Oh. My. Gourd. It’s almost Turkey Day! 🦃 (Except, you know, without the actual turkey for us plant-based peeps.) Are you ready to blow your omnivore friends’ minds with some next-level vegan Thanksgiving magic? Well, strap on your apron and get ready for a feast, because I’ve got 15 recipes that’ll make even the staunchest meat-eaters forget all about that sad, dry bird.
I’ve teamed up with some of my favorite vegan chefs to bring you a smorgasbord of plant-based delights that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds (and the recipes). From savory mains to decadent desserts, we’ve got your holiday spread covered.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan chef or a newbie navigating your first meat-free holiday, these recipes are foolproof and fabulous. And the best part? They’re so darn delicious, no one will even realize they’re vegan. Sneaky, right?
So, are you ready to rock this Thanksgiving like a vegan boss? Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Roasted Stuffed Butternut Squash
Move over, Tofurky! This showstopper is about to become your new Thanksgiving centerpiece.
Cut a butternut squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and roast until tender.
While it’s roasting, prepare a stuffing with quinoa, cranberries, pecans, and herbs.
Once the squash is done, stuff it to the brim with your quinoa mixture, and pop it back in the oven for a final crisp.
Voila! A main dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Pro tip: Drizzle with a maple glaze for extra oomph. Your guests will be squashing to get seconds! (Sorry, not sorry for the pun.)
Mushroom and Lentil Wellington
Who says you need beef for a Wellington? This hearty mushroom and lentil version will have everyone at the table saying, “Beef who?”
Sauté mushrooms and lentils with herbs and spices, then wrap the mixture in puff pastry.
Brush with plant milk for that golden-brown shine, and bake until crispy and flaky.
Slice it open at the table for maximum “ooh” and “aah” effect.
I once served this to my meat-loving uncle, and he asked for the recipe. Score one for Team Vegan!
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Let’s be real, Thanksgiving isn’t complete without a mountain of mashed potatoes. And who says you need dairy to make them creamy?
Boil your potatoes until tender, then mash with vegan butter, plant milk, and roasted garlic.
Whip them until they’re light and fluffy, then top with chives for a pop of color.
These spuds are so good, you might catch your guests licking their plates. No judgment here!
Green Bean Casserole
This classic gets a vegan makeover that’s so good, it might just steal the show.
Blanch your green beans, then toss them in a creamy mushroom sauce made with cashews and veggie broth.
Top with crispy fried onions and bake until bubbly.
Warning: This dish may cause fights over who gets the last scoop. Maybe make a double batch?
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Ditch the canned stuff and make your own cranberry sauce. Trust me, it’s easier than you think!
Simmer fresh cranberries with orange juice, zest, and maple syrup until they burst and thicken.
Add a cinnamon stick for extra warmth and spice.
This sauce is so good, you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful. (I won’t tell if you do!)
Rosemary Roasted Root Vegetables
Who needs turkey when you’ve got a rainbow of roasted veggies?
Chop up carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and beets into similar-sized pieces.
Toss with olive oil, fresh rosemary, thyme, and garlic, then roast until caramelized and tender.
The result? A dish so pretty, it could double as table decor. (But please, eat it. It’s too delicious to waste!)
Vegan Gravy
A good gravy can make or break Thanksgiving dinner. This one? It’ll make it, guaranteed.
Sauté onions and mushrooms, then blend with veggie broth, nutritional yeast, and herbs.
Simmer until thick and glossy.
Pour it over EVERYTHING. Seriously, I won’t judge if you drink it straight from the gravy boat.
Cornbread Stuffing
Stuffing might just be the best part of Thanksgiving. Fight me.
Cube day-old cornbread and mix with sautéed celery, onions, and herbs.
Add veggie broth until moist, then bake until golden and crispy on top.
This stuffing is so good, you might be tempted to skip the main course and just eat a plateful of this. (Again, no judgment.)
Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glazed Pecans
Convert even the most die-hard Brussels sprouts haters with this sweet and savory dish.
Roast Brussels sprouts until crispy, then toss with maple-glazed pecans and a balsamic reduction.
The result? A side dish that’s nutty, sweet, tangy, and downright irresistible.
Watch as former Brussels sprouts skeptics suddenly become superfans.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping
Yes, you read that right. Vegan marshmallows exist, and they’re about to make your sweet potato dreams come true.
Mash cooked sweet potatoes with coconut milk, cinnamon, and maple syrup.
Top with vegan marshmallows and broil until golden and gooey.
It’s like eating dessert with your dinner. And isn’t that what holidays are all about?
Pumpkin Pie
It’s not Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie, and this vegan version doesn’t disappoint.
Make a flaky crust with vegan butter, then fill it with a creamy pumpkin custard made from coconut milk and pumpkin puree.
Spice it up with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, then bake until set.
Top with coconut whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Your guests will be saying “Oh my gourd!” after one bite. (Sorry, couldn’t resist another pun.)
Apple Crisp
For those who prefer their fruit desserts with a crumbly topping (aka the best kind of dessert).
Slice apples and toss with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a bit of sugar.
Top with a crumble made from oats, flour, brown sugar, and vegan butter.
Bake until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and crisp.
Serve warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream. Heaven in a bowl, I tell you.
Pecan Pie
Think you can’t have pecan pie without eggs? Think again!
Make a gooey filling with maple syrup, coconut milk, and cornstarch, then fold in plenty of pecans.
Pour into a pre-baked crust and bake until set.
The result? A pie so good, you’ll want to faceplant right into it. (Maybe wait until it cools a bit, though.)
Mulled Wine
Okay, it’s not a food, but no Thanksgiving is complete without a festive drink!
Simmer red wine with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves.
Sweeten with a bit of maple syrup to taste.
Serve warm in mugs for the ultimate cozy holiday vibes.
Warning: May cause spontaneous caroling and/or group hugs.
Chocolate Mousse
End your feast on a decadent note with this rich and creamy chocolate mousse.
Blend silken tofu with melted dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and a touch of maple syrup.
Chill until set, then top with coconut whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
It’s so silky smooth, your guests will never believe it’s made with tofu. Sneaky, sneaky!
And there you have it, folks! Fifteen vegan Thanksgiving recipes that’ll make your holiday feast one for the history books. With these dishes on your table, you’ll be giving thanks for plant-based deliciousness.
Remember, cooking is all about having fun and sharing love through food. So don’t stress if things don’t turn out picture-perfect. As long as it’s made with love (and maybe a dash of wine), it’ll be great.
Now, go forth and cook up a storm! And if anyone gives you grief about having a vegan Thanksgiving, just remind them that the pilgrims probably didn’t have turkey either. Boom. History burn.
Happy cooking, and may your Thanksgiving be filled with good food, great company, and only a minimal amount of family drama. Cheers!