Published: · Modified: by Cassidy Reeser · This post contains affiliate links.
Thanksgiving dinner as a vegetarian doesn't have to be all about the sides! Whether you're looking for a light side dish or traditional comfort food casseroles, you're sure to find a vegetarian-friendly Thanksgiving recipe here.
Whether you eat meatless yourself or you're cooking for vegetarians this year, there are a lot of options that you can serve at Thanksgiving dinner. This post includes a lot of classic recipes alongside some new recipe ideas.
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- How to make Thanksgiving recipes vegetarian
- Vegetarian main dishes
- My vegetarian Thanksgiving menu
- Tips for scaling recipes
- 💬 Comments
How to make Thanksgiving recipes vegetarian
Thankfully, most traditional Thanksgiving recipes are vegetarian-friendly with a few simple swaps. If you already have a favorite recipe but you want to make it vegetarian-friendly, I have some tips for how to make recipes meatless.
- Meats: Ground beef or sausage can be replaced with Impossible beef or other meatless crumbles at a 1:1 ratio. I find that Beyond and Impossible have the most realistic flavors.
- Turkey: Field Roast, Quorn, Trader Joe's, and Gardien all make meatless "turkey roasts". Find these in the frozen aisle at most major grocery stoers.
- Broth: Casseroles are often made with chicken broth and gravies with beef or turkey broth. These can easily be swapped with vegetable broth.
- Mixes: My family loves making Jiffy cornbread, but their standard mix has lard in it. Thankfully, they also make a vegetarian version of the mix. When in doubt, check the ingredient lists of common casserole mixes, as many of them use animal products where you wouldn't expect it.
If you're looking for vegan options, I'm also sharing several vegan-friendly recipes for those looking for dairy and egg-free options. A lot of the vegetarian recipes on this list are easy to make dairy-free or egg-free.
- Dairy-free: In savory recipes, you can usually use an equal amount of non-dairy milk, butter, or cheese in place of the dairy options. Soy milk, oat milk, and almond milk generally work well in place of cow's milk.
- Egg-free: Egg-free recipes can be tricky to execute without testing a few times first. I recommend choosing egg-free recipes to begin with instead of simply omitting eggs from existing recipes.
Vegetarian main dishes
Panko breaded tofu or lentil loaf make great Thanksgiving mains. You can also buy a Tofurkey roast if you're looking for a quick (but really delicious) main.
Of course, a sides-only Thanksgiving is always a great option but there are so many meatless brands to choose from these days that it's not the only option.
My vegetarian Thanksgiving menu
My Thanksgiving menu includes most of the traditional starchy foods (think white cheddar mac and cheese, sourdough stuffing) with a few less traditional plant-based mains.
You can download my entire menu, along with a grocery shopping list and prep-ahead tips at the link down below.
Vegetarian Thanksgiving-MenuDownload
Need more ideas? Keep scrolling for 30+ vegetarian and vegan Thanksgiving recipes.
Tips for scaling recipes
If you're planning to have a small Thanksgiving gathering, consider cutting recipes in half. You can also freeze most leftovers for later. Most of these recipes include storage tips in the recipe post.
I like to assemble a few sides together and freeze them in containers to have an easy freezer meal on hand when things get hectic in December.
I included a few less traditional vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes like lentil casseroles. These types of recipes are great options if you're planning on a smaller Thanksgiving meal this year.
Whether you're just looking for a side to bring to a small gathering or you're planning the whole day, there's sure to be a recipe in this list to please everyone.
Vegetarian Thanksgiving Mains
Tofurkey and lentil loafs are always a good choice, but I have you covered if you're looking for something a little different this year.
1
Panko Breaded Tofu Cutlets with Pepper Gravy
Breaded tofu cutlets are marinated, seasoned and coated in panko and lightly pan-fried until golden.
Check out this recipe
2
Lentil Shepherd's Pie
This healthy casserole is filled with lentils and mushrooms cooked in a lightly umami red wine sauce and topped with comforting mashed potatoes.
Check out this recipe
3
Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash
This vegetarian stuffed acorn squash is filled with healthy fall ingredients like quinoa, sauteed leeks, sage, and toasted pumpkin seeds!
Check out this recipe
4
Vegan Lentil Loaf
This delicious vegan lentil loaf is packed with a meaty texture and hearty flavor from mushrooms, walnuts, and lentils. It is the perfect holiday centerpiece and can even be frozen for quick weeknight meals!
Check out this recipe
5
Vegan Chicken Pot Pie
This vegan chicken pot pie is rich, comforting, and easy to make using soy curls! It has a creamy non-dairy sauce and is dappled with mixed vegetables for that classic pot pie feel, just without the meat.
Check out this recipe
Vegetarian Sides
Choose from light veggie-focused sides to comfort food classics like green bean casserole. Vegetarian and vegan recipes included.
6
Lemon Garlic Roasted Green Beans
Tender but still crisp, these roasted green beans are popping with garlic and lemon flavor in every bite!
Check out this recipe
7
Fresh Green Bean Casserole
There’s nothing quite like homemade green bean casserole made completely from scratch using fresh green beans and mushrooms! This recipe adds in caramelized onions for a decadent spin on this comfort food classic.
Check out this recipe
8
Vegan Squash Casserole
Vegan squash casserole is made with yellow squash, a creamy sauce and a classic buttery cracker topping!
Check out this recipe
9
Garlic and Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
These richly flavored garlic mashed potatoes are made extra creamy with cream cheese and Parmesan -- and they're ready in under 30 minutes!
Check out this recipe
10
Sweet Potato Casserole with Bourbon
Sweet Potato Casserole with Bourbon is a sweet and warming side dish complete with a pecan crumble on top.
