Are you planning a meatless holiday? No problem! These 11 vegetarian thanksgiving recipes are perfect for your menu. They are delicious; you won’t miss the standard dishes you’ve always had. But, even though it isn’t deemed the norm, it’s okay to lean towards a nutritious menu.
Every dish in this list does not contain meat, and if you’re worried about missing out on your favorites, don’t worry. Thanksgiving side dishes like mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce are already vegetarian. Unfortunately, you may need to miss turkey this time, but there’s always a fitting alternative.
Below are some of my favorite vegetarian recipes for Thanksgiving and other holidays;
1. Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Garlic
Pan-roasted Brussels sprouts are an excellent dish for a vegetarian thanksgiving. Deliciously flavored with garlic, it’s crispy on the outside and tender in the middle; it’s tasty.
I would laugh if anyone told me I would be recommending Brussels sprouts. But this easy-to-make meal is nothing short of delicious. There’s something special about the warmth of garlic paired with the sweet, tangy flavor of parmesan cheese. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper is all you need to elevate the taste of this meal.
Pro-Tip: Use only fresh ingredients to get the perfect consistency. Also, slice your garlic into chunky pieces to prevent them from burning as they roast.
2. Green Bean Casserole
Here’s a delicious Thanksgiving classic that will fit on your vegetarian menu. Full of fresh green beans and other tasty ingredients, it’s one of the best dishes you can serve all your guests.
Gluten-free and nutritious, this green bean casserole requires only a few ingredients to make it. The primary factor in preparing an excellent bowl is homemade cream of mushroom soup. Not only does it give the casserole a creamy consistency, but it also makes it flavorful. Top with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and crispy fried onions, and you get the tastiest meal.
Pro-Tip: Soak your onions (Vidalia, Spanish, or yellow) in buttermilk before placing them in flour and sugar for the perfect balance.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole
A Thanksgiving table isn’t complete without a pan of delicious sweet potato casserole. No one will reject a plate of this sweet side dish, so why not add it to your menu?
This sweet potato casserole is sugar-free and gluten-free but packed with irresistible fall flavors. It’s your standard recipe instructions but with cashew milk, which adds a nutty flavor to the dish. And pecan crumbles, a blend of chopped dates, pecans, pepitas, butter, and almond flour. Assemble all the ingredients in a pan, bake, and it’s ready to eat.
Pro-Tip: Even though this recipe uses melted butter, you can also use ghee. It will add creaminess to your casserole.
4. Butternut Squash Soup with White Beans
Who doesn’t love a hearty bowl of soup in the cold mornings or evenings? This sweet and savory butternut squash soup has white beans and Chile peppers.
Cooked in a flavorful broth full of veggies, the fantastic taste of this soup is second to none. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten, and dairy-free, making it an excellent choice for every guest at your table. You have a mix of coconut milk, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, kale, Italian seasoning, and other tasty ingredients in this meal.
Pro-tip: Spinach or collard greens are excellent alternatives to kale. Also, you can add a dash of Sriracha before the broth to make it spicier.
5. Cauliflower Soup
Don’t be fooled by the simple appearance of this cauliflower soup; the flavors make up for what it lacks in presentation. It’s creamy, delicious, and one of the quickest meals to prepare.
Made with an entire head of cauliflower, this amazing soup doesn’t require heavy cream. So what gives it its beautiful consistency? Milk and parmesan cheese. As for the flavor, vegetable stock, sauteed onion, garlic, salt, and pepper do the trick. With these few steps, you’ll have a velvety smooth soup.
Pro-tip: Use sauteed cauliflower or roasted chickpeas as the topping. These options will add a unique flavor to the final dish.
6. Buttermilk Cornbread
If you don’t like cornbread, then I’m secretly judging you; just kidding! But who wouldn’t want some soft and fluffy buttermilk cornbread? It’s simple and easily one of the best thanksgiving sides.
This classic cornbread does not require a mixer. You need a bowl, the ingredients, and a cast iron skillet: Mix all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, unsalted butter, and buttermilk. Place in a preheated oven until ready and allow to cool.
Serve with a drizzle of honey or whipped cream, and it’s ready to eat!
Pro-tip: Store your cornbread wrapped in aluminum foil; this step will keep it fresh in the freezer.
7. Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is that side dish that brightens the flavors of other meals at your Thanksgiving table. Made with orange zest, it has a sweet and tangy taste that is both irresistible and delicious.
This small batch of cranberry sauce contains orange juice and zest alongside other ingredients such as cinnamon, salt, and fresh cranberries. Combine all the ingredients in a pan and allow them to boil until it thickens and is ready to eat.
Serve your cranberry sauce with turkey and other thanksgiving recipes for a sweet and savory balance.
Pro-Tip: You can add toasted pecans for an added nutty flavor.
8. Apple & Potato Gratin
Apple and potatoes are unexpected components that taste incredible. The naturally sweet flavor of apples and potatoes is something you don’t see coming but is worth it.
This apple and potato gratin is both flavorful and easy to make. The apple slices are cooked in butter, while the potato slices are soaked in heavy cream seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, and salt. Once they are ready, you layer them in a gratin style and bake them in the oven. Top with panko bread crumbs and ginger snaps before tossing in the oven again.
Pro-tip: Use both gala and Fuji apples because they hold flavor and have a crunch.
9. Stuffed Mushrooms
Something about the taste of stuffed mushrooms keeps me coming back for more. These little bits of goodness have a meaty texture, making them perfect for even the pickiest eaters.
These delicious mushrooms are made with simple ingredients and are a quick fix for Thanksgiving and other holiday dinners. Sauteed onions and mushroom stems add sweetness, while Romano cheese gives it a tangy and salty addition. Garlic, salt, and pepper elevate the flavor before it is stuffed in the mushrooms and baked.
Everyone will reach out for more of these delicious stuffed mushrooms.
Pro-Tip: You can use parmesan cheese and be confident to pile on the panko breadcrumbs.
10. Thyme Biscuits
These fluffy biscuits are a must-have for any vegetarian thanksgiving. Infused with thyme and lemon, it has a fragrant aroma that satisfies your hunger before you have a taste.
Each thyme and lemon biscuit is finished with buttermilk for a buttery flavor and a golden brown exterior. They’re delicious and perfect for handing out at any party. Serve with honey in the middle for a scrumptious flavor.
Pro-tip: Be careful to keep the dough the same because it will make the bread crumbly.
11. Sage Pumpkin Hummus
Here’s a savory twist to one of the most classic thanksgiving side dishes. Who knew adding sage and garlic to pumpkin hummus would transform it into one of the savory dips?
This specific recipe is as easy as it gets; adding garlic gives it a warm addition to the final flavor. It’s a tasty dip that works for different holidays; Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and many more. It has a smooth and creamy consistency that works with other side dishes.
Serve this delicious hummus with pita chips, crackers, or pita bread, and they’ll thank you.
Pro-tip: Warm up the olive oil and add garlic and sage for an additional warm flavor.
11 vegetarian thanksgiving recipes
Try out one of these 11 vegetarian thanksgiving recipes for a guilt-free celebratory dinner!
Ingredients
Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Garlic
Green Bean Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole
Butternut Squash Soup with White Beans
Cauliflower Soup
Buttermilk Cornbread
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Apple & Potato Gratin
Stuffed Mushrooms
Thyme Biscuits
Sage Pumpkin Hummus
Directions
- Choose your preferred recipe
- Organize the necessary ingredients
- Prepare a vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe in 30 minutes or less!