10 Plant-Based Thanksgiving Recipes
10 Plant-Based Thanksgiving Recipes that you and your family WILL LOVE
If you or someone you cook for has recently gone vegan or plant-based, the holiday season could bring a little more stress than usual. Do you make the Turkey for the non-vegans? Do you make an exception for the holidays? Do you try to veganize your old recipes?
As a former bacon-lover who went whole food, plant-based (and vegan) over 4 years ago, I am here to tell you that healthy, vegan holiday meals can be JUST as delicious and festive.
After years of practice, I decided to no longer worry about making a main course for Thanksgiving. The appetizers, the sides, the desserts- those are the best parts anyway. While you could experiment with a Tofu Ham, Tofurkey, or a veggie pot pie, I’ve realized that they aren’t worth the effort when I would rather fill up on mashed potatoes and stuffing.
Because I try to stick to whole foods that are plant-based, all of these recipes are oil-free except the stuffing. All recipes are free of refined sugar, vegan, and many are gluten-free.
1.
Best Stuffing Ever
Just as good as grandma's stuffing, only VEGAN! Red onion is sautéed in vegan butter, then cooked with meatless crumbles, fragrant fresh sage, and sweet and spicy seasonings that mimic Jimmy Dean sausage. The mixture is added to bite-sized dried bread, celery, and savory poultry seasoning for a classic Thanksgiving dish. This decadent stuffing will be the BEST stuffing you and your dinner guests have ever had, guaranteed. The only oil-containing recipe in this list.
2.
The Best Mushroom Gravy
Savory, meaty mushrooms are combined with fresh thyme, fragrant poultry seasoning, and my secret ingredient: nori. Nutritional yeast and flour (or corn starch for a gluten-free option) thicken to create a gravy that rivals any meat-based gravy and will taste amazing drizzled over ALL of your savory Thanksgiving dishes. Oil-free and vegan, this "secret ingredient" gravy is a healthy yet decadent addition to your Thanksgiving plate. Vegan, oil-free, and gluten-free.
3.
Sour Cream and Onion Mashed Potatoes
If Sour Cream and Onion Potato chips went vegan and transformed into mashed potatoes, this would be the result. Plain, vegan yogurt is used to keep this recipe oil-free but still deliver that classic sour punch. Caramelized onions, minced onion, and onion powder lend their flavor and texture to recreate the taste of sour cream and onion potato chips. The perfect Thanksgiving side dish for adventurous mashed potato-lovers, weirdos who don’t like gravy on their potatoes, and Sour Cream and Onion junkies. Vegan, oil-free, and gluten-free.
4.
Risotto Stuffed Mushrooms
Looking for a fun appetizer to keep everyone happy before Thanksgiving dinner is ready? Try these Cremini mushroom caps stuffed with “Italian sausage” flavored risotto and dusted with crunchy breadcrumbs. They’re filling without being heavy, bite-sized, and perfect for meat-loves thanks to the spices and the meaty mushroom texture. Be sure to serve them right out of the oven so they’re nice and hot! These may even keep your crotchety Italian Grandpa happy. Vegan and oil-free.
5.
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
with Smoked White Bean Spread
It’s always nice to find a way to incorporate seasonal veggies into your Thanksgiving feast. While some may reach for the green bean casserole, I have to ask: does anybody actually like that or do we just make it because it’s tradition? If you like it, more power to you. But I think it’s gross. So I make these DELICIOUS Balsamic Brussels Sprouts instead, which are served over a creamy, smoked white bean spread and topped with tangy pomegranate arils. Even devout Brussels Sprouts haters will be tempted to set their prejudice aside to try these. Vegan, oil-free, and gluten-free.
6.
Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potato Casserole
with candied pecans
Sweet Potato Casserole, but make it taste like something! I don’t know about you, but I rarely eat more than a taste of the sweet potato casserole. That is, until I started making this recipe which is flavored with something other than butter and salt. Chili powder, maple syrup, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper are mixed with coconut milk to make the perfect, creamy texture. The combo is topped with spicy candied pecans, then baked to sweet, salty, spicy perfection. Vegan, oil-free, and gluten-free.
7.
Vegan Frittata for Fall
But what will you eat for Thanksgiving breakfast? What breakfast will tide you over until your early dinner? Give this vegan Frittata filled with the flavors of fall a try. Meaty mushrooms, tender sweet potatoes, tart dried apples, and fresh sage combine with protein-packed tofu and savory seasonings to create this oil-free, gluten-free, plant-based frittata . Serve with a side of breakfast potatoes or crunchy kale salad and your Thanksgiving morning mimosa while you watch the Macy’s Day Parade in your PJs. Vegan and oil-free with a gluten-free option.
8.
Roasted Artichokes
with Lemon Dijon Aioli
Another great vegetable option for the dinner table: garlic-stuffed oven-roasted artichokes! Not only do these roasted artichokes taste great, they will look absolutely stunning on the table. Be sure to serve with the accompanying creamy, tangy Lemon Dijon Aioli (which is made from cashews), because people love a good dipping sauce! Vegan, oil-free, and gluten-free!
9.
Easy Vegan Ranch Mashed Potatoes
Another vegan, oil-free mashed potato option for those who want a little more variety: Ranch Mashed Potatoes. Creamy yukon gold potatoes are mashed with an herb-filled ranch dressing blend and tangy vegan yogurt to create a dish that is complex, but oh so familiar. Perfect for the health-conscious ranch dressing lover. Super quick and easy! Vegan, oil-free, and gluten-free.
10.
Holiday Crostini
with Smoky Bean Spread and Cranberry Sauce
These gorgeous little appetizers are both stunning, delicious, and healthy! A triple threat! Toasted pieces of whole wheat baguette are smeared with a smoky, creamy white bean spread and a freshly made tangy cranberry sauce (because you know that entire batch of cranberry sauce you put on the table out of obligation isn’t going to get eaten- might as well incorporate it into other parts of the day). Toasted hazelnuts and bright, fresh mint top them off to be a feasting favorite. Vegan and oil-free. Make it gluten-free by using a GF baguette!
I know this will be new, and that can be scary. But it’s also exciting! This is a chance for you to decide what traditions you want to create and discover new favorite holiday recipes you’ll look forward to for years to come! My best advice is to make the dishes you are planning on making on Thanksgiving Day a few weeks ahead of time, especially if you are hosting. That way you can weed out the ones you don’t enjoy. So go forth with confidence and a sense of curiosity and adventure.
Did you make this recipe? I want to hear about it! Hit me up on Instagram @notlikemama or leave a comment below. I love to see your versions of my recipes!
Happy Cooking,
Courtney