36 Delicious Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes for an Unforgettable Feast
Planning your holiday meal has never been easier! This comprehensive guide features 36 incredible vegetarian-friendly Thanksgiving recipes, perfect for creating a memorable feast that caters to everyone at your table.
Effortless Vegetarian Thanksgiving Planning: Your Go-To Recipe Guide
Whether this is your first time preparing a vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner, or you’re simply seeking delicious new recipes to delight your vegetarian guests (and even surprise your meat-loving friends!), you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled our absolute favorite vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes, complete with valuable tips for cooking, prepping ahead, and ensuring a stress-free holiday.
From hearty vegetarian Thanksgiving main dishes and an array of tempting side dishes to irresistible appetizers and drool-worthy desserts, you’ll discover a collection of recipes guaranteed to please every palate. Last year, I cooked most of this menu for Thanksgiving, and every single dish was a huge hit – even with my non-vegetarian guests who couldn’t stop raving about the flavors!
This guide aims to show you that a vegetarian Thanksgiving is not only possible but can be just as (if not more!) flavorful and satisfying than a traditional meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with an abundance of delicious, plant-based options.
The Star of the Show: Vegetarian Thanksgiving Main Dishes
One of the most common questions vegetarians face on Thanksgiving is, “What do you eat besides turkey?” While I firmly believe that the true magic of Thanksgiving lies in the incredible array of side dishes, having a delicious “meat” alternative is still a cherished tradition for many. Finding the perfect vegetarian main can transform your holiday feast.
After years of experimenting with various vegetarian “turkey” roasts, we finally discovered a true winner: the Quorn brand Turk’y Roast. It’s crucial to mention this because many other brands we tried were, frankly, quite disappointing and often inedible. So, consider this a warning before you spend $10-$15 on a roast that might not live up to expectations!
The Quorn Turk’y Roast is not only vegetarian but also gluten-free, and its taste and texture are remarkably close to traditional turkey. This isn’t a sponsored endorsement; I genuinely want to share the best option our family has found and consistently buys every year. It’s so good that even a meat-eater at our table once asked what was in it because it tasted so much like real meat!
It’s incredibly delicious, straightforward to prepare, and tastes phenomenal when paired with gravy. Our usual method involves defrosting the roast in the refrigerator overnight, then baking it on Thanksgiving Day according to package instructions. Once it’s perfectly cooked, we dice it into chunks and transfer it to a slow cooker with plenty of warm gravy to keep it moist and flavorful throughout the meal. This ensures it stays tender and ready to serve.
Alternatively, you could explore other vegetarian main dish recipes. Consider crafting your own savory lentil loaf, a vibrant stuffed pumpkin, or a rich mushroom Wellington. Last year, when I hosted Thanksgiving, my guests brought their own meat options to complement the vegetarian and vegan dishes I prepared. This thoughtful compromise worked wonderfully, and everyone raved about the incredible variety and deliciousness of all the dishes on offer. The key is to provide a satisfying, flavorful option that stands proudly alongside any other dishes.
Essential Thanksgiving Side Dishes: Vegetarian Favorites
For many, Thanksgiving is truly all about the side dishes. They are the heart and soul of the holiday spread, offering a comforting medley of flavors and textures. Planning a vegetarian Thanksgiving menu is incredibly fun, as it allows you to showcase a diverse array of colorful and delicious vegetable-centric creations. Here are our top favorite holiday side dishes that will elevate your table and satisfy every guest.
1. Easy Vegan Stuffing
This effortless vegan stuffing recipe is an absolute must-have for your holiday table. It’s a family favorite that boasts incredible flavor and texture, guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palates. Made with fresh herbs and vegetable broth, it’s a wonderfully aromatic and savory addition that will disappear quickly!
2. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
A true holiday classic, this sweet potato casserole topped with fluffy marshmallows is simply divine. Its creamy, sweet potato base contrasts beautifully with the gooey, caramelized marshmallow topping. To ensure it’s truly vegetarian and vegan-friendly, remember to use vegan marshmallows that are made without gelatin. This dish is always a crowd-pleaser!
