15 Vegan Christmas Sides Inspirations For Guests Who Always Start With “Just One Scoop”

Holiday tables get a boost from 15 vegan Christmas side inspirations, perfect for anyone who’s always reaching for just a scoop more. Guests come with all sorts of preferences, so variety can be a host’s best tool. Having easy side ideas helps the meal run smoothly without doubling the work. Let everyone help themselves and make the sides an easy highlight.

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.

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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.

Under the oven’s glow, these Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks picks up a gorgeous caramelized color and a rich nuttiness that draws attention. Guests often ask for the secret behind the crispy outside and tender center. I find these steaks make a great main or side for festive winter gatherings. Even cauliflower skeptics come back for more.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

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.

Holiday meals get a boost of warmth once this Vegan Squash Casserole lands on the table. The blend of flavors adds a comforting touch and pairs smoothly with hearty entrees. Serving up big scoops often leads to happy requests for the recipe. Festive spreads feel extra welcoming with bright, baked squash at the center.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Squash Casserole

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.

Spoons glide through these Fluffy Vegan Mashed Potatoes just as easily as guest compliments arrive at dinner. Creamy comfort makes everyone want seconds, even those who “just want one scoop.” I’ve found that making extra is always smart for big gatherings. Cold evenings feel brighter with warm potatoes ready to share.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Vegan Mashed Potatoes

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.

Winter sides don’t get much richer than this Creamy Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole bubbling with every serving. People who normally skip Brussels sprouts suddenly reach for a taste. Layers of creamy texture invite a second helping before the next dish appears. Adding it to your holiday meal promises lively conversation.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

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.

Pouring a spoonful of this Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese makes cold nights cozier while bringing out plenty of smiles. The velvet texture calls out for parties and potlucks where comfort food steals the spotlight. Kids and adults race back for seconds, proving plant-based dishes hold up well among classics. Gatherings feel softer and happier with mac and cheese.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese

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.

Vibrant color and mellow sweetness fill this Sweet Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole with holiday energy. Guests often pause for a second, helping right after clearing their plates. I like to save leftovers since the flavors deepen overnight. Festive tables benefit from casseroles that everyone wants to try.
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.

Bowls of this Tender Sautéed Kale show up as a welcome green option in the middle of hearty holiday spreads. Quick cooking brings out subtle flavor and a gentle bite that pairs perfectly with winter sides. People who usually shy away from greens are surprised at how easily they disappear. Fresh kale helps balance richer dishes on the table.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale

Sweet Vegan Corn Casserole

A square slice of corn casserole topped with chopped green onions, showing visible corn kernels and a moist, crumbly texture. — Sweet Vegan Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Golden color and gentle sweetness mark this Sweet Vegan Corn Casserole as a fan favorite when passing around bowls. Each scoop brings a bit of cozy comfort to cold-weather meals. You’ll notice guests sharing recipe tips after going back for seconds. Casseroles like this become requested traditions for every winter celebration.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Vegan Corn 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.

Trays of vibrant color brighten up tables once this Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables comes out of the oven. Roasted to bring out natural sweetness, root veggies always make a splash with big crowds. I love prepping this side ahead for busy holiday gatherings. Most platters end up empty before the main dish even appears.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

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.

Crispy, golden bites are guaranteed when serving this Loaded Vegan Tater Tot Casserole at a Christmas feast. Friends reach for “just one scoop” but end up returning more than once. The combination works well as a main or side for bigger crowds. I always save some for leftovers since people ask for it late into the night.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Vegan Tater Tot Casserole

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.

Casseroles like this Cheesy Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole turn dinner sides into easy comfort everyone enjoys. Creamy layers and tender broccoli make a good match for bold winter flavors. Guests sometimes ask for a second plate before moving on to dessert. Serving up plant-based versions brings extra smiles at the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Creamy Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Holiday classics go plant-based with this Creamy Vegan Green Bean Casserole that never feels like an afterthought. Bubbles of flavor invite guests to scoop just a little, but empty dishes show how much they love it. I keep extra on hand for second rounds. Green beans shine brighter in creamy casseroles amid other festive sides.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Fresh Harvest Salad

A Harvest Salad with kale, sweet potato wedges, avocado chunks, chickpeas, and pickled red onions, all drizzled with a delectable dressing. — Fresh Harvest Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Lively color and crisp bites fill each bowl of this Fresh Harvest Salad, giving guests a break from heavier winter fare. Fruit, greens, and seeds blend for a fresh option that pairs well with indulgent classics. Sharing salads at gatherings always wins compliments. Even those usually focused on comfort food go back for more.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Harvest Salad

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 meets tangy in this Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze, which demands attention even on crowded tables. Guests scoop a portion and quickly realize they want more after the first bite. I notice the empty tray every time it’s served. Bold flavor and a hint of glaze make it perfect for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Cheesy Vegan Hashbrown Casserole

Early risers and brunch fans often light up when this Cheesy Vegan Hashbrown Casserole is passed around. Golden, crispy edges hide creamy comfort inside each scoop, catching attention from kids and adults alike. Prep is a snap for hectic mornings. Even picky eaters find a reason to ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegan Hashbrown Casserole