How to Host an Inclusive Holiday with Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes Everyone Will Love

Thanksgiving is a time to bring everyone together, and these days that usually means hosting guests with a mix of dietary preferences. Some want the traditional turkey experience. Others are searching for vegan Thanksgiving recipes or exploring vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner ideas. Creating a menu that feels warm, festive, and inclusive for all does not have to be overwhelming. With a thoughtful plant-based main, flexible sides, and strategic planning, hosting Thanksgiving for mixed diets can feel surprisingly simple.

This guide offers practical ideas for hosting Thanksgiving with both vegans and meat lovers at the table, along with easy vegan Thanksgiving ideas and real Beyond recipes that fit naturally into a holiday spread. It also serves as a helpful resource for anyone looking for vegan Thanksgiving recipes, vegetarian Thanksgiving ideas, or a completely plant-based Thanksgiving menu that works for every type of eater.

1. Start With a Plant-Based Entrée That Everyone Can Enjoy

Anchoring your menu with one satisfying vegan or vegetarian option sets the tone for an inclusive holiday. Choose a plant-based main that feels hearty enough for the occasion so both plant-based and traditional eaters can enjoy it. This is especially helpful for hosts wondering what vegans eat for Thanksgiving or for anyone building a vegan Thanksgiving menu.

Here are some Beyond vegan recipes that work beautifully for a holiday table and qualify as some of the best vegan Thanksgiving dishes:

Vegan Steak Pot Pie

This savory pot pie is cozy and familiar, which makes it an easy win for guests who want comfort food. It has rich flavor, a flaky crust, and enough depth to stand beside traditional Thanksgiving dishes.

Vegan Steak Beef Wellington Bites

Inspired by the classic holiday Wellington, these bites offer an indulgent, crowd-pleasing option. They work well as a vegan Thanksgiving main dish, a vegetarian main dish, or as a filling bite before the turkey.

Meatless Sausage Stuffing Cups

Stuffing is a Thanksgiving essential, and this recipe adds a plant-based twist. These cups deliver the warm, herby flavors of traditional stuffing but rely on Beyond Sausage for richness. They also help bridge the gap between diets because the flavors feel familiar to everyone.

The goal is not to replace every dish with a plant-based version. You simply want one or two strong vegan or vegetarian Thanksgiving options that make every guest feel included. These dishes also double as great vegan Thanksgiving potluck ideas when you’re not hosting.

2. Build a Side Dish Spread That Naturally Fits All Diets

Many classic holiday sides already lean plant-forward or are easy to adapt. This is where you can integrate easy vegan Thanksgiving ideas, dairy-free Thanksgiving sides, and naturally plant-based Thanksgiving flavors without extra work.

Consider a mix of these:

• Roasted Brussels sprouts with olive oil and garlic
• Vegan mac and cheese
• Mashed potatoes (use plant-based butter & oat milk)
• Green beans with lemon or garlic
• Plant-Based Scalloped Potatoes 
• Cranberry sauce (it’s already vegan!)
• Vegan Steak-stuffed sweet potatoes
• Simple salads that stay crisp and bright

Side dishes are the easiest place to overlap dietary needs. A well-planned spread ensures plant-based guests have plenty to enjoy while meat-eaters still feel satisfied. This makes it easy to build a vegetarian Thanksgiving or vegan Thanksgiving menu without overcomplicating your cooking.

3. Portioning and Planning Strategies to Avoid Overwhelm

Hosting guests with different diets doesn’t mean doubling your grocery list.

Follow the 70/30 Rule

• 70% sides (mostly vegan or easily adaptable)
• 30% mains (one traditional turkey + one or two smaller plant-based entrées)

This ratio ensures everyone fills their plate without overloading your oven. It also fits well into any hosting Thanksgiving checklist if you’re planning ahead.

Scale Entrées Based on Demand

• Smaller crowd of vegans/vegetarians? Choose a single Beyond entrée and scale the turkey down.
• Bigger plant-based crowd? Size up the vegan entree and opt for a smaller turkey breast instead of a full bird.

Make Only 1–2 Vegan Versions of High-Demand Sides

Instead of duplicating every side dish, make vegan versions of the ones everyone loves, like stuffing or mashed potatoes. These swaps make both vegetarian Thanksgiving dishes and vegan Thanksgiving dinner recipes feel effortless.

4. Hosting Touches That Create an Inclusive Experience

These small details can make a big difference for guests with different dietary preferences.

• Label dishes clearly. A small card that says “Vegan,” “Vegetarian,” or “Contains Dairy” helps guests navigate the table comfortably.
• Place plant-based dishes at the front of the buffet line. This encourages guests to try everything and helps prevent cross-contamination from serving utensils.
• Offer both traditional and plant-based gravy. Gravy is a key comfort element at Thanksgiving, so having two versions signals thoughtfulness without requiring extra effort.
• Keep the environment warm and welcoming. Thanksgiving is about connection and gratitude. A neutral, open atmosphere helps everyone feel comfortable enjoying the meal that works for them.

5. Sample Mixed-Diet Thanksgiving Menu

Here is an inclusive menu idea that blends familiar Thanksgiving dishes with Beyond recipes your guests will love. It works for both a full vegan Thanksgiving menu and a flexible vegetarian Thanksgiving setup.

Entrées

• Vegan Steak Pot Pie
• Vegan Sausage Stuffing Cups
• Turkey breast or a small traditional roast

Plant-Forward Sides

• Vegan Mac & Cheese
• Green beans with garlic
• Cranberry sauce
• Scalloped Potatoes
• Simple salad with citrus vinaigrette
• Steak Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Appetizers

• Vegan Steak Beef Wellington Bite
• Cranberry Vegan Steak ‘Brie’ Bites

This menu keeps things simple while still offering variety and strong plant-based options that feel festive and filling.

We don’t think an inclusive Thanksgiving requires two separate menus. With one or two well-chosen plant-based entrées, a thoughtful selection of sides, and a warm hosting approach, you can create a holiday experience that brings every guest together. Whether you and your guests are exploring the idea of a mixed vegetarian Thanksgiving, looking for just a few vegan Thanksgiving dinner ideas, or building a full plant-based Thanksgiving menu, a few intentional choices can make your table feel welcoming to all.