There’s something magical about Thanksgiving — the cozy smells, the chatter around the table, and of course, the side dishes that secretly steal the show.
And if you’re planning a vegan or vegetarian Thanksgiving, you’re in for a real treat. Because let’s be honest — once you taste fluffy vegan mashed potatoes, savory vegan stuffing, or a creamy casserole that doesn’t need dairy to be delicious, you’ll never miss the traditional versions again.
Whether you’re hosting the full meal or just bringing a dish to the table, these vegan Thanksgiving sides are designed to impress everyone — yes, even Uncle Bob who swears he “needs turkey.”
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Thanksgiving Sides
- 100% Plant-Based Comfort: Every dish is vegan-friendly but still full of that classic Thanksgiving richness.
- Simple, Familiar Flavors: No weird substitutes — just wholesome swaps and cozy ingredients.
- Great for Mixed Crowds: Vegan, vegetarian, or omnivore — everyone will love these.
- Prep-Friendly: Many can be made ahead, leaving you more time to enjoy the day.
- Balanced Spread: From creamy to crispy to roasted perfection, there’s something for every plate.
Ingredients You’ll Use Across These Recipes
Here’s a quick look at pantry staples that will show up again and again:
- Potatoes – Yukon Golds or Russets for the creamiest mash.
- Non-dairy milk & vegan butter – Oat, soy, or almond milk keep dishes rich and creamy.
- Vegetable broth – Adds depth to stuffing, casseroles, and rice dishes.
- Seasonal veggies – Green beans, carrots, Brussels sprouts, squash, and more.
- Fresh herbs – Sage, thyme, rosemary, and parsley make everything taste like Thanksgiving.
- Nuts & seeds – Pecans, walnuts, and sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Breadcrumbs – For topping casseroles or stuffing texture.
If you have these basics, you’re already halfway to a beautiful vegan Thanksgiving spread.
The 8 Best Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dishes
1. Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery, and silky smooth — all without a drop of dairy. Boil your potatoes until fork-tender, mash with vegan butter and warm plant milk, and don’t forget the roasted garlic (the secret weapon!).
My sister, who swore by her “extra buttery” version for years, now insists the vegan mash is creamier.
Quick Tip: Use Yukon Golds for a naturally buttery texture, and top with chives or vegan gravy.
2. Vegan Green Bean Casserole
It’s just not Thanksgiving without this cozy casserole. Make a creamy sauce with mushrooms, garlic, and plant milk, toss in blanched green beans, and top with crispy onions.
The result? A bubbling, golden casserole that even non-vegans will scoop seconds of.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the beans — keep them crisp so the dish feels fresh and vibrant.
3. Classic Vegan Stuffing
Stuffing is all about the aroma — onions, celery, sage, and thyme coming together in a warm, herby mix. Cube up your favorite crusty bread, toss with sautéed veggies and broth, and bake until the top is perfectly crisp.
I tested this recipe last year for a mixed crowd — my dad didn’t even realize it was vegan until I told him.
Try This: Add chopped mushrooms for an earthy flavor boost.
4. Butternut Squash or Sweet Potato Casserole
This vegan casserole is the star of any table — sweet, nutty, and topped with a crunchy pecan crumble. Mash roasted squash or sweet potatoes, blend with a touch of maple syrup, and bake until golden.
It smells like dessert but works perfectly as a side.
Variation: Add a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, nostalgic twist.
5. Maple-Glazed Roasted Vegetables
For a lighter, colorful side, roast carrots, beets, and Brussels sprouts in olive oil and maple syrup. The edges caramelize beautifully, and that sweet-savory balance ties the whole meal together.
This one’s my mom’s go-to when she wants something quick but “still looks fancy.”
Tip: Finish with toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
6. Mashed Cauliflower (or Sweet Potato Mash)
If you want something lighter than classic mash, this creamy cauliflower version is perfect. Steam cauliflower, blend with roasted garlic, and whip it up with non-dairy milk.
It’s surprisingly rich and makes a beautiful addition next to gravy or lentil loaf.
Bonus: Half potato, half cauliflower mash gives you the best of both worlds.
7. Wild Rice Pilaf with Pecans & Cranberries
This dish adds a hearty, nutty texture to your table. Wild rice simmered in veggie broth, tossed with dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and sautéed mushrooms — it’s autumn in a bowl.
Plus, it looks gorgeous served family-style.
Serving Idea: Drizzle a little olive oil and sprinkle fresh parsley before serving.
8. Kale & Pomegranate Holiday Salad
Every table needs a touch of freshness. This kale salad with a creamy tahini dressing, pomegranate seeds, and walnuts is bright, crunchy, and the perfect balance to heavier dishes.
My cousin Jenna calls it “the reset button” after all the carbs — and she’s right.
Make-Ahead Tip: Massage the kale ahead of time to keep it tender without wilting.
Tips & Variations
- Add Protein: Toss roasted chickpeas or lentils into salads or stuffing for a heartier meal.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Flavor Boosters: A splash of balsamic, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can totally elevate your dish.
- Plan Oven Space: Bake casseroles together and roast veggies in batches — everything stays hot longer than you think.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serving Ideas: Pair these vegan sides with lentil loaf, mushroom gravy, or a tofu roast.
- Storage: Most dishes can be refrigerated for 3–4 days. Reheat casseroles in the oven and mash in a pot with a splash of non-dairy milk.
- Make-Ahead: Stuffing, casseroles, and rice dishes can be prepped a day before and baked on the big day.
Vegan Thanksgiving Sides – Quick Recipe Card
Prep Time: 20–30 minutes each
Cook Time: Varies (30–60 minutes)
Serves: 6–8
Ingredients (Base Set)
- Potatoes or cauliflower
- Green beans, carrots, Brussels sprouts
- Butternut squash or sweet potatoes
- Wild rice or quinoa
- Non-dairy milk and vegan butter
- Olive oil, herbs, nuts, salt, and pepper
Steps (General Overview)
- Prep & Roast: Wash, chop, and roast veggies until golden.
- Mash & Mix: Combine cooked veggies with vegan butter and milk for creamy dishes.
- Sauté Aromatics: For stuffing or pilaf, cook onions, garlic, and herbs first.
- Bake to Finish: Assemble casseroles or stuffings and bake until bubbly and crisp.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with herbs, nuts, or pomegranate seeds for that festive touch.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these sides ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, many taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen. I usually prep the casseroles and stuffing a day early — it makes Thanksgiving morning so much smoother.
Q: How can I make sure my vegan mash isn’t bland?
Salt your cooking water and use roasted garlic or vegan butter. My brother once called my first attempt “too healthy,” so trust me — seasoning makes all the difference.
Q: What’s the best casserole for beginners?
Try the sweet potato or butternut squash casserole. It’s forgiving, make-ahead friendly, and always a hit.
Q: How do I keep everything warm before serving?
Cover dishes with foil and keep them in a low oven (about 200°F). I usually pop the salad in the fridge and warm the rest right before dinner.
Final Thoughts
A vegan Thanksgiving table can be every bit as comforting and nostalgic as the traditional version — maybe even more so because everyone can enjoy it. These sides are cozy, hearty, and full of flavor — perfect for bringing people together (and earning you serious bragging rights).
If you loved these vegan Thanksgiving sides, check out my Easy Vegan Gravy or Vegan Lentil Loaf next — both make the perfect companions to your plant-based holiday spread.
And don’t forget — if you make one of these dishes, leave a comment below or share it on Pinterest! I’d love to see your holiday creations.
Also Read:
1 thought on “Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dishes – Easy, Cozy, and Crowd-Pleasing Plant-Based Classics”