Plan your holiday menu with this tempting round-up of vegan Thanksgiving main dishes. They are hearty, festive, and full of flavor.
The fun thing about having a vegan Thanksgiving is that the rules are thrown out the window.
No longer tied to one specific main course, the only requirement for your holiday entrée is that it celebrates the season and feels impressive enough to elicit some oohs and ahhs.
(Bonus points if it pairs well with mashed potatoes and gravy.)
Today I’m rounding up 10 enticing vegan Thanksgiving main course options.
Whether you're hosting a large family gathering, a cozy Friendsgiving, or a dinner for two, there’s something here for you.
Planning your whole feast? Don't miss my vegan Thanksgiving side dishes to fill out your menu.
In this post:
Vegan turkey roast
Want a holiday main course that requires a knife and fork? This vegan turkey roast fits the bill.
Filled with fragrant spices and savory flavor, this tender roast fits right in with all your favorite Thanksgiving fixings.
Serving suggestions: mashed potatoes, vegan turkey gravy, and vegan green bean casserole
Vegan chicken pot pie
Vegan chicken pot pie is one of my favorite holiday offerings, because it’s a complete meal in a pie pan.
That makes it ideal for bringing along to any holiday potlucks where you’re not sure what the other plant-based options might be.
Loaded with carrots, onions, celery, peas, and chicken-style seitan, the pot pie filling is enveloped in a creamy cashew sauce.
Recipe feedback: "Absolutely AMAZING! I had been craving pot pie and hadn't had it in years. My mom made it for me in the winter, and now it's a family favorite with everyone - even non vegans! Yum!!"
Serving suggestions: salad with persimmons & delicata squash and roasted cauliflower
Mini vegetable pot pie
Mini vegetable pot pies have all the deliciousness of a full-sized pie but but with the added cuteness of being personal-sized.
Filled with chickpeas and veggies in a cashew cream sauce, they are ideal for smaller gatherings or Friendsgiving celebrations!
They are one of my most popular vegan Thanksgiving main courses.
Recipe feedback: "This was AMAZING!!! It was one of the best recipes I have ever made – like ever. So delicious!!"
Serving suggestions: fall salad with apples & candied pecans and vegan stuffing with chestnuts
Vegan schnitzel
Pan-fried to golden perfection, vegan schnitzel is comfort food at its finest.
It’s seasoned with rosemary and thyme for a hearty and filling main course that’s sure to satisfy.
Serving suggestions: oven roasted Brussels sprouts with apples, cheesy vegan scalloped potatoes, and orange cranberry sauce
Mushroom & sausage risotto
Creamy vegan risotto is so luxurious, you'll be shocked it's dairy-free and gluten-free optional.
Loaded with mushrooms and plant-based sausage, it’s delightfully cozy and filling.
Recipe feedback: “I made this risotto last night, and suffice to say, it was a big hit. This was my first time making risotto, and it was pretty easy, just a little time consuming, but well worth it. The cashew cream takes this recipe to another level.”
Serving suggestions: roasted fennel with vegan parmesan and roasted delicata squash
Vegan arancini
Crisp on the outside and creamy inside, vegan arancini makes a stunning main course.
These Italian rice balls are made by forming cold risotto into balls, rolling them in panko bread crumbs, and then cooking them in the air fryer or oven.
Recipe feedback: "So good – we like these every bit as much as the ones our favorite Italian restaurant makes."
With a crisp exterior and warm, melty risotto interior, they’re endlessly dreamy.
Serving suggestions: coconut curry kabocha squash soup and sauteed summer squash & zucchini
Fried polenta stacks with BBQ squash
This gluten-free main course looks so fancy, no one would guess you used prepared polenta to make it!
Layers of crispy polenta, barbecued delicata squash, and cashew cream create a colorful, flavorful alternative to traditional mains.
Recipe feedback: “This has been one of our favorite new recipes that we’ve tried this year. Definitely a keeper! Thank you again!"
Serving suggestions: creamy vegan wild rice soup, smoky sweet collard greens, and crispy fried green beans
Vegan fried chicken drumsticks
Did you always pick the drumstick in your pre-vegan days? Make vegan fried chicken drumsticks instead! They bring nostalgia and kitsch to the table.
They are served on a bamboo skewer for a bit of fun. For a more elegant look, swap out the bamboo for a sprig of rosemary.
Recipe feedback: "This recipe was so tasty and very easy to make. Will definitely make it again!!!"
Serving suggestions: sweet potato peanut stew, vegan turnip greens, and lemony potatoes
Roasted cauliflower steaks
Roasted cauliflower steaks are a lighter but striking gluten-free centerpiece. They look gorgeous on the table, swiped with garlicky cilantro chimichurri sauce.
Recipe feedback: “I love this roasted cauliflower recipe. It is so easy, quick, and delicious.”
Serving suggestions: vegan baked potato soup, crispy breaded asparagus and creamy kale in cashew sauce
Seitan piccata
Bright and lemony, seitan piccata adds a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving menu. Yet, it only takes 25 minutes to make!
Browned seitan is covered in a silky white wine and lemon sauce and dotted with capers.
Recipe feedback: "This is one of my all-time favorite dishes – delicious!!"
Serving suggestions: sauteed kale with garlic and vegan mashed potatoes
Leave a Reply