Holiday traditions are comforting, but if there’s one thing that we’ve learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s that we sometimes have to get creative and find new ways of doing things. This is nothing new to vegans, who excel at modifying their families’ traditions and cherished recipes and creating even better versions that don’t harm animals. Most supermarkets, including Safeway and Sobeys, now stock a variety of animal-free options—from dairy-free butter to vegan chicken—so swapping ingredients is a snap.
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Sometimes, our favorite foods are already vegan. We call these gems “accidentally vegan.” But there’s also a vegan version of nearly everything! Just be sure to check food labels for sneaky ingredients like honey. Here are some of our favorite easy-to-find holiday products:
Vegan Turkey and Ham
Also known as “roasts,” vegan turkey and ham options are available at most major grocery store chains across the country, including Whole Foods, Publix, Target, Kroger, and Trader Joe’s. Many are also available from online retailers such as Vegan Essentials.
Vegan Stuffing
Many premade stuffing mixes are “accidentally vegan”—including Whole Foods’ 365 Everyday Value Organic Multigrain Stuffing Mix and Pepperidge Farm’s Herb Seasoned Cubed Stuffing. Just check the ingredients and use vegetable broth and vegan butter.
Vegan Eggnog
Vegan eggnog is available from several brands and comes in original and fun flavored varieties, such as pumpkin and peppermint.
Premade Desserts
Daiya makes frozen vegan cheesecakes that come in a variety of flavors. Claim Jumper, Marie Callender’s, and Costco all make “accidentally vegan” pies in flavors like apple, cherry, peach, and raspberry. Serve them all with vegan whipped cream!
Vegan Baking Essentials
Vegan versions of baking essentials like butter, eggs, and chocolate chips are all readily available at most grocery stores.
These hearty, warming dishes will help bring compassion and comfort to your table:
Traditionally Inspired
- Apple Cranberry Sauce
- Aquafaba Marshmallow Topped Sweet Potato Casserole
- Classic Holiday Stuffing
- Creamy Gravy
- Delicious Deviled “Eggs”
- Garden Herb Biscuits
- Garlicky Mashed Potatoes
- Gingerbread Cookies
- Green-Bean Casserole
- Green Bean and Mushroom Amandine
- Homemade Apple Cider
- Lentil & Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
- No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Orchard Crumble
- Pumpkin Pie
- Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
- Spicy Roasted Thanksgiving Cauliflower
- Vegan Apple Pie
- Vegan Lentil Loaf
- Vegan Maple Glazed Holiday Ham
- Vegan Thanksgiving Loaf with Cranberry Glaze
- Vegan “Tofurkey” with Mushroom Stuffing and Gravy
Southern Style
- Baked Mac and Cheese
- Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Casserole
- Buttery Skillet Cornbread
- Cheddar Green Bean Casserole
- Cornbread Stuffing
- Cranberry Upside Down Cake
- Hip Hoppin’ John
- Lentil Chili Pot Pie with Pumpkin Cornbread Topping
- Pumpkin-Pecan Pie
- Savory Mixed Greens and “Bacon”
- Sweet Potato Biscuits
- Sweet Potato Casserole
Native American Inspired
- Sherried Kabocha Soup with Spiced Pepitas
- Stuffed Squash
- Succotash
- Three Sisters Casserole
- Wild Rice Salad with Cranberries and Mint
Latin Inspired
- Chorizo Cornbread Stuffing
- Quinoa with Tomatillo and Cilantro Sauce
- Roasted Chili and Corn Tamales
- Spanish Potato Salad
- Spicy Cranberry Mango Sauce
- Stuffed Acorn Squash with Lentils, Black Beans, and Chipotle Cashew Sauce
German Inspired
- Cheesy Spaetzle
- German Red Cabbage and Apples
- Roasted Vegetables with Mustard Horseradish Dressing
- Sweet and Sour Pickled Pumpkin
- Traditional Warm Potato Salad
- Vegan German Meatballs & Cabbage with Creamy Mustard Sauce
- Vegan German Yeast Dumplings
Indian Inspired
- Caramelized Cumin-Roasted Carrots
- Chana Masala
- Malai Kofta: Potato Dumplings in Spiced Tomato Sauce
- Rice Pilaf with Almonds and Raisins
- Scalloped Potatoes with Coconut Milk and Chilies
- South Indian–Style Kurma
- Vegetable Pakoras
- Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Creamy Makhani Sauce
Asian Inspired
- Chinese Black Sesame Cake
- Creamy Miso Carrot Soup with Tahini & Garlic
- Crispy Tofu with Maple-Soy Glaze
- Fresh Green Bean Salad with Asian Dressing
- Ginger Miso Acorn Squash
- Maple-Sriracha Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry Wild Rice
- Vegan Scallion Pancakes
These simple tips for vegan cooking will help you veganize any dish:
For more holiday cooking inspiration, check out our guide to celebrating a vegan holiday.
Going vegan is the best choice that you can make for animals, the environment, and your own health. Our free Vegan Mentor Program can help you navigate the holidays as a vegan:
Join the Vegan Mentor Program to Find a Personal Vegan Coach
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