19 Vegan Winter Side Inspirations For Everyday Winter Comfort

ByMandy Applegate

Easy weeknight meals get even better once 19 vegan winter side inspirations are in the mix. People tend to keep dinner routines going strong when side dishes feel both practical and fulfilling. On busy days or relaxed weekends, filling sides can bring balance to almost any main dish. Relying on comforting ideas makes the season feel a little less dreary.

Slices of focaccia bread topped with rosemary and flaky salt, arranged on brown parchment paper.
Focaccia Bread. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.
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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.

Cold evenings need something both hearty and cheerful, like this Vegan Enchilada Casserole that lights up your plate with layers of bold taste. Baked until bubbly, it’s perfect for cozying up with a comforting dish. I always find myself looking forward to leftovers the next day because the flavors get even better. Guests love asking what gives the sauce such punch.
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.

Vibrant color and a gentle bite make this Sautéed Kale a welcome break from heavy winter fare. Quick cooking keeps it bright and brings out a pleasant earthiness. I toss it onto bowls with grains or roasts for an easy vitamin boost. Friends say it’s proof that healthy sides can steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Kale

Marry Me Chickpeas

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

Creamy comfort happens with this Marry Me Chickpeas, turning a simple bean into a wintery treat. Each spoonful carries a rich flavor that feels anything but basic. I love keeping an extra container for next-day lunches. Curious palates agree it’s hard to resist going back for more.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chickpeas

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.

Shredded potatoes transform in this Vegan Hashbrown Casserole, perfect for any brunch or weeknight dinner needing a slice of nostalgia. The golden top keeps things crisp while the inside stays cozy. I like to prep it ahead since leftovers are just as good warmed up. Plates clear fast at any gathering with this classic.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Hashbrown 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.

Sweet glaze and toasty edges create a new favorite with this Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze that brings life to winter greens. Each bite surprises with balanced tang and a rich base. I serve them at holiday dinners or alongside simple weeknight meals. Even those unsure about Brussels sprouts find themselves reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Mushroom Gravy

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

Cozy dinners call out for a ladle of this Mushroom Gravy poured over potatoes, grains, or roasted veggies. Earthy notes fill the kitchen, making any dish richer and more comforting. I keep a jar handy to turn leftovers into a whole new meal. Comments about the hearty aroma come in before anyone even has a spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy

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.

Cloud-soft sweet potatoes and a golden finish help this Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole win top marks on the coldest evenings. Every bite is gently sweet, giving you comfort with a little crunch on top. I find guests go back for extra helpings before dessert arrives. People always ask what makes it so warm and inviting.
Get the Recipe: Vegan 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.

Colors pop off the pan with this Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables, where crispy edges and tender bites brighten any winter meal. Roasting brings out the sweetness in each root. I love filling my kitchen with the aroma of this seasonal side. Guests gather fast once the sheet pan hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

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.

Wholesome, warm, and a little tropical, this Caribbean Rice and Beans recipe brings energy to winter evenings in a surprising way. Every forkful delivers both comfort and a satisfying earthiness. I put together a batch for busy nights and lunch prep. People want to know how it tastes so lively in the cold season.
Get the Recipe: Caribbean Rice and Beans

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.

Buttery squash and a smooth filling shine in this Vegan Squash Casserole, which makes winter dinners feel special. The flavor walks the line between savory and sweet, so it pairs well with almost anything. I bring it to group meals because it’s easy to serve and everyone wants seconds. Warm, golden layers disappear before anything else.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Squash Casserole

Vegan Mashed Potatoes

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

Fluffy clouds of this Vegan Mashed Potatoes melt straight into gravy, rounding out any winter feast. The mild, creamy flavor pulls together a plate full of comforting sides. I mash up an extra batch for leftover bowls the next day. People are always amazed at how rich vegan potatoes can be.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Baked Mushroom Rice

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

Hearty mushrooms turn this Baked Mushroom Rice into a welcome change-up from the usual grain sides. The aroma while it bakes hints at the cozy flavor inside every scoop. I save leftovers to mix with greens for lunch salads. It’s often gone before you get a chance to tuck it away.
Get the Recipe: 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.

Winter gatherings need a classic, and this Vegan Green Bean Casserole checks every box with its creamy filling and a crispy crown on top. Familiar but richer, it updates a childhood favorite for everyone at the table. I prep this so vegans and non-vegans both get something special. More than one person asks for seconds before the meal is over.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Green Bean Casserole

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.

Crisped just right on the outside while keeping a fluffy inside, these Golden Roasted Potatoes are what everyone hopes for as a winter side. Their simple charm pairs well with any main dish. I always make more than planned, yet there are never leftovers. Shouts of “pass the potatoes” become a regular chorus.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Potatoes

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.

Cozy up on snowy nights with this Vegan Mac and Cheese, where rich, creamy sauce hugs every noodle perfectly. Golden crumbs on top create a little excitement with each bite. I serve this for movie nights since it’s both fun and filling. No one believes just how dairy-free this comfort food can be.
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 golden top and fluffy inside make this Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole a speedy, plant-based take that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. The air fryer turns out slices that are crisp outside, soft inside. I scoop out extra for lunchboxes, knowing nothing will get left behind. People love how a favorite side can come together so fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole

Golden Shallots

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

Gentle sweetness and a crispy bite make these Golden Shallots the perfect accent to winter spreads. Slow roasting brings out hidden flavor, creating a side that feels both simple and fancy. I sprinkle them over salads or stuffing for extra punch. The bowl always empties more quickly than expected.
Get the Recipe: Golden Shallots

Vegetable Casserole

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

January nights shine a little brighter with this Vegetable Casserole, offering layer after layer of hearty comfort and color. The soft bake gives carrots, peas, and more a warmth that sticks with you. I bring out this recipe when the weather feels especially grey. Eating your veggies has never felt quite so inviting.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Focaccia Bread

Slices of focaccia bread topped with rosemary and flaky salt, arranged on brown parchment paper.
Focaccia Bread. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Pillowy layers and toasty crust turn this Focaccia Bread into a side worth bragging about for winter lunches or soup nights. Each slice is built for dunking or stacking with roasted vegetables. I bake extra because it’s perfect for sandwiches the next day. Humming approval usually follows every bite.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

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