19 Vegan Winter Side Recipe Ideas That Add Comfort Without Stealing the Spotlight

ByMandy Applegate

Even simple weeknight dinners can use a little extra comfort during the colder months. In this collection, 19 vegan winter side recipe ideas offer practical, no-fuss ways to round out your meals. Many work for casual dinners, but a few feel right at home on a holiday table too. There’s enough variety to keep things interesting without extra effort.

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

There’s something so cozy about this Creamy Marry Me Chickpeas dish. It’s the kind of recipe that can turn a regular meal into a special one. The mix of creamy textures blends well with other dishes, making it a perfect side or a light main course. You’ll find it’s one of those meals that’s easy to prepare yet feels a little extra special.
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.

The balance of savory and sweet in these Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze makes them truly shine. As they caramelize, their natural flavors deepen, creating an irresistible side. The slight tang from the glaze brings a fresh twist to this classic vegetable. Even skeptics might find themselves reaching for second helpings of this dish.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

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.

Sometimes, you just need a side dish that feels like a warm hug, enter this Cheesy Vegan Hashbrown Casserole. It’s hearty, creamy, and has just the right amount of “cheesy” goodness to win everyone over. Paired with a crisp edge and tender textures, it complements so many meals. It’s almost guaranteed to be the first dish to disappear from the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegan Hashbrown Casserole

Crispy Golden Shallots

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

A little crunch goes a long way, and these Crispy Golden Shallots deliver just that. They’re lightly fried to perfection, adding a deliciously savory crunch to any dish. Use them as a topping or a side, they’ll bring a little extra pizzazz to your plate without overpowering the main. You won’t believe how much flavor comes from something so simple.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Golden Shallots

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.

Few dishes bridge the gap between cozy and nutritious like this Creamy Broccoli Casserole. The texture is rich and smooth, making broccoli feel more indulgent than ever. It’s the kind of side dish that works for both casual dinners and more special occasions. You’ll love how versatile and crowd-pleasing it is, especially when paired with other hearty dishes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Casserole

Mushroom Gravy

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

Whether you’re drizzling it over mashed potatoes or accompanying a roast, this Mushroom Gravy brings depth and flavor to the table. It’s rich, smooth, and hearty, perfect for warming up on a cold evening. A good gravy has a way of tying a meal together, and this one is no exception. Keep it in your rotation to upgrade any comfort meal effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy

Creamy Vegan Green Bean Casserole

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

Bring that comforting classic to your table with this Creamy Vegan Green Bean Casserole. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with tender green beans for a delicious bite every time. The baked topping adds the perfect texture, making this dish one everyone will want to try. This is a side that feels like a little celebration on its own.
Get the Recipe: Creamy 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.

Few things are as comforting as a batch of Golden Roasted Potatoes. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, they’re the perfect partner for almost any main dish. There’s a reason these are loved by everyone – they’re simple, fulfilling, and always deliver. Set them out on the table and watch people go back for more.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Potatoes

Creamy 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.
Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

This Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese proves you don’t need dairy to enjoy the rich, luscious flavors of this classic dish. It’s smooth, comforting, and brings a touch of nostalgia to your table. Perfect as either a side or main course, it’s loved by all ages. You’ll love how it blends creamy goodness with a dish that’s both hearty and filling.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese

Fluffy Vegan Mashed Potatoes

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

A side dish doesn’t get much better than this Fluffy Vegan Mashed Potatoes recipe. They’re smooth, creamy, and exactly what you want next to some gravy or roasted veggies. Perfectly seasoned, they’re a trusty crowd-pleaser for meals big and small. A warm serving of this feels like the perfect way to round out a comforting plate of food.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Easy 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.
Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Add a touch of the tropics to your table with this Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans. It’s flavorful, filling, and goes wonderfully with almost anything you’re serving. The light seasoning gives it a vibrant taste without being overpowering. This dish is simple to prepare and offers a nice change of pace from traditional comfort sides.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans

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 tender veggies, this Hearty Vegetable Casserole is the definition of comfort food done right. It’s a filling side that doesn’t overpower but still holds its own alongside richer dishes. Perfect for cold evenings, this dish brings warmth and plenty of flavor to your table. Whether for family dinners or gatherings, it’s always a fulfilling addition.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Vegetable 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.

Get cozy with this colorful Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables recipe. Perfectly caramelized and full of earthy flavors, they’re a great addition to any meal. The natural sweetness of the vegetables comes alive with every bite, making them as delicious as they are beautiful to serve. A side dish that’s as reliable as it is nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

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.

For a dish that’s warming and packed with flavor, this Loaded Vegan Enchilada Casserole is the perfect choice. Layers of goodness make it hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with veggie sides too. The flavors are bold without being too much, ensuring it satisfies everyone. It’s the kind of casserole that easily becomes a household favorite.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Vegan Enchilada Casserole

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.

Comfort and simplicity come together in this Savory Baked Mushroom Rice recipe. The fluffy, tender rice is infused with a rich, hearty taste from the mushrooms, making it a perfect pairing for your favorite dishes. Bake it once, and it’s bound to be requested again and again. It’s an easy, cozy option that’s always a hit no matter the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Savory Baked Mushroom Rice

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.

A classic with a plant-based twist, this Sweet Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole offers both nostalgia and comfort. Its smooth, creamy texture and touch of sweetness make it a standout side. Perfect for holiday spreads or any cozy meal, it effortlessly brings warmth to your plate. This might just become the dish everyone requests year after year.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Tender Sautéed Kale

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

Sometimes, simple is best, and this Tender Sautéed Kale is proof of that. It’s cooked to tender perfection, bringing out the natural flavors of this hearty green. Perfect as a nutritious side or part of a bigger spread, kale has never tasted better. Add this to your menu when you’re looking for something healthy that still feels warm and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale

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.

Take your squash up a notch with this Vegan Squash Casserole. It’s a cozy and delicious way to enjoy the season’s best produce, offering a satisfying mix of soft textures and hearty flavors. This casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s both nostalgic and modern in the best way possible. Perfect for casual meals or special occasions, it’ll quickly become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Squash Casserole

Crusty Focaccia Bread

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

Few things can compete with the aroma of this freshly baked Crusty Focaccia Bread coming out of the oven. It’s chewy, golden, and perfect for soaking up sauces or enjoying on its own. This bread is everything you want in a side – simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. Making it once might just have you coming back for more every time.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Focaccia Bread

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