20 Best-Rated Thanksgiving Sides That Are Naturally Vegan
These plant-based Thanksgiving sides prove that vegan dishes can steal the show at any holiday table. Each recipe delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures without any animal products.
From crispy roasted vegetables to creamy casseroles, these crowd-pleasing sides will impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.
01. Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts
This version uses fresh Brussels sprouts, olive oil, salt, and pepper for simple roasting. The high heat creates crispy edges while keeping centers tender.
The key technique involves cutting sprouts in half and spreading them cut-side down. This creates maximum surface contact for better browning and crispiness.
Perfect for converting Brussels sprouts skeptics with minimal prep work. Takes about 25 minutes in a hot oven for golden results.
02. Balsamic Glazed Butternut Squash with Kale
This method combines roasted butternut squash cubes with fresh kale and tangy balsamic vinegar. The squash caramelizes while the kale wilts perfectly.
The balsamic reduction creates a sweet-tart glaze that coats both vegetables. This technique balances the earthy kale with sweet roasted squash flavors.
Great for feeding large groups since the recipe doubles easily. Takes about 45 minutes total but most time is hands-off roasting.
03. Cinnamon Spiced Skillet Apples
This approach uses Golden Delicious apples, cinnamon, and a touch of sugar in a cast iron skillet. The apples soften while maintaining their shape.
The skillet method caramelizes the natural sugars while the cinnamon adds warm spice. This creates a side dish that doubles as light dessert.
Perfect for busy cooks who want something sweet on the table. Ready in 20 minutes and works great alongside savory mains.
04. Rich Mushroom Gravy
This version uses fresh mushrooms, vegetable broth, and flour for a thick, creamy gravy. The mushrooms provide deep umami flavor without any meat.
The key technique involves browning mushrooms first to concentrate their flavor. This creates the rich, savory base that makes the gravy so satisfying.
Great for topping mashed potatoes or any dish needing sauce. Takes about 15 minutes and tastes much richer than expected.
05. Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole
This method uses plant-based butter and almond milk for creamy mashed sweet potatoes. Maple syrup and vanilla add natural sweetness without refined sugar.
The crunchy pecan topping gets mixed with maple syrup and bakes until golden. This creates perfect texture contrast against the smooth sweet potato base.
Perfect for traditional casserole lovers who want plant-based options. Takes about an hour but can be prepped ahead for easier timing.
06. Spiced Fresh Cranberry Sauce
This version uses fresh cranberries, sugar, and warm spices like cloves, allspice, and cinnamon. The berries burst and create natural pectin for thickening.
The spice blend adds holiday warmth that canned versions can’t match. This approach lets you control sweetness and texture perfectly.
Much better than store-bought with only 15 minutes of cooking time. Great for making ahead since flavors improve after chilling overnight.
07. Five-Ingredient Roasted Butternut Squash
This simple method uses butternut squash, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. The minimal ingredients let the squash’s natural sweetness shine through completely.
High-heat roasting caramelizes the edges while keeping the inside creamy. Fresh parsley adds color and brightens the rich, sweet flavors.
Perfect for beginners who want impressive results with minimal effort. Takes 30 minutes and looks beautiful on any holiday table.
08. Italian Seasoned Roasted Carrots
This approach uses whole carrots, Italian seasoning, and a crunchy pecan-breadcrumb topping. The carrots roast until tender while the topping stays crispy.
The Italian herbs add savory depth while pecans provide richness and crunch. This combination creates more complex flavors than plain roasted carrots.
Great for adding autumn colors and textures to your spread. Takes about 35 minutes with most time spent roasting in the oven.
09. Amaretto Sweet Potatoes and Onions
This version combines sweet potatoes, onions, almonds, and a splash of amaretto liqueur. The vegetables caramelize beautifully while the almonds add crunch.
The amaretto adds subtle sweetness and almond flavor without being overwhelming. This technique creates restaurant-quality results with surprising flavor depth.
Perfect for special occasions when you want something unique. Takes about 45 minutes but the impressive results are worth the extra time.
10. Whole Stuffed Butternut Squash
This method uses a whole butternut squash stuffed with basmati rice, chickpeas, carrots, and Brussels sprouts. The squash becomes the serving vessel and main ingredient.
The stuffing mixture gets seasoned with herbs and roasted inside the squash cavity. This creates a stunning presentation that serves as both side and centerpiece.
Great for impressing guests with a show-stopping dish. Takes over an hour but creates an unforgettable focal point for your table.
11. Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes
This version uses Yukon potatoes, plant-based milk, and vegan butter for incredibly creamy results. The right potato variety makes all the difference in texture.
The key technique involves warming the plant milk before adding it gradually. This prevents the potatoes from becoming gluey while creating perfect creaminess.
Perfect for fooling non-vegans who won’t believe these are dairy-free. Takes 30 minutes and tastes just as rich as traditional versions.
12. Herb Roasted Root Vegetables
This approach combines red beets, carrots, potatoes, and beet greens with thyme and garlic. The mixed vegetables create beautiful colors and varied textures.
The herbs infuse the vegetables while roasting at high heat caramelizes their natural sugars. This method brings out the best in each vegetable type.
Great for using up fall root vegetables in one dish. Takes about 50 minutes but requires minimal prep work and attention.
13. Gluten-Free Herb Stuffing
This version uses gluten-free bread, vegetable broth, and traditional stuffing herbs like sage and thyme. The bread gets toasted first for better texture.
The technique involves gradually adding warm broth until the bread reaches perfect moisture. This creates stuffing that’s neither too dry nor soggy.
Perfect for accommodating multiple dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. Takes 45 minutes and pleases both vegan and gluten-free guests easily.
14. Air Fryer Root Vegetables with Garlic Aioli
This method uses parsnips, carrots, baby potatoes, and red onion in the air fryer. Garlic and rosemary season the vegetables while they cook quickly.
The air fryer creates crispy exteriors in half the time of oven roasting. The vegan aioli adds creamy richness for dipping or drizzling.
Great for faster cooking when oven space is limited. Takes only 20 minutes and frees up room for other holiday dishes.
15. Mixed Root Vegetable Bake
This approach combines sweet potatoes, turnips, carrots, and other root vegetables in one casserole dish. The mix creates complex flavors and varied textures.
The vegetables roast together with herbs until tender and lightly caramelized. This method lets you customize based on your favorite root vegetables.
Perfect for traditional Thanksgiving flavors with flexibility in ingredients. Takes about an hour but can accommodate whatever vegetables you find.
16. Honey-Alternative Roasted Beets and Sweet Potatoes
This version combines red beets and sweet potatoes with maple syrup for natural sweetness. The vegetables roast until tender with caramelized edges.
The natural sugars in both vegetables intensify during roasting while maple syrup adds extra depth. This creates an irresistible sweet-savory combination.
Great for converting sweet potato skeptics with beautiful presentation. Takes 45 minutes and creates enough leftovers that guests will fight over.
17. Cheesy Vegan Potato Gratin
This method layers thinly sliced potatoes with cashew cream and nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. Vegetable broth keeps everything moist while baking.
The layering technique creates creamy texture between potato slices while the top gets golden. This approach mimics traditional au gratin without dairy.
Perfect for indulgent comfort food that happens to be plant-based. Takes over an hour but creates an impressive side dish worth the wait.
18. Sheet Pan Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpeas
This version uses cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, and chickpeas roasted together on one sheet pan. Olive oil and spices create a Mediterranean flavor profile.
The sheet pan method means everything cooks evenly with minimal cleanup required. The chickpeas add protein while vegetables provide varied textures.
Great for easy cleanup when you’re cooking multiple dishes. Takes 35 minutes and satisfies both vegans and meat-eaters at your table.
19. Herbed Quinoa Stuffing
This approach uses quinoa instead of bread for a gluten-free, protein-rich stuffing. Vegetables, herbs, and vegetable broth create traditional stuffing flavors.
The quinoa absorbs the seasoned broth while maintaining a slight bite for texture. This method creates stuffing that’s both familiar and unique.
Perfect for guests with gluten sensitivities who miss traditional stuffing. Takes 30 minutes and often gets more recipe requests than regular versions.
20. Simple Roasted Green Beans
This method uses fresh green beans, olive oil, salt, and pepper for clean, simple flavors. High-heat roasting creates tender beans with slightly crispy edges.
The technique skips heavy casserole ingredients and lets the green beans shine naturally. This approach creates lighter, more vibrant results than traditional versions.
Perfect for balancing richer dishes on your holiday table. Takes only 25 minutes and provides fresh contrast to heavier sides.
Final Thoughts
These plant-based Thanksgiving sides prove that vegan dishes can be just as satisfying and flavorful as traditional recipes. Each option brings something special to your holiday spread.
Whether you’re cooking for vegans or just want healthier options, these recipes will become new family favorites that everyone requests year after year.