Best Thanksgiving Side Dish Cookbook Vegetarian

Thanksgiving is a feast of flavors, a time when the table groans under the weight of delicious dishes. For many, the true stars of the meal are the side dishes. They offer variety, comfort, and often, the most vibrant tastes.

Finding the perfect recipes for a vegetarian Thanksgiving spread can be a delightful challenge. You want options that are both traditional and innovative. You also need dishes that truly shine without relying on meat-based ingredients.

This curated list of the best Thanksgiving side dish cookbooks for vegetarians is here to guide you. It presents a wonderful array of choices. From classic comfort food to modern, plant-forward creations, there’s something for every skill level and taste preference.

Whether you’re hosting a fully vegetarian Thanksgiving or simply want to offer incredible meat-free sides, these cookbooks deliver. They represent a range of styles, from budget-friendly staples to premium, chef-inspired collections. Each offers unique approaches to celebrating vegetables.

Prepare to discover your new favorite Thanksgiving tradition. These books will help you craft a memorable and delicious holiday meal. You’ll find inspiration to create the best Thanksgiving side dish cookbook vegetarian experience.

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1. The America’s Test Kitchen Complete Vegetarian Cookbook

This cookbook is a treasure trove for anyone seeking reliable vegetarian recipes. America’s Test Kitchen is renowned for its thorough testing. This ensures every recipe is foolproof. It’s a fantastic resource for classic Thanksgiving sides.

It offers a wide range of vegetable-focused dishes. You’ll find everything from roasted vegetables to flavorful stuffings. This makes it a mid-range staple for any kitchen. It’s perfect for cooks who value precision and dependable results.

One standout feature is the detailed explanations. They cover why certain ingredients or techniques work best. This empowers you to truly understand your cooking. It’s an excellent choice for building foundational vegetarian skills.

2. The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook by America’s Test Kitchen

For those leaning into plant-based eating, this cookbook is a modern essential. It expands on the ATK reputation for quality. It focuses entirely on delicious, wholesome plant-based meals. This makes it ideal for a vegan Thanksgiving.

You’ll discover innovative ways to prepare traditional sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes or vibrant green bean casseroles. All are crafted without animal products. This book offers fantastic value for its extensive recipe collection.

It’s perfect for families looking to incorporate more plant-based meals. The recipes are approachable yet sophisticated. A key benefit is the emphasis on making plant-based food satisfying and flavorful for everyone.

3. Six Seasons: A New Way with Vegetables by Joshua McFadden

Joshua McFadden’s approach to vegetables is truly transformative. This cookbook celebrates seasonal produce. It encourages cooks to embrace vegetables as the star. This makes it one of the top choices for inventive side dishes.

The book is organized by season, which naturally guides your Thanksgiving planning. You’ll find fresh, exciting ideas for autumn vegetables. These recipes are often simple yet yield incredibly flavorful results.

This is a premium choice for adventurous home cooks. It’s perfect for those who want to elevate their vegetable game. Its standout feature is its inspiring, produce-driven philosophy that makes vegetables shine.

4. Plenty More by Yotam Ottolenghi

Yotam Ottolenghi is a master of vegetarian cuisine. “Plenty More” showcases his signature style. It features bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and stunning presentations. This makes it an ideal pick for a show-stopping Thanksgiving table.

The recipes draw inspiration from the Middle East and Mediterranean. They offer unique twists on vegetable dishes. You can explore exciting new flavor combinations for your side dishes. It’s a mid-range to premium option.

This cookbook is great for hosts who love to impress. It provides dishes that are both beautiful and incredibly tasty. Its unique strength lies in its ability to transform simple vegetables into extraordinary meals.

5. The First Mess Cookbook by Laura Wright

Laura Wright’s cookbook offers vibrant, plant-based recipes. They are designed to nourish and delight. Her seasonal approach aligns perfectly with Thanksgiving. This makes it an excellent choice for wholesome side dishes.

The recipes are often elegant yet approachable. They emphasize fresh, whole ingredients. You’ll find creative ways to prepare classic vegetables. This book is a wonderful mid-range option for health-conscious cooks.