3. The Best Vegetarian Gravy
Regardless of whether your guests are vegetarian or not, they will be clamoring for second (and third!) helpings of this incredible gravy. It is hands-down the most delicious gravy I’ve ever tasted, boasting a rich umami flavor that rivals any meat-based version. Plus, this versatile recipe is easy to modify, allowing you to make it vegan and/or gluten-free to accommodate various dietary needs.
4. Cheesy Potatoes with Corn Flakes
These cheesy potatoes, famously known as “funeral potatoes,” are always a runaway hit side dish. Featuring a creamy, cheesy potato base and a delightfully crunchy cornflake topping, this classic family favorite makes a comforting and irresistible addition to your Thanksgiving spread. It’s the ultimate comfort food for a holiday meal.
5. Green Bean Casserole
Another absolute Thanksgiving must-have! You’ll adore this elevated version of green bean casserole, which features fresh, earthy mushrooms and sharp cheddar cheese for an extra layer of savory flavor. It’s a comforting classic redefined, moving beyond canned ingredients for a truly gourmet experience that still feels like home.
6. Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream
Prepare for the best mashed potatoes you’ve ever tasted with this simple yet decadent recipe. Using the perfect blend of creamy sour cream, rich milk, and generous amounts of butter, these mashed potatoes are incredibly smooth, fluffy, and bursting with buttery flavor. They are the ideal accompaniment to any Thanksgiving dish.
7. Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan
Transform often-maligned Brussels sprouts into a side dish everyone will crave! These crispy roasted Brussels sprouts are baked to perfection, featuring tender interiors and delightfully caramelized edges infused with savory Parmesan cheese. A simple yet elegant vegetable side that adds a touch of gourmet to your holiday spread.
8. Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble
This sweet potato casserole offers everything you love about the classic, but with a delightful twist. It features creamy, buttery sweet potatoes crowned with a perfectly balanced salty-sweet pecan crumble. Best of all, it’s entirely gluten-free, making it an ideal and inclusive option for your guests with dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
9. Decadent Creamed Corn
Homemade creamed corn, enriched with cream cheese, is surprisingly simple to prepare yet delivers incredibly decadent flavors. This rich and creamy side dish is always a smash hit at Thanksgiving, offering a comforting sweetness that perfectly complements the savory elements of the holiday meal. It’s a nostalgic favorite for many.
10. Easy 3-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce
Once you experience the vibrant flavor of homemade cranberry sauce, you’ll never go back to canned. This recipe is incredibly easy to make with just three ingredients and delivers an absolutely delicious, fresh, and tangy accompaniment to your Thanksgiving spread. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
11. Honey Butter Skillet Corn
This creamy honey butter corn is unbelievably easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients. It’s a sweet and savory corn dish that cooks quickly in a skillet, resulting in tender kernels coated in a luscious, slightly sweet sauce. A perfect last-minute addition that tastes like it took hours!
12. Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This baked macaroni and cheese is the ultimate cheesy indulgence, featuring a rich and creamy sauce baked to perfection and topped with a delightful crunchy panko crust. It’s a quintessential comfort food that makes any meal feel special, and it’s always a huge hit at holiday gatherings.
13. Flavorful Roasted Garlic Butter Carrots
Simple yet incredibly flavorful, these carrots are roasted until tender-crisp in a luscious garlic butter sauce. This side dish is super easy to prepare, allowing the natural sweetness of the carrots to shine through, complemented by the aromatic garlic and rich butter. A healthy and vibrant addition to your Thanksgiving table.
14. Quick Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese
If oven space is at a premium on Thanksgiving Day, this Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese recipe is your secret weapon. It delivers all the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional mac and cheese with significantly less fuss and in a fraction of the time. This pressure cooker version is a game-changer for holiday cooking!
15. Comforting Broccoli Casserole
This easy classic Ritz Cracker Broccoli Casserole is another guaranteed crowd-pleaser side dish. It features tender broccoli florets in a creamy, cheesy sauce, all topped with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping. It’s a nostalgic and comforting recipe that brings a vibrant green vegetable to the table in a deliciously approachable way.
16. Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Gratin
Brussels Sprouts Gratin is a rich and savory baked vegetable side dish that combines tender Brussels sprouts with a luscious, cheesy cream sauce, all baked until bubbly and golden. This indulgent preparation makes Brussels sprouts irresistible, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will ask for more. It’s a fantastic way to serve this seasonal vegetable.
17. Healthier Greek Yogurt Mac & Cheese
Searching for a slightly lighter, yet still incredibly satisfying, version of mac and cheese? Look no further than this protein-packed Greek yogurt mac and cheese. The Greek yogurt adds a wonderful tang and creaminess while boosting the nutritional value, making this a smart and delicious choice for your holiday table.
18. Sweet Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
These beautifully glazed carrots are a classic and beloved side dish for Thanksgiving, and they are incredibly simple to prepare. Baby carrots are coated in a sweet and sticky honey-brown sugar glaze, then cooked until tender and slightly caramelized. They add a vibrant color and delightful sweetness to any holiday meal.
19. Our Favorite Skillet Corn for Thanksgiving
This buttery skillet corn holds the title of absolute favorite in our home, and it’s a non-negotiable for our Thanksgiving menu every single year. It’s incredibly flavorful, with tender corn kernels cooked to perfection in a rich, buttery sauce. Even those who claim not to like corn often find themselves coming back for seconds of this irresistible dish!
20. Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes
For a truly inclusive Thanksgiving, these vegan mashed potatoes are a must. This recipe is wonderfully easy to prepare and uses no dairy, achieving a remarkably creamy and fluffy texture through plant-based alternatives. They are just as comforting and delicious as their traditional counterparts, making them perfect for all your guests.
21. Rich Creamy Garlic Mushrooms
Mushrooms cooked in a luscious, creamy garlic sauce are an indulgent and sophisticated side dish that adds a touch of gourmet to your Thanksgiving spread. Earthy mushrooms are sautéed until tender, then simmered in a fragrant garlic cream sauce. This dish is rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying, perfect for mushroom lovers.
Festive Thanksgiving Appetizers to Start Your Feast
While the main event is cooking, keep your guests happy and satiated with some delightful Thanksgiving appetizers. These bites are perfect for warding off hunger before the big dinner, and they also add an extra touch of festivity to your holiday gathering.
22. Adorable Pumpkin Cheese Ball
This pumpkin-shaped cheese ball is not only incredibly adorable and perfect for autumn gatherings but also surprisingly simple to create. You’ll only need a few classic cheese ball ingredients and some rubber bands to mold this fun appetizer into its festive shape. It’s a delicious and visually appealing centerpiece for your appetizer spread.
23. Timeless Classic Cheese Ball
This classic cheese ball recipe is a holiday party staple, featuring a delightful blend of creamy cream cheese, fresh green onions, and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s my absolute favorite appetizer for any holiday gathering, offering a rich and savory bite that pairs perfectly with crackers or crudités. Easy to make ahead, it reduces stress on the big day.
Irresistible Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes to End Your Feast
Just when you think you couldn’t possibly eat another bite, along comes dessert! It simply isn’t Thanksgiving without a spread of delicious sweet treats (or five!). From traditional pies to unique autumnal delights, these tried-and-true favorites are guaranteed to provide a memorable end to your holiday meal. Many of these can be made ahead, further easing your Thanksgiving Day preparations.
24. Convenient Pecan Pie Bars
These pecan pie bars feature a buttery shortbread crust and a rich, gooey pecan filling made with real maple syrup. They are an absolutely irresistible alternative to traditional pecan pie, offering all the classic flavors in an easy-to-serve bar format. Perfect for feeding a crowd and simple to slice and enjoy.
25. No-Bake Pumpkin Cream Pie
This no-bake version of the beloved classic pumpkin pie is an absolute dream. It’s lighter, incredibly creamy, and bursting with all the warm, spiced flavors of autumn. Perfect for those who prefer a less traditional (and easier!) pumpkin dessert, it’s a refreshing end to a heavy meal and can be made in advance.
26. Decadent No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
For peanut butter enthusiasts, this no-bake peanut butter pie is another one of our top easy pie recipes that can be prepared well ahead of time. It features a rich, creamy peanut butter filling set in a crunchy crust, offering a delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors. It’s simple to assemble but delivers maximum impact.