Check out this recipe
11
Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a sweet alternative to standard mashed potatoes. They can be prepared in under 30 minutes using warming fall ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar.
Check out this recipe
12
The Best Vegan Macaroni and Cheese
This vegan macaroni and cheese recipe is super smooth, creamy and made in under 30 minutes without nuts or food processor. You’ll love how easy it is to make this recipe!
Check out this recipe
13
Stovetop Gouda Mac and Cheese
Cheddar and gouda combine to make this ultra creamy and rich stovetop mac and cheese! Ready in under 30 minutes and perfect as a holiday side.
Check out this recipe
14
Garlic Roasted Broccoli with Honey Mustard Glaze
Oven-roasted garlic broccoli with a honey mustard glaze is a simple yet flavorful side dish.
Check out this recipe
15
Roasted Fall Vegetables
Earthy root vegetables are roasted until crispy, then tossed with diced apples and pecans for the perfect side dish.
Check out this recipe
16
Vegan Mushroom Gravy
This vegan mushroom gravy is a savory and flavorful addition to any meal! It’s easy to mix up in under 15 minutes and is perfect for the holidays.
Check out this recipe
17
All-Purpose Vegetarian Gravy
This simple gravy uses pantry staples and takes just a few minutes to mix up. This is a brown gravy inspired by the classic Turkey-drippings gravy served with Thanksgiving meals.
Check out this recipe
18
Herbed Vegetarian Sourdough Stuffing
Take homemade stuffing to the next level with sourdough and fresh herbs! This recipe is the perfect vegetarian addition to your Thanksgiving table.
Check out this recipe
19
Warm Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash
This warm kale salad is packed with healthy ingredients like roasted butternut squash and chickpeas and is topped with a creamy tahini dressing!
Check out this recipe
20
Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This vibrant and simple arugula salad is served with a zesty lemon vinaigrette, fresh Parmesan, and toasted almonds. It's the perfect side salad to serve with dinner and it comes together in less than 15 minutes!
Check out this recipe
21
Savory Vegan Collard Greens (Instant Pot or Stove Top)
You can make this savory vegan collard greens recipe in half the time in your Instant Pot, or make these nutritious greens the traditional way on your stove top.
Check out this recipe
22
Honey Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta
Sweet, tender, and lightly charred honey-roasted carrots are the ultimate healthy side dish. Served on a bed of creamy feta and topped with pistachios and pomegranate seeds, this dish is sure to impress!
Check out this recipe
23
Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
This fall-inspired quinoa butternut squash salad features leek and thyme-seasoned quinoa and sweet, tender butternut squash alongside a few other flavorful fall ingredients.
Check out this recipe
Bread & Rolls
Choose from yeast rolls, quick bread or cornbread to complete your Thanksgiving spread.
24
Vegan Cornbread Muffins
These vegan cornbread muffins are made extra sweet and flavorful with molasses and classic cornbread ingredients. Ready in under 30 minutes!
Check out this recipe
25
Soft Homemade Yeast Rolls
Soft, fluffy pull-apart yeast rolls are mouthwateringly delicious and easy to make with baking staples.
Check out this recipe
26
Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls
Sweet potato rolls are made with classic dinner roll ingredients and sweet potato puree, giving a traditional recipe additional flavor and warmth!
Check out this recipe
27
Whole Wheat Garlic Knots
These garlic knots are made with yeast and loaded with roasted garlic and fresh parsley. They take just an hour and a half to make.
Check out this recipe
28
Cast Iron Biscuits
These cheddar drop biscuits are made in a cast iron skillet and ready in under 30 minutes! This easily customized recipe is great as a quick side and screams comfort food.
Check out this recipe
Vegetarian Appetizers
You can make one of these dips or finger foods a day in advance to put out while the Thanksgiving meal is cooking.
29
Kale Artichoke Dip
Kale Artichoke Dip is creamy, cheesy and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Check out this recipe
30
Rosemary White Bean Dip
This rosemary and white bean dip takes just 5 minutes to make and can be enjoyed warm or cold!
Check out this recipe
31
Chili Cream Cheese Dip
Chili Cheese Dip is the ultimate easy party dip! It’s uses only 3 ingredients and can be baked in the oven or made in the microwave.
Check out this recipe
32
Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Bites with Mushrooms
These party-approved puff pastry appetizers are filled with goat cheese, spinach and mushrooms. They are a great vegetarian option for entertaining and are beyond delicious!
Check out this recipe
33
Baked Brie with Fig Jam in Puff Pastry
This classic combination of brie baked in puff pastry with fig jam, walnuts and honey is a delicious addition to any charcuterie board.
Check out this recipe
Desserts
Make a batch of cookies or brownies a day in advance to have on hand after the main meal.
34
Classic Vegan Pumpkin Pudding
This classic vegan pumpkin pudding tastes like pumpkin pie filling and takes under 10 minutes to make! Top with chocolate chips and coconut cream for an easy alternative to pumpkin pie.
Check out this recipe
35
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
These soft and slightly chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are just like the ones from childhood! They require no chilling and are ooey-gooey as can be.
Check out this recipe
36
Classic Molasses Crinkle Cookies
These soft and chewy cookies are sweetened with molasses and brown sugar and spiced with ginger, cloves, and cinnamon.
Check out this recipe
37
Peanut Butter Brookies (Cookie Brownies!)
Peanut Butter Brookies, AKA peanut butter cookies and brownies in bar form, are soft, fudgy and downright delicious! Made in two bowls using traditional baking ingredients.
Check out this recipe
More Vegetarian Recipes
- Roasted Red Cabbage
- Vegetarian Taco Casserole
- Buffalo Chickpea Dip
- Vegetarian Potato Soup
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