It’s perfect for those who appreciate beautiful food photography and thoughtful writing. The standout benefit is its focus on making plant-based eating feel luxurious and satisfying. It helps create a truly memorable meal.

6. Love and Lemons Every Day by Jeanine Donofrio

This cookbook is a celebration of bright, plant-forward cooking. Jeanine Donofrio’s style is fresh, colorful, and incredibly appealing. It’s a fantastic resource for light yet flavorful Thanksgiving side dishes.

The recipes are often simple to prepare. They focus on maximizing natural flavors. You’ll discover innovative salads, roasted vegetables, and grain dishes. This makes it a great mid-range book for everyday inspiration and special occasions.

It’s ideal for cooks who love fresh ingredients and vibrant presentations. The book’s strongest feature is its emphasis on seasonal produce. It encourages creativity with simple, wholesome components.

7. Vegetable Kingdom by Bryant Terry

Bryant Terry’s “Vegetable Kingdom” is more than just a cookbook. It’s a culinary journey rooted in African American food traditions. It offers soulful, innovative vegan recipes. This makes it a unique addition for Thanksgiving sides.

The dishes are packed with flavor and cultural significance. You’ll find inspiring ideas for greens, root vegetables, and grains. This is a mid-range to premium cookbook. It offers a fresh perspective on plant-based cooking.

It’s perfect for those seeking culturally rich and deeply flavorful vegetarian options. Its standout is the way it blends tradition with contemporary veganism. It provides truly unique and delicious side dishes.

8. Sweet Potato Soul by Jenne Claiborne

Jenne Claiborne brings comforting Southern flavors to vegan cooking. This cookbook is full of delicious, accessible recipes. It’s an excellent choice for hearty and comforting Thanksgiving side dishes.

You’ll find plant-based twists on Southern classics. Think collard greens, mac and cheese, and, of course, many sweet potato dishes. This book offers great value for its comforting and flavorful recipes.

It’s ideal for anyone who loves soulful, home-style cooking. The recipes are easy to follow and consistently delicious. Its key benefit is providing comforting, familiar flavors in a healthy, vegan format.

9. The New Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone by Deborah Madison

Deborah Madison’s work is a foundational text in vegetarian cuisine. This comprehensive cookbook is a classic for a reason. It offers an encyclopedic collection of vegetarian recipes. This makes it a reliable source for Thanksgiving sides.

You’ll find detailed guidance on ingredients and techniques. The recipes range from simple to sophisticated. It covers every type of vegetable imaginable. This book is a premium, long-term investment for any vegetarian kitchen.

It’s perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. Its strength lies in its sheer breadth and depth of knowledge. It teaches you how to cook vegetables beautifully and confidently.

10. Isa Does It: Amazingly Easy, Wildly Delicious Vegan Recipes for Every Day of the Week by Isa Chandra Moskowitz

Isa Chandra Moskowitz is a beloved figure in vegan cooking. “Isa Does It” focuses on accessible, flavorful recipes. It’s an excellent choice for creating delicious, unfussy Thanksgiving side dishes.

The recipes are known for being practical and incredibly tasty. You’ll find hearty and comforting options. These can easily be adapted for a holiday meal. This cookbook offers fantastic value for its everyday usability.

It’s ideal for busy cooks who want delicious vegan food without fuss. Its standout feature is its ability to make vegan cooking feel effortless and exciting. It’s truly one of the best Thanksgiving side dish cookbook vegetarian options.

11. The Moosewood Cookbook by Mollie Katzen

“The Moosewood Cookbook” is a pioneering classic in vegetarian cooking. Its hand-lettered, illustrated pages have charmed generations. It offers wholesome, comforting recipes. This makes it a timeless choice for Thanksgiving sides.

The dishes emphasize fresh, natural ingredients. They often feature simple preparations. You’ll find many rustic and hearty vegetable options. This book is a budget-friendly classic that stands the test of time.

It’s perfect for those who appreciate a nostalgic and wholesome approach to cooking. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and warmth. It connects you to the roots of vegetarian home cooking.

