15 Vegan Thanksgiving Main Dish That Steals the Whole Table

Fall brings together flavors that make plant-based meals special, and all 15 recipes in this collection guarantee your Thanksgiving table never feels “second best.” I include dishes I’ve relied on for potlucks and main event settings, because hearty vegan mains like Hearty Vegetable Casserole always turn heads with their vibrant colors and filling textures.

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

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Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower head cut in half, garnished with chopped parsley, on a white plate. — Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Brushed with autumn’s golden glow, Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower sits at the center of many Thanksgiving spreads I’ve hosted or attended. Slices come out beautifully for plating, while the aroma draws people into the kitchen even before dinner starts. Roasted edges, soft middle, and dramatic presentation combine to make this a main dish worth making every year.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

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.

Spotting a bowl of Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese on a Thanksgiving table always means something fun is about to happen. Creamy texture swirls around each noodle while the gentle pumpkin flavor brings out cozy, seasonal feelings for everyone. Recipe requests pop up every time I set it down, especially after guests try a bite and realize how “holiday” it tastes. Rich orange color gives it instant appeal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

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.

Cracking through the top of Flaky Homemade Vegan Pot Pie is one of those little moments that stays with guests long after dinner. Thick, hearty filling tucked under a golden crust responds to every fork with a comforting aroma and inviting warmth. I’ve made this for many gatherings because people remember and request it for future Thanksgiving tables.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Homemade Vegan Pot Pie

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.

Autumn gatherings need something with a bit of edge, and Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks solve that in just the right way. Each slab caramelizes along the edges, offering a stunning main when paired with classic sides. Whenever I slice the “steaks,” I hear comments about how different and exciting plant-based Thanksgiving has become. Presentation gives added wow-factor, and leftovers always disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

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.

Gliding a spoon through Creamy Asparagus and White Bean Risotto on a chilly evening feels like pure comfort. The dish brings together velvety smoothness and gentle green flavor, which helps balance the heavier mains like pies or nut loaves. I’ve noticed guests linger by the serving dish, chatting about the unexpected combo and how perfect it fits the season. Subtle color brightens up every plate.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Asparagus and White Bean 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.

Bringing out Savory Vegan Ham for Thanksgiving gets people talking, searching for what makes it taste so bold. Smoky aroma, meaty texture, and deep flavors leave everyone at the table reaching for another slice. I’ve watched this dish kick off new conversations around plant-based holiday feasts, often with people asking for recipes as soon as plates are cleared. Thick slices hold up well as leftovers for sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Savory Vegan Ham

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.

Gold and pale green shine together in Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto, catching eyes before anyone even takes a bite. Creaminess folds around sweet corn with delicate hints of leek, making each mouthful feel both familiar and fresh for Thanksgiving dinner. I find that guests appreciate the lighter option among all the rich flavors, often coming back for seconds. Balanced and inviting, it’s a main dish that never bores.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

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.

Slicing into Savory Vegan Nut Roast is always a conversation starter at my holiday tables. The crisp exterior gives way to a sturdy, flavorful interior, and it anchors the meal for anyone craving a robust option. People remember the spices and texture every time, sharing stories about similar dishes or what they hope to try next fall. There’s something truly special about how this roast feels central to vegan Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Savory Vegan Nut Roast

Loaded Vegan Tater Tot Casserole

Close-up of a dish with crispy tater tots, green bell peppers, and a creamy sauce, topped with fried onions. — Loaded Vegan Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Few mains inspire more giggles and wide-eyed reactions than Loaded Vegan Tater Tot Casserole at Thanksgiving. Crispy potato topping seals in hearty filling, and each scoop offers both comfort and a fun twist on classic flavors. The dish goes fast, especially if you’re feeding guests who like their holiday plates stacked high. I keep making it because the response is always “more, please!”, an instant seasonal favorite.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Vegan Tater Tot 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.

Hot from the oven, Savory Mushroom Pie draws a crowd before any official announcements at my autumn gatherings. Earthy aroma fills the room while the flaky crust and soft filling win over both vegans and skeptics. Guests are quick to ask how to remake it for their own celebrations, and leftovers turn into memorable next-day lunches. Texture and flavor both shine in every slice.
Get the Recipe: Savory Mushroom 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.

Sharply green and creamy in texture, Cheesy Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole stands out as a comforting main that suits cool Thanksgiving evenings. Wholesome rice and broccoli blend with a velvety sauce, creating a dish guests mention even after the holiday ends. Children and adults alike seem drawn to it, especially when the table needs something grounding and mild.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole

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.

When I want layers so tall they almost topple, I rely on Layered Vegan Lasagna for Thanksgiving. Sheet after sheet offers unique autumn flavors, while the baked top crackles under a knife, revealing color and hearty filling. Reunion or holiday, people compare slices and debate the “best layer,” making it a real centerpiece every year. I never have leftovers, and requests flood in for next time.
Get the Recipe: Layered Vegan Lasagna

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.

Rich but never too heavy, Creamy Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole brings warmth and depth to cool Thanksgiving nights. This casserole catches attention thanks to its silky texture and gentle green bite, which balances the meal beautifully. I’ve had guests talk about it weeks later, remembering how different and delicious Brussels sprouts can taste. If you like bold main dishes that surprise and please, this fits the bill.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

Rich Pumpkin Risotto

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.

Orange hues glow from the bowl as Rich Pumpkin Risotto lands on my Thanksgiving table. Fluffy rice melds gently with smooth pumpkin flavor, giving each forkful an autumnal punch. This risotto wins attention for both its color and subtle depth, sparking comments at dinner and requests a few days later. People appreciate how comforting and special the dish feels, especially surrounded by holiday favorites.
Get the Recipe: Rich Pumpkin Risotto

Hearty Vegetable Casserole

Lively vegetables layered in Hearty Vegetable Casserole bring nutrition, flavor, and festive color to any Thanksgiving spread. Each bite means more than just eating, it’s a seasonal experience full of warmth, soft textures, and autumn spices. The casserole easily becomes a centerpiece that people ask about later, especially when leftovers disappear much faster than expected.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Vegetable Casserole