35 Best Vegetarian Christmas Recipes

From quiche to crepes, these vegetarian Christmas recipes will bring cheer to any holiday table.

Gone are the days of dry nut roasts and nothing but veggies for Christmas. Instead, let’s enjoy some truly delicious meat-free dishes this festive season.

And they’re so tasty, even the meat eaters will ask for seconds.

35 Vegetarian Christmas Ideas

Meats such as ham and turkey are usually the centerpieces of the Christmas feast. But does that mean vegetarians can’t get in on the fun? Of course not!

There are tons of holiday-worthy recipes out there that also happen to be vegetarian.

This list features 35 of them, and they’re all so impressive, they might just steal the spotlight! 

If you’re vegetarian or have vegetarian friends over for Christmas lunch or dinner, I have you covered, from appetizers to sides to dessert! 

Vegetarian Christmas Sides and Starters

Stuffing 

Just because you can’t eat turkey doesn’t mean you should miss out on the stuffing, too!

This recipe is hearty, scrumptious, and 100% vegetarian.

It’s crisp on the outside and ridiculously delicious in every bite. It’s so good, you won’t miss the meat!

It uses veggie broth, lentils instead of meat, and flax seeds instead of eggs.

Thanks to these simple swaps, this stuffing is suitable for everyone.

Butternut Squash Soup 

Butternut squash soup is one of my favorite vegetarian Christmas recipes. It’s velvety, beautiful, and outrageously tasty!

This particular recipe calls for chicken broth. Simply swap that for vegetable broth instead to make it vegetarian-friendly. 

Pro-tip: Coat the squash with herbs and spices before roasting for best results.

Hasselback Potatoes 

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with baked potatoes. But if you care to make things more interesting, here’s the recipe for you.

Hasselback potatoes are just like baked potatoes. However, you’ll thinly slice the spuds to give them crisp edges, nooks, and crannies.

The resulting textures – crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside – make the dish truly holiday-worthy.

Green Bean Casserole

Every good vegetarian meal needs quick and easy sides to accompany the main course. This four-ingredient green bean casserole certainly fits the bill.

All you’ll need to make it are green beans, cream of mushroom soup, shredded Cheddar, and fried onions.

You can have it ready for the oven in 10 minutes and on the table in just 15 more.

Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Rustic roasted vegetables are perfect for an intimate meal or a fancy celebration.

Contrary to popular belief, though, mixed veggies aren’t the only way to go. Take this whole roasted cauliflower, for example.

It’s delicious, flavorful, and not at all boring. Plus, it’s large enough to feed your Christmas crowd. It’s quite visually pleasing, as well.

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw   

Regular coleslaw is good, but this elevated version is so much better. From the color and flavor to the crunch, it definitely packs a punch.

You’ll add chopped apples, walnuts, and dried cranberries for an even brighter, tastier side dish. It puts the usual coleslaw to shame.

The contrast between sweetness and tart is magnificent. And the dressing beautifully ties the ingredients together.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, kale, almonds, and hemp seeds tossed with a lemon, olive oil, and honey vinaigrette. Absolutely divine!

If the thought of Brussels sprouts scares you, I understand. Still, you should give this salad a try.

It’ll change your mind about the misunderstood vegetable forever!

Not only is it super nutritious, vegan, and gluten-free, it’s also honestly delightful.

Corn Pudding  

Corn pudding is a Southern classic that never fails to make me smile. It’s sweet and creamy like custard and bursting with sweet corn flavor.

It’s kind of like corn casserole but with a slightly creamier texture.

It’s a fantastic side dish to turkey, ham, and chili. But honestly, you won’t mind eating on its own.

Creamed Spinach Gratin

Creamed spinach gratin – I can’t express how much I adore you!

First, I love how it manages to be so rich while still being vegetarian. Sauteeing the spinach in onion and garlic gives it a ton of flavor.

Plus, because of its non-dairy, cashew-based cream sauce, it’s both creamy and nutty.

Finally, the crispy and golden crust is out of this world. Merry Christmas, indeed!

Glazed Carrots 

For this recipe, you’ll roast sweet and crunchy baby carrots in a sweet glaze. It may be simple, but trust me, it’ll disappear in minutes.

Isn’t it amazing how a simple mixture of brown sugar and butter creates such a deep, wonderful flavor?