12. Greenfeast: Autumn, Winter by Nigel Slater

Nigel Slater’s “Greenfeast” series focuses on simple, seasonal vegetable dishes. The Autumn, Winter edition is particularly apt for Thanksgiving. It offers rustic, elegant ideas for cold-weather produce.

His recipes are often minimalist yet incredibly flavorful. They celebrate the natural taste of vegetables. You’ll find inspiring ideas for comforting side dishes. This cookbook is a mid-range option for sophisticated palates.

It’s perfect for cooks who appreciate understated elegance and seasonal eating. Its key benefit is its ability to create deeply satisfying meals with minimal fuss. It’s a truly beautiful and inspiring read.

13. Mediterranean Vegetarian Feasts by Aglaia Kremezi

Explore the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this cookbook. Aglaia Kremezi shares authentic, healthy vegetarian recipes. It’s an excellent choice for adding fresh, zesty sides to your Thanksgiving table.

The dishes emphasize fresh produce, herbs, and olive oil. You’ll find unique vegetable preparations. These offer a delightful contrast to richer holiday fare. This is a mid-range cookbook that brings global inspiration.

It’s ideal for those seeking lighter, yet intensely flavorful, vegetarian options. Its standout feature is its genuine Mediterranean authenticity. It offers a healthy and delicious approach to cooking vegetables.

14. The Wicked Healthy Cookbook: Free. From. Animals. by Chad Sarno, Derek Sarno, David Joachim

For bold and innovative plant-based cooking, look no further. “The Wicked Healthy Cookbook” delivers creative, flavor-packed vegan recipes. It’s a fantastic choice for unique and exciting Thanksgiving side dishes.

The Sarno brothers are known for their culinary artistry. They transform vegetables into show-stopping dishes. You’ll find unexpected techniques and flavor combinations. This is a premium choice for adventurous chefs.

It’s perfect for cooks who want to push the boundaries of plant-based cuisine. Its key benefit is its focus on making vegan food incredibly delicious and satisfying. It truly redefines what vegetarian sides can be.

15. Bad Manners: The Official Cookbook (Thug Kitchen)

This cookbook brings a dose of humor and attitude to vegan cooking. “Bad Manners” offers straightforward, delicious plant-based recipes. It’s an excellent, no-nonsense choice for hearty Thanksgiving sides.

The recipes are simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. They prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. You’ll find comforting and robust vegetable dishes. This is a budget-friendly option with a unique voice.

It’s ideal for cooks who appreciate a fun, irreverent approach to the kitchen. Its standout feature is its ability to make vegan cooking accessible and entertaining. It offers top-notch recipes without pretension.

16. Eating Well Vegetarian: Good Food That Tastes Great by The Editors of EatingWell

From the trusted “EatingWell” brand, this cookbook focuses on healthy and delicious vegetarian meals. It offers a practical approach to plant-based eating. This makes it a solid choice for balanced Thanksgiving sides.

The recipes are often light, nutritious, and easy to follow. You’ll find a wide variety of vegetable-centric dishes. These are perfect for a wholesome holiday spread. This is a mid-range book offering reliable, healthy options.

It’s perfect for those who prioritize health without sacrificing flavor. Its key benefit is providing well-tested, nutritious recipes. It helps you create a balanced and satisfying Thanksgiving meal.

17. The Superfun Times Vegan Holiday Cookbook by Isa Chandra Moskowitz

If you’re looking for a cookbook specifically designed for holiday feasts, this is it. Isa Chandra Moskowitz brings her signature playful style to festive vegan dishes. It is undoubtedly one of the best Thanksgiving side dish cookbook vegetarian options.

This book is packed with recipes for all holiday occasions. You’ll find creative and comforting ideas for Thanksgiving sides. It takes the guesswork out of holiday meal planning. This is a mid-range to premium choice for festive cooking.

It’s perfect for anyone hosting a vegan holiday celebration. Its standout feature is its direct focus on celebratory, plant-based meals. It ensures your Thanksgiving table is both delicious and exciting.

