30+ Easy and Flavorful Holiday Vegan BBQ Recipes to Wow Your Guests

The holiday season is the perfect time to gather with loved ones, enjoy great food, and share unforgettable memories.

Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner, a laid-back gathering, or a casual BBQ, vegan options can make your holiday spread just as delicious and satisfying as traditional dishes.

This collection of 30+ holiday vegan BBQ recipes will bring out the best in your grill while ensuring that everyone at the table enjoys plant-based goodness.

From smoky marinated vegetables and juicy grilled tempeh to hearty BBQ salads and savory side dishes, these recipes are designed to add flavor, creativity, and a touch of festivity to your holiday celebrations.

So fire up that grill and get ready to impress your guests with mouthwatering vegan BBQ dishes!

30+ Easy and Flavorful Holiday Vegan BBQ Recipes to Wow Your Guests

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or someone simply looking to explore plant-based options this holiday season, these 30+ holiday vegan BBQ recipes provide a delightful range of choices to suit every taste.

From vibrant vegetable skewers to smoky jackfruit sandwiches and everything in between, each recipe is bursting with flavor and holiday cheer.

Hosting a holiday BBQ doesn’t have to be limited to traditional dishes—these vegan recipes will ensure your guests enjoy a memorable meal that celebrates both taste and sustainability.

So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and let these vegan BBQ creations bring your holiday celebrations to life.

Grilled Smoky Vegan Jackfruit “Pulled Pork” Sandwiches

This recipe transforms jackfruit into a smoky and tender “pulled pork” alternative. It’s marinated in BBQ sauce and grilled for an authentic smoky flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings. Served on toasted buns with coleslaw, this dish is hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans young green jackfruit (in water or brine, not syrup), drained and rinsed
• 1 cup vegan BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 vegan burger buns
• 1 cup vegan coleslaw

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Shred the jackfruit into thin strands using your hands or a fork.
3. In a large bowl, mix the jackfruit with BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for 20 minutes.
4. Place the jackfruit on a grill-safe tray or foil and grill for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges are slightly crispy.
5. Toast the burger buns on the grill for 1–2 minutes.
6. Assemble the sandwiches by layering the jackfruit and vegan coleslaw onto the buns. Serve warm.

The smoky jackfruit pulls together the rich BBQ flavors and a crisp coleslaw for a truly indulgent yet plant-based BBQ sandwich that even meat-lovers will enjoy.

Maple-Glazed Grilled Sweet Potato Steaks

Sweet potato steaks, grilled to perfection and glazed with a maple-spiced marinade, are a sweet and savory holiday treat. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the smoky grill char, making them a crowd-pleasing vegan BBQ option.

Ingredients:

• 3 large sweet potatoes, sliced lengthwise into ½-inch thick steaks
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Brush both sides of the sweet potato steaks with the glaze.
4. Place the sweet potato slices on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, brushing with more glaze as they cook.
5. Grill until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly charred.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

These maple-glazed sweet potato steaks offer a delightful blend of caramelized sweetness and smoky spice, making them a versatile addition to any vegan holiday BBQ spread.

Grilled Vegan BBQ Cauliflower Steaks

Thick slices of cauliflower, marinated in a tangy BBQ sauce and grilled to smoky perfection, are a wholesome and flavorful addition to your holiday BBQ menu. This dish is packed with texture and flavor, making it a true centerpiece.

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cauliflower
• 1 cup vegan BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Remove the leaves from the cauliflower and slice it into 1-inch thick steaks.
3. In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush the cauliflower steaks generously with the marinade on both sides.
5. Grill the cauliflower steaks for 5–7 minutes per side, brushing with additional marinade, until tender and slightly charred.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

These BBQ cauliflower steaks are a standout vegan option, offering smoky, charred flavors with a tender interior that’s as hearty as it is satisfying.

Vegan BBQ Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Portobello mushrooms serve as a meaty and flavorful base for these holiday BBQ burgers. Marinated in a tangy barbecue sauce and grilled until tender, they’re topped with fresh veggies and vegan aioli for a satisfying handheld dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 large portobello mushroom caps, cleaned and stems removed
• ½ cup vegan BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 vegan burger buns
• 1 cup lettuce leaves
• 4 slices of vegan cheese (optional)
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• Vegan aioli or mayonnaise

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat the mushroom caps with the marinade and let them sit for 20–30 minutes.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the mushrooms for 5–7 minutes per side, basting with extra marinade.
4. Toast the burger buns lightly on the grill.
5. Assemble the burgers by layering the mushrooms, lettuce, onion slices, vegan cheese (if using), and aioli onto the buns.
6. Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

These Portobello burgers are juicy, smoky, and packed with umami, making them an irresistible addition to any vegan holiday BBQ.

