Best Vegetarian Dishes to Bring to Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time to gather, reflect, and, of course, feast. While turkey often steals the show, more people are embracing the idea of vegetarian dishes at Thanksgiving. Whether you’re hosting vegetarians, looking to lighten the table, or just want to try something new, adding flavorful, plant-based dishes to your spread is a surefire way to impress your guests.
Try These Vegetarian Dishes
From hearty mains to delectable sides, we’re here to help you plan the perfect vegetarian Thanksgiving menu. In the end, these crowd-pleasing dishes will take your spread to new heights. Who’s ready to give people something to talk about well into the new year?
Savory Mushroom Wellington
For a dish that rivals the turkey in both presentation and flavor, try a mushroom Wellington. Here, you’ll combine a flaky puff pastry with a rich filling of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, onions, and fresh herbs.
A layer of spinach or caramelized onions will add a touch of sweetness, and the golden, crisp pastry creates quite the presentation. Serve it with a side of vegetarian gravy to make it extra special. We won’t be surprised if this becomes one of your signature vegetarian potluck dishes!
Butternut Squash Lasagna
Who says lasagna is just for weeknights? A creamy butternut squash lasagna will allow you to layer tender sheets of pasta with roasted squash, ricotta, and spinach, with a hint of sage. Add a béchamel sauce or creamy cashew sauce to tie it all together. This cozy dish is as satisfying as it is beautiful, with vibrant orange and green layers that will steal the show.
Stuffed Acorn Squash
For an eye-catching and personalized dish, try stuffed acorn squash. Simply roast halved squashes until they’re tender, then fill them with a mixture of quinoa, cranberries, pecans, and fresh herbs. Right before serving, drizzle it with a balsamic glaze for a touch of tang. The individual portions will make this dish feel extra special and are perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
Flavorful Sides That Steal the Spotlight
Sides often get overlooked but, with the right ingredients, they can shine just as brightly as the main course. Here are some vegetarian side dishes that are so good, your guests might forget the turkey altogether.
Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes
No Thanksgiving table is complete without mashed potatoes. You can elevate this classic by blending Yukon Gold potatoes with roasted garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Use butter and cream (or plant-based alternatives) for a smooth, velvety texture that will leave everyone reaching for seconds.
Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Even Brussels sprout skeptics will come around for this dish. All you have to do is toss halved sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, and a dash of balsamic vinegar before roasting them to caramelized perfection. For added crunch, sprinkle toasted pecans or crispy shallots on top.
Green Bean Almondine
Green beans are a Thanksgiving staple but, instead of the traditional casserole, try green bean almondine. Simply sauté fresh green beans with butter, garlic, and slivered almonds for a dish that’s light, crunchy, and brimming with flavor.
Cornbread Stuffing
Stuffing doesn’t need meat to be the star. A cornbread-based stuffing will combine sweet and savory notes with ingredients like sautéed celery, onions, cranberries, and sage. Use vegetable broth to moisten the mixture. Then, bake until it’s golden and crispy on top.
If you like the idea of adding a twist to the stuffing, check out these unique stuffing recipes!
Salads That Dazzle
A fresh salad can balance out the richness in a bevy of vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes. The trick here is to ppt for bold flavors and seasonal ingredients that will make your salads stand out.
Harvest Kale Salad
A kale salad is a refreshing addition to the table, especially when paired with roasted sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, pecans, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. To concoct this creation, simply massage the kale with olive oil before tossing it to make it tender and flavorful.
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
This elegant salad combines earthy roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts. Drizzle with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar for a dish that’s as tasty as it is colorful.
Farro and Pomegranate Salad
For a hearty, grain-based salad, combine cooked farro with pomegranate seeds, fresh parsley, and crumbled feta. The sweet, tart burst from the pomegranate seeds will pair beautifully with the nutty farro, creating a dish that feels festive and satisfying.
Irresistible Desserts
Save room for dessert because these vegetarian-friendly treats are the perfect way to cap off your feast.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Let’s up the ante on the classic pumpkin pie with a creamy pumpkin cheesecake. Create a graham cracker crust. Then, infuse it with cheesecake filling, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice for warm, holiday vibes. Top it all off with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel for added decadence.
Apple Galette
A galette is a rustic alternative to an apple pie that’s just as delicious. Use thinly sliced apples, a sprinkle of sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon – all folded into a buttery pastry. Then, when it’s time, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as the proverbial cherry on top.
Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
If you love pecan pie but want a fun twist, try making chocolate pecan pie bars. These handheld treats feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a gooey chocolate and pecan filling. They’re easy to make ahead of time and perfect for serving a crowd.
Pro Tips for Hosting a Vegetarian Thanksgiving
Think Beyond Substitutions: Rather than simply replacing the turkey, focus on creating dishes that stand out on their own. Savor all the seasonal produce as you create bold and unique flavors.
Offer Variety: Include a mix of hearty, filling options (like lasagna or stuffed squash) along with lighter sides and salads to satisfy different palates.
Label Dishes Clearly: If you have a mix of vegetarians and non-vegetarians at your table, clearly label each dish. This makes it easy for guests to navigate the spread.
Make It Family-Style: Serve dishes in large, shareable portions so everyone can try a bit of everything. Plus, it adds to the communal spirit of Thanksgiving.
Prepare Ahead: Many vegetarian dishes, like lasagna or galettes, can be made in advance and reheated, making your hosting duties far more manageable.
As You Gather Around the Table
As you gather around the table, we hope you’ll be able to embrace the spirit of the season. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather around a fabulous spread of food with hearts full of joy. An eclectic feast is the perfect way to tap into your creativity and show that you care.
This year, let your Thanksgiving table be a testament to how delicious and exciting vegetarian cooking can be. With vegetarian dishes as vibrant and satisfying as these, your guests won’t miss the turkey. In fact, they may even ask for some recipes! For more ways to spice up the season, keep coming back to the lifestyle section of Your Life Buzz. Together, we’ll find new ways to make this our best Thanksgiving yet.