While turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie will still be on the table, more Americans prefer plant-based foods. As vegan and vegetarian diets grow in popularity, holiday traditions are expanding the menu to offer plant-based alternatives to meat-based meals. If you’re welcoming vegan guests this year or looking to make a change yourself, try these easy vegan dishes for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any gathering.
Without swapping your turkey for tofurkey, you can still enjoy the rich, savory holiday flavors we all love without meat or, if you so choose, dairy.
Importantly, you can easily change some of Thanksgiving’s core staples to be meat- and dairy-free, so guests don’t feel like they’re having what is effectively a second meal. The best part? Your guests likely won’t even know they’re vegan!
Green Bean Casserole: Making green bean casserole vegan is simple; choose a dairy-free mushroom soup! Most dairy-free soups use cashews or vegan cream to mimic dairy-based staples, but you can hardly tell with the finished product. Make sure you top the dish with crispy shallots!
Mashed Potatoes: Instead of butter or milk, add vegan butter or olive oil to your mashed potatoes so that everyone can enjoy Thanksgiving’s featured side! You can also make mushroom gravy from sautéed mushrooms and soy sauce - here’s the recipe.
Of course, it’s also nice to offer vegans an option that is clearly made just for them!
Garlic Brussels Sprouts: Chop your sprouts into halves and roast until they’re charred. Toss with chopped dried figs and pecans, then top with your favorite dressing. We usually make it with this mustard dressing, and it is always a hit!
Roasted Veggie Medley: Bring plenty of color to the table with a roasted vegetable medley! It doesn’t get much easier or more delicious: chop squash, beets, parsnips, and carrots; toss with olive oil and garlic powder; and finish with fresh rosemary. It’s the best 50 minutes of cooking you’ll do all day!
Related: Why We Eat Pumpkin Pie at Thanksgiving
Don’t just accommodate vegan guests; delight them with delicious foods they feel good about. The share of Americans who identify strictly as vegan is roughly 1%, though as many as 4% say they primarily follow a vegan diet but occasionally eat eggs, dairy, or fish. Broader surveys show that between 20% and 33% of Americans frequently eat vegan meals at home or when eating out, without strictly identifying as vegan or vegetarian.
That makes knowing how to prepare vegan dishes, especially during the holidays, a useful skill for making entertaining easier and ensuring all guests feel welcome and included.
Hosting your first Thanksgiving dinner? Start right here.
We know the holidays bring people together, and a great meal helps create lasting memories! Max’s Service has helped northern Michigan families make the holidays bright for over five decades with the best selection of quality appliances in the region! Shop name brands you trust with expert installation and repairs by visiting our Traverse City showroom or contacting our team today!
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