Who even said turkey was a requirement?
by Reem Khaleel Nov 22, 2022
Turkey Day is just around the corner. This year, in addition to being thankful for the blessings in your life, you can be thankful for pardoning at least one poor turkey from becoming a meal at Thanksgiving dinner by indulging in a traditional feast with vegan alternatives. From plant-based spins on customary entrees to a vegan pumpkin-filled dessert, we made sure to cover everything you need to enjoy an authentic Thanksgiving experience sans the fight over white versus dark meat. Unlike previous years, this meal is guaranteed to please your taste buds, guests, and the planet you're helping save by choosing plant-based alternatives. For this, we are thankful.
Here are five vegan alternatives to serve your friends and family this Thanksgiving.
Swap meat-based main courses with this plant-based twist on sweet potatoes. Stuffed with a healthy helping of carrots, onions, and tomatoes and spiced plant-based ground meat, what was once a side dish is now the perfect alternative to a Thanksgiving turkey or ham. Add in black beans to make this recipe an all-around hearty entree.
Snag the recipe here.
Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food that has turned into a fun Thanksgiving staple. Although less traditional than mashed potatoes or cranberry sauce, this easy-to-craft side is a sure hit with humans of all ages, from the kiddos who tend to stick with dinner basics to the adults who are recovering from a night of Thanksgiving Eve festivities. This specific recipe combines (vegan) cheesy goodness with spicy, plant-based ground taco meat to create a rich main dish with plenty of protein. For added heat, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can transform this recipe from spicy to fire.
Snag the recipe here.
Mashed potatoes are out, this variation of scalloped potatoes (aka potatoes au gratin) is in. Unlike most dairy alternatives, which are made out of almonds or cashews — both of which tend to be more expensive and require more resources to produce — Spero Sunflower Cream Cheese (featured in this recipe) is plant-based and made entirely from sunflower seeds. Stick to their original cream cheese for more traditional-tasting potatoes, or incorporate one of their eight delicious flavors — herb, smoked salmon, strawberry, pumpkin, smoked cheese, cheddar cheese, or goat cheese — for a unique spin on their creamy sauce that bakes to a perfect crisp.
Snag the recipe here.
Thanksgiving dinner isn’t complete without stuffing! If you’re going meatless this year, this easy-to-make, plant-based recipe will still satisfy your taste buds, even without the turkey to accompany it. Between its inclusion of Spero The Herb Cream Cheese and addition of chopped fennel, dried thyme, dried sage, fresh rosemary, and fresh parsley, this already flavorful dish greets you with an irresistible aroma to top it off.
Snag the recipe here.
To complete your Thanksgiving meal, swap traditional pumpkin pie for this decadent vegan pumpkin cheesecake. Choose to up its seasonal flavor with Spero Pumpkin Cream Cheese or stick to a more traditional taste with its original. Either way, this sweet treat will be a sure hit. You can even opt for a DIY crust using oats, coconut sugar, and coconut oil to ensure that all ingredients are truly vegan and preservative-free.
Snag the recipe here.
