37 Best Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes for 2024

Good vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are hard to come by but you and your veggie-loving guests deserve a delicious holiday meal. What do vegetarians eat at Thanksgiving? And what do vegetarians eat instead of turkey for Thanksgiving? Get all the answers right here and make hosting Thanksgiving a breeze this year with the best recipes around. 

According to Statistica, Thanksgiving is the “most popular national holiday in the United States.” You should spend it eating yummy food that aligns with your dietary preferences. Gone are the days when vegetarian food was sub-par and expensive. Use these recipes to create delicious, delightful meals that you’ll love. Check out the vegetarian Thanksgiving sides, mains and desserts that are sure to delight at the tabel

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• Vegetarian Thanksgiving Appetizers for the Table
• Easy Vegetarian Main Dishes
• Vegetarian Thanksgiving Sides
• Delicious Vegetarian Thanksgiving Desserts

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Appetizers for the Table

These simple vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes will delight your guests and have them asking for seconds. 

1. Stuffed Mushrooms

Check out this delightful vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe that’s super simple to make. You'll need button mushrooms, cream cheese, garlic, Parmesan, breadcrumbs and fresh parsley.

Start by removing the mushrooms' stems. Mix the cream cheese, minced garlic, Parmesan, breadcrumbs and parsley together. Stuff each mushroom cap with the filling, then bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until golden. These savory bites are rich and bursting with flavor.

2. Baked Brie with Jam

This easy vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe is both elegant and indulgent. You’ll need a wheel of brie, your favorite jam (like raspberry or fig) and puff pastry. Wrap the brie in the pastry, top with jam and bake at 400°F for 25 minutes or until golden. 

We recommend serving it with crackers or crusty bread. The gooey brie pairs beautifully with the sweet jam. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleasing appetizer.

3. Sweet Potato Croquettes

Sweet potato croquettes are a perfect bite-sized vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe. You’ll need mashed sweet potatoes, panko breadcrumbs, egg, garlic and paprika. Form the sweet potato mixture into balls, coat in breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until crispy. The result is a savory croquette with a sweet, earthy inside and crunchy exterior, ideal as a side dish or appetizer.

4. Dumplings

For a unique vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe, dumplings are a flavorful choice. You’ll need dumpling wrappers, mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, soy sauce and garlic. Sauté the vegetables, then spoon into the wrappers and fold. 

Steam or pan-fry until crispy. Serve with a soy dipping sauce for a delicious combination of savory vegetables and chewy, crispy dumpling skins, perfect for starting your Thanksgiving meal.

5. Vegan Onion Dip

This vegan onion dip is a creamy and savory vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe. You’ll need cashews, caramelized onions, garlic powder, onion powder and vegetable broth. Blend soaked cashews with the other ingredients until smooth, then mix in caramelized onions. 

Serve chilled with chips or veggies. This dairy-free alternative is rich and satisfying, with the sweetness of the onions complementing the creamy dip.

6. Butternut Squash Soup

This creamy butternut squash soup is a comforting vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe. You’ll need butternut squash, vegetable broth, garlic, onion and coconut milk.

Roast the squash, then blend with sautéed onions and garlic, adding broth and coconut milk until smooth. Simmer until heated through. The result is a silky, slightly sweet soup that’s perfect for starting off your Thanksgiving meal.

7. Beet Salad

For a refreshing vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe, try beet salad. You’ll need roasted beets, goat cheese, arugula, walnuts and balsamic glaze. Toss the arugula with roasted beets, top with crumbled goat cheese and toasted walnuts and drizzle with balsamic glaze. The earthy sweetness of the beets pairs perfectly with the creamy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts, offering a bright and tangy side dish.

8. Air Fryer Potatoes

Crispy air fryer potatoes make a simple yet flavorful vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe. You’ll need baby potatoes, olive oil, garlic powder, rosemary and salt. Toss the potatoes in oil and seasonings, then air fry at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.

These potatoes are crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and a delicious side dish for your Thanksgiving spread.

