What’s on your menu this Thanksgiving?

While main courses are certainly important, let’s be honest—the true stars of any Thanksgiving gathering are undoubtedly the delectable and diverse array of side dishes that complement our turkey, ham, or roasted vegetables so perfectly. The entrée is indeed delicious, prompting unanimous requests for seconds. Warm comfort emanates from the soup, a soothing balm for the senses, while the salad’s zestful freshness offers a delightful counterpoint. The array of side dishes that awaits us is truly thrilling. The culinary diversity on display is truly remarkable, featuring a wide range of options that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, including delectable potato-based dishes, flavorful rice dishes, and an assortment of vegetable-centric creations. Cranberry sauces, gravies, and dinner rolls offer additional options for the table.

Every family has its traditions. Mashed potatoes are a staple that sparks debate: some swear by classic white varieties, while others champion the sweetness of their orange counterparts. What’s your go-to way to enjoy yams during the holidays? While green beans and Brussels sprouts may be polarizing sides at holiday gatherings, they remain staples on many family tables. To cater to diverse tastes, you create multiple renditions.

With side dishes, we have the perfect canvas to showcase our culinary imagination, experimenting with novel pairings and nuanced flavors. Looking for creative direction? Discover The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Thanksgiving Sides for a wealth of innovative ideas.

What about a globally-inspired medley of small plates? How about this: Savour the creamy richness of cheesy polenta, the tangy zip of fried smashed potatoes with a drizzle of zesty lemon vinaigrette, and the warm spices of roasted acorn squash accompanied by crunchy, aromatic spiced pumpkin seeds? Five mouthwatering side dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters: Garlic Parmesan Broccoli, Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Crispy Bacon, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze, Warm Caramelized Onion and Rosemary Focaccia, and Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows. A plethora of delectable dishes await your culinary exploration.

Don’t forget to explore our comprehensive guide to plant-based recipes for Thanksgiving.

Here are 25 incredible vegan side dishes you’ll love to add to your Thanksgiving table:

1. Fresh peas sautéed with tender mushrooms, sweet shallots, and a hint of anise-like tarragon come together in perfect harmony to create a delightful side dish or light lunch.

Peas with mushrooms, shallots, and tarragon: A harmonious union of flavors and textures.

To begin, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the fresh peas for 3-4 minutes, or until they still retain some crunch but are tender to the bite. Drain immediately and shock them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

Peas Please! A deliciously flavorful combination of peas, mushrooms, shallots, and tarragon – These tender and aromatic vegetables make an unforgettable side dish perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual evening meal. The harmonious union of green peas’ vibrant freshness, succulent buttery shallots, earthy richness of mushrooms, and subtle peppery notes from tarragon creates a culinary symphony. So yum!

2. Root Veggie au Gratin

Source: Root Veggie au Gratin

This Root Vegetable Au Gratin by Molly Patrick is a must-have on your holiday menu. Here’s a reworked text in a different style:

This innovative twist on traditional potatoes au gratin substitutes a medley of root vegetables, including the sweet parsnip, pungent turnip, earthy celery root, and robust rutabaga. Crispy vegetables are smothered in a rich and indulgent cashew-based cream, delivering a satisfyingly sweet and savory taste experience. The thrill of discovery has never tasted so sweet.

As autumn leaves begin to fall, no holiday embodies the warmth and comfort of home cooking quite like Thanksgiving. Discover the joy of a plant-based Thanksgiving with One Green Planet’s Gratitude: A Collection of Recipes to Start Your Own Heritage. In this comprehensive cookbook, discover our top 100 plant-based Thanksgiving recipes, featuring show-stopping sweet treats like Soft-Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts, Spiced Apple Cake with Cashew Frosting, Sweet Potato Chocolate Pudding with Nut Crumble Topping, and Cinnamon Apple Hand Pies. Savor hearty entrees such as Roast Root Vegetable Stack With Dukkah, Vegducken: Butternut Squash Stuffed With Eggplant, Zucchini, and a Mushroom Lentil Stuffing, Seitan Roast With Sausage and Pear Stuffing and Apple Cider Gravy, and many more!

3. Skordalia (Greek Mashed Potatoes)

What’s your take on traditional Skordalia recipes? Do they leave you wondering why the potatoes are always so bland when compared to modern takes on this classic Greek dish? It’s time to give those spuds a boost, don’t you think?

