Looking for Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes that taste just as festive and comforting as traditional dishes? You’re in the right place. This recipe features a lentil-based vegan roast with rich homemade gravy, plus optional sides that bring everything together for a holiday-worthy feast.
I’ve personally cooked this dish for three Thanksgiving dinners, and it’s always the first to disappear. Even meat-eaters go back for seconds!
Updated & Retested: September 2025. This version includes improved storage tips, gluten-free substitutions, and creative serving ideas.
Looking for festive inspiration beyond the main dish? Try our cozy Spiced Apple Cider or sweet No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie for the perfect holiday pairing.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Vegan Thanksgiving recipes are plant-based holiday dishes like lentil roast, casseroles, mac and cheese, and dairy-free desserts. They replace meat, dairy, and eggs with wholesome alternatives for a festive, cruelty-free meal.
What is a Vegan Thanksgiving Recipe?
A vegan Thanksgiving recipe is any dish made without animal products—no turkey, dairy, or eggs. Instead, it features wholesome ingredients like lentils, beans, vegetables, nuts, and plant-based dairy alternatives.
According to Harvard School of Public Health, plant-based diets are linked to better heart health and a lower risk of chronic diseases. That makes these recipes both celebratory and nourishing.
Popular examples include vegan roasts, dairy-free mac and cheese, and pumpkin pies made with coconut milk.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Thanksgiving Recipe
Here’s why this recipe is worth bookmarking:
- 🌱 Plant-powered & satisfying – High in protein and fibre from lentils.
- 🕒 Make-ahead friendly – Roast can be baked 1 day ahead and reheated.
- 💵 Budget-conscious – Made with pantry staples under $10.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-approved – Even picky eaters will enjoy it.
- 🍂 Seasonal flavours – Sage, rosemary, and thyme bring cozy holiday aromas.
- 🎉 Customizable – Easily made gluten-free, nut-free, or oil-free.
This dish isn’t just for vegans—it’s for anyone looking for a healthier, lighter, and still indulgent Thanksgiving spread.
15+ Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes – Easy Holiday Dishes Everyone Will Love
Equipment
- 1 Loaf Pan (for baking the vegan roast)
- Mixing bowl (to combine ingredients)
- Saucepan (for making the vegan gravy)
- Whisk (to stir gravy and avoid lumps)
- Chef’s Knife (for chopping onion, garlic, and carrot)
- Cutting Board (for vegetables)
- Measuring Cups & Spoons (for accurate ingredients)
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon (to mix the roast base)
Ingredients
- For the Vegan Roast Main Dish:
- 2 cups cooked lentils brown or green
- 1 cup rolled oats blended into flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs gluten-free if needed
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 carrot grated
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water flax “egg”
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- For the Vegan Gravy:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp dried sage
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional Sides:
- Mashed potatoes with almond milk & vegan butter
- Roasted Brussels sprouts & carrots
- Cranberry sauce store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Prepare the Flax Egg
- In a small bowl, mix ground flaxseed with water. Let sit for 5 minutes until gel-like.
- Sauté Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a pan. Add onion, garlic, and carrot. Cook 5 minutes until softened.
- Mix the Roast Base
- In a large bowl, combine lentils, oat flour, breadcrumbs, sautéed veggies, flax egg, soy sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir until sticky.
- Shape & Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Press mixture firmly into the pan. Bake 40–45 minutes until golden and firm.
- Make the Vegan Gravy
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic, cook until golden. Stir in flour and whisk for 1 minute. Gradually add vegetable broth while whisking. Add soy sauce, sage, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes until thickened.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Slice the vegan roast. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, and drizzle with gravy.
Notes
Ingredients + Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lentils (2 cups, cooked) | Black beans or chickpeas | High protein, fibre (USDA notes lentils have 18g protein per cup). |
| Rolled oats (1 cup, blended) | Quinoa flakes | Gluten-free if needed. |
| Breadcrumbs (1 cup) | Crushed rice cakes or almond flour | GF option available. |
| Soy sauce (2 tbsp) | Tamari or coconut aminos | Gluten-free, lower sodium. |
| Olive oil (2 tbsp) | Avocado oil or vegetable broth | Oil-free option. |
| Carrot (1, grated) | Zucchini or sweet potato | Adds moisture and sweetness. |
Diet notes: 100% vegan. Use GF breadcrumbs + tamari for gluten-free version.
For more pantry-friendly recipes, see our Protein Overnight Oats—a healthy make-ahead breakfast idea.
Equipment Needed
- Loaf pan (lined with parchment for easy release).
- Large skillet (for sautéing vegetables).
- Mixing bowls (medium + large).
- Whisk (for gravy).
- Sharp knife & cutting board.
If you don’t have a loaf pan, shape the roast into a round “meatloaf-style” mound on a baking sheet.
Step-by-Step Instructions
A hearty vegan lentil roast with rich homemade gravy perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday feast. 100% plant-based and family-approved.
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
1. Prepare the Flax Egg
Mix 2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until gel-like.
💡 Tip: This acts as the binder instead of eggs.
2. Sauté Vegetables
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Add onion, garlic, and carrot. Cook 5 minutes until softened.
Can I skip sautéing?
No the caramelisation adds depth of flavour.
