There’s always a lot of debate about what the star of Thanksgiving dinner is: the mains or the sides? Well, we think everyone can agree that the side dishes are way better! From stuffing to mashed potatoes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy with these vegetarian and vegan Thanksgiving side dishes. So whether you’re vegan or not, be sure to add these amazing sides that even meat eaters will enjoy to your feast this year!
Light Bites & Hors d’Oeuvres
Now that you have the perfect vegetarian main dish for your thanksgiving feast, it’s time to start thinking about appetizers! Here are some of our favorite vegetarian hors d’oeuvres that will get your guests excited for the main event. From all manners of potatoes to deviled eggs, there’s something for everyone in this roundup. So put on your apron and get cooking!
5 from 139 votes
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Crispy garlic air fryer smashed potatoes are delicious and so easy! You only need 6 ingredients and 45 minutes! Oven instructions included! Vegan and gluten-free as made.
Delicious vegan fritters (stuffed with cabbage and onions) i.e. pakodas or pakoras – these are perfect for a snack, especially when the weather gets cold!
These vegan, crispy baked avocado fries uses only five ingredients and can be made gluten free. Pair it with a hot and creamy dipping sauce and enjoy a healthy alternative all day!
These easy Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms are the perfect appetizer. The filling has two kinds of cheese, worcestershire, fresh garlic, and spices. These mushrooms are finished with a parmesan panko topping for a little crunch.
Making biscuits, breads and rolls from scratch can be daunting, but it’s worth it! These recipes are perfect for Thanksgiving, and they’re all surprisingly easy to follow. So go ahead and give them a try — you’ll be glad you did!
5 from 72 votes
Vegan Dinner Rolls
These easy vegan dinner rolls are fluffy and delicious and sure to be the star of your Thanksgiving table. Brush with some vegan butter, and watch it melt in your mouth!
These vegan biscuits are a plant-based remake of Red Lobster's Cheddar Bay Biscuits. They're incredibly flaky, cheesy, and buttery––it's hard to believe they're dairy-free and egg-free.
This easy, fluffy skillet cornbread uses instant polenta, topped with jalapenos, cheddar and cotija cheese. It's the perfect side to any main meal, and ready in one hour!
If you’re a vegetarian looking for ways to make your Thanksgiving feast more interesting, look no further. These sauces, gravies and toppings will add flavor and flair to your holiday spread. Best of all, they’re all meat-free, so everyone can enjoy them. Happy Thanksgiving!
5 from 33 votes
Homemade Cranberry Sauce (Fresh or Frozen!)
This easy cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving staple and can be made with fresh or frozen cranberries!
If you aren't a fan of sweetened cranberry sauces then these Roasted Cranberries are for you! Lightly sweetened and very tart, they are quickly roasted for unbelievable natural flavor.
Thanksgiving usually means one thing: casseroles! Gratins and creamed dishes are also a great alternative to traditional casseroles (like this savory sweet potato casserole or green bean casserole with cream cheese) – they’re just as easy to make, but they have a delicious crispy topping that everyone will love. So whether you’re looking for something traditional or something different this Thanksgiving, check out these recipes!
5 from 47 votes
Creamed Spinach
This Spinach Maria is a spin on classic creamed Spinach and uses three different types of cheese, gets a spicy kick from crushed red pepper flakes, and comes together in 30 minutes.
This delicious Broccoli and Cauliflower Cheese Bake includes vine-ripened cherry tomatoes and is topped with crispy bread and melted cheese. It comes together quickly making it the perfect dish to serve at Thanksgiving.
Instant Pot Creamed Corn is a velvety, creamy, and indulgent Vegetarian Thanksgiving side dish. This recipe uses affordable and easy to find ingredients, and is ready to eat in 15 minutes.
This Creamy Broccoli Rice Casserole is made with three types of cheese, tender broccoli, white rice and topped with more melty cheese! This broccoli and rice casserole is great on it’s own as a main course or as a stellar side dish.
One of the most important components of Thanksgiving is, of course, the stuffing! So if you’re looking for some new and exciting stuffing recipes to try this year, look no further. I’ve got some great options for you right here!
