7 Cozy Delicious Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving is all about gathering, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. Just because you’re serving a plant-based menu doesn’t mean you have to compromise on comfort or flavor. These seven vegan Thanksgiving recipes are hearty, festive, and cozy, from savory mains to indulgent sides and desserts. They’ll make your holiday table feel abundant and satisfying, even without any animal products.

Each recipe is crafted to impress, packed with flavor, and full of textures that make Thanksgiving dinner special. Whether you’re cooking for vegans, omnivores, or just experimenting, these ideas will bring warmth and joy to your table.

1. Savory Lentil and Mushroom Wellington

Cultural Background

Wellington comes from classic British cuisine, typically beef encased in puff pastry. This vegan version uses lentils and mushrooms for a rich, earthy filling wrapped in golden, flaky pastry.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elegant and festive centerpiece
Rich umami flavors
Perfect for impressing guests

Ingredient Spotlight

Lentils – hearty and protein-rich
Mushrooms – earthy and savory
Vegan Puff Pastry – golden, flaky exterior

Prep Timeline

15 minutes – prep vegetables and filling
25 minutes – cook filling
35 minutes – bake

Ingredients

2 cups cooked lentils
2 cups finely chopped mushrooms
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 sheet vegan puff pastry
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp rosemary
Salt and pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms with thyme and rosemary until soft.
Mix in lentils and season with salt and pepper.
Roll out puff pastry, place filling in center, fold and seal edges.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden.

Pro Tips

Chill filling before wrapping for easier handling
Brush pastry with plant-based milk for a golden finish

Variations & Add-Ins

Add spinach or roasted nuts for texture
Vegan: already vegan

Serving Ideas

Slice and serve with vegan gravy
Pair with roasted vegetables

Storage & Reheating

Bake fresh for best texture
Refrigerate leftovers 2–3 days, reheat in oven

Nutritional Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	14g
Carbs	45g
Fat	12g

Conclusion

Lentil and mushroom Wellington is a showstopper for Thanksgiving. It’s savory, cozy, and visually impressive, perfect for a holiday centerpiece.

2. Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Soup

Cultural Background

Pumpkin soup is a fall favorite in North America and Europe. Creamy and smooth, it’s a comforting starter that highlights seasonal squash.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Velvety texture
Warm and aromatic
High in vitamins and fiber

Ingredient Spotlight

Pumpkin – naturally sweet, creamy base
Coconut Milk – adds richness without dairy
Nutmeg and Cinnamon – classic fall spices

Prep Timeline

10 minutes – chop pumpkin and aromatics
5 minutes – sauté
20 minutes – simmer

Ingredients

4 cups pumpkin puree
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic
1 can coconut milk
2 cups vegetable broth
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp cinnamon
Salt and pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
Add pumpkin, broth, spices, and simmer 15–20 minutes.
Blend until smooth, stir in coconut milk, and adjust seasoning.

Pro Tips

Use fresh pumpkin for more depth
Garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds

Variations & Add-Ins

Add carrot or sweet potato for extra sweetness
Vegan: already vegan

Serving Ideas

Serve in bowls with crusty bread
Drizzle with coconut cream

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate 3–4 days
Reheat gently on stove

Nutritional Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	220
Protein	5g
Carbs	20g
Fat	12g

Conclusion

Pumpkin soup is velvety, warming, and full of fall flavors. It’s the perfect starter to begin your cozy vegan Thanksgiving.

3. Roasted Butternut Squash and Quinoa Salad

Cultural Background

Roasted squash salads are popular in North America during fall. Combining roasted vegetables with quinoa adds protein and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and savory
Protein-packed
Colorful and festive

Ingredient Spotlight

Butternut Squash – sweet, roasted flavor
Quinoa – complete plant protein
Dried Cranberries – tart contrast

Prep Timeline

10 minutes – prep vegetables
25 minutes – roast
5 minutes – assemble

Ingredients

2 cups cubed butternut squash
1 cup cooked quinoa
½ cup dried cranberries
2 cups arugula or spinach
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper
1 tsp thyme

Instructions

Toss squash with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper, roast at 400°F (200°C) 25 minutes.
Mix roasted squash with quinoa, cranberries, and greens.
Drizzle with vinaigrette and serve.

Pro Tips

Roast squash until caramelized for sweetness
Add roasted nuts for crunch

Variations & Add-Ins

Add roasted brussels sprouts or chickpeas
Vegan: already vegan

Serving Ideas

Serve warm or room temperature
Pair with lentil Wellington

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate 3–4 days
Reheat gently if preferred warm

Nutritional Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	300
Protein	10g
Carbs	50g
Fat	9g

Conclusion

This salad is festive, protein-rich, and full of autumnal flavors. It’s bright, cozy, and complements any Thanksgiving table beautifully.

4. Maple-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Cultural Background

Roasted vegetables are a staple at Thanksgiving. Brussels sprouts are transformed with maple syrup, giving them a sweet, caramelized edge.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and savory
Simple yet elegant
Naturally high in fiber

Ingredient Spotlight

Brussels Sprouts – slightly bitter, balances sweetness
Maple Syrup – natural sweet glaze
Olive Oil – enhances caramelization

Prep Timeline

5 minutes – trim sprouts
25 minutes – roast

Ingredients

1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp maple syrup
Salt and pepper

Instructions

Toss sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until caramelized, stirring halfway.

Pro Tips

Don’t overcrowd the pan for even roasting
Add a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar for depth

Variations & Add-Ins

Toss with chopped pecans or cranberries
Vegan: already vegan

Serving Ideas

Serve alongside Wellington or mashed potatoes
Sprinkle with toasted nuts for texture

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate 3 days
Reheat in oven to restore crispness

Nutritional Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	120
Protein	4g
Carbs	15g
Fat	6g

Conclusion

Maple-glazed Brussels sprouts are simple, elegant, and cozy. Sweet, savory, and slightly crispy, they’re a must on any vegan Thanksgiving table.

5. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

Cultural Background

Mashed cauliflower is a lighter alternative to mashed potatoes. It’s creamy and comforting while keeping the dish plant-based and nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy without dairy
Low-carb but filling
Flavorful and comforting

Ingredient Spotlight

Cauliflower – mild, creamy texture when mashed
Garlic – aromatic and warming
Olive Oil or Vegan Butter – adds richness

Prep Timeline

10 minutes – chop
15 minutes – steam
5 minutes – mash

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
Salt and pepper

Instructions

Steam cauliflower until tender.
Mash with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until creamy.
Adjust consistency with plant milk if needed.

Pro Tips

Roast garlic before mashing for sweeter flavor
Don’t overcook to avoid mushy texture

Variations & Add-Ins

Add chives or nutritional yeast for extra flavor
Vegan: already vegan

Serving Ideas

Serve as a side with lentil Wellington or roasted vegetables
Garnish with fresh herbs

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate 3 days
Reheat gently on stove

Nutritional Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	90
Protein	4g
Carbs	10g
Fat	5g

Conclusion

Garlic mashed cauliflower is creamy, comforting, and versatile. It’s a lighter, cozy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes without sacrificing warmth or flavor.

6. Vegan Stuffing with Apples and Walnuts

Cultural Background

Stuffing is a Thanksgiving classic, traditionally made with bread, herbs, and sometimes meat. This vegan version uses apples and walnuts for sweetness and crunch.