Vegan Thanksgiving Menu

Here’s a wonderful, satisfying vegan Thanksgiving menu that ticks all the boxes for seasonal joy. Use the whole menu or pick your favorites.

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The game plan

Whether you’re hosting a completely plant-based Thanksgiving or incorporating vegan abundance into a meal for omnivores, these much-loved recipes will help you get through the day in style. I’ve created an entire vegan Thanksgiving menu that you can make as-is or select from to suit your needs. All of these recipes complement traditional flavors of the harvest season.

Signature cocktail

To kick things off with a signature cocktail, here are two festive choices. These drinks are vegan as long as all the bottles you choose come from vegan-friendly producers. You should have plenty of options for all ingredients.

• For a lighter option, start with Apple Cider Moscow Mules
• For a stronger option, I really love The Fifteen
• Or try The Corduroy — it doesn’t get cozier

Starters

Even though the Thanksgiving meal itself is substantial to say the least, it’s always a good idea to provide a few appetizers. Here are my favorite vegan choices for autumn.

• Roasted pumpkin seeds or spicy pepitas
• Butternut squash bruschetta (pictured) (use cashew ricotta and plant-based butter)
• Mushroom bruschetta (omit the cream and parmesan or use plant-based versions)
• Roasted red pepper hummus

Main dish

I’m easily convinced that Thanksgiving is all about the sides. But if you’d like to serve a vegan main dish, here are some favorites.

• Mushroom farotto with leeks and chestnuts (pictured)
• Jamie Oliver’s vegan shepherds’ pie
• Roast pumpkin risotto (use olive oil and vegan parmesan, omit cream)

Stuffing, mashed potatoes & gravy

For me, these are the absolute non-negotiable centerpieces of the Thanksgiving table.

• Vegan mushroom stuffing with chestnuts or the vegan adaptation of this classic stuffing
• Vegan mashed potatoes
• The best vegetarian gravy (use the easy vegan option)

Sweet touches

I like to serve either cranberry sauce or applesauce at Thanksgiving — sometimes both. These are two best-in-class recipes. They both freeze well, so feel free to make them well in advance.

• Cranberry sauce (pictured)
• Applesauce

Vegetable side dishes

Choose as many veggie sides as you like to round out the feast.

• Harvest kale salad (pictured)
• Green beans with shallot vinaigrette
• Roasted rainbow carrots
• Crispy roasted broccolini

Dessert

For dessert, you’ll love this perfect old-fashioned apple crisp. All you need to do to make it vegan is swap in coconut oil or plant-based butter for the butter in the topping. It’s great on its own or à la mode with your favorite vegan ice cream. If you like, top it with bourbon caramel sauce. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit the sour cream.