best vegetarian thanksgiving recipes 29 Best Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes for a Delicious Feast

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and delicious food that brings everyone together. For vegetarians, this holiday can sometimes feel limiting, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

With a little creativity and the right ingredients, you can craft a memorable Thanksgiving feast that everyone will enjoy—meat-eaters included! From savory sides to hearty mains and delectable desserts, these 29 best vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes offer a vibrant variety of flavors, textures, and colors to brighten your holiday table.

Whether you’re looking for comforting classics with a twist or fresh new dishes to impress your guests, this collection has something for every palate.

Get ready to explore recipes that celebrate the season’s bounty, incorporating fresh vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and herbs. Plus, these dishes are designed to be easy to prepare, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your loved ones.

Let’s dive into these vegetarian delights that will make your Thanksgiving truly unforgettable!

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

These vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are thoughtfully crafted to balance nutrition, flavor, and festive presentation. You’ll love how they incorporate seasonal ingredients like squash, cranberries, and root vegetables, giving you the comforting warmth of traditional Thanksgiving with a fresh, plant-based twist.

Each recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients, making them not only delicious but also nourishing. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add more meatless meals to your holiday lineup, these dishes will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.

Plus, many of these recipes are adaptable for special diets, including gluten-free, vegan, and nut-free options—perfect for accommodating diverse dietary needs at your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients

• Butternut squash – 3 cups peeled and cubed
• Fresh cranberries – 2 cups
• Quinoa – 1 cup
• Sweet potatoes – 2 large, peeled and diced
• Chestnuts – 1 cup roasted and chopped
• Brussels sprouts – 1 lb, halved
• Maple syrup – 3 tablespoons
• Fresh sage – 2 tablespoons chopped
• Garlic cloves – 4, minced
• Olive oil – 4 tablespoons
• Chickpeas – 2 cups cooked or canned, rinsed
• Vegetable broth – 4 cups
• Walnuts – 1 cup chopped
• Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup grated (optional)
• Fresh thyme – 1 tablespoon chopped
• Brown sugar – 2 tablespoons
• All-purpose flour – 1 1/2 cups
• Baking powder – 2 teaspoons
• Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
• Nutmeg – 1/2 teaspoon
• Plant-based milk – 1 cup (almond, oat, or soy)
• Eggs – 2 large (or flax eggs for vegan option)
• Butter – 1/2 cup melted (or vegan butter)
• Fresh rosemary – 1 tablespoon chopped
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – to taste
• Apple cider vinegar – 1 tablespoon
• Green beans – 1 lb trimmed
• Sun-dried tomatoes – 1/2 cup chopped (optional)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Medium saucepan
• Large skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon
• Food processor (for some recipes)
• Oven
• Blender or immersion blender (optional)
• Whisk
• Knife and cutting board
• Loaf pan or casserole dish

Instructions

1. Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash and halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
2. Quinoa and Cranberry Salad: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups vegetable broth to a boil, add quinoa, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and mix in fresh cranberries, chopped walnuts, chopped sage, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Sweet Potato and Chestnut Mash: Boil diced sweet potatoes in water until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and mash with roasted chestnuts, 2 tablespoons butter, a pinch of cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Green Bean Almondine: Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then transfer to ice water to stop cooking. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add green beans and toasted sliced almonds. Toss well and season with salt and pepper.
5. Vegetarian Stuffing: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onions, celery, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Add cooked chickpeas and stir in cubed bread, fresh thyme, and vegetable broth. Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
6. Maple Cinnamon Pumpkin Bread: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. In another bowl, combine 1 cup pumpkin puree, plant-based milk, eggs, melted butter, and maple syrup. Mix wet ingredients into dry until just combined. Pour into loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Final Touches: Arrange all dishes on your Thanksgiving table, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy the variety of colors and flavors your vegetarian feast offers!

Tips & Variations

Swap out ingredients based on your preferences or seasonal availability. For example, use acorn squash instead of butternut, or pecans instead of walnuts for a different crunch.

For vegan versions: Replace butter with plant-based alternatives and eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg).

Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to your salad dressings can brighten flavors and balance sweetness.

Make ahead: Many of these dishes can be prepared a day in advance, especially the quinoa salad and stuffing, saving you precious time on Thanksgiving Day.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Pair these vegetarian dishes with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad. For a cozy drink to accompany your meal, consider making a warm spiced cider or a classic cranberry cocktail.

Looking for a sweet finish? Don’t miss the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe or indulge in the rich layers of the Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe.

For a savory side with a unique twist, try the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe to drizzle over your green beans or roasted veggies.

Conclusion

Creating a vegetarian Thanksgiving feast that dazzles your guests is easier than ever with these 29 delicious recipes. By focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients and incorporating a variety of textures and flavors, you can build a meal that feels just as festive and satisfying as traditional fare.

These recipes prove that vegetarian cooking doesn’t mean compromising on taste or presentation—quite the opposite!

Whether you’re cooking for vegetarians or simply want to add more plant-based dishes to your holiday table, this collection offers inspiration and practical solutions. From hearty mains to decadent desserts, your Thanksgiving celebration will be filled with warmth, joy, and culinary delights that everyone will remember.

Happy Thanksgiving and happy cooking!

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