BBQ Tofu Skewers with Pineapple

These colorful BBQ tofu skewers feature smoky grilled tofu and sweet caramelized pineapple chunks. They’re easy to prepare, visually stunning, and full of flavor, perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 1 block of firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into squares
• 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
• 1 cup vegan BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, olive oil, and smoked paprika. Add the tofu cubes and marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
3. Thread the tofu, pineapple, bell pepper, and zucchini alternately onto skewers.
4. Grill the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with additional BBQ sauce, until the tofu is slightly crispy and the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

These tofu skewers are a delightful mix of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that make a vibrant and tasty addition to your holiday BBQ menu.

Grilled Eggplant BBQ Stacks

Grilled eggplant slices layered with tangy BBQ sauce, fresh basil, and creamy vegan ricotta create an elegant yet simple vegan BBQ dish. These stacks are a great way to highlight seasonal produce.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 cup vegan BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup vegan ricotta or cream cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the eggplant slices with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the eggplant slices for 4–5 minutes per side until tender and slightly charred.
4. Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce on each eggplant slice. Stack them with layers of vegan ricotta and fresh basil between the slices.
5. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving, if desired.

These eggplant BBQ stacks are smoky, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavors, making them a sophisticated addition to your vegan holiday spread.

Smoky Grilled Vegan Sausages with Peppers and Onions

Vegan sausages grilled alongside bell peppers and onions create a flavorful and festive dish that’s perfect for holiday barbecues. Serve in buns or on a plate with sides for a classic BBQ vibe.

Ingredients:

• 6 vegan sausages
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 large onion, sliced into rings
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup vegan BBQ sauce
• 6 hot dog buns (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Toss the bell peppers and onion slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill the vegan sausages, turning occasionally, for 6–8 minutes or until browned and heated through.
4. Grill the peppers and onions until tender and slightly charred, about 8–10 minutes.
5. Brush the sausages with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
6. Serve the sausages in buns topped with grilled peppers and onions or on a platter as a main dish.

These smoky vegan sausages are hearty, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, making them a go-to option for any holiday BBQ celebration.

Vegan BBQ Stuffed Peppers

These vegan BBQ stuffed peppers are filled with a savory mix of quinoa, black beans, corn, and smoky BBQ sauce, creating a hearty and flavorful dish. They’re perfect for a holiday BBQ as a side or main dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1/2 cup vegan BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. In a bowl, mix the quinoa, black beans, corn, BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff the bell peppers with the quinoa mixture and place them on the grill.
4. Grill the stuffed peppers for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the peppers are tender and slightly charred.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

These BBQ stuffed peppers are a deliciously hearty option that combines the smokiness of BBQ with the freshness of vegetables, making them a great addition to any holiday BBQ spread.

Vegan BBQ Grilled Tempeh with Avocado Salsa

This grilled tempeh, marinated in a smoky BBQ sauce and topped with a fresh avocado salsa, is the perfect combination of smoky, savory, and creamy flavors. It’s an ideal dish for those looking for a protein-packed vegan BBQ option for the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 1 block tempeh, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
• 1 cup vegan BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and olive oil.
3. Marinate the tempeh slices in the BBQ mixture for 20 minutes.
4. Grill the tempeh for 4–5 minutes per side, until it is crispy and charred.
5. While the tempeh grills, prepare the avocado salsa by mixing the avocado, tomato, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
6. Serve the grilled tempeh topped with the fresh avocado salsa.

This BBQ tempeh with avocado salsa is a flavorful, satisfying vegan BBQ dish that offers a perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors. It’s a great addition to any holiday BBQ menu.