5 from 1 vote
Vegan Stuffing
This vegan stuffing recipe is perfect for your holiday feast, whether it's Thanksgiving or Christmas! It's made with healthy, wholesome ingredients and tastes delicious!
A little sweet and a little tangy, this Cranberry Apple Stuffing is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. Bake in a casserole dish or use it as a stuffing. Either way, this is a side dish the entire family will love!
This Tuscan Bread Stuffing with Kale and Fennel roasted with garlic, spices and the heat from a few dried peppers to give it a uniquely Italian inspired flavor.
Shiitake, cremini, and white mushrooms are the base for this Mushroom Stuffing. Combine them with cubed bread, fresh herbs like sage & thyme for an earthy and flavorful Thanksgiving side dish
Thanksgiving can’t really be Thanksgiving without potatoes. But there are so many great options out there, and I can’t wait to start cooking! If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out these amazing Thanksgiving worthy potato recipes below. I know you’ll find something that you’ll love!
5 from 139 votes
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Crispy garlic air fryer smashed potatoes are delicious and so easy! You only need 6 ingredients and 45 minutes! Oven instructions included! Vegan and gluten-free as made.
This quick and easy no drain recipe for Instant Pot mashed potatoes is garlicky, creamy and straight up delicious! Whether you're cooking a Thanksgiving feast or just a meal for yourself, this recipe is a showstopper!
These vegan mashed potatoes are made with Yukon Gold potatoes and plenty of roasted garlic and so amazing! A perfect side dish for a special dinner, but easy enough to make any time.
Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal! They are easy enough for a weeknight family meal, but delicious enough for a special occasion.
Air fryer Hasselback Sweet Potatoes are served with whipped maple butter. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside and make a great healthy side dish for the holiday days
This recipe is a bit lighter than the traditional version, but just as delicious. Sweet potato slices are baked in a spiced orange maple glaze and sprinkled with juicy, bright pomegranate seeds.
Creamy goat cheese and chewy, lemon-infused kale are absolutely dreamy in this healthy stuffed dish. It's easy to make and a wonderful vegetarian side dish!
If you’re looking for new and innovative ways to prepare your green beans this Thanksgiving, well, look no further! I’ve gathered a few of my favorite recipes from around the web, and I’m going to share them with you today. So whether you’re looking for something simple or more complex, I’ve got you covered.
5 from 4 votes
Smothered Garlic Green Beans
These smothered garlic green beans are a flavorful vegan side dish and a great Thanksgiving favorite!
I love making Beans Poriyal— South Indian green beans stir-fried with coconut and spices. It's my go-to for a quick, healthy side dish with rice or flatbread!
These Vegan Green Bean casserole cups are adorable, and a creative twist on the original classic. Plus, they are extra delicious nestled into a “buttery” crescent crust!
These French-style green beans in garlicky herb butter make for a delicious fresh side dish! They are quick, easy, healthy and so flavorful – seasoned simply with fresh herbs and lemon juice.
This green bean casserole has onions, almonds and garlic saluted together and covered in a creamy sauce. Bake and add crunchy parmesan cheese topping for a healthier take on the traditional green bean casserole.
Squash is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional potato dishes, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite squash recipes here. Whether you’re looking for something simple or more complex, I’ve got you covered!
5 from 43 votes
The Best Stuffed Acorn Squash (Vegan, with Quinoa)
A delicious, vegan dish for your next holiday gathering! This stuffed acorn squash recipe with quinoa is easy to follow and sure to please a crowd with it's sweet and savory flavors and mix of textures!
This Air Fryer Butternut Squash is a quick and easy way to get some warm fall flavors into your life! All the crispy roasted goodness, no oven required.
Roasted and Mashed Acorn Squash is super easy to make, creamy and delicious. This simple acorn squash recipe uses just 7 ingredients and takes 5 minutes to prep and get into the oven.
Sweet roasted pumpkin joins onion, garlic, zucchini and kale mixed with nutty quinoa, herbs and seasonings for a satisfying side dish that’s full of contrasting flavors, textures and colors.
