Impress and nourish your guests with these easy vegan Thanksgiving sides. From comforting soups to savory vegetables and hearty mains, these recipes are flavorful, approachable, and ideal for cooks of any skill level.
This collection is dedicated to my friend Tonya, who asked for Thanksgiving side dishes that are “great for novice cooks.” I put together my favorite reliable recipes—many can be made ahead—so you can focus on enjoying the holiday.
These vegan Thanksgiving sides are:
- Delicious
- Easy to make
- Perfect for beginner cooks
- Made from wholesome ingredients
- Can be prepared ahead for easier service
Sweet Potato Bisque with Crispy White Beans [recipe]
This velvety bisque uses blended white beans in place of heavy cream to create a rich, creamy texture without dairy. Crispy air-fried white beans on top add crunch, flavor, and a touch of elegance. The soup can be made ahead; crisp the beans just before serving for the best texture.
Vegan Mac & Cheese
Vegan mac and cheese is a must-have Thanksgiving side. Two standout versions are a butternut squash cheese sauce and a simpler nut-free recipe using soy milk, nutritional yeast, and spices. Both are creamy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing.
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
Nut-Free Vegan Mac & Cheese
Smoky Collard Greens [recipe]
No Thanksgiving table feels complete without collard greens in my house. These tender greens are seasoned with smoked paprika and soy sauce for depth and savory umami, while tomatoes add a bright acidity to balance the dish. They’re simple, soulful, and pair well with any main.
Wild Mushroom & Leek Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
These baked sweet potatoes are filled with a creamy farro risotto combined with wild mushrooms and sautéed leeks, then finished with a smooth sweet potato sauce. They make an elegant and filling side—or even a main course. For a variation, try Wild Rice Stuffed Sweet Potatoes topped with red pepper aioli and herb-roasted pecans.
Mushroom Gravy & Mashed Potatoes [recipe]
Comfort food at its best: silky mashed potatoes ladled with savory mushroom gravy. A small addition of concentrated porcini mushroom powder boosts the umami and elevates the gravy’s depth, making this a standout dish your guests will ask about.
Hearts of Palm Vegan Crab Cakes [recipe]
Not a traditional Thanksgiving item, but these vegan crab cakes are a delightful surprise. Made with hearts of palm, chickpeas, and Old Bay seasoning, they crisp up beautifully when air-fried or pan-fried and add a unique touch to your holiday spread.
Toasted Coconut Butternut Squash Soup [recipe]
For a hint of tropical flair, this butternut squash and coconut milk soup blends squash, onion, and apple into a silky bisque. Garnish with toasted coconut, pomegranate arils, and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses for a festive presentation and balanced flavor.
Smoky Maple Brussels Sprouts & Carrots [recipe]
Roasted Brussels sprouts and carrots glazed in a smoky maple sauce caramelize beautifully in the oven. This simple vegetable side is easy to prepare and adds a bright, sweet-savory element to round out your Thanksgiving plate.
Vegan Thanksgiving main dish ideas
