Impress and nourish your guests with these easy vegan Thanksgiving sides. From hearty soups to roasted vegetables and comforting casseroles, these recipes are festive, approachable, and full of flavor.
This post is dedicated to my friend Tonya, who asked for Thanksgiving side ideas that work well for novice cooks. I put together this selection of my favorite recipes that are simple to prepare, delicious, and crowd-pleasing.
These vegan Thanksgiving sides are:
- Delicious
- Easy to make
- Perfect for beginning cooks
- Made from wholesome ingredients
- Can be prepared ahead for easy serving
Sweet Potato Bisque with Crispy White Beans
This silky bisque uses blended white beans in place of heavy cream, creating a rich, creamy texture that stays vegan. Crispy air-fried beans add crunch and contrast—make the soup ahead of time and air-fry the beans just before serving for best texture.
Vegan Mac & Cheese
Vegan mac and cheese is a must-have on the holiday table. Two standout versions include a creamy butternut squash sauce and a straightforward nut-free option made with soy milk, nutritional yeast, and warming spices. Both are comforting, cheesy, and kid-friendly.
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
Nut-Free Vegan Mac & Cheese
Smoky Collard Greens
No Thanksgiving table in my house is complete without collard greens. These are simmered until tender and flavored with smoked paprika and soy sauce for depth and umami, with tomatoes adding bright acidity to balance the dish.
Wild Mushroom & Leek Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
These baked sweet potatoes are filled with a creamy farro risotto mixed with wild mushrooms and leeks, then finished with a sweet potato cream sauce. They’re attractive on the table and substantial enough to serve as a main for guests seeking a heartier option.
Also consider Wild Rice Stuffed Sweet Potatoes topped with red pepper aioli and roasted pecans for variation.
Mushroom Gravy & Mashed Potatoes
Comfort food at its finest: silky mashed potatoes topped with a savory mushroom gravy. The gravy is boosted with concentrated mushroom flavor for deep umami, making it rich and satisfying. This pairing is a holiday classic that appeals to all palates.
Hearts of Palm Vegan Crab Cakes
For an unexpected but welcome addition to the feast, try hearts of palm crab cakes. Combined with chickpeas and Old Bay seasoning, these cakes pan-fry or air-fry to golden perfection and offer a unique, flavorful side or appetizer.
Toasted Coconut Butternut Squash Soup
This velvety butternut squash and coconut milk soup brings a bright, slightly tropical touch to the table. Onion and apple add sweetness and depth while a garnish of pomegranate arils and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses lend color and festive flavor.
Smoky Maple Brussels Sprouts & Carrots
Roasted Brussels sprouts and carrots tossed in a smoky maple glaze caramelize in the oven for a simple, crowd-pleasing vegetable side. This dish is quick to prepare and adds color and sweetness to round out your Thanksgiving spread.
Ideas for vegan Thanksgiving mains
