Thanksgiving is all about good food, laughter, and being together. If you’re vegan, or if you’re hosting a vegan guest, it can sometimes feel tricky to make sure every dish works for everyone. Don’t worry — we’ve put together the ultimate guide to vegan dishes for Thanksgiving so you can enjoy the classics without missing out.
For each traditional holiday dish, you’ll find out:
- If it’s usually vegan or not.
- What makes it non-vegan.
- Two vegan options: one easy (quick to buy or make), and one slow (for home cooks who love making everything from scratch).
Apple Cider (Hot)
Apple cider is almost always vegan — hurrah! There’s usually nothing to replace here. Serve it warm with spices like cinnamon and cloves.
Easy: Buy ready-made spiced apple cider at your local store.
Slow: Try making your own from scratch with fresh apples and spices.
Apple Pie with Ice Cream and Whipped Cream
Traditional apple pie crusts are often made with butter, lard, or egg wash.
Easy: Choose a store-bought vegan pie like Marie Callender’s Apple Pie, or make a simple version with shop-bought vegan pie crust. Pair it with So Delicious vanilla ice cream and Silk dairy-free whipped cream.
Slow: Bake your own apple pie using coconut oil crust and top with homemade whipped cream from Minimalist Baker.
Candied Yams
This side dish is often made with butter and topped with marshmallows that contain gelatin.
Easy: Use vegan butter (like Earth Balance) and vegan marshmallows (like Dandies).
Slow: Try a full homemade version with caramelized yams and marshmallows.
Cornbread
Traditional cornbread is made with eggs, buttermilk, and butter.
Easy: Try a one-bowl recipe like Yoko’s Kitchen cornbread.
Slow: Use Minimalist Baker’s cornbread recipe with homemade vegan buttermilk (soy milk + vinegar).
Cranberry Sauce
Good news — cranberry sauce is almost always vegan! Sweeten it with maple syrup or sugar if needed.
Dinner Rolls
Classic dinner rolls are made soft and shiny with milk and butter.
Easy: Try Vegan Richa’s quick rolls or buy a brand like Arnold’s.
Slow: Bake soft and fluffy vegan rolls from My Vegan Minimalist.
Gravy
Most gravy is made from meat juices and butter.
Easy: Buy ready-made vegan gravy mixes like Tofurky.
Slow: Try Rose Elliot’s classic vegan gravy recipe with yeast extract and soy sauce for rich flavor.
Green Bean Casserole
Usually made with butter and dairy milk.
Easy: Swap dairy butter and milk for vegan versions (oat milk or soy milk work best).
Slow: Try Loving It Vegan’s from-scratch casserole with crispy onions.
Jello Salad
This retro dish is usually made with gelatin and dairy.
Easy: Use Simply Delish vegan jello and dairy-free cream.
Slow: Make a layered vegan strawberry pretzel salad with agar-agar and cashew cream from My Quiet Kitchen.
Mashed Potatoes
Traditional mashed potatoes often include milk, butter, or sour cream.
Easy: Use instant mashed potatoes with vegan butter and non-dairy milk.
Slow: Try Short Girl Tall Order’s caramelized onion mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
Pecan Pie
Pecan pie filling is usually made with eggs, butter, and dairy.
Easy: Buy a ready-made vegan pie from a local bakery (if available).
Slow: Try Lazy Cat Kitchen’s pecan pie with homemade pastry crust.
👉 Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
Pumpkin Pie
A Thanksgiving favorite, but the crust and filling often contain butter, cream, and eggs.
Easy: Use Nora Cooks’ 9-ingredient pumpkin pie with a shop-bought vegan crust.
Slow: Try A Virtual Vegan’s pumpkin pie with salted caramel sauce for an extra treat.
Pumpkin Soup
Usually made with cream or non-vegan stock.
Easy: Use store-bought vegan pumpkin soup, like Pacific Foods.
Slow: Roast your pumpkin and make Cookie and Kate’s pumpkin soup with cashew cream.
Roast Turkey Alternatives
Of course, a real turkey isn’t vegan — but there are amazing alternatives.
Easy: Try store-bought vegan roasts. Check out our blog post 👉The ultimate guide to vegan Thanksgiving Christmas Roasts
Slow: Make your own show-stopping recipe, like Miyoko Schinner’s Unturkey.
Check out our blog post 👉 Turkey alternatives for the holidays
Roasted Vegetables
This one’s easy — roasted veggies are already vegan!
Easy: Use frozen mixed root vegetables for quick prep.
Slow: Roast fresh seasonal veggies like parsnips, carrots, and beets for colorful flavor.
Stuffing
Stuffing cooked inside a turkey isn’t vegan, and many recipes use butter, eggs, or chicken stock.
Easy: Buy pre-made stuffing that’s accidentally vegan (just use vegan stock).
Slow: Try Toshi’s Table vegan stuffing with sage, fennel, cranberries, and tempeh.
Final Thoughts
From mashed potatoes to pumpkin pie, nearly every Thanksgiving dish can be made vegan with simple swaps or creative recipes. Whether you choose the easy route or love cooking from scratch, these ideas will help you enjoy a full and delicious holiday meal.
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Let’s Discuss!
Which of these vegan Thanksgiving substitutes would you love to try? Do you have a favorite recipe or tip we should add?
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