17 Vegan Winter Side Recipe Ideas For Evenings Spent Staying In

ByMandy Applegate

Evenings at home call for a little variety, which these 17 vegan winter side recipes can easily offer. Rather than scramble for last-minute ideas, it helps to have a set of options in your back pocket. Plenty of us end up reaching for the same basics every night, so mixing things up feels refreshing. Warm, homemade vegan sides can turn any quiet night in into something you look forward to.

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

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

Cozy evenings gain a warm boost from this Creamy Marry Me Chickpeas recipe. Each spoonful delivers comfort while letting plant-based ingredients shine. I bring this dish out whenever the weather calls for something extra hearty and homey. Guests are always surprised by how creamy a simple bowl of chickpeas can taste.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Marry Me Chickpeas

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.

Brushed with tangy glaze, these Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze draw attention with their golden sheen and crisp edges. The combination of sweet and savory brings something exciting to any table spread. I like offering them as a winter side since they disappear so quickly. Most people end up asking for seconds before the meal is done.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Savory Baked Mushroom Rice

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

Earthy flavor and fluffy grains make this Savory Baked Mushroom Rice an ideal companion to comfort meals when the temperature dips. Each spoonful feels grounding and filling, never bland. I often save extra to pack into lunch bowls. Comments usually center around the depth of flavor in every serving.
Get the Recipe: Savory Baked Mushroom Rice

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.

Creamy layers and a golden crust help this Vegan Green Bean Casserole fit right in with classic winter favorites. Each serving delivers familiar flavors in a plant-based version everyone can share. I prefer making this ahead for stress-free entertaining. Friends often remark that it tastes just like the one they remember from holidays.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Golden 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.
Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A tray full of this Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables adds warmth and color on cold evenings. Naturally sweet and caramelized, they are perfect for pairing with hearty mains. I select this recipe for simple dinners after busy days. Folks comment on how each bite seems to capture the essence of winter produce.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Golden Shallots

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

Soft centers and crisp exteriors make these Golden Shallots irresistible among side dishes. Subtle sweetness gives them a flavorful edge that lingers after every bite. I serve these as a finishing touch for winter feasts. People are amazed at the flavor from such a humble vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Golden Shallots

Golden Roasted Potatoes

Close-up of vegan roasted potato wedges garnished with chopped parsley. The potato skins are slightly crispy and browned, with visible seasoning.
Golden Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crunchy on the outside yet fluffy inside, these Golden Roasted Potatoes always get top billing on winter dinner plates. Every piece offers just the right balance of comfort and texture. I double the batch since leftovers work well for breakfast or lunch. Friends love comparing them to their favorite restaurant versions.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Potatoes

Hearty Vegetable Casserole

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

Bright colors and robust flavors make this Hearty Vegetable Casserole stand out on long winter nights. Each forkful feels deeply comforting while adding playful variety. I rely on this dish for gatherings since it easily feeds a group. Guests often ask for the recipe after their first serving.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Vegetable 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 and pasta shells combine to make this Vegan Mac and Cheese both nostalgic and new. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, even for those new to plant-based meals. I find the gooey center brings unexpected joy to cold evenings. Bowls are quickly emptied as everyone digs in.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mac and Cheese

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.

A crisp topping and silky layers underneath make this Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole an easy favorite when you want comfort in a hurry. The air fryer brings a modern twist to a seasonal classic. I appreciate how quickly this side comes together for weeknight meals. People are often curious how it gets so perfectly golden every time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole

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.

Spices and hearty beans provide warmth in this Caribbean Rice and Beans, perfect for breaking the monotony of winter dining. Varied textures mean every bite brings something new. I pack leftovers for speedy lunches during busy weeks. Guests frequently ask how to create those vibrant flavors at home.
Get the Recipe: Caribbean Rice and Beans

Creamy Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish filled with baked broccoli and mushrooms topped with crispy fried onions, with a serving spoon lifting out a portion.
Creamy Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Tender broccoli enveloped in a soft sauce gives this Creamy Broccoli Casserole its iconic winter appeal. Layers hold together for easy serving and sharing. I mix it into potluck rotations, knowing it’ll vanish quickly. Friends consistently ask for more, especially once the cheesy aroma fills the air.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Casserole

Vegan Mashed Potatoes

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

Light, fluffy, and simple, these Vegan Mashed Potatoes round out cold-weather meals without weighing them down. Soft texture pairs well with bold gravies or stews. I prepare plenty since they vanish fast, especially among plant-based eaters. Diners are always surprised that dairy-free can taste this good.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy 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.
Cheesy Vegan Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Gooey layers and a cheery topping keep this Cheesy Vegan Hashbrown Casserole front and center for brunches or cozy evenings. Each forkful delivers comforting flavor in a completely plant-based version. I tuck leftovers in the fridge for quick weekday breakfasts. Compliments flow around the table whenever it appears.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy 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.

Deep flavors and a silky finish help this Mushroom Gravy bring life to any plate, whether poured over veggies, potatoes, or roast. The sauce brings an extra layer of richness that cold days call for. I make a large batch to last through two or three meals since everyone asks for extra. It turns simple sides into the star of supper.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy

Sweet 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.
Sweet Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Each scoop of this Sweet Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole is soft, comforting, and lightly sweet, making it a common request as soon as temperatures drop. A toasty finish brings everything together with a hint of crunch. I save a portion for myself, knowing how quickly it disappears. Everyone tries to guess what keeps it so creamy without dairy.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Loaded Vegan Enchilada Casserole

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

Lively layers bursting with color keep this Loaded Vegan Enchilada Casserole upbeat despite chilly weather outside. Familiar comfort meets plant-based goodness, making it a main or a side. I count on cheerful reactions when I bring it to gatherings. The empty dish at the end of dinner says everything you need to know.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Vegan Enchilada Casserole

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