Trust this sticky glaze to make any vegetable kid-friendly!

Whipped Sweet Potato 

We can’t have a complete list of vegetarian Christmas recipes without mentioning whipped sweet potatoes.

They’re smooth, fluffy, and downright delicious. Plus, they’re effortless to make.

You’ll need only seven basic ingredients. But despite its simplicity, this side dish is definitely party worthy.

Olive Penguins  

These appetizers are as adorable as it gets!

All you need to make these charming penguins are some olives, carrots, pimento peppers, and cream cheese!

The only downside to this festive starter is that it’s too cute to eat! But once you finally bite into it, you won’t be able to stop.

The combo of crunchy and chewy, tart and creamy makes these penguins a surefire hit.

Scalloped Potatoes  

These scalloped potatoes are rich, creamy, and drool-worthy. Plus, you’ll love the added texture that thinly sliced potatoes make!

This simple recipe uses creamy bechamel – a thick sauce made of flour, butter, and milk – to give the potatoes life. 

If you’re not vegan, you can make the dish even more spectacular with cheese. But honestly, it’s perfectly fine without it.

Cornbread 

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of cornbread recipes on the internet, but this one is, hands down, the best.

It’s crispy, moist, crumbly, buttery, and bursting with corn. It’s also easy to make! You really couldn’t ask for more.

Cheesy Potato Casserole

There’s a lot to love about this cheesy potato casserole. But mostly, I love it because it’s — you guessed it! — CHEESY!

And no, I don’t mean just a little bit cheesy. This thing is ridiculously creamy, cheesy, and ooey-gooey delicious.

Everyone around your Christmas table will want seconds, maybe even more. So be sure to make enough!

Festive Mains

Roasted Butternut Squash with Feta and Spinach

This gorgeous butternut squash is one of the prettiest meatless dinner ideas on the list. I LOVE serving it just for the “oohs” and “ahhs” I get. 

Luckily, it tastes (and smells) every bit as good as it looks. It’s one of those vegetarian meals that even your non-vegetarian friends will enjoy. 

Substitute vegan feta cheese to make it vegan-friendly. 

Mushroom Bourguignon

Need a meatless meal option that’s just as hearty and filling as the turkey or ham on the table? Try this savory, succulent mushroom bourguignon.

It takes some time to prepare and cook, but it’s worth it. And all the vegetarians at the table will salute you.

Check out the recipe notes for a vegan-friendly or gluten-free version.

Vegan Walnut Mushroom Wellington

You’ve probably heard of beef Wellington. But this walnut mushroom Wellington might be new to you. Trust me; you’ll love it.

Even without the fancy stars to make it look nice, it’s a seriously impressive dish.

With its flaky puff pastry crust, numerous holiday spices, and savory, hearty filling, it’s impossible to resist. Most people won’t even miss the meat.

Wild Mushroom Tart

Earthy and meaty mushrooms meet ricotta, parmesan, and flavorful herbs in this yummy mushroom tart.

From the flaky crust to the scrumptious filling, this French tart is amazing in every bite.

It proves that a little creativity goes a long way!

Pumpkin Burrata Baked Ziti

I don’t care what anyone says. Pumpkins aren’t just for Halloween and Thanksgiving. This perfect Christmas dish is proof of that!

Creamy, cheesy, and delicious, it’s one of those meat-free meals that tastes great all year round.

If you’re a cheese and pasta lover, you’ll want to add it to your weekly rotation.

Vegan Turkey  

This turkey loaf is all you’ll need if you’re craving the flavor of meat. Swap your holiday ham for this delicious vegetarian treat!

It’s so tasty and meaty that you’ll be surprised it doesn’t contain actual meat. It doesn’t, though!

It’s a simple combination of chickpeas, broth, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, and herbs.

Mushroom Risotto 

Risotto is a savory Italian dish of arborio rice. Mushrooms give it meatiness, while wine and stock provide flavor.

It’s surprisingly rich and creamy without using any cream. The cooked arborio rice itself creates that lovely texture.

Elevate the flavor with an optional sprinkling of vegan parmesan.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Pasta

Toss al dente spaghetti with a sauce of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, chili, and smoked paprika. That’s practically all this dish is!

Of course, there’s also a not-so-secret ingredient. Roasted Brussels sprouts!

