30 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes for a Meatless Dinner

Thanksgiving is typically all about turkey, but these simple Thanksgiving vegetarian recipes might make you forget all about the bird.

Having a selection of vegetarian dishes can help you make everyone’s holiday feast wonderful.

A few of these recipes are designed to help vegetarians get the “full Thanksgiving experience.”

Other than the turkey (or ham) and dressing, most Thanksgiving side dishes are pretty vegetarian-friendly already. 

Get ready to savor these tasty vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes!

30 Thanksgiving Vegetarian Recipes and Vegan Main Dishes

1. Vegan Turkey Roast

Thanksgiving just isn’t the same without a big, golden-brown turkey on the table. 

Luckily for vegans and vegetarians, this plant-based roast makes a pretty good substitute. It has that traditional Thanksgiving flavor.

It’s made from seitan and has an herb stuffing in the center. Paired with some vegan gravy, you’ll never miss the bird!

2. Butternut Squash Soup

I love this butternut squash soup not just because it tastes good, but also because it has such a lovely, vibrant golden color. 

Butternut squash has a mild flavor, so most of the taste in this soup comes from the addition of garlic, nutmeg, shallots, and other seasonings. 

It makes a tasty, light Thanksgiving lunch before the big dinner.

3. Scalloped Potatoes

At my house, scalloped potatoes are as much a part of Thanksgiving dinner as the turkey.

They’re always creamier, tastier, and more tender when made from scratch.

They take some time to pull together, but the ingredients list is short, and the process is simple if time-consuming.

Even so, this is one dish everyone enjoys.

4. Cranberry Sauce

Why buy that weirdly shaped, unnatural-looking canned cranberry sauce when you can make your own with only four ingredients?

Add three cups of cranberries, a cup of sugar, a cup of orange juice (or water), and a cinnamon stick into a saucepan. 

Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

5. Mashed Potatoes

When it comes to mashed potatoes, no one does them quite like the Irish.

These potatoes are fluffy, buttery, garlic-y, and incredibly delicious. 

You’ll never want to eat potatoes made with any other recipe again.

6. Creamy Baked Pumpkin Risotto

This delicious risotto is the epitome of vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes. It has a great mixture of flavor and texture.

And the color adds such a fantastic contrast to other, more neutral sides. The best part is it’s made in the oven. It’s so easy!

It’s traditionally a Thanksgiving side dish, but it’s great all year round.

7. Sweet Potato Casserole

Although it takes about an hour to make, sweet potato casserole is a must-have for Thanksgiving dinner. 

This meat-free recipe is one of my favorites. It combines the soft silkiness of sweet potatoes with the crispy crunch of toasted pecans.

If you like your sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, add them on top.

8. Green Bean Casserole

This simple green bean casserole takes only 30 minutes to make and is a comforting, creamy addition to any Thanksgiving table.

Don’t forget the fried onions for added crunch.

9. Whipped Sweet Potatoes

I love the touch of color whipped sweet potatoes add to the table.

Plus, their silky, fluffy consistency is almost like eating clouds, and their slight sweetness complements Thanksgiving turkey perfectly.

10. Vegan Stuffed Butternut Squash

If you’re looking for an incredible vegan Thanksgiving recipe, this stuffed squash is just the ticket.

The stuffing is made with lentils, mushrooms, kale, and cranberries, all tucked inside the squash.

The presentation is just as satisfying as digging into the meal!

11. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Anyone who tells you they don’t like Brussels sprouts is either 10 years old or has never had them cooked properly. 

Well-cooked, caramelized Brussels sprouts are crispy, salty, and earthy. In short, they’re terrific.

Use this recipe and make a believer out of all those skeptics next Thanksgiving.

12. Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

This slaw is a sweeter, more textured version of the traditional coleslaw recipe, and it’s remarkably good.

Coleslaw isn’t a favorite of mine, but even I enjoy this dish.

It’s also easy to make, taking only 20 minutes from start to finish.

13. Glazed Carrots

Preparing Thanksgiving dinner can be exhausting, especially if you’re doing most of the work yourself.

That’s why it’s imperative to have a few side dishes that are quick and easy. 

This copycat recipe for Cracker Barrel baby carrots is one of my favorite “quick and easy” go-to’s. Plus, they’re gluten-free.

14. Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie is a beloved classic people have enjoyed for generations.

This meat-free recipe is made with carrots, celery, and mushrooms instead of ground beef.

Resting on a bed of mashed potatoes, this is comfort food at its finest. It’s also easy to make ahead, so it’s perfect for serving a crowd.