If you’re like me, you’re always looking for new ways to cook Brussels sprouts. So, I’ve gathered some of the best Thanksgiving-inspired dishes that will make your holiday meal extra special.
5 from 2 votes
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Easy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts for the crispiest, roasted Brussels sprouts ever! Seasoned simply with avocado oil, salt and pepper – but so delicious!
Looking for some new ideas to spice up your thanksgiving feast? Why not try adding some carrots to the menu? Carrots can be used in a variety of dishes, and they pair well with both savory and sweet flavors. So if you’re looking for something different this year, check out these recipes.
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Tender, crisp, sweet, these Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots elevate a simple side dish into something delicious.
These Pan Roasted Carrots are cooked to perfection in the oven. They're caramelized and have a touch of sweetness from the maple sugar. The carrots are then topped off with a tahini dressing and finished with pomegranate seeds and lemon zest.
If you’re like me, you start thinking about your Thanksgiving menu the minute Halloween is over. And if you’re like me, one of the most important items on that menu is the side dishes. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or something a little more creative, I’ve got you covered with these veggie sides.
4.98 from 76 votes
Microwave Asparagus
Easy recipe that shows you how to steam cook asparagus in a microwave. Takes all of 5 minutes for the most delicious, nutritious side dish ever!
Cooking Asparagus in the Air Fryer is the simplest way to enjoy this popular vegetable. Top with Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon for a sophisticated holiday twist.
These Roasted Parsnips have crispy caramelized edges and fluffy insides. They’re tossed in a buttery maple ginger glaze and for a sweet and spicy flavor.
If you’re like me, you’re always looking for new and interesting ways to spruce up your Thanksgiving feast. This year, why not try something different with your pasta sides? From kimci mac and cheese to Nigerian Jollof rice, these recipes are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!
4.93 from 14 votes
Kimchi Mac and Cheese
Mouthwatering umami packed kimchi mac and cheese with three different types of cheeses – delicious, cheesy, creamy and packs a flavor punch!
This quick fried rice (with leftover rice) turns day-old rice into the ultimate 15-minute meal! It is packed with flavor, restaurant quality, customizable, and perfect for busy nights.
Thanksgiving salads are a great way to add some variety to your spread, and they’re perfect for those who are looking for something a little lighter.
5 from 4 votes
Garlic Kale Salad with Lemon
This garlic kale salad was inspired by Il Corvo, Seattle. It has pecorino cheese, toasted pepitas, and a green, garlic confit dressing for a fresh hit of deliciousness!
This simple mango avocado salad with a simple lemony vinaigrette will brighten up your holiday table! Better yet, it comes together in just 15 minutes.
This refreshing roasted beet salad has goat cheese, arugula, pistachios, and grapefruits drizzled with a refreshing citrus vinaigrette. Perfect summertime salad!
This delicious, authentic Caprese salad uses six simple, fresh ingredients and packs a burst of flavor. It's the perfect salad recipe to use up some fresh tomatoes.
Light and healthy Vegan Fall Harvest Salad is as satisfying as it is nutritious: crunchy kale paired with sweet pumpkin, tart Brussels sprouts, crisp apples and pomegranate seeds all merged together with delicious homemade maple-mustard dressing.
Creamy Vegetarian Broccoli Salad will make you look at raw broccoli in a new light. With ingredients like greek yogurt, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds — this dish packs a seriously affordable high-protein punch.
A fresh and light Celery Root Salad is the perfect winter side dish. Crisp apple and raw grated celery root tossed in a light, creamy dressing is delicious, simple, and quick.
This Roasted Delicata Squash Salad is loaded with dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, feta, and a tangy maple balsamic vinaigrette. This gorgeous salad is a delicious way to add some healthy balance to your holiday menu.
I'm the recipe developer, photographer and brain behind Urban Farmie. I’m a lifelong vegetarian. I’ve lived, worked, and traveled to 60+ countries and bring you authentic, vegetarian recipes from all those travels!