Christmas Vegetarian Casserole Recipes for Festive Meals

The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, laughter, and, of course, delicious food. For those who prefer meat-free options or want to include a hearty vegetarian dish at their Christmas feast, casseroles offer the perfect solution.

They are comforting, easy to prepare in advance, and can be packed full of festive flavors and vibrant vegetables. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or bringing a dish to a holiday potluck, these Christmas vegetarian casserole recipes will delight everyone at the table.

From creamy, cheesy layers to wholesome, vegetable-packed goodness, these casseroles strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. Let’s explore some festive casseroles that will soon become your new holiday favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Christmas vegetarian casseroles are more than just a side dish—they’re a centerpiece of flavor and comfort. Packed with wholesome ingredients like root vegetables, hearty beans, and rich cheeses, these recipes are designed to satisfy even the most devoted carnivores.

The casseroles can be easily customized to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs, making them incredibly versatile. Plus, they can be prepared ahead of time, freeing you up to enjoy the festivities with your loved ones.

If you’re looking for a way to impress your guests with a festive, colorful, and nourishing dish, these casseroles are the answer.

Ingredients

• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking dish (9×13 inches recommended)
• Skillet or frying pan
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Aluminum foil (for covering)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the baking dish with olive oil.
2. Prepare the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the butternut squash, sweet potato, and Brussels sprouts to the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Mix in the cooked quinoa and black beans. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. Add the vegetable broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to reduce slightly.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs over the top. This will create a golden, crispy crust when baked.
9. Cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Let the casserole cool slightly to set.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, consider adding roasted chestnuts or sautéed mushrooms to the vegetable mix.

Swap out the black beans for chickpeas or cannellini beans to vary the texture and taste. If you want to keep the casserole vegan, replace the cheeses with your favorite plant-based alternatives and use coconut yogurt instead of sour cream.

For a nuttier flavor, try mixing in some toasted pecans or walnuts. If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese into the mixture before baking.

Don’t forget to check out our cozy Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for another festive squash side that pairs beautifully with casseroles.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or roasted root vegetables for a colorful holiday spread. Consider serving it alongside crusty bread or your favorite dinner rolls to round out the meal.

For added festivity, a side of cranberry sauce or a tangy relish can balance the creamy richness of the casserole beautifully.

If you want to explore more festive dishes, our Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe offers a zesty condiment option that complements vegetarian mains perfectly. And for a sweet finish, try the delightful Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe to wow guests with a unique dessert.

Christmas Vegetarian Casserole Recipes to Try

Winter Root Vegetable Gratin

This gratin features layers of thinly sliced potatoes, parsnips, and carrots baked in a creamy garlic sauce topped with Gruyère cheese. It’s a rich and elegant dish that’s easy to prepare and makes a stunning addition to any holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 3 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 parsnips, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a saucepan, heat heavy cream with garlic, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg just until warm.
3. Layer the sliced vegetables in a greased baking dish, seasoning each layer lightly.
4. Pour the warm cream over the vegetables and top with Gruyère cheese.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme.

Holiday Lentil and Mushroom Casserole

This protein-packed casserole combines earthy lentils, sautéed mushrooms, and fragrant herbs, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a festive vegetarian main dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried green lentils
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or vegan cheese
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lentils in vegetable broth until tender, about 25 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until soft and golden.
4. Combine cooked lentils and mushroom mixture in a bowl. Season with rosemary, salt, and pepper.
5. Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with shredded cheese and breadcrumbs.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Festive Spinach and Artichoke Casserole

A creamy, cheesy casserole that highlights fresh spinach and tender artichokes, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s an ideal warm side to balance heavier holiday mains.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Fold in chopped spinach and artichokes until evenly combined.
4. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs if using.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Conclusion

Christmas vegetarian casseroles are a fantastic way to bring warmth, flavor, and festive cheer to your holiday table. These dishes are not just meat-free alternatives—they’re celebratory, satisfying, and packed with nourishing ingredients that everyone will enjoy.

Whether you choose the hearty root vegetable gratin, the protein-rich lentil and mushroom casserole, or the creamy spinach and artichoke bake, your guests will be impressed by the comforting flavors and beautiful presentation.

Preparing casseroles ahead of time also means less kitchen stress and more time spent with loved ones. For more inspiration on holiday dishes, check out our Christmas Recipes Kerala for international festive ideas and keep your menu exciting year after year.

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