Elevate your comfort food game with a bold twist: try Greek-inspired mashed potatoes! In Greece, Skordalia or Greek Mashed Potatoes, as celebrated by chef Kiki Vagianos, embodies the country’s rich culinary heritage, boasting a timeless appeal that transcends borders and generations. This vegan rendition boasts a rich, velvety texture, tantalizingly reminiscent of butter’s subtle nuances, while its pungent garlic undertones elevate the overall flavor profile to new heights. The harmonious fusion of Greece’s rich culinary traditions makes this dish a true gastronomic delight.

4. Savory Sweet Saffron-Infused Roasted Cauliflower and Bell Peppers

What’s for dinner tonight? Try this delightful sweet saffron roasted cauliflower and peppers recipe that will transport your taste buds to a Mediterranean paradise!

Alison Marras elevates cauliflower to new heights with a Spanish twist in her delectable Sweet Saffron Roasted Cauliflower and Peppers recipe. The harmonious blend of turmeric, saffron, and roasted red peppers creates a truly distinctive culinary experience. A delightful centerpiece for your festive gathering.

5. Easy Roasted Sunchokes

Source: Easy Roasted Sunchokes

Discover the delightful flavor of sunchokes (also known as Jerusalem artichokes) with this simple recipe for Easy Roasted Sunchokes from expert food blogger Dawn Kriss. Like a harmonious fusion of artichoke’s subtle bitterness and potato’s earthy richness, they present a unique gastronomic experience. These succulent vegetables are effortlessly elevated by a trifecta of flavors – the pungency of garlic, the earthiness of thyme, and the richness of olive oil – resulting in a delightfully simple yet satisfying culinary experience.

6. Scalloped Potatoes with Seitan Bacon

Scallop-ed potatoes with seitan bacon – a match made in heaven! To start, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, peel and thinly slice 3-4 large potatoes. In a large bowl, combine the sliced potatoes, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.

Now, it’s time to make the seitan bacon! To do this, you’ll need 1/2 cup of vital wheat gluten, 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder. In a separate bowl, combine these ingredients with 1/4 cup of vegetable broth and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix until the mixture forms into a dough.

Cut the dough into thin strips, just like regular bacon! Place the seitan bacon strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with a little more vegetable oil and sprinkle with salt to taste.

Now, it’s time to assemble our scalloped potatoes! In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of the potato mixture. Top with a few strips of seitan bacon, then repeat this process until you run out of ingredients. Finish off with a layer of potatoes on top.

Pass the potatoes, please! Veganized for the win: These indulgent Scalloped Potatoes with Seitan Bacon, courtesy of the innovative Laura Peill, redefine comfort food boundaries. Warm, fluffy baked potatoes smothered in a rich, velvety cheese and coconut cream sauce meet the perfect accompaniment: crisp, savory seitan “bacon” adding a satisfying textural contrast. These products are so exceptional that you might need to plead with someone to let you work on them.

7. Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin

Source: Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin

While traditional potato au gratin dishes are undeniably popular, they can indeed feel overwhelming due to their richness. Here’s a reworked version in a different style:

Indulge in the rich flavors of traditional gratin with this innovative, lower-calorie take on Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin, courtesy of culinary expert Rhea Parsons. They’re rich, creamy, and cheesy. To add an extra touch of whimsy, incorporate the vibrant hues of purple and orange cauliflower into your dish for a pop of color that’s sure to delight.

8. Pan-Seared Garlic and Thyme Mushrooms

What a delightful dish! Here’s the rewritten text:

Pan-seared mushrooms infused with the pungency of garlic and the subtlety of thyme – a match made in culinary heaven.

Indulge in the rich flavors of Renee Press’ Garlic and Thyme Pan-Seared Mushrooms, a treat sure to delight mushroom enthusiasts! With minimal effort, you can craft these dishes using your preferred variety of mushrooms, with the added luxury of chanterelles elevating their sophistication. With the addition of pungent garlic, a subtle splash of crisp white wine, and a fragrant sprinkle of thyme, this dish is sure to elevate its flavor profile. Everyone will devour them.

9. Tender Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crisp Apples and Earthy Chestnuts: A Delicious Fall Harmony

What’s the secret to making roasted Brussels sprouts a true crowd-pleaser? For this recipe, we’re going big – literally. By combining the humble sprouts with tender apples and sweet chestnuts, you’ll be surprised at how the flavors come together in perfect harmony?

On Thanksgiving Day, the humble Brussels sprout finally gets its moment to shine as a delicious addition to the holiday feast. Here is the rewritten text:

Michaell Johnson’s Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Chestnuts are a quintessential Thanksgiving side dish, featuring roasted sprouts smothered in a rich buttery sauce and topped with a delightful medley of caramelized apples, toasted chestnuts, and tart cranberries.

