best vegetarian thankgiving recipes Best Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes for a Delicious Feast

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Thanksgiving is a time to gather around the table, share gratitude, and enjoy delicious food with loved ones. For vegetarians and those looking to add more plant-based dishes to their holiday feast, finding flavorful and satisfying recipes can sometimes be a challenge.

But fear not! This blog post brings you the best vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes that are sure to impress everyone at your table — meat-eaters included.

These dishes combine hearty vegetables, warming spices, and comforting textures to create a festive and memorable meal. Whether you’re in charge of the main course or side dishes, these recipes will make your Thanksgiving celebration wholesome, vibrant, and utterly delicious.

From savory stuffed squash to rich creamy sides and indulgent desserts, these vegetarian recipes cover all the bases. Plus, they’re easy enough to prepare without stress but special enough to highlight the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Ready to wow your guests? Let’s dive into these must-try vegetarian Thanksgiving dishes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are crafted to bring maximum flavor and seasonal goodness to your holiday table. You’ll love how they:

  • Celebrate fall produce: Pumpkin, squash, cranberries, and root vegetables shine in every dish.
  • Offer comforting textures: Creamy, crispy, and tender elements make every bite satisfying.
  • Are crowd-pleasers: Even non-vegetarians will be asking for seconds!
  • Include easy-to-find ingredients: No complicated or obscure items required.
  • Can be prepped ahead: Helping reduce stress on the big day.

Ingredients

Dish Key Ingredients
Butternut Squash Stuffed with Wild Rice & Cranberries
  • 1 large butternut squash
  • 1 cup wild rice
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme
  • Olive oil, salt, pepper
Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
  • 1 large head cauliflower, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp vegan butter or regular butter
  • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Mushroom Gravy
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • Salt, pepper, fresh parsley
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
  • 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup plant-based milk
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • ¼ cup melted vegan butter or regular butter

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Food processor or potato masher
  • 8×8 inch baking dish
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Oven-safe roasting pan

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Butternut Squash: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Brush the cut sides with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 40 minutes or until tender.
  2. Cook the Wild Rice: While the squash roasts, cook the wild rice according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make the Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the cooked wild rice, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and fresh thyme. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Stuff the Squash: Once the squash is cool enough to handle, flip it cut-side up and fill each half with the wild rice mixture. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Prepare the Garlic Mashed Cauliflower: Steam or boil cauliflower florets and garlic cloves until very tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well. Transfer to a food processor, add butter and almond milk, then blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Make the Mushroom Gravy: In a skillet, sauté mushrooms and onions in olive oil until browned and caramelized. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to coat. Slowly add vegetable broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add soy sauce and simmer until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with parsley.
  7. Roast Brussels Sprouts: Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, stirring halfway. Drizzle with maple syrup and balsamic vinegar, then roast for another 5 minutes until caramelized.
  8. Prepare Sweet Potato Casserole: Boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with brown sugar, plant-based milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Transfer to a baking dish. Mix pecans with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the mashed sweet potatoes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes until the topping is golden.
  9. Serve: Arrange all dishes beautifully on your Thanksgiving table. Pour warm mushroom gravy over the garlic mashed cauliflower or roasted vegetables as desired.

Tips & Variations

“For an even heartier main dish, add cooked lentils or chickpeas to the wild rice stuffing — it’s a wonderful source of protein and texture!”

  • Use quinoa or farro instead of wild rice for a different grain base in the squash stuffing.
  • Try roasting Brussels sprouts with chopped chestnuts for an extra festive crunch.
  • Swap maple syrup in the Brussels sprouts recipe for honey if you prefer a different sweetness.
  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the mashed cauliflower for a subtle kick.
  • For a vegan-friendly gravy, ensure your broth and butter substitutes are plant-based.

Nutrition Facts

Dish Calories (per serving) Carbohydrates Protein Fat Fiber
Butternut Squash Stuffed with Wild Rice & Cranberries 280 55g 5g 4g 6g
Garlic Mashed Cauliflower 120 10g 4g 7g 4g
Creamy Mushroom Gravy 90 8g 2g 5g 2g
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts 150 20g 4g 7g 6g
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping 320 45g 3g 15g 5g

Serving Suggestions

These vegetarian dishes pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or a warm loaf of crusty bread. For a complete Thanksgiving spread, consider adding a fresh cranberry sauce or a tangy apple chutney to balance the savory flavors.

Looking for more delicious recipes to complement your vegetarian feast? Try the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a creamy pasta side or the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe for a sweet, seasonal dessert.

Don’t miss the Cheese Penny Recipe as a delightful appetizer that’s vegetarian-friendly and packed with flavor.

Conclusion

Creating a vegetarian Thanksgiving menu doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or festivity. With these recipes, you can enjoy a vibrant, hearty, and comforting holiday meal that highlights the best of autumn’s bounty.

From the savory stuffed butternut squash to the sweet and crunchy pecan-topped casserole, each dish brings a unique and satisfying taste experience to your table.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply want to add more plant-based options to your Thanksgiving, these dishes will delight every palate and make your celebration truly special. Don’t hesitate to try variations and make these recipes your own.

Happy Thanksgiving and happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegetarian Thanksgiving Stuffed Acorn Squash

Description: A hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish perfect for Thanksgiving. Roasted acorn squash halves are filled with a savory quinoa and vegetable stuffing.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT65M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 medium acorn squashes, halved and seeded
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Brush acorn squash halves with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast cut side down for 30 minutes.
  3. Cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
  4. Heat remaining olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
  5. Add mushrooms, thyme, and cinnamon; cook until mushrooms soften.
  6. Stir in cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, and pecans; mix well and season with salt and pepper.
  7. Turn roasted squash cut side up and fill with quinoa mixture.
  8. Return to oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  9. Serve warm.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 9 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 50 g

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Marta K

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