Vegan BBQ Roasted Cauliflower Bites

These crispy, tender roasted cauliflower bites are tossed in a tangy BBQ sauce, then grilled for a smoky finish. They make an excellent snack or appetizer for holiday BBQs, offering a bite-sized treat that’s full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into florets
• 1 cup vegan BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. Toss the cauliflower florets in olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Grill the cauliflower florets in a grill basket or on a foil-lined tray for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly crispy.
4. In a separate bowl, toss the roasted cauliflower with BBQ sauce.
5. Grill the sauced cauliflower for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the BBQ sauce to caramelize.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

These BBQ roasted cauliflower bites are smoky, tangy, and crispy—perfect for dipping or enjoying as a flavorful side at your next holiday BBQ.

Vegan BBQ Grilled Zucchini and Squash Skewers

These grilled zucchini and squash skewers are coated in a smoky BBQ marinade and grilled to perfection, offering a light yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for the holiday season. They can be served as a side or a tasty veggie-heavy option for your BBQ spread.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thick rounds
• 2 yellow squashes, sliced into thick rounds
• 1/4 cup vegan BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. In a small bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread the zucchini and squash slices onto the skewers.
4. Brush the skewered vegetables with the BBQ marinade.
5. Grill the skewers for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the zucchini and squash are tender and slightly charred.
6. Serve warm as a flavorful side or part of your vegan BBQ spread.

These BBQ zucchini and squash skewers are a light and refreshing way to enjoy your vegetables, with a perfect smoky finish that pairs well with any holiday BBQ dish.

Vegan BBQ Tempeh Sliders

These smoky and savory tempeh sliders are a delicious vegan alternative to traditional BBQ sliders. Marinated in a rich BBQ sauce, grilled to perfection, and served on mini buns, these sliders are sure to be a hit at your holiday BBQ.

Ingredients:

• 1 block of tempeh, sliced into small rectangular pieces
• 1 cup vegan BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 8 mini vegan burger buns
• 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/4 cup vegan mayo
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pickles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and maple syrup.
3. Marinate the tempeh slices in the BBQ sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes.
4. Grill the tempeh for 4–5 minutes per side, basting with more BBQ sauce as it cooks.
5. While grilling, mix the vegan mayo with garlic powder to create a quick aioli.
6. Toast the mini burger buns on the grill for a couple of minutes.
7. Assemble the sliders by spreading the aioli on the buns, then adding the grilled tempeh, shredded lettuce, and optional pickles.
8. Serve immediately, and enjoy the smoky, savory flavors in every bite.

These tempeh sliders offer a hearty, satisfying option for your vegan BBQ, with a tangy, smoky flavor that will impress guests at any holiday gathering.

Vegan BBQ Chickpea Salad

A smoky and tangy BBQ chickpea salad is a refreshing yet hearty option that works as both a side and a main dish for your holiday BBQ. This salad features a blend of roasted chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful BBQ dressing.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup vegan BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the chickpeas in olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway, until they’re crispy.
3. While the chickpeas roast, prepare the salad by combining the corn, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro in a large bowl.
4. Once the chickpeas are roasted, let them cool slightly, then toss them into the salad.
5. Drizzle the BBQ sauce over the salad and mix everything well.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

This BBQ chickpea salad is a protein-packed, smoky, and flavorful dish that brings a fresh yet hearty element to your holiday BBQ spread.

Vegan BBQ Cauliflower Steaks

These cauliflower steaks are marinated in a bold BBQ sauce and grilled until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Served as a main or side dish, these steaks are a hearty, satisfying option for your vegan holiday BBQ.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cauliflower head
• 1 cup vegan BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Slice the cauliflower into 1-inch thick steaks, keeping the core intact so they hold together.
3. In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush both sides of the cauliflower steaks with the BBQ marinade.
5. Grill the cauliflower steaks for 5–7 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and tender, basting with more BBQ sauce as they cook.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

These BBQ cauliflower steaks offer a flavorful and satisfying main dish that highlights the smoky and tangy BBQ flavors, perfect for your vegan holiday BBQ.

Vegan BBQ Sweet Potato Skewers

Sweet potatoes are transformed into delicious BBQ skewers that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Grilled with a smoky BBQ sauce and paired with colorful vegetables, these skewers are a perfect side dish or light main course.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 1/2 cup vegan BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Toss the sweet potato cubes in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread the sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini onto the skewers, alternating between the vegetables.
4. Grill the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender and lightly charred.
5. Brush the skewers with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
6. Serve the skewers hot, with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

These BBQ sweet potato skewers are sweet, smoky, and colorful—perfect for adding variety and flavor to your holiday vegan BBQ feast.

Note: More recipes​ are coming soon!