27. Easy No-Bake Oreo Pie
Another fantastic make-ahead favorite, you simply cannot go wrong with this incredibly delicious no-bake Oreo pie. With its crunchy Oreo crust and creamy, dreamy filling packed with crumbled Oreos, it’s a chocolate lover’s dream come true. This dessert is always a guaranteed hit, especially with younger guests!
28. Classic Maple Pecan Pie
This classic pecan pie, made with genuine maple syrup, is a quintessential Thanksgiving dessert and an absolute must-make. Its rich, sweet, and nutty filling, nestled in a flaky crust, is a beloved tradition. The maple syrup adds a depth of flavor that takes this pie from great to truly extraordinary. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
29. Luxurious Pecan Cream Pie
Speaking of pecans, have you ever indulged in pecan cream pie? This delightful no-bake pie is another fantastic discovery we’ve fallen head over heels for. It combines the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with a light and airy creamy filling, creating a dessert that is both comforting and incredibly refreshing. It’s a perfect contrast to heavier holiday dishes.
30. Irresistible Pecan Pie Brownies
Can’t decide between pecan pie and brownies? Why not have both in one glorious dessert! These pecan pie brownies offer the best of both worlds: fudgy, rich brownies topped with a sweet, nutty pecan pie filling. It’s a truly decadent and satisfying dessert that is sure to be a new favorite at your Thanksgiving table. Pure indulgence!
31. Warm Vegan Apple Crisp
You can never go wrong with a warm, comforting apple crisp, especially when it’s vegan! This recipe features tender, spiced apples baked beneath a buttery, crunchy oat topping, all made entirely plant-based. Served with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream, it’s a timeless dessert that embodies the cozy spirit of the holidays.
32. Flawless Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie
Just as rich and satisfying as the traditional version, this gluten-free pumpkin pie will be a beloved hit with your entire family, especially those with gluten sensitivities. Featuring a perfectly spiced pumpkin filling in a flaky gluten-free crust, it offers all the comforting flavors of autumn without compromise. No one will guess it’s gluten-free!
33. Vibrant Cranberry Blueberry Crisp
This cranberry blueberry crisp is a beautifully colorful and intensely flavorful seasonal dessert. The tartness of cranberries perfectly balances the sweetness of blueberries, all baked under a crisp, buttery topping. It’s a wonderful autumnal treat that adds a burst of fruity brightness to your Thanksgiving dessert spread.
34. Homestyle Cranberry Apple Crisp
Cranberry Apple Crisp is another beloved seasonal favorite that would be absolutely perfect for your Thanksgiving celebration. The delightful combination of crisp apples and tart cranberries baked beneath a sweet, crunchy oat topping creates a warm and inviting dessert. It’s a comforting classic that always brings smiles to the table.
35. Delectable Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
For your gluten-free guests, this Gluten-Free Apple Crisp is a truly exceptional dessert. It features tender, perfectly spiced apples topped with a buttery, crunchy oat topping that is simply delectable. This recipe ensures that everyone can enjoy a classic fall dessert without any dietary concerns, making your holiday feast inclusive and delicious.
36. Rich Dark Chocolate Pecan Cookie Bars
While you might not immediately think of cookie bars for Thanksgiving, these Dark Chocolate Pecan Cookie Bars offer a wonderfully different and utterly decadent dessert option. Combining rich, dark chocolate with crunchy pecans in a satisfying bar format, they are perfect for chocolate lovers and a unique addition to your holiday dessert spread. They’re also often gluten-free and dairy-free friendly!
Your Vegetarian Thanksgiving Awaits!
We hope this collection helps you in planning your most delicious Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu yet! Creating a holiday feast that is both inclusive and incredibly flavorful is entirely achievable with these recipes. Whether you’re whipping up a classic side, a hearty main, or a sweet ending, you’re sure to create lasting memories around the table.
If you try any of these fantastic vegetarian recipes, please be sure to leave a comment on the respective recipe post to let us know how it turned out. Your feedback is always appreciated! Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy every delightful bite of your meatless feast!