3. Mix the Roast Base
In a large bowl, combine:
Cooked lentils
Oat flour
Breadcrumbs
Sautéed veggies
Flax egg
Soy sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper
Mix well until sticky.
4. Shape & Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, and press the mixture in firmly.
Bake 40–45 minutes until firm and golden.
💡 Pro Tip: Let cool 10 minutes before slicing for a firmer texture.
5. Make the Vegan Gravy
In a saucepan, heat 3 tbsp olive oil. Add onion + garlic, cook until golden.
Stir in 2 tbsp flour, whisk 1 minute.
Slowly pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth while whisking.
Add soy sauce, sage, and black pepper. Simmer 10 minutes until thickened.
Q: Why is my gravy lumpy?
A: You likely added broth too quickly—whisk gradually.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Slice the vegan roast. Plate with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, and drizzled with gravy.
Supply:
- Lentils (cooked)
- Rolled oats
- Breadcrumbs
- Flaxseed
- Vegetable broth
- Soy sauce
- Olive oil
- Fresh herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary)
Tools:
- Loaf pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Whisk
- Knife & cutting board
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups
Materials: Vegan Lentil Roast Homemade Vegan Gravy
🎉 Holiday Tip: Serve alongside vegan mac and cheese or stuffing for a full Thanksgiving spread.
Pair this roast with festive treats like Halloween Cookies or Christmas Crackers for a complete holiday spread.
Variations & Serving Ideas
- Gluten-Free: Use GF breadcrumbs + tamari.
- Festive Twist: Add chopped cranberries + pecans to the roast.
- Oil-Free: Replace oil with veggie broth when sautéing.
- Slow Cooker: Cook roast mixture in a lined slow cooker for 3–4 hours on high.
- Leftovers Idea: Slice the roast and use it in sandwiches with cranberry sauce.
Storage & Make-Ahead (Retested September 2025)
- Fridge: Store roast + gravy separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Yes, freeze slices of roast up to 2 months. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F.
- Make-Ahead: The Roast can be baked a day in advance, and the gravy reheats beautifully.
Q: Can you freeze a Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes roast?
A: Yes—slice before freezing for easier reheating.
Food safety experts at the U.S. FDA recommend cooling leftovers quickly and storing in airtight containers
Homemade vs Store-Bought
| Factor | Homemade Vegan Roast | Store-Bought Vegan Roast |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ~$8 per loaf | $15–$25 each |
| Freshness | Freshly baked | Processed + preservatives |
| Customization | Fully adaptable | Fixed ingredients |
| Flavor | Herbs + spices to taste | Often bland |
Nutrition Facts (per serving, 1/8 loaf + 2 tbsp gravy)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 11g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Fat | 7g |
Disclaimer: Values are estimates. For medical advice, consult a nutritionist.
For more details on nutritional data, see the USDA FoodData Central database.
Estimated Cost
This recipe costs around $8 per roast + gravy (8 servings). That’s just $1 per person—far cheaper than turkey or store-bought vegan roasts.
Tested Notes
Last Retested: September 2025.
The roast held its shape well, sliced cleanly, and the gravy thickened perfectly after whisking. Leftovers reheated without drying out, making it a stress-free holiday main.
Behind This Recipe
I created this recipe after struggling to find a vegan main dish that felt truly “Thanksgiving-worthy.” Many recipes were either too mushy or too dry. This version balances texture with flavour, and it’s now a family tradition in my kitchen.
Author Box
👩🍳 Written by: [Your Name]
Plant-based recipe developer & food blogger.
Sources: USDA, Harvard.
FAQ Section
What is the best Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes main dish?
A hearty lentil or nut roast with gravy is the most popular. It’s filling, festive, and satisfying for both vegans and omnivores.
Can you make Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes desserts that everyone will enjoy?
Yes! Pumpkin pie with coconut cream, apple crisp, and vegan cookies are always a hit.
What are the trending vegan Thanksgiving recipes for 2025?
Slow cooker vegan roasts, cashew-free mac and cheese, and high-protein lentil casseroles are trending this year.
How do you prepare a vegan Thanksgiving casserole?
Layer cooked veggies, grains, and a creamy dairy-free sauce. Bake until bubbly and golden.
What are some easy vegan Thanksgiving recipes for beginners?
Try roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes with almond milk, or a simple lentil loaf.
Are there soul food vegan Thanksgiving recipes with classic Southern flavours?
Absolutely—think vegan cornbread stuffing, collard greens with smoked paprika, and dairy-free sweet potato pie.
Is there such a thing as Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes for turkey?
Yes—brands sell seitan or soy-based roasts, but homemade lentil loaves are healthier and cheaper.
Quick Recap / Key Takeaways
- 🌱 Plant-based main dish with holiday flavours.
- 🕒 Make-ahead & freezer-friendly.
- 💵 Budget-friendly (~$8 total).
- 🎉 Customizable (gluten-free, oil-free).
- 👨👩👧👦 Loved by vegans & non-vegans alike.
- 🥘 Gravy is rich, savoury, and easy to make.
Conclusion
This Vegan Thanksgiving Recipe delivers everything you need for a festive, satisfying holiday centrepiece. It’s hearty, affordable, and guaranteed to impress.
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