the restaurant version.
Check out this recipe
Spicy Vegan Cauliflower Burger
Spicy vegan cauliflower burger can be air fried or deep fried. Absolutely delicious. You'll be shocked at the texture of this vegan sandwich.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Brown Butter Sage Sauce
This four ingredients vegan brown butter sage sauce is so easy that you will be shocked how great it tastes.
Check out this recipe
If you make this, we suggest, use the cauliflower as like a steak with gravy over it and not necessarily a burger (but have the burger if you want too!)
The Best Vegan Lasagna
This is a simple and classic recipe for the best vegan lasagna! No more wondering how to make the perfect lasagna, we've got you covered with a great meal that everyone can enjoy! Can be made allergen-friendly.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Smoked Whole Roasted Cauliflower
We're making a vegan smoked whole roasted cauliflower for a new grilling tradition that's bursting with flavor! This is next level vegan grill food.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Italian Meatballs
If you are looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, then these delicious Vegan Italian Meatballs will hit all the high notes. Ready in under 20 minutes, you are guaranteed to love these dairy free meatballs. This recipe can be made Top 8 Allergy Friendly, including info for gluten free meatballs.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
Whether you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or just need a very filling, delicious dinner idea, then this vegan shepherd’s pie is going to be your new favorite recipe!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Pot Pies
These delicious vegan pot pies are filled with your favorite vegetables and can be completely customizable to create one of the best vegan comfort foods!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Pumpkin Pasta with Spinach and Sundried Tomatoes
This easy vegan pumpkin pasta with spinach and sundried tomatoes is sure to be a new favorite vegan dinner idea for all! Top 8 Allergen Free Option.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Thanksgiving Soups and Chilis
Soups and chilis are a great way to have an option that not only can you prep ahead, but that is filling, and a great addition to any meal. Here’s a few vegan soup ideas for Thanksgiving.
Vegan Sweet Potato Chili
This vegan sweet potato chili is perfect for those chilly nights! Easy to make, top 8 free! Hints of sweet while completely savory, this chili will blow you away.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Apple Chili
This vegan apple chili is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy! One of the easiest vegan crockpot chili recipes that you will taste! It will quickly go in your meal plan rotation! Top 8 Allergen Free!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Butternut Squash Soup
This easy and delicious vegan butternut squash soup is the perfect fall soup to enjoy on those chilly days! Top 8 Allergen Free.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Lentil Soup
This super easy vegan lentil soup will be a hit all fall and winter long. Warming, filling, and budget friendly. Also, Top 8 Allergen Free.
Check out this recipe
Vegan French Onion Soup
This filling and comforting vegan french onion soup has all the classic flavors of a deep, rich umami and wine broth with layers of caramelized onions. Absolutely delicious.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Thanksgiving Sides
Sides are the best part of any Thanksgiving menu, right? Honestly, you can make a whole meal with just sides and not even worry about a main dish.
Don’t see what you like, check out more than 20 vegan side dish ideas!
Here are some delicious vegan side dishes for Thanksgiving:
The Best Vegan Mac and Cheese
This is the best vegan mac and cheese recipe ever! Directions for stovetop version and the most delicious baked vegan mac and cheese ever! Not cashew based, so allergy friendly!
Check out this recipe
One Pot 30 Minute Vegan Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Learn how to make super easy one pot 30 minute vegan mashed potatoes and gravy from scratch. Perfect for the holidays or dinner any night
Check out this recipe
Vegan Apple and Sausage Stuffing
This vegan apple and sausage stuffing is literally stuffed full of the best ingredients to make even carnivores want seconds on this vegan side dish.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Green Bean Casserole
This is the only vegan green bean casserole that you will need! A great dairy free side dish to any holiday tablescape. Comes together super easy and can be tailored to be Top 8 Allergen friendly if needed.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Lemon Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
These easy vegan lemon rosemary roasted potatoes are a simple, yet flavorful vegan side dish! Great for holidays and get togethers.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
This easy vegan sweet potato casserole is a perfect vegan side dish and not just for the holidays! An absolute must try!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Lemon Garlic Butter Asparagus
This vegan lemon garlic butter asparagus is one of the most simple, yet flavorful side dishes that you can have. Pair with optional tomatoes or mushrooms for a delicious recipe that is a hit for all.
Check out this recipe
Dairy Free Gravy
This super simple 5 minute dairy free gravy will be the star of the table. Use this versatile vegan gravy over vegetables, vegan roast, and more!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Mushroom Gravy
This is the best vegan mushroom gravy that you've tasted! Absolutely loaded with flavor and can be used in so many ways. You'll wonder why you didn't try it before!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
These rich and creamy classic vegan scalloped potatoes are a classic for any holiday dinner, gathering of friends or just a family dinner. Baked to perfection! It’s completely dairy free and can be made Top 8 Allergen Friendly.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Glazed Carrots
These Vegan Glazed Carrots are super easy to make, taking under 15 minutes! The sweet glaze will have everyone asking for more! A great dairy free side dish for all to enjoy!
