19 Vegan Winter Side Inspirations For Eating Well Through the Cold Season

ByMandy Applegate

Most people want sides that work for both cozy evenings in and bigger gatherings during the winter months. Having 19 vegan options means there’s a little something for every table, no matter the occasion. Switching up classic meals keeps things from getting repetitive as the season goes on. It’s helpful to know your winter sides can be just as appealing as the main dish.

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.
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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.

Bringing comfort to the table feels effortless with a creamy, plant-based classic. People often return for seconds of this Vegan Green Bean Casserole, finding both crunch and satisfaction in every scoop. Familiar flavors blended with a new twist get everyone talking. I keep this dish on my holiday shortlist because it never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Green Bean 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.

Cool weather meals benefit from warming spices and hearty portions. Every time I share this Caribbean Rice and Beans, there’s excitement over the pop of color and comforting texture. Guests enjoy pairing it with both simple mains and festive dinners. I love how it brightens up the winter table with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Caribbean Rice and Beans

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.

Adding leafy greens to a wintry spread does wonders for freshness. This Tender Sautéed Kale offers just enough bite for a pleasing side without feeling heavy. People enjoy the contrast it brings alongside heavier comfort foods. I rely on this recipe as a way to sneak extra veggies into big meals.
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.

Guests light up when a bright and cheerful dish shows up during colder months. Each serving of this Vegan Squash Casserole boasts a creamy, mild flavor that highlights the best of winter produce. The soft texture and golden top always win compliments. I find it fits perfectly for both everyday meals and special feasts.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Squash Casserole

Golden Shallots

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

Roasted to a delicate sweetness, shallots offer something special for winter gatherings. Plating this Golden Shallots recipe creates a buzz as people catch the caramel aroma drifting through the kitchen. The golden color stands out against heartier dishes. I choose it when I want an unexpected, elegant side that gets noticed.
Get the Recipe: Golden Shallots

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.

Crisp yet creamy sides keep guests reaching for seconds. This Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole delivers smooth sweetness under a crunchy top that feels right for winter cravings. People often ask how such a familiar dish can taste so new. I appreciate how easy the air fryer makes busy dinner prep.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato 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.

Seasonal roots truly shine in a well-roasted medley. Bringing out this Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables means everyone gets a colorful scoop filled with everything from carrots to parsnips. The aroma promises comfort before dinner even begins. I like to serve it whenever my fridge is full of odds and ends.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Vegan Mashed Potatoes

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

Fluffy and inviting, a good mashed potato dish rounds out every winter meal. With this Vegan Mashed Potatoes recipe, people discover a creamy side that’s both dairy-free and classic in flavor. Some come back for a refill without waiting for the gravy. I make extra so leftovers can be enjoyed again and again.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Hearty Vegetable Casserole

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

Staying warm feels easier with colorful veggies baked in a bubbling dish. This Hearty Vegetable Casserole is a feast of textures, keeping everyone scooping until the pan is empty. Folks talk about how every bite brings something different. I turn to this recipe for both potlucks and family nights.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Vegetable Casserole

Mushroom Gravy

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

Pouring a rich, velvety sauce over your plate can transform any winter meal. This Mushroom Gravy brings a deep, savory punch that finishes everything from potatoes to casseroles. Guests linger near the serving bowl for just one more drizzle. I always double the batch for leftovers to pair with tomorrow’s lunch.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy

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.

Green veggies rarely feel as comforting and filling as in this side dish. With this Creamy Broccoli Casserole, the crowd is surprised to find themselves excited for seconds. Each bite strikes a balance between fresh and rich. I like serving it as a way to please both kids and adults around the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli 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.

Winter meals turn satisfying with a pan full of earthy goodness. Forkfuls of this Savory Baked Mushroom Rice are full of aroma and a deep, cozy flavor that lingers. People heap their plates, asking for the secret that makes it so comforting. This recipe often finds its way into my weekly meal planning.
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.

Creamy sweetness and a touch of winter spice define this dish for cold-weather gatherings. Sharing this Sweet Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole means enjoying a familiar favorite that fits any plant-based menu. The smooth filling draws plenty of compliments during dinner. I reach for this whenever I want to serve something extra cozy.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

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.

Some sides turn humble beans into the star of the show. Spooning this Creamy Marry Me Chickpeas onto your plate means you get both sauciness and stick-to-your-ribs comfort. With each helping, people ask if there’s more left in the kitchen. I enjoy how easily it works with any winter entrée.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Marry Me Chickpeas

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.

Classic dishes can become extraordinary with the right seasoning and texture. Pulling this Golden Roasted Potatoes tray from the oven spreads a mouthwatering aroma through your home. The crisp edges and fluffy inside make it an instant favorite. I revisit this side anytime I crave an easy but memorable dish.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted 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.

Morning meals or evening spreads feel extra inviting with a cheesy, golden bake. Guests always notice the crunch and rich flavor in this Cheesy Vegan Hashbrown Casserole. Plates empty fast once people take their first forkful. I make it ahead for brunches or holiday sides that wow the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy 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.

Tang and sweetness lift up this wintry vegetable into an unexpected hit. Serving up these Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze gets people agreeing that Brussels deserve a spot on the table. There’s excitement over each crisp, shiny bite. I rely on them for gatherings where bold sides steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

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.

Spicy, layered casseroles bring heat and fun to chilly nights. This Loaded Vegan Enchilada Casserole wows hungry guests by turning plant-based options into a main event. Everyone appreciates how filling and festive each serving feels. I keep this as a favorite for casual dinners in the colder months.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Vegan Enchilada 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.

Comfort food cravings don’t pause just because you’re eating plant-based. A bowl of this Vegan Mac and Cheese checks all the boxes for creaminess and warmth, making it an easy win. Friends are amazed at how much it resembles the real thing. I rely on it for moments when winter meals need extra cheer.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mac and Cheese

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