This unique take on the traditional Italian dish is truly spectacular.

Aside from the crunchy and creamy sprouts, it’s also loaded with roasted walnuts and garnished with parsley. A festive Christmas treat!

Cauliflower Casserole 

Any kid will agree that cheese makes everything better, even if it’s vegan cheese. This cauliflower casserole is proof.

When topped with vegan cheese, flavorless cauliflower florets transform into a show-stopping dish.

This casserole takes it a step further by topping the cheese with buttery breadcrumbs.

Once baked, the crumbs turn into a crispy golden outer crust, which goes oh so well with ooey-gooey not-cheese.

Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna

This vegan lasagna is loaded with mushrooms and chopped spinach. It’s so rich, creamy, and somehow meaty!

It has everything you can ask for in a classic lasagna but is much healthier.

The key is to use firm tofu and nutritional yeast to retain that meaty and cheesy flavor.

French Onion Tarte Tatin

Onion lovers, unite! This recipe was made just for you!

It features a buttery puff pastry crust topped with rich, Italian baked onions smothered in a syrupy sherry.

And let’s not forget the spoonfuls of decadent French onion creme on top! This may just be the VERY BEST way to enjoy onions I’ve ever tried.

Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

There are few things on Earth more filling or comforting than a warm shepherd’s pie. Unfortunately, most shepherd’s pie recipes aren’t vegan-friendly.

This one is, though!

Everything from the filling to the creamy potato topping is 100% vegan-approved.

And that vegan gravy recipe that comes with it? HEAVENLY! You’ll want to make it and pour it over everything.

Vegetable Pot Pie

This yummy recipe is for those who prefer pot pies to shepherd’s pies. (I love both and will eat whichever you want to make for me.)

It’s rich, creamy, buttery, and delicious with a warm, savory vegetable filling.

The recipe calls for potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, peas, and mushrooms. Although, you can add or omit whichever veggies you like best.

Holiday Nut Roast

In the intro, I said, “Gone are the days of dry nut roasts.” And I stand by that! Because this nut roast ISN’T dry. Or boring. Or plain.

It’s mouth-wateringly scrumptious and good till the last bite!

It has a perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavor. And it’s full of nuts, veggies, dried fruit, and more.

It’s even better with that vegan gravy I mentioned above.

Holiday Desserts and Drinks

Mince Pies

Say hello to the traditional English mince pies!

Flaky, buttery pastry crusts filled with sweet and spicy mincemeat, a combo of currants, raisins, apples, and spices. What’s not to love?

Aside from the sweet and warming flavors, the star-shaped outer crust makes these pies extra special.

Nothing screams Christmas more than that!

Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting 

These soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a genuine holiday treat. They’re full of warm spices, walnuts, and flavor.

Plus, you’ll top them with a decadent cream cheese icing.

They work well for Christmas cookie exchanges. But you can also whip them up for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or a casual fall or winter treat.

Cranberry Orange Bread

This bread is rich and buttery and studded with fresh cranberries. Its color and flavor will make your Yuletide celebrations extra festive.

It’s delicious on its own, but toppings and add-ins make it more exciting.

Feel free to top it with finely chopped almonds, chocolate chips, or a sinful glaze.

Christmas Eggnog Bread Pudding  

This bread pudding is soft, moist, and delicious. And that added hit of eggnog makes it incredibly festive.

Challah or brioche are my go-to breads. But you could use stale croissants or Panettone if you have it.

And don’t worry about the ‘nog. All you do is swap out the milk then make the custard as normal. Easy peasy.

Christmas Fruit Salad

You don’t need a special recipe for fruit salad to make it vegetarian-friendly. After all, most aren’t overflowing with bacon or beef.

Still, this is my favorite holiday fruit salad recipe because it looks so festive.

It features green grapes, red cherries, and a plethora of other ingredients. They combine to make something that looks lovely and tastes even better.

Christmas Coffee 

Nothing completes the ultimate holiday breakfast like a hot mug of Christmas coffee.

You’ll make your freshly brewed coffee even more delightful with cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.

A dollop of whipped cream and colorful sprinkles gives it a festive flair.

While this coffee drink is best served hot, it also tastes great when cold.
Let the coffee cool to room temperature, add some ice cubes, and voila!