In the South, Thanksgiving has a distinctly soul-food flavor. Aside from just being delicious, the Soul Food Thanksgiving offer a unique window into the history of the African American Experience. Plenty of families and restaurants plan to celebrate Thanksgiving in soul-food style.
If you’re the type who likes grits with your gravy you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got everything you need for a vegan soul food thanksgiving, courtesy of the Food Monster App.
Sides With Soul
Source: Sweet Potato and Sage Corn Muffins
Aaliyah Jenkins‘s Zucchini Basil Skillet Cornbread will start you off in that old southern style. Jalepeno Hushpuppies by Gabrielle St. Claire add the savory greasy zest you need. Amber St. Peter’s Very Cheesy Mac & Cheese is the most classic offering of soul food sides, While Courtney West‘s Sweet Potato and Sage Corn Muffins will put a smile on the face of classic and innovation lovers alike!
Vegetables & Legumes
Source: Stir-Fried Okra
Molly Patrick‘s Smoky Southern Collard Greens adds some healthy crunch to the table. Black-Eyed Peas and Kale Chili by Pavani Nandula and Smoky Lentil Chili With Jalapeño-Cheddar Cornbread Nancy Partington will add some protein to your bowls. For a more fired-up offering, check out Molly Patrick‘s Golden Battered Okra Fritters. The Stir-Fried Okra by Rinku Bhattacharya has deep, rich flavor!
Mains
Source: Barbecue Ribs
Sara Oliveira‘s Black-Eyed Pea Patties are a perfect center to any soul food meal. Pressure Cooker Hoppin’ John by Cheri Alberts will add a flavorful dimension to your soup ladle. You can always make these Barbecue Ribs by Yana Chistyakova for a traditional soul food experience. No matter what, be sure to add a heaping helping of Herbed Cornbread Stuffing by Rene Barker.
Dessert
Source: Sweet Potato Pie
For soul food dessert? Nothing can compare to these two classic southern offerings: Leah Moldowan‘s Sweet Potato Pie and Pumpkin Cobbler by Gabrielle St. Claire.
FAQ Section (visible on page) ===================== –>
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I give vegan collard greens a true Southern smoky flavor?
Swap the traditional ham hock for:
- 2–3 vegan smoked sausages or tempeh bacon, diced
- 1 tsp liquid smoke in your simmering broth
- plenty of garlic, onion, and crushed red pepper
Simmer low and slow for 45–60 minutes until tender and deeply flavored.
What’s the best plant-based substitute for bacon or ham?
Your top picks:
- Smoked tempeh strips (marinate in soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, then pan-fry)
- Store-bought vegan bacon (look for smoked coconut or seitan varieties)
- Crispy coconut bacon (toss coconut flakes in soy sauce, maple, smoked paprika; bake at 325°F for 10 min)
Can I prep sweet potato pie or pumpkin cobbler ahead of Thanksgiving?
Yes. Bake your filling fully, cool completely, then:
- Wrap the unbaked crust + filling tightly in foil and refrigerate (up to 24 hrs)
- Freeze baked pies/cobblers for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge
- Reheat at 325°F for 10–15 min to refresh the crust and topping
Are there gluten-free vegan soul-food options?
Absolutely. Try:
- Chickpea-based “hushpuppies” (swap wheat flour for chickpea flour)
- Polenta cornbread (100% cornmeal + flax “egg” + plant milk)
- Collard-wrapped Black-Eyed Pea Patties (no binder flour needed)
Always check labels for hidden gluten in seasoning blends and sauces.
What can I use instead of buttermilk in southern-style cornbread?
Mix 1 cup unsweetened plant milk (soy or almond) with 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Let sit 5 minutes—this gives you the tang and acidity of buttermilk for light, fluffy cornbread.
Still need more Thanksgiving ideas? We’ve got plenty! Check out our Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide for all the plant-based Thanksgiving recipes you could hope for, from appetizers to desserts and everything in between. With the Food Monster App, you can take these recipes also on the go with you. With over 10,000 recipes right in the palm of your hand, you’ll always have something delicious and new to try. It’s available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. Full of allergy-friendly recipes, subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out!
