Being vegan is quite a challenge, especially when it comes to the holidays. Thanksgiving, in particular, is a holiday where meat is typically the star of the meal, but it doesn’t have to be. We brought in one of our vegan HG contributors + wellness blogger, author, + vegan recipe developer, Jenn of Neurotic Mommy, to create an entire Thanksgiving menu from starters all the way to dessert, minus any animal products. Check out her recipes below and make your very own vegan Thanksgiving dinner.
Starters/Apps
Yes, this is VEGAN.
Carrots in a Blanket
I know what you’re thinking, that perhaps this is where you draw the line. Carrots? Really? In a blanket? But, these are a crowd-pleaser and head-turner. Served up with some yellow mustard they oddly taste like “the real thing.”
Vegan Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad with Chickpea Croutons
Such a fun way to enjoy a classic fave. Brussel sprouts are a great superfood to add to the holiday menu.
Easy Pumpkin Hummus
Pumpkin season is in full swing, so it’s only right to start off with it. Made with fresh parsley and sesame seeds, it’s packed with protein and totally easy to pull together.
Bruschetta + Hummus on Toasted Baguette Slices
This is so easy and all sorts of delicious — a nice finger food to start. The toasts look pretty on the tray all while packing a huge flavorful punch. These two together are a must.
3-Ingredient Beer Battered Artichoke Hearts
This is one of the first things to go at the table and definitely a treat, but totally worth it. Super easy and delicious with a dipping sauce to swoon over.
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Sides
Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cornbread
Three delicious flavors are all combined in an easy-to-bake holiday favorite.
Sweet Potato Mac + Cheese
This super dreamy vegan cheese dish is made with sweet potatoes. It’s healthy, nut-free, oil-free, super smooth, creamy, and delicious.
Crabless Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms
These Crabless Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms are simple to make and are delicious. The filling has a crab-like texture and an ocean-like flavor that will really fool your omnivorous friends.
The Best Damn Vegan Mashed Potatoes
This dish is six-ingredient vegan mashed potatoes that are fluffy, creamy, buttery, and loaded with roasted garlic and chives. Perfect as is, with gravy, or with a giant scoop of vegan butter.
Vegan Porcini Mushroom Gravy
No one will miss the meat juices in this gravy. The mushrooms and fresh herbs make an extraordinary gravy that will have guests asking for seconds.
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes + Brussels Sprouts With Rosemary and Garlic
Enjoy these roasted veggies as-is or dipped in some delicious vegan gravy.
Vegan Creamed Spinach
This healthy creamed spinach recipe is made with a creamy garlic cashew sauce to keep it dairy-free. It has all the flavor to love, without the cheese.
Green Bean Casserole
Rather than relying on a cream-based soup, it’s held together by a creamy puree of parsnips and mushrooms. The caramelized onion topping still delivers the buttery onion flavor that we all love, without the deep-fried grease and flour to go along with it. All of our favorite flavors are covered.
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Poblano Cornbread Stuffing
A traditional side with a spicy twist to go with your main meal. Plus, there’s just no such thing as too much stuffing.
Vegan Thanksgiving Mains
Thanksgiving Meatless Loaf
I make this loaf for my family every year. It packs all the Thanksgiving flavors we all love.
Lentil Stuffed Butternut Squash Roast
It’s basically stuffed with Thanksgiving itself, this not only is amazingly delicious but it gives you (and your taste buds) all the Thanksgiving feels!
Quinoa Risotto Stuffed Pumpkins
Tender, roasted pumpkins filled with quinoa risotto and infused with white wine and garlic.
Thanksgiving Bowl
Literally, everything a person could want from Thanksgiving all in one bowl. Roasted veggies, toasty pecans, mashed potatoes, and easy vegan gravy — all are present and accounted for.
Thanksgiving Desserts
Maple Corn Muffins with Cashew Cream Filling
Generously filled with cashew cream, these corn muffins are full of flavor with hints of maple and pecan. All sorts of deeelish.
Single Serve Pumpkin Pie
Single Serve Pumpkin Pie, for the true pumpkin lovers who do not wish to share this magical, pumpkin-y dessert. Healthy, high in magnesium, and deliciously creamy and dreamy.
Sweet Potato Layer Cake
Moist, sweet, delicious — not your average holiday dessert.
Vegan Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake
Luscious cranberry loaf cake drizzled with a sweet orange glaze. The perfect addition to holiday festivities.
Vegan Vanilla Macadamia Nut Cheesecake
Decadent, rich, and super delish — can’t go wrong with cheesecake.
Vegan Carrot Cake
A delicious gluten-free and vegan carrot cake topped with vegan cream cheese frosting. This decadent dessert is allergy-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it.
And the number one MUST HAVE beverage during this season is Vegan Coquito!
A traditional Puerto Rican eggnog-like alcoholic beverage that’s dairy-free, creamy, sweet, and delicious just like the real thing.
And there you have it: a nice lineup of what a Vegan Thanksgiving looks like and proof that even a special holiday meal can be meat- and dairy-free.
