17 Vegan Winter Side Inspirations For When Warm Food Feels Necessary

ByMandy Applegate

Dinner routines shift in winter, so 17 vegan winter side inspirations come in handy when a warm dish seems right for the moment. Many home cooks reach for recipes that turn basic meals into something cozier. Sometimes you just want to add a little heat to the plate, whether you’re having guests or winding down solo. Extra choices like these give plenty of flexibility.

Close-up of a creamy dish with a spoon, likely consisting of mashed potatoes or a similar textured food. The mixture appears smooth and slightly chunky.
Vegan Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.
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Caribbean Rice and Beans

A bowl of cooked rice mixed with kidney beans, garnished with chopped herbs on top, placed on a light-colored surface with fresh greens on a wooden board in the background.
Caribbean Rice and Beans. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Bright colors and hearty texture help this Caribbean Rice and Beans stand out on any winter table. Each bite mixes warmth and mild spice, offering a break from heavy traditional sides. I make extra because leftovers pair well with everything from stews to quick lunches. Guests usually ask what gives the rice such a comforting kick.
Get the Recipe: Caribbean Rice and Beans

Marry Me Chickpeas

Skillet with creamy chickpeas, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, garnished with herbs.
Marry Me Chickpeas. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Saucy and bold, this Marry Me Chickpeas brings protein and comfort together in one bowl. The rich flavor keeps you coming back until every chickpea is gone. I enjoy packing this for cozy lunches during gray, chilly days. Most people wonder about the name until they try the first spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chickpeas

Vegan Squash Casserole

A bowl of roasted butternut squash and vegetables, garnished with chopped herbs, with a gold fork on the side.
Vegan Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Creamy layers and tender veggies in this Vegan Squash Casserole brighten up cold, dreary evenings. The natural sweetness feels like a warm hug in the middle of winter. I chose this as a colorful side dish for potlucks or weeknight dinners. Friends often mention how surprising the flavors turn out.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Squash Casserole

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

A plate of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with pine nuts on parchment paper.
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Deeply caramelized veggies coated in tangy glaze make this Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze a cold-weather favorite. Crisp edges give way to soft centers with a touch of sweetness. I always roast a double batch since everyone asks for seconds. Conversations often revolve around just how flavorful a simple green veggie can be.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Vegetable Casserole

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

Flavorful and filling, this Vegetable Casserole makes the winter season less bleak. Golden tops hide veggies that hold onto just enough bite. I bake large trays whenever there’s a crowd, and leftovers never last long. Most people ask what brings out such depth in the vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Golden Shallots

A pile of crispy shallots on a plate.
Golden Shallots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crisp texture and a hint of sweetness allow these Golden Shallots to compete with any main dish. A little crunch with each bite sets off the rest of the plate. I add them to nearly every winter dinner since they disappear so quickly. Friends always want to know the trick to getting them this golden.
Get the Recipe: Golden Shallots

Vegan Hashbrown Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with browned breadcrumbs and chopped parsley, with a serving spoon inside.
Vegan Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crispy topping and creamy layers underneath give this Vegan Hashbrown Casserole an edge over plain breakfast potatoes. Each serving creates warmth perfect for cold mornings or as a dinner side. I save pieces for later since they reheat beautifully. The texture always gets more attention than anything else on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Hashbrown Casserole

Mushroom Gravy

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with mushroom and onion gravy, garnished with rosemary.
Mushroom Gravy. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Savory goodness and velvety texture combine to make this Mushroom Gravy essential for comforting winter sides. It works wonders poured over heaps of potatoes or roasted veg. I always ladle out extra since guests request more with every pass. Anyone who tries a spoonful asks about what gives it such richness.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy

Vegan Enchilada Casserole

Close-up of a layered dish with melted cheese, corn, beans, diced tomatoes, and green onions.
Vegan Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Cheesy, saucy, and bubbling with flavor, this Vegan Enchilada Casserole has winter comfort built in. The contrast of creamy sauce with a crispy edge keeps hungry bellies happy. I rely on it for potlucks or as a hearty dinner after a snowy walk. Everyone hovers around for seconds before the dish is empty.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Enchilada Casserole

Sautéed Kale

A white bowl filled with sautéed kale and sliced garlic, with a fork lifting a portion from the bowl.
Sautéed Kale. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Deep green color and gentle seasoning make this Sautéed Kale a bright spot when winter veggies get dull. Lightly cooked leaves offer warmth without feeling heavy. I serve up plenty of this, especially with richer mains. Guests talk about how fresh and simple greens can taste when done right.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Kale

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole

A baked sweet potato casserole topped with a crunchy pecan and oat crumble, with a serving scooped out, revealing the orange filling.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crackly topping with a soft, orange filling means this Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole is a crowd-pleaser every time. Quick cooking means everyone can enjoy it without a long wait. I prepare an extra pan for meal prep since it goes quickly. The sweet aroma fills up the kitchen fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole

Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

A white dish with roasted root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, red onions, and sweet potatoes, garnished with fresh dill and thyme.
Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Pops of color and earthy flavor give these Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables major appeal at dinner. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and a bit of chew in every chunk. I turn to this recipe whenever the weather turns cold and the fridge is full of odds and ends. The tray comes back empty every time.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Granola with nuts and oats is drizzled with honey, creating a symphony of flavors reminiscent of a vegan sweet potato casserole.
Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Gentle, cozy sweetness in this Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole matches perfectly with hearty mains. Creamy and soft with a satisfying golden edge, it belongs in your winter comfort rotation. I like baking it in individual dishes for a little extra fun. Requests for the recipe roll in before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Baked Mushroom Rice

A plate of mushroom baked rice served next to a cast iron skillet.
Baked Mushroom Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Fragrant grains with earthy mushrooms mean this Baked Mushroom Rice works on any table, from simple to fancy. The mix is filling without being too rich or heavy. I prepare plenty for leftovers that reheat perfectly with almost anything. Those who have never liked rice usually ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

Vegan Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with chopped chives and black pepper.
Vegan Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Fluffy, creamy, and warm, these Vegan Mashed Potatoes set the standard for comfort food on chilly nights. Smooth texture makes them perfect for pairing with gravies and stews. I scoop out extra big servings, remembering how quickly they disappear. Guests rave about how light and fresh plant-based potatoes can taste.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

A casserole dish filled with creamy vegan green bean casserole topped with breadcrumbs and chopped parsley, with a serving spoon.
Vegan Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crisp-tender veggies and a savory sauce come together in this Vegan Green Bean Casserole. Each bite brings out the best in classic winter casseroles with a lighter touch. I trust this recipe for any group meal, knowing everyone can grab a serving. It’s always among the first dishes to vanish.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Vegan Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy dish with a spoon, likely consisting of mashed potatoes or a similar textured food. The mixture appears smooth and slightly chunky.
Vegan Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Creamy sauce envelopes pasta in this Vegan Mac and Cheese, offering a go-to side on frosty evenings. Every spoonful brings warmth, stretching comfort that’s hard to match. I batch cook it for leftovers that barely last the night. The bold color makes it an easy favorite on the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mac and Cheese

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