10. Easy Roasted Root Veggies

Source: Roasted Root Veggies

The beauty of simplicity in cooking lies in its ability to bring people together? Roasted to Perfection: Pauline Hanuise’s Simple yet Stunning Root Vegetable Recipe Choose whatever veggies you like. What a vibrant medley of vegetables! This recipe boasts an impressive lineup of autumnal delights, featuring the likes of pumpkin, beets, broccoli, sweet potatoes, carrots, and onions.

11. Vibrant Whole-Roasted Cauliflower with a Refreshing Mint-Parsley-Pepita Sauce

What a delightful recipe! Here’s how I’d style it:

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Fresh Mint Parsley Pepita Sauce

Elevate your dinner party with a show-stopping Whole Roasted Cauliflower and refreshing Mint Parsley Pepita Sauce, courtesy of Liz Moody’s culinary expertise. The sauce is crafted by swiftly combining mint, parsley, and toasted pumpkin seeds in perfect harmony. The dish’s vibrant colours create a stunning visual display, inviting everyone to take a bite.

12. Greek Scalloped Potato Gratin

Source: Greek Scalloped Potato Gratin

Rich and satisfying, this Greek-inspired scalloped potato gratin is a masterclass in comforting cuisine. Flavoured with the velvety smoothness of coconut milk and a hint of nutty depth from nutritional yeast, these potatoes are surprisingly reminiscent of a classic cheese dish. Complemented by fresh green kale and briny Kalamata olives, these dishes are infused with the unmistakable essence of Greece.

13. Masaledar Sem (Spicy Green Beans)

Source: Masaledar Sem

Here’s a revised version: Masaledar Sem, a vibrant Indian-inspired twist on traditional green beans, is the perfect recipe to shake things up in your culinary routine. Crafted with bold notes of chili peppers, aromatic spices, and a rich, pungent fusion of ginger and garlic, this dish promises to tantalize the taste buds. As the aromatic scent wafts through the air, the anticipation is palpable, and diners’ senses are piqued, rendering them helpless to resist the culinary masterpiece that awaits.

14. Crunchy Potato and Spinach Cheddar Fritters Served with a Zesty Horseradish Dipping Sauce

What’s for Snack? Crispy Potato and Spinach Cheddar Fritters

Elevate your meal with these visually stunning Potato and Spinach Cheddar Fritters from Rhea Parsons. You’ll need just three ingredients: potatoes, fresh spinach, and a dairy-free cheese alternative of your choice. Crisp and buttery, these indulgent bites burst with flavor, elevated by the sophisticated zing of horseradish dipping sauce that harmoniously balances the richness of the dish.

15. Delicately cooked Kong Xin Tsai, also known as Chinese Hollow Stem Spinach, awaits your palate.

What a delightful dish! Here’s the revised version:

Tender and flavorful, sautéed Chinese hollow stem spinach is a culinary gem.

Simple yet delectable: Olivia Lin’s Sauteed Chinese Hollow Stem Spinach is a culinary delight that won’t disappoint. You can utilize a variety of leafy greens, including but not limited to, broccolini and bok choy. Sautéing spinach with garlic and soy sauce yields a dish so tantalizingly flavorful that even the most ardent spinach skeptics will devour it with gusto.

16. Saffron-Infused Yellow Rice with Toasted Pine Nut and Sweet Golden Raisin Medley

What a delightful dish! Here’s the revised version:

Jewelled Yellow Rice with Pine Nuts and Golden Raisins

Ditch those bland, pre-packaged rice pilaf mixes for good – there’s a world of flavor waiting to be unleashed in the kitchen. Here is the rewritten text:

Lisa Lotts’ Jeweled Yellow Rice with Pignoli Nuts and Golden Raisins is an effortlessly delightful dish that combines ease of preparation with a symphony of flavors and aromas. You’ll never need to bother with store-bought rice again, because your self-worth is far more valuable than any meal.

17. Buttery Skillet Cornbread

Source: Buttery Skillet Cornbread

Surprisingly, this scrumptious Buttery Skillet Cornbread recipe from Brandi Doming doesn’t rely on vegan butter or oil for its rich flavor and moist texture. The all-encompassing richness of this treat is owed to a single, extraordinary component: the humble yet mighty pecan.

The extraordinary nuts are expertly milled into a fine powder and blended with cornmeal to create an incredibly moist, rich, and delectable oil-free cornbread. Given the popularity of this dish, we propose preparing a generous serving to cater to the appetite of our guests.