15. Baked Acorn Squash Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a decadent treat no matter how you serve it. But this recipe takes things up a notch by stuffing it into acorn squash “bowls.”

Topped with crispy breadcrumbs, the oven-baked mac and cheese spills over the top of the squash.

This is such an easy vegetarian main dish!

16. Easy Dinner Rolls

No holiday feast is complete without delicious, soft, and buttery rolls, and there are none better than those made using this copycat Texas Roadhouse recipe. 

I’ll tell you upfront, though, double – or maybe even triple – the recipe because people devour these, especially if you serve them with warm, honey cinnamon butter.

17. Butternut Squash Gratin

If you can’t get enough of butternut squash, this gratin is calling your name.

It’s layered in a casserole with butternut squash and red onion. The sauce is made with cream, vegetable stock, parmesan cheese, black pepper, and thyme.

Topped with cheese and baked in the oven, it’s an indulgence fit for a king.

18. Roasted Vegetables

Holiday or no holiday, there’s never a bad time for roasted veggies.

Use the vegetables listed here in the recipe, or fill the baking sheet with your favorite options. 

Again, as with mashed cauliflower, the secret’s in the seasonings. As a bonus, they’re naturally gluten-free.

19. Stuffing

You don’t have to chow down on plump, juicy turkey to enjoy good Thanksgiving stuffing, and you don’t have to resort to Stove Top to make it, either.

This vegan stuffing recipe combines all the tastiest, most fragrant ingredients – celery, sage, onions, vegetable broth, etc. It’s as warm and moist as it is tasty.

20. Cauliflower Casserole

Cheesy and buttery, this vegan-friendly cauliflower casserole is so good, even the staunchest meat-eaters will enjoy it. 

It has plenty of flavor and lots of gooey, wonderful cheese. The slightly tangy flavor will make you think of squash casserole, only it has more crunch.

21. Vegan Pot Pies

Fans of chicken or turkey pot pie will flip for this hearty vegetarian main dish!

This recipe calls for celery, onion, carrots, and broccoli, but you can switch out the veggies for whatever you have on hand.

Bake the pot pies in the oven at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes for a dinner to remember.

22. Smashed Potatoes

I first began making smashed potatoes as a way to get the kiddos more interested in potatoes.

But everyone loved them so much that I now make a double batch.

They are spectacular – super crispy with warm, fluffy insides – and supremely buttery.

I add a little garlic salt to mine, but of course, I add garlic to pretty much everything.

23. Butternut Squash and Apple Salad

This salad is a lovely fall treat. It’s sweet and earthy and more hearty and filling than a salad has any right to be! 

The wheat berries take some time to cook, but you could always make them ahead of time if you’re frequently in a rush.

24. Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Roasted broccoli and Brussels sprouts usually make an appearance on fall tables. But don’t forget about cauliflower!

Roasting it whole brings out such wonderful flavor. This recipe is loaded with garlic and parmesan for a side dish no one can resist.

25. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

These amazing stuffed mushrooms bring an Italian twist to your feast.

A mixture of cottage cheese, feta, and mozzarella are combined with spinach for the stuffing. Marinara sauce adds the perfect tangy contrast.

These are hearty enough for a main entree. But you can easily serve them as a side dish, too.

26. Brussels Sprouts Salad with Cranberries

This salad is one of my all-time favorites because it’s simple, healthy, and tasty. 

You won’t use any lettuce, spinach, or kale for this one. Instead, its base is entirely composed of shredded Brussels sprouts, and they are superb! 

Throw in some dried cranberries and chopped pecans, and the salad is done. How much simpler can you get?!

27. Pumpkin Pie

Do I even have to tell you about pumpkin pie? Pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving must, and this recipe is perfect.

If you love a thick, silky filling and a warm, crunchy crust, this is the pumpkin pie recipe for you.

28. Vegan Apple Crumble

No Thanksgiving meal is complete without delicious desserts. And this apple crumble is just like grandma made!

It has a similar consistency to coffee cake. Serve it warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream for an epic fall treat. 

29. Easy Mini Cheesecakes

You can never go wrong with cheesecake. And with these individual servings, everyone at the table will feel extra special!

The cherry pie topping levels them up and adds a beautiful pop of color.

Aside from Thanksgiving, these little treats also make wonderful gifts to share during the holiday season.

30. Peanut Butter Fudge    

This recipe takes the effort and guess work out of making fudge.

You can make it with only three ingredients: powdered sugar, unsalted butter, and creamy peanut butter. It only takes about 5 minutes.

Family and friends will love it!