Vegetarian options often play a supporting role on Thanksgiving, but with these simple and delicious recipes, they can take center stage and become the star of the show.
Vegan Turkey Roast
Let’s face it: Thanksgiving just isn’t complete without a show-stopping centerpiece on the table, like a perfectly roasted turkey. Fortunately for those following plant-based diets, this innovative seitan roast offers a convincing alternative that captures the essence of traditional Thanksgiving flavors.
At its core, the dish is made with high-quality seitan and incorporates a fragrant herb stuffing, while a rich, velvety vegan gravy adds an extra layer of authenticity to each bite, making it easy for vegans and vegetarians to enjoy a satisfying Thanksgiving feast without sacrificing flavor.
Creamy Baked Pumpkin Risotto
Packed with flavors and textures, this delectable risotto stands out as a perfect representation of vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes. The vibrant color adds an excellent contrast to more neutral sides, making it visually appealing alongside other dishes. What’s most convenient is that it’s made in the oven, eliminating any need for constant stirring. Traditionally served as a Thanksgiving side dish, this recipe can be enjoyed throughout the year, not just during holidays.
Vegan Stuffed Butternut Squash
Just when you thought traditional Thanksgiving dishes couldn’t get any better, this stuffed squash recipe proves that plant-based options can be incredibly impressive. Made with a delicious combination of lentils, mushrooms, kale, and cranberries, all carefully nestled inside the squash’s vibrant flesh.
Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
Remarkably, this slaw stands out as a sweeter, more textured version of the traditional coleslaw recipe. While coleslaw may not be everyone’s cup of tea, including my own, I have to admit that even I enjoy this dish for its unique twist. Its ease of preparation is another major advantage, requiring only 20 minutes from start to finish.
Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
Nourishing generations with comforting goodness, Shepherd’s pie remains a timeless favorite dish that people adore. Not only has this recipe undergone a transformation to cater to meat-free enthusiasts, but its core elements remain unchanged – carrots, celery, and mushrooms now take the place of ground beef, creating a delightful twist on the classic. Nested beneath a generous layer of creamy mashed potatoes, this hearty dish embodies comfort food at its purest form.
Its versatility is also a significant advantage, as it can be effortlessly prepared in advance to cater to large gatherings.
Baked Acorn Squash Mac and Cheese
Elevate your comfort food game with this ingenious twist on a classic: mac and cheese stuffed into acorn squash ‘bowls.’ The result is a dish that’s both familiar and innovative, as the crispy breadcrumbs on top add a satisfying crunch to each bite. This recipe is remarkably easy to prepare and makes for an excellent vegetarian main course option.
Butternut Squash Gratin
Looking to satisfy your cravings for butternut squash? This delicious gratin is just what you need. With its rich and creamy sauce made from cream, vegetable stock, parmesan cheese, black pepper, and thyme, it’s a match made in heaven when paired with the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash and caramelized red onion layers. The crowning glory is the generous helping of melted cheese that adds an indulgent touch to this comforting casserole dish, fit for a king or queen.
Roasted Vegetables
Packed with nutrients and flavor, roasted vegetables are always a great option, regardless of the day. You can use the specific veggies listed in this recipe or experiment with your own favorites on the baking sheet. What’s key to success is getting the seasonings just right, as we did with our mashed cauliflower tutorial. As an added bonus, these roasted veggies happen to be naturally gluten-free.
Stuffing
Sometimes traditional Thanksgiving dishes don’t have to be made with meat or processed foods to taste amazing. This vegan stuffing recipe takes a cue from the classic ingredients used in traditional recipes, but substitutes them with plant-based alternatives like celery and onions for added depth of flavor, along with aromatic spices such as sage. The result is a warm, moist, and deliciously savory dish that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Cauliflower Casserole
Wrapped in a rich and creamy sauce, this vegan-friendly cauliflower casserole is so tantalizing that even the most dedicated meat-lovers will be hooked. The combination of cheesy goodness and crunchy texture creates an irresistible flavor experience. The slightly tangy taste echoes the warmth of squash casserole, only with a delightful twist.
Vegan Pot Pies
Kick up your comfort food game with this scrumptious vegetarian main dish that’s sure to become a family favorite! Inspired by classic chicken or turkey pot pies, this recipe takes the flavors and textures you love and adapts them to feature a colorful medley of celery, onion, carrots, and broccoli. Feel free to get creative and swap out these veggies for whatever seasonal ingredients are available in your kitchen.
To bring it all together, simply pop the pot pies into the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-45 minutes, and you’ll be treated to a dinner that’s both satisfying and memorable. For a tried-and-true recipe that’s sure to please, be sure to check out the original source on Recipetineats. com
Smashed Potatoes
Generally speaking, making smashed potatoes was initially intended as a way to get my kiddos more interested in trying new potato dishes. However, everyone – including the kids and adults alike – fell in love with them so much that I now make a double batch every time. These delightful treats are truly spectacular – boasting both super crispy exteriors and warm, fluffy interiors – and of course, they’re supremely buttery.
As for me, I like to add a pinch of garlic salt, but let’s be real, I’m guilty of sprinkling garlic on just about everything.
Butternut Squash and Apple Salad
Bringing warmth and coziness to the fall season is this delightful salad, bursting with natural sweetness and earthy undertones. Its hearty and filling texture defies traditional expectations of what a salad should be, making it an excellent option for a satisfying meal. While cooking wheat berries does require some time and patience, the good news is that they can easily be prepared ahead of schedule, allowing you to enjoy this treat even on your busiest days.
Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Taking center stage alongside its cruciferous cousins, roasted cauliflower is often overlooked during the fall season. Typically, roasted broccoli and Brussels sprouts take pride of place on autumnal tables, but this delicious vegetable deserves just as much attention. Roasting a whole head of cauliflower brings out an incredible depth of flavor, making it a side dish that’s impossible to resist.
This recipe combines garlic and parmesan for a mouthwatering combination that will leave everyone wanting more.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Merging traditional Italian flavors with creative twists, these incredible stuffed mushrooms elevate your dining experience to new heights. A rich blend of cottage cheese, crumbled feta, and shredded mozzarella is perfectly balanced by the addition of fresh spinach, creating a deliciously savory mixture. The tangy zip of marinara sauce adds an unmistakable Italian flair, setting the dish apart from more mundane options.
These satisfying mushrooms are substantial enough to serve as a main course, yet versatile enough to be enjoyed as a side dish or even an appetizer.
Brussels Sprouts Salad with Cranberries
Rooted in simplicity, this delectable salad stands out as one of my all-time favorites. Gone are the days of using lettuce, spinach, or kale as the base; for this particular creation, shredded Brussels sprouts take center stage and truly shine! The natural sweetness of dried cranberries paired with the crunch of chopped pecans adds a delightful dimension to an already exceptional dish. Who needs anything more than that?!
Pumpkin Pie
Making a traditional Thanksgiving dessert is not complete without mentioning pumpkin pie. This iconic dish has been a staple of American harvest celebrations for centuries. With its rich, velvety filling and flaky crust, it’s no wonder that pumpkin pie remains one of the most beloved desserts during this time of year. The recipe below promises to deliver just that – a thick and silky filling, perfectly balanced by a warm and crunchy crust.