9. Deviled Eggs

A classic vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe, deviled eggs are creamy and tangy. You’ll need hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vinegar and paprika. Slice the eggs in half, remove the yolks and mix them with mayo, mustard and vinegar. Spoon the mixture back into the egg whites and sprinkle with paprika.

These savory bites are perfect for appetizers or side dishes with a creamy, rich flavor.

Easy Vegetarian Main Dishes

Check out these Vegetarian Thanksgiving main dishes for the best Thanksgiving food ideas. 

10. Vegetarian Mushroom Wellington

For a show-stopping vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe, mushroom Wellington is ideal. You’ll need puff pastry, mushrooms, garlic, spinach and Dijon mustard. Sauté the mushrooms and garlic, then layer them with spinach on the puff pastry, adding a smear of Dijon. Wrap it all up and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes until golden. This elegant dish is hearty, flavorful and the perfect centerpiece for a vegetarian meal.

11. Tofurky Roast

Did you know that a vegan Thanksgiving turkey exists? A Tofurky roast is the perfect vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe. You’ll need a Tofurky roast, carrots, potatoes and vegetable broth. Tofurky is just a delightful blend of wheat and tofu, so it’s a good option for vegetarians and vegans.

Roast the Tofurky with vegetables and broth at 350°F for about 1 hour, basting occasionally. The Tofurky’s savory flavor is enhanced by the caramelized vegetables. 

12. Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

This vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe gives Shepherd’s Pie a plant-based twist. You’ll need lentils, carrots, peas, mashed potatoes and vegetable broth. Sauté the vegetables and lentils, then layer them in a dish, topped with mashed potatoes. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until golden. The rich lentil filling and creamy potatoes create a comforting and filling main course.

13. Vegetable Pot Pie

A classic vegetable pot pie makes a hearty vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe. You’ll need a pie crust, carrots, peas, potatoes and vegetable broth. Sauté the vegetables, then mix with broth and pour into a pie dish. Top with the crust and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes until golden.

This savory pie is packed with tender vegetables and a creamy filling, offering a warm and comforting side or main dish.

14. Squash Lasagna

Looking for a comforting vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe? Well, squash lasagna is a creamy and savory choice. It’s like a Vegan Thanksgiving casserole. You’ll need lasagna noodles, butternut squash, ricotta, spinach and mozzarella. Roast the squash, then layer noodles with squash, ricotta and spinach, topping with mozzarella. 

Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes until bubbly (keep a close eye on it). The sweet squash pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese, creating a rich and satisfying dish perfect for a holiday meal.

15. Vegan Mac & Cheese

This vegan mac and cheese is a creamy, indulgent vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe. You’ll need cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic, onion powder and elbow pasta.

Blend the soaked cashews with nutritional yeast and spices to make the “cheese” sauce, then mix with cooked pasta. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until bubbly. The result is a dairy-free mac and cheese with a rich, nutty flavor that’s perfect for any plant-based feast.

16. Lentil Loaf

Lentil loaf is a hearty and nutritious vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe. You’ll need cooked lentils, oats, carrots, onions, garlic, tomato paste and seasonings. Mix the lentils with the other ingredients, then press into a loaf pan. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes until firm.

This savory loaf is rich in protein and fiber, making it a satisfying main course with earthy, spiced flavors, perfect for a plant-based Thanksgiving dinner.

17. Spicy Roasted Mushrooms with Polenta

Surprisingly, finding healthy vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes isn’t easy but this spicy roasted mushrooms with polenta is a health-conscious vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe. You’ll need mushrooms, polenta, vegetable broth, chili flakes and garlic.

Roast the mushrooms with garlic and chili flakes and prepare the creamy polenta by simmering it in broth. Serve the spicy mushrooms over a bed of polenta. This dish offers a delightful contrast of creamy and spicy flavors, ideal as a side or main course.

18. Squash Tarts

Squash tarts are a delicate yet flavorful vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe. You’ll need puff pastry, roasted butternut squash, goat cheese and thyme. Layer roasted squash and goat cheese on the pastry, then sprinkle with thyme. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until golden.

These individual tarts are sweet, savory and crispy, making a beautiful and delicious appetizer or side for your holiday table.

