10 Vegan Side Dishes for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones and enjoying a delicious feast. If you’re looking for plant-based options, these vegan side dishes are packed with flavor and perfect for complementing your holiday spread. From roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes, these dishes will satisfy everyone at the table.

FAQs

What are the best vegan side dishes for Thanksgiving?

Some great vegan Thanksgiving sides include mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and sweet potato casserole. These dishes bring classic holiday flavors without any animal products.

How can I make traditional Thanksgiving sides vegan?

Many traditional side dishes can be made vegan by swapping dairy with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, coconut cream, and vegan butter. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth is another easy swap.

Can I make these side dishes ahead of time?

Yes! Many vegan side dishes can be prepared a day or two in advance, making Thanksgiving meal prep easier. Reheat them just before serving for the best taste.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes made without dairy but just as delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
• ¼ cup vegan butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes until fork-tender, then drain.
2. Mash with almond milk, vegan butter, and garlic until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper.

Get the full recipe here.

2. Vegan Stuffing

A savory, herb-infused stuffing that’s completely plant-based.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of sourdough bread, cubed
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions and celery until soft.
2. Toss with cubed bread, broth, and herbs.
3. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Get the full recipe here.

3. Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

A caramelized, crispy, and slightly sweet side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil and maple syrup.
2. Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes.
3. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Get the full recipe here.

4. Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

A rich and creamy casserole topped with a crunchy pecan crumble.

Ingredients:

• 3 large sweet potatoes, mashed
• ¼ cup almond milk
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• 2 tbsp coconut sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Mix mashed sweet potatoes with almond milk and maple syrup.
2. Spread into a baking dish and top with pecans, coconut sugar, and cinnamon.
3. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.

Get the full recipe here.

5. Cranberry Orange Sauce

A tangy, homemade cranberry sauce with a hint of citrus.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• ½ cup orange juice
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions:

1. Simmer cranberries, orange juice, and maple syrup until berries burst.
2. Stir in orange zest and let cool.

Get the full recipe here.

6. Garlic Green Beans

A simple yet flavorful green bean dish with sautéed garlic.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
2. Add green beans and cook until tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper.

Get the full recipe here.

7. Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans

A warm, nutty side dish with a hint of cinnamon.

Ingredients:

• 1 small butternut squash, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup chopped pecans
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss squash with olive oil, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes.
3. Sprinkle with pecans before serving.

Get the full recipe here.

8. Vegan Mac and Cheese

A creamy, dairy-free mac and cheese with a cashew-based sauce.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow pasta
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Blend soaked cashews with almond milk, nutritional yeast, and seasonings.
3. Mix sauce with pasta and heat until warm.

Get the full recipe here.

9. Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf

A hearty and earthy rice dish that pairs well with any Thanksgiving spread.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp thyme

Instructions:

1. Cook wild rice in vegetable broth.
2. Sauté mushrooms in olive oil and mix with rice.
3. Season with thyme and serve warm.

Get the full recipe here.

10. Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

Soft, slightly sweet dinner rolls infused with pumpkin.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp yeast
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup almond milk
• 2 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, yeast, pumpkin puree, almond milk, and maple syrup into a dough.
2. Let rise for 1 hour, then shape into rolls.
3. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Get the full recipe here.

These delicious vegan side dishes will complete your Thanksgiving table with a variety of flavors and textures. For more plant-based holiday ideas, check out other vegan recipes.