Best Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipe Spinach Ideas for 2024

Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. For those who prefer a vegetarian option that still brings warmth and festive flavors to the table, this spinach-based recipe is a shining star.

Combining fresh spinach with creamy, cheesy goodness and a hint of garlic and nutmeg, this dish offers a comforting and elegant side that complements any Thanksgiving spread perfectly. Whether you’re a devoted vegetarian or simply looking to add more greens to your holiday menu, this recipe is sure to impress your guests with its rich texture and vibrant taste.

Spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients and adds a lovely color contrast to the traditional Thanksgiving fare. This recipe is easy to prepare ahead of time and bakes to golden perfection, making it an ideal addition to your holiday lineup.

Plus, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even those new to cooking can whip up this delicious dish with confidence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian Thanksgiving spinach dish is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly flavorful, combining fresh spinach with creamy cheeses and seasonings that enhance its natural taste.

The subtle garlic and nutmeg add a depth of flavor that feels festive and comforting.

Secondly, it’s versatile. You can serve it as a side dish or even as a main course for vegetarians, paired with hearty bread or roasted vegetables.

It also caters to various dietary preferences, being both vegetarian and easily adaptable to gluten-free options.

Lastly, this recipe is a time-saver. You can prepare it in advance and bake it when ready, freeing you up to focus on other Thanksgiving dishes.

It’s a perfect balance of nutritious, tasty, and convenient.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs fresh spinach (washed and roughly chopped)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for vegan option)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• Butter or cooking spray, for greasing baking dish

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• 9×9 inch baking dish or equivalent
• Oven
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander or salad spinner

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
3. Cook the spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet in batches, stirring until all spinach is wilted and any excess moisture evaporates. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg during cooking.
4. Thicken the mixture (optional): If the spinach mixture seems watery, sprinkle the flour over it and stir well, cooking for another 2 minutes to thicken.
5. Combine cheeses and cream: Transfer the spinach mixture to a mixing bowl. Add ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Assemble the dish: Pour the spinach and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Cool and serve: Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to portion.

Tips & Variations

To avoid sogginess, make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the cooked spinach before mixing it with the cheeses. Using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth works wonderfully.

If you want a vegan version, substitute the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan with your favorite plant-based cheeses and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor boost.

For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in toasted pine nuts or walnuts just before baking. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a gentle heat that complements the creamy spinach perfectly.

To make this dish gluten-free, simply omit the flour or replace it with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or arrowroot powder.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This creamy spinach dish pairs beautifully with classic Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or cranberry sauce. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside roasted portobello mushrooms or a hearty lentil loaf.

Consider offering warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to help scoop up every last bite of this delicious spinach casserole. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top just before serving can add a touch of sweetness and sophistication.

For a festive touch, garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley to brighten the presentation.

Conclusion

This vegetarian spinach recipe is a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving table, bringing a fresh, creamy, and flavorful element that guests will love. Its combination of wholesome spinach and rich cheeses makes it both satisfying and nutritious, while the ease of preparation means less stress in the kitchen during the busy holiday season.

Whether you’re cooking for vegetarians or simply want to add more green goodness to your feast, this spinach dish fits the bill perfectly. It’s adaptable, delicious, and sure to become a new holiday favorite.

Don’t forget to check out other festive recipes like the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a sauce that pairs beautifully with vegetarian sides, or treat yourself after dinner with the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe for a sweet finish.

For more cheesy comfort, explore the Cheese Penny Recipe.

Happy Thanksgiving and happy cooking!

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