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Sides

What can I serve on Thanksgiving instead of turkey? The possibilities are endless with these simple vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes. 

19. Cranberry Sauce

Homemade cranberry sauce is a bright, tangy addition to any vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe spread. You’ll need fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice and cinnamon. Simmer the cranberries with sugar, orange juice and cinnamon until they burst and the sauce thickens. Serve chilled or warm. T

he tartness of the cranberries is balanced by the sweetness of the orange and the spice of the cinnamon, providing a flavorful and vibrant condiment.

20. Figs Stuffed with Goat Cheese

Figs stuffed with goat cheese are a sweet and savory vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe. You’ll need fresh figs, goat cheese, honey and walnuts. Slice the figs open and stuff with goat cheese, drizzle with honey and top with chopped walnuts. 

Serve as a luxurious appetizer that your guest will definitely appreciate. The creamy goat cheese pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the figs and honey, while the walnuts add a nice crunch, perfect for holiday gatherings.

21. Brussels Sprout Sliders

For a creative vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe, try Brussels sprout sliders. You’ll need roasted Brussels sprouts, avocado, tomatoes and small slider buns. Roast the sprouts, then layer them with avocado and tomato slices on the buns. Add a touch of mustard or aioli for extra flavor.

These bite-sized sliders are fresh, flavorful and packed with nutrients, making them a fun and healthy option for your Thanksgiving table.

22. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe. You’ll need potatoes, butter, cream, garlic and salt. Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, cream and minced garlic. Add salt to taste.

These creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes are a comforting side dish, perfect for any holiday meal and can be customized with herbs, cheeses or even roasted garlic for an extra flavorful twist.

23. Ombré Gratin

Ombré gratin is a visually stunning vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe. You’ll want to snap a pic for social media before you dig in. You’ll need sweet potatoes, russet potatoes, cream, garlic and Parmesan cheese for this recipe.

Slice the potatoes thinly, layering them in alternating colors in a baking dish. Pour cream and garlic over the top, then sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes until golden. The alternating layers of color and creamy sauce make this dish both beautiful and delicious.

24. Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes

Crispy smashed sweet potatoes are a fun twist on a classic vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe. You’ll need small sweet potatoes, olive oil, garlic and rosemary. Boil the potatoes until tender, then smash them flat. 

Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with garlic and rosemary, then bake at 400°F until crispy. These potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside and packed with flavor, making them an irresistible side dish.

25. Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is a beloved vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe. You’ll need sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and marshmallows. Mash the cooked sweet potatoes with butter and sugar, spread in a dish and top with marshmallows. 

Bake this vegan Thanksgiving casserole at 350°F for 25 minutes until the marshmallows are golden. The sweet, fluffy potatoes and toasted marshmallow topping make this a festive, crowd-pleasing side dish.

26. Vegan Twice-Baked Potatoes

Vegan twice-baked potatoes are a hearty and satisfying vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe. You’ll need large potatoes, vegan butter, nutritional yeast, almond milk and green onions. Bake the potatoes, then scoop out the insides and mash with vegan butter, nutritional yeast and almond milk. Refill the skins and bake again until golden.

These potatoes are creamy, flavorful and dairy-free, making them a perfect plant-based side dish.

27. Roasted Acorn Squash

Roasted acorn squash is a sweet and savory vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe. You’ll need acorn squash, olive oil, maple syrup and cinnamon. Slice the squash into wedges, toss with oil, syrup and cinnamon and roast at 400°F for 30 minutes until tender and caramelized.

The natural sweetness of the squash, enhanced by the maple syrup, makes this dish a delightful seasonal side with warm holiday flavors.

27. Mushroom Piccata

Mushroom piccata is a savory, tangy vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe. You’ll need mushrooms, lemon, capers, garlic and vegetable broth. Sauté the mushrooms with garlic, then add lemon juice, capers and broth to create a zesty sauce. Simmer until the sauce reduces.

The mushrooms soak up the tangy, lemony flavors of the sauce, making this dish a bright and flavorful addition to your holiday spread.

Delicious Vegetarian Thanksgiving Desserts

Healthy vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes aren’t welcome in this section. Here are the luxurious and finger-licking desserts that you've got to make. 

