13 Vegan Thanksgiving Main Ideas for When the Sides Deserve Some Competition

With 13 vegan main ideas to explore, Thanksgiving planning becomes more about choosing what fits your celebration than tackling complicated prep. I appreciate how each option offers something distinct without overwhelming the menu. Some work well for intimate dinners, others for lively groups. All provide comfort while keeping the holiday easy to navigate.

A close-up of vegan pumpkin risotto, topped with roasted pumpkin slices, sage leaves, and chopped nuts. — Rich Pumpkin Risotto. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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Layered Vegan Lasagna

Close-up of a slice of vegetable lasagna showing layers of pasta, assorted vegetables, ricotta cheese, and tomato sauce with a breadcrumb topping. — Layered Vegan Lasagna. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Stacked high with layers of flavor, Layered Vegan Lasagna satisfies every craving for a cozy Thanksgiving main. Creamy, savory elements tucked between delicate sheets create a dish that’s comforting in every bite. Guests often request it for leftovers, but it’s rarely available – everyone keeps going back for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Layered Vegan Lasagna

Creamy Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

A bowl of asparagus and white bean risotto. — Creamy Asparagus and White Bean Risotto. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Elegant celebration flavors shine in Creamy Asparagus and White Bean Risotto. Rich and silky, this dish brings hearty satisfaction to your holiday mains lineup. The subtle punch of asparagus paired with tender white beans makes it unforgettable. Serve surrounded by fall favorites, and watch as it becomes a family staple year-round.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

Flaky Homemade Vegan Pot Pie

Close-up of a vegan pot pie with a flaky crust, featuring visible corn, peas, carrots, and a creamy filling. A sprig of fresh herb and a sprinkle of black pepper garnish the pie. — Flaky Homemade Vegan Pot Pie. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Encased in a golden, buttery crust, Flaky Homemade Vegan Pot Pie feels like a warm hug on a cool autumn evening. Hearty vegetables and delicious gravy tucked inside create a beautiful centerpiece dish. It’s a classic holiday comfort food that brings everyone together – and yes, it’s every bit as delicious as it looks!
Get the Recipe: Flaky Homemade Vegan Pot Pie

Cheesy Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole

A casserole dish brimming with golden-brown bread crumbs, tender rice, and vibrant broccoli florets, this vegan cheesy broccoli and rice casserole is a delightful blend of flavors. — Cheesy Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Creamy, dreamy, and irresistibly cheesy, Cheesy Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole checks all the boxes for a holiday dish everyone loves. The tender chunks of broccoli balanced with perfectly cooked rice are a match made in fall heaven. It’s simple to serve but special enough that people talk about it long after dinner’s over.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Savory Mushroom Pie

Four individual pot pies with flaky crusts on a round tray, one open to reveal a mushroom filling. — Savory Mushroom Pie. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Earthy mushrooms take center stage in Savory Mushroom Pie, complete with a flaky crust that will wow any Thanksgiving table. The deep, robust flavors make this dish a plant-based triumph. As you cut into the pie, the aroma alone pulls guests in, and even those doubtful about mushrooms can’t resist it.
Get the Recipe: Savory Mushroom Pie

Creamy Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

A baked casserole with Brussels sprouts and a crispy, golden-brown topping, garnished with chopped parsley. — Creamy Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A warm, velvety casserole that turns humble sprouts into a holiday favorite, Creamy Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole is pure seasonal charm. The golden crust hides tender sprouts bathed in a silky sauce that brings everything together. People forget they ever hesitated about Brussels sprouts once they take their first bite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

A plate of roasted cauliflower steaks garnished with chopped pistachios, pomegranate seeds, and fresh parsley. — Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks turn humble cauliflower into a dazzling holiday star. Each piece is perfectly caramelized, offering a tender yet crispy contrast in every bite. It’s visually impressive and flavorful, ideal for a main that’s every bit as showstopping as it is satisfying. Serve with vibrant sides for a complete feast.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Sweet corn risotto in a skillet on a wooden cutting board. — Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Bright and buttery with a sweet-savory kick, Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto gets folks talking. The leeks’ mellow flavor melds perfectly with the golden bursts of tender corn kernels. Whether it anchors your table or shares the spotlight with other main dishes, this risotto offers a fresh yet cozy vibe fit for any holiday.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Savory Vegan Ham

A glazed meatloaf with a crosshatch pattern sits on a white platter, garnished with parsley. Two slices are cut from one end. — Savory Vegan Ham. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A plant-based main with all the smoky, tender charm you’d expect. Savory Vegan Ham has a rich, umami-packed profile that’s just right for your Thanksgiving table. It’s the kind of dish that fills the room with warmth and sparkles with flavor on the plate. Bring it out, and watch everyone reach for just one more slice!
Get the Recipe: Savory Vegan Ham

Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

A bowl of creamy pasta garnished with herbs, with a slice of bread on the side; a skillet and a small bowl of roasted vegetables are in the background. — Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Combining nostalgic comfort and autumn charm, Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese offers warmth and indulgence in every forkful. Its velvety sauce coats every noodle perfectly, making it the ultimate feel-good holiday dish. People won’t guess it’s vegan, but they’re sure to ask for seconds – and maybe the recipe too.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Hearty Vegetable Casserole

A baked casserole with a golden breadcrumb topping, garnished with fresh herbs. — Hearty Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Packed with vibrant flavors and textures, Hearty Vegetable Casserole proves veggies can absolutely steal the spotlight. Each bite brims with rich flavors that perfectly complement chilly fall evenings. It’s a dish you can prepare easily yet serves as a centerpiece, glowing with color and flavor on your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Vegetable Casserole

Savory Vegan Nut Roast

Close-up of a nut roast topped with cranberry sauce and garnished with fresh herbs, served on a white plate. — Savory Vegan Nut Roast. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A beautiful combination of hearty and tender flavors, Savory Vegan Nut Roast balances crunch and richness in a way that feels festive. The spices and textures are grounded yet celebratory, making it a main that truly suits Thanksgiving’s cozy vibe. Pair it with a bright cranberry sauce to bring your whole table together.
Get the Recipe: Savory Vegan Nut Roast

Rich Pumpkin Risotto

Holiday comfort takes form in Rich Pumpkin Risotto, a rich, velvety dish that feels indulgent and seasonal all at once. The pumpkin’s natural sweetness is balanced by savory depth for a perfect main dish. This risotto isn’t just a recipe – it’s a warm fall hug disguised as food, ideal for those cherished autumn evenings.
Get the Recipe: Rich Pumpkin Risotto