18. Vegan for Everybody by America’s Test Kitchen

Another fantastic offering from America’s Test Kitchen, this book is all about making vegan cooking accessible. It provides foolproof plant-based recipes. This makes it an invaluable resource for reliable Thanksgiving sides.

The recipes are meticulously tested and refined. They ensure delicious results every time. You’ll find traditional favorites and new innovations. This book offers excellent value for its comprehensive and dependable content.

It’s ideal for both new and experienced vegan cooks. Its key benefit is the trusted ATK methodology applied to vegan cuisine. It helps you prepare the best Thanksgiving side dish cookbook vegetarian options with confidence.

19. Oh She Glows Every Day by Angela Liddon

Angela Liddon’s “Oh She Glows” series is incredibly popular for a reason. This cookbook offers quick, satisfying plant-based recipes. It’s a wonderful choice for healthy and approachable Thanksgiving side dishes.

The recipes are often simple, wholesome, and delicious. They emphasize fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. You’ll find many creative vegetable and grain dishes. This is a mid-range book perfect for daily inspiration and special occasions.

It’s perfect for busy individuals who want healthy, plant-based meals. Its strength lies in its emphasis on fresh, feel-good food. It helps make your Thanksgiving spread both nutritious and incredibly tasty.

20. Forks Over Knives—The Cookbook: Over 300 Recipes for Plant-Based Eating All Through the Year

Inspired by the acclaimed documentary, this cookbook promotes a whole-foods, plant-based lifestyle. It offers a vast collection of healthy recipes. This makes it an excellent resource for nourishing Thanksgiving side dishes.

The recipes are designed to be simple and accessible. They focus on unprocessed ingredients. You’ll find many vegetable-rich and grain-based options. This book offers great value for its extensive recipe collection.

It’s ideal for those committed to a health-focused, plant-based diet. Its key benefit is providing a wealth of nutritious recipes. These support well-being while still delivering delicious holiday flavors.

21. Vegetable Simple by Eric Ripert

Eric Ripert, a renowned chef, brings his culinary expertise to vegetables. This premium cookbook celebrates the beauty of simple, perfectly prepared produce. It’s an exceptional choice for elegant Thanksgiving side dishes.

The recipes are refined yet approachable. They focus on highlighting the natural flavors of vegetables. You’ll discover sophisticated techniques for everyday ingredients. This makes it a premium option for serious home cooks.

It’s perfect for those who want to elevate their vegetable cooking to a gourmet level. Its standout feature is its masterful approach to simplicity. It transforms humble vegetables into extraordinary culinary experiences.

22. The Complete Vegetarian Instant Pot Cookbook by Janet A. Zimmerman

For cooks who love convenience, this cookbook is a game-changer. It leverages the power of the Instant Pot for vegetarian meals. It’s an excellent choice for quick and easy Thanksgiving side dishes.

You’ll find recipes for everything from soups to main courses and, crucially, many sides. The Instant Pot streamlines cooking time. This allows you to prepare delicious dishes with less effort. This is a budget-friendly and highly practical option.

It’s ideal for busy hosts looking to save time in the kitchen. Its key benefit is its focus on efficiency without compromising flavor. It helps you manage your Thanksgiving cooking with ease.

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Last Words

Choosing the best Thanksgiving side dish cookbook for vegetarian options can truly transform your holiday meal. This collection showcases a diverse range of culinary philosophies. From classic comfort to modern plant-forward creations, each book offers unique inspiration.

You can’t go wrong with any of these selections. Each one promises to help you craft memorable and delicious vegetarian side dishes. Consider your personal cooking style and the tastes of your guests. This will help you find the perfect match.

Whether you prioritize tradition, health, or innovative flavors, there’s a cookbook here for you. Take a moment to explore the options and imagine the incredible dishes you could create. Don’t hesitate to check current prices and availability on Amazon. Happy cooking, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Author Profile

Leticia (a.k.a Letty) is a bibliophile who loves to read and write, she is also a Content Associate and Curator at Clue Media. She spends her spare time researching diverse topics and lives in New York with her dog.