Christmas Vegetarian Nut Roast Recipes for Festive Meals

Updated On: October 8, 2025

Christmas dinner is a time for festive cheer, family gatherings, and delicious food that brings everyone together. For vegetarians, finding a hearty and flavorful main dish can sometimes be a challenge amid traditional meat-heavy menus.

That’s where the Christmas vegetarian nut roast comes in — a timeless classic that’s packed with texture, taste, and holiday spirit. This recipe offers a satisfying centerpiece that even meat-eaters will adore.

Featuring a blend of nuts, vegetables, and herbs, this nut roast is both nutritious and comforting, perfect for your festive feast.

Whether you’re hosting a vegetarian crowd or just looking to add variety to your Christmas table, these nut roast recipes are festive, filling, and full of flavor. Keep reading to discover not just one, but three fantastic Christmas vegetarian nut roast recipes that will elevate your holiday meal with ease!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Christmas vegetarian nut roast is beloved for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile — you can customize the nuts, herbs, and vegetables to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

It’s also rich in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious alternative to traditional roasts.

Another highlight is the wonderful texture: crunchy nuts, soft cooked vegetables, and a golden crust combine to create a dish that’s both hearty and comforting. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, which is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season.

Finally, this nut roast pairs beautifully with classic Christmas sides and sauces, making it a seamless addition to any festive menu.

Ingredients

  • 200g mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and cashews work well)
  • 150g cooked chestnuts (optional but adds great flavor)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 150g mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 150g grated carrot
  • 100g cooked lentils (brown or green)
  • 100g breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tbsp water (flax egg)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp tomato purée
  • 2 tsp dried mixed herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for frying
  • Optional: 50g dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for sweetness

Equipment

  • Food processor or blender (for chopping nuts and vegetables)
  • Large frying pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Loaf tin (approx. 20 x 10 cm)
  • Baking parchment
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line your loaf tin with baking parchment for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the flax egg: Mix ground flaxseed with water in a small bowl and set aside to thicken for 10 minutes.
  3. Chop the nuts and vegetables: In a food processor, pulse the mixed nuts until coarsely chopped. Remove and set aside. Then pulse the mushrooms until finely chopped but not mushy.
  4. Sauté the onion and garlic: Heat a splash of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  5. Add mushrooms and carrot: Stir in the chopped mushrooms and grated carrot and cook for another 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender and moisture has mostly evaporated.
  6. Combine the mixture: In a large bowl, mix the sautéed vegetables, chopped nuts, cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, tomato purée, soy sauce, dried herbs, and flax egg. Add salt and pepper to taste. If using, fold in dried cranberries or apricots now.
  7. Transfer to loaf tin: Press the mixture firmly into the prepared tin, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
  8. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and firm to the touch.
  9. Cool and serve: Let the nut roast cool for 10 minutes before removing from the tin. Slice and serve with your favorite Christmas sides.

Tips & Variations

“For extra flavor, add a splash of vegan Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the mixture. You can also experiment with different nuts like pecans or macadamias depending on your preference.”

If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with ground oats. For a nut-free roast, increase the lentils and add seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Feeling adventurous? Try adding roasted chestnuts for a traditional touch or swap out the mushrooms for cooked sweet potato or butternut squash for a sweeter, softer texture.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1 slice)
Calories 280 kcal
Protein 10 g
Fat 18 g
Carbohydrates 20 g
Fiber 6 g
Sugars 4 g
Salt 0.6 g

Serving Suggestions

This nut roast pairs wonderfully with traditional Christmas accompaniments. Serve with a rich vegetarian gravy, roasted Brussels sprouts, honey-glazed carrots, and creamy mashed potatoes for a classic holiday plate.

For an extra festive touch, add a dollop of cranberry sauce or a sprinkling of toasted nuts on top. Leftovers make fantastic sandwiches or can be sliced and crisped in a pan for a tasty lunch the next day.

For more festive vegetarian ideas, check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe and Passover Zucchini Kugel Recipe to complement this nut roast beautifully.

More Christmas Vegetarian Nut Roast Recipes

Classic Mixed Nut and Mushroom Roast

This recipe uses a hearty combination of walnuts, chestnuts, and mushrooms for an earthy, satisfying flavor. The addition of fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary gives it a traditional Christmas aroma.

Ingredients

  • 150g walnuts
  • 150g cooked chestnuts, chopped
  • 200g mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp flax egg
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

  1. Sauté onion and garlic until soft, then add mushrooms and cook until moisture evaporates.
  2. Mix nuts, chestnuts, cooked rice, and breadcrumbs in a bowl.
  3. Add sautéed vegetables, thyme, flax egg, salt, and pepper; combine well.
  4. Press into a greased loaf tin and bake at 180°C for 45 minutes.

Lentil and Sweet Potato Nut Roast

This variation adds roasted sweet potatoes and lentils for sweetness and protein. The texture is moist yet firm, and the sweet potato adds a lovely color contrast.

Ingredients

  • 200g cooked lentils
  • 200g roasted sweet potato, mashed
  • 100g mixed nuts, chopped
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup oats
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp flax egg
  • Salt, pepper, and smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
  2. Combine lentils, mashed sweet potato, nuts, oats, tomato paste, flax egg, and sautéed vegetables.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  4. Press into a loaf tin and bake at 180°C for 40-45 minutes.

Nut Roast with Cranberries and Sage

This festive nut roast incorporates dried cranberries and fresh sage for a sweet and aromatic twist. It’s perfect for those who love a little extra holiday flavor in their main dish.

Ingredients

  • 150g mixed nuts
  • 100g cooked chestnuts
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked lentils
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
  • 2 tbsp flax egg
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
  2. Combine nuts, chestnuts, cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, cranberries, and sage in a bowl.
  3. Add sautéed vegetables and flax egg; mix well.
  4. Press into a loaf tin and bake at 180°C for 50 minutes until golden.

For more inspiration on vegetarian holiday dishes, don’t miss our Christmas Recipes Kerala, which add a wonderful spice twist to your festive table.

Conclusion

Christmas vegetarian nut roasts are the perfect festive centerpiece for anyone wanting a delicious, wholesome, and meat-free option this holiday season. Packed with nuts, lentils, and vibrant vegetables, these recipes offer satisfying textures and rich flavors that will impress all your guests.

Whether you prefer the classic mixed nut version, the sweet potato variation, or one with cranberries and sage, there’s a recipe here to suit every taste.

These nut roasts are not only tasty but also easy to prepare ahead of time, freeing you up on Christmas Day. Paired with your favorite sides and sauces, they create a beautiful and hearty meal that feels just as special as traditional roasts.

For more festive recipes and kitchen inspiration, explore our other delightful creations like the Personalized Recipe Book Stand and Pecan Crackers Recipe. Happy cooking and Merry Christmas!

📖 Recipe Card: Christmas Vegetarian Nut Roast

Description: A festive and flavorful nut roast packed with nuts, vegetables, and herbs. Perfect as a hearty vegetarian centerpiece for your Christmas dinner.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT60M
Total Time: PT80M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews), chopped
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and mushrooms until soft.
  3. In a large bowl, combine nuts, cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  4. Stir in beaten eggs until mixture is well combined.
  5. Transfer mixture to a greased loaf pan and press down firmly.
  6. Bake for 60 minutes until firm and golden on top.
  7. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 22 g | Carbs: 20 g

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Marta K

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