Check out this recipe
Looking for cold side dishes? We have you covered! From potato salad to macaroni salad, broccoli salad to quinoa salad and more! Check out our cold vegan side dishes!
Vegan Thanksgiving Bread Options
Bread is a must on any Thanksgiving menu. You need it to dip in the gravy and just yum, carbs! Here’s some delicious options:
Vegan Dinner Rolls
These are hands down the best vegan homemade dinner rolls recipe. Baked to soft and fluffy perfection everyone will enjoy! Just 6 Ingredients, one bowl, completely from scratch!
Vegan Cornbread
This vegan cornbread is so soft, fluffy, and moist! It's the perfect companion to your favorite chilis and soups.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Garlic Bread
Once you try this vegan garlic bread, you will never search for another store bought option. Ready in just minutes and perfect pairing with a variety of vegan meals!
Check out this recipe
Dairy Free Biscuits
These dairy free biscuits are fail proof! Super flaky, soft inside and buttery! This dairy free biscuit recipe is easy to make, less than 10 ingredients, and would be considered a dairy free buttermilk biscuit recipe. They are completely vegan biscuits and there’s a gluten free option.
Check out this recipe
Sweet and Savory Vegan Cheesy Garlic Twists
If you love garlic bread, you'll be obsessed with these Sweet and Savory Vegan Cheesy Garlic Twists! Easy to make and tons of flavor!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Thanksgiving Desserts
Dessert is the best part. Thanksgiving is the biggest reason to eat all the desserts without any guilt, so check out some ideas we have below of popular choices, but check out all our vegan dessert ideas if you need more inspiration!
Vegan Sweet Potato Pie
This easy vegan sweet potato pie is insanely easy to make! Just one bowl. Can be Top 8 Allergen Free. A must try alternative to pumpkin pie.
Check out this recipe
Dairy Free Pumpkin Pie
This dairy free pumpkin pie recipe is so delicious, you’d never even know it’s a vegan pumpkin pie recipe! It’s dairy free, egg free, and has a gluten free option!
Check out this recipe
Layered Vegan Pumpkin Cake
Vegan layered vegan pumpkin cake is perfectly paired with a delicious vegan vanilla cinnamon cream cheese frosting! Perfect fall dessert!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Caramel Apple Pie
This Vegan Caramel Apple Pie is the perfect twist to a classic. Learn how to make a completely homemade vegan pie from scratch!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Pumpkin Cake
This insanely easy vegan pumpkin cake will be the showstopping centerpiece of your dessert table this holiday season. Perfectly spice, soft, and meltsin your mouth. Paired with a maple glaze on top.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Pumpkin Ice Cream
Delicious vegan pumpkin ice cream is no churn and easy to make! Made with minimal ingredients! It will blow your mind!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Pumpkin Roll
We take this classic fall dessert and make it a vegan pumpkin roll. Filled with delicious vegan cream cheese frosting and topped with powdered sugar!Plus, a bonus vegan chocolate pumpkin roll option.
Check out this recipe
Dairy Free Apple Pie (Vegan)
This Dairy Free Apple Pie recipe turns an American classic into your favorite dairy free dessert! Learn how to make a completely homemade vegan apple pie from scratch!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Pecan Pie
A classic, southern dessert, this Vegan Pecan Pie will be a hit at your family get together year round! Easy to make, completely corn free with a gluten free option.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Salted Caramel Cookies
These vegan salted caramel cookies and a fun twist on a classic. Delicious vegan thumbprint cookies made with a buttery dough and amazing caramel pour inside.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Apple Upside Down Cake
THE PERFECT FALL TWIST ON A CLASSIC AMERICAN CAKE! CARAMELIZED APPLES, WITH A RICH, MOIST CAKE WILL BE THE PERFECT VEGAN FALL CAKE STAPLE!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Apple Cider Donut Cake
If you love apple cider donuts, then you will love this vegan apple cider donut cake! It makes an amazing fall sweet brunch option or a dessert!
Check out this recipe
We could go on and on with desserts, so definitely make sure whether it’s cake, cookies or pies, that you check out even more of our vegan dessert recipes!
What’s on your vegan Thanksgiving menu? Leave a comment and let us know which vegan Thanksgiving recipes you’ll be trying!
This post was originally published on 11/17/19 and updated on 9/29/2020, 11/2/2020 and most recently 11/10/2021.