18. Savory Cheesy Polenta Paired with a Rich and Vibrant Creamy Artichoke Pesto

Can I get a side of creamy artichoke pesto to go with this cheesy polenta? The rich flavors of the pesto will complement the comforting warmth of the polenta perfectly.

Richly Aromatic Cheesy Polenta Pairing Creamy Artichoke Pesto

19. Seasonal Delights: Savory Butternut Squash and Chestnut Pie

What a delightful twist on traditional pumpkin pie! The warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger perfectly complement the rich sweetness of roasted butternut squash and chestnuts.

Experience the rich flavors and aromas of autumn with this delectable Savory Butternut Squash and Chestnut Pie from renowned chef Kimberly Espinel. Wrapped in a delicate cauliflower-almond crust, the dish bursts with sweet and savory flavors, its filling of roasted squash, earthy chestnuts, and aromatic autumn spices harmonizing in perfect balance. Elevate your dishes with a visually stunning topping of sautéed mushrooms, guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on your discerning guests.

20. Rosemary Buttermilk Biscuits

Source: Rosemary Buttermilk Biscuits

Traditional Thanksgiving celebrations aren’t complete without the warmth and flaky goodness of freshly baked buttermilk biscuits gracing the holiday table. With their tender crumb and tangy flavor, these Rosemary Buttermilk Biscuits from celebrated chef Pamela Elizabeth on Blossom Du Jour are a quintessential representation of warm, comforting cuisine. Nothing beats the comfort of a warm, flaky biscuit, and the knowledge that they’re entirely free from dairy makes it even more satisfying.

21. Aromatic Artichoke and Spinach Risotto with Zesty Lemon-Cashew Cream.

What’s a perfect fusion of creamy comfort food and bright, citrusy freshness? This Artichoke and Spinach Risotto with Lemon Cashew Cream is the answer!

Can a humble spinach and artichoke dip ascend to refined side dish status? This vibrant Artichoke and Spinach Risotto with a tangy Lemon Cashew Cream by Stephanie Darby is sure to elevate any dinner gathering. The addition of lemon cashew cream imbues this risotto with an extraordinary richness, a sublime creaminess, and an unapologetic sense of indulgence.

22. Caramelized Leeks with Romesco Sauce

What’s for dessert?

Beyond their humble reputation as a flavorful addition to soups and stews, leeks possess a culinary depth that warrants closer examination. Leeks can shine as the centerpiece of a dish, much like they do in Lara and Eduardo’s recipe for Caramelized Leeks with Romesco Sauce. This vibrant, Spanish-inspired vegetable dish is simplicity itself to prepare and an absolute delight to consume. The humble leek is poised to shine!

23. Cheesy Sweet Potato Tots

Source: Cheesy Sweet Potato Tots

Kids are sure to enjoy a variety of tasty side dishes! A simple recipe for homemade tater tots that’s perfect for kids! These treats delight with a harmonious balance of sweetness, richness, and exceptional flavor. The batch sizes will need to be adjusted according to demand; therefore, prepare two separate trays for the adult gathering.

24. Sweetly flaky Pumpkin Spice Biscuits infused with the tangy richness of crumbled Feta cheese.

What’s your favorite fall baking tradition?

Yum, yum, yum! Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with Rhea Parsons’ Pumpkin Spice Biscuits featuring a surprising twist: vegan feta, elevating this autumnal treat to new heights. The buttery richness of the biscuits beautifully balances the bold, savory flavors of the vegan feta. What’s a more flawless accompaniment to enjoy at your festive gathering?

25. Fresh cauliflower florets blended into a creamy ‘rice’ texture, then sautéed with tender mushrooms and vibrant spinach, creating a harmonious medley of flavors and textures.

Cauliflower ‘Rice’ with Mushrooms and Spinach – A Tasty Twist on a Classic Recipe

A game-changing twist on traditional rice: cauliflower rice offers a deliciously lighter option for those seeking a healthier, yet still satisfying, grain-based side dish.

This cauliflower ‘rice’ with mushrooms and spinach is a delectable side dish that’s both satisfying and earthy in flavor, boasting a delightful complexity. Cauliflower’s versatility is truly remarkable – it’s a chameleon of vegetables. Not only does it excel in the realm of health benefits, but it also plays an impressive culinary role, effortlessly taking on the guise of pizza crust, “steak,” and even buffalo wings. But, dare we ask: what might be the one area where cauliflower falls short? We think not.

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