29. Pumpkin Pie

What are 3 foods that are eaten on Thanksgiving? Well, turkey is a big one (or Tofurky), mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. This holiday pie is a quintessential vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe.

You’ll need pumpkin puree, pie crust, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and cream. Whisk together the pumpkin, eggs, sugar and spices, then pour into the pie crust and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until set.

This creamy, spiced pie is a holiday classic, with its rich pumpkin flavor and buttery crust making it a must-have dessert for any Thanksgiving celebration.

30. Chocolate Hazelnut Tart

A rich and decadent vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe, chocolate hazelnut tart is a luxurious dessert. You’ll need a tart crust, dark chocolate, hazelnuts, heavy cream and vanilla. Melt the chocolate with cream and vanilla, then pour into the baked crust and top with toasted hazelnuts. Chill until set.

The smooth, silky chocolate pairs beautifully with the crunchy hazelnuts, making this tart an elegant ending to any Thanksgiving meal.

31. Pumpkin Tiramisu

Pumpkin tiramisu is a decadent twist on a classic dessert, making it a perfect vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe. You’ll need ladyfingers, pumpkin puree, mascarpone, sugar, espresso and cinnamon. Layer the ladyfingers soaked in espresso with a pumpkin-mascarpone mixture, then dust with cinnamon. Chill for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld.

The creamy, spiced pumpkin filling and coffee-soaked ladyfingers create a unique, indulgent dessert for your holiday table.

32. Cheesecake

Cheesecake is a rich and creamy vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe that’s sure to please. You’ll need cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla and a graham cracker crust. Beat the cream cheese with sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Pour the mixture into the crust and bake at 325°F for about 60 minutes. This makes a velvety smooth cheesecake with a buttery crust, perfect for pairing with fruit or chocolate toppings.

33. Banana Bread

Banana bread is a warm and comforting vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe that never gets old. You’ll need ripe bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, butter and baking soda. Mash the bananas and mix with the other ingredients, then bake at 350°F for about 60 minutes.

The result is a moist, flavorful bread with a hint of sweetness, making it an ideal holiday treat. Serve it as a dessert or even as a quick breakfast option during the busy holiday season.

34. Apple Pie

Apple pie is a timeless vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe. You’ll need apples, cinnamon, sugar, butter and a pie crust. Slice the apples and toss them with cinnamon and sugar, then layer them into the pie crust. Top with another layer of crust and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes until golden.

The sweet, spiced apples paired with the flaky crust make this a classic holiday dessert that’s always a hit.

35. Oat Milk Chocolate Pudding

This scrumptious pudding is a creamy, dairy-free vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe. You’ll need oat milk, cocoa powder, cornstarch, sugar and vanilla. Whisk together the oat milk, cocoa and sugar, then simmer until thickened, adding cornstarch to achieve the desired consistency. Chill the pudding and top with whipped coconut cream.

This silky chocolate dessert is rich and satisfying, making it a perfect vegan-friendly treat for your Thanksgiving table.

36. Chai Cake

Chai cake is a fragrant and spiced vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe. You’ll need flour, sugar, chai tea, butter, eggs, cinnamon, cardamom and ginger. Brew the chai tea and mix it into the cake batter, along with the spices. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden. The warm flavors of chai, combined with the fluffy cake, make this a unique and aromatic dessert that captures the essence of fall.

37. Spiced Pears

Spiced pears are an elegant and light vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe. You’ll need ripe pears, cinnamon, cloves, honey and red wine. Simmer the pears in a spiced wine mixture until tender, allowing them to absorb the flavors. Serve warm or chilled, with a drizzle of honey.

The sweet, spiced pears make a lovely dessert or side dish, with their natural sweetness enhanced by the warm, holiday-inspired spices.

Incorporate a variety of vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes into your holiday spread for a flavorful feast. Each dish brings a unique taste to the table and are the perfect addition to a festive, plant-based celebration. Add in some exciting Thanksgiving cocktails and healthy Thanksgiving salad, as well.

For even more fun Thanksgiving ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!