Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. But if you’re vegetarian or simply want to include more plant-based options at your holiday table, finding easy, crowd-pleasing recipes can sometimes feel challenging.
Luckily, there are plenty of flavorful vegetarian dishes that capture the spirit of Thanksgiving without sacrificing taste or tradition. From hearty mains to vibrant sides, these recipes focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients that everyone will love.
Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, these easy Thanksgiving vegetarian recipes are perfect for making your holiday meal memorable and satisfying. Plus, they’re simple enough to prepare even if you’re short on time or kitchen space.
Ready to impress your guests with vibrant flavors and comforting textures? Let’s dive into some fantastic vegetarian dishes that will make your Thanksgiving feast a true celebration!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Versatility: These vegetarian recipes are designed to fit seamlessly into any Thanksgiving menu. Whether you’re looking for a main dish or a side, they complement traditional flavors beautifully.
Simple Ingredients: Using easy-to-find pantry staples and fresh produce, you won’t need any specialty items to bring these dishes to life.
Flavorful and Filling: Each recipe balances savory, sweet, and herbaceous notes to keep everyone — vegetarians and meat-eaters alike — coming back for seconds.
Best of all, you can prepare many of these dishes ahead of time, freeing you up to enjoy the holiday with your loved ones.
Ingredients
Recipe | Key Ingredients |
---|---|
Butternut Squash & Sage Risotto |
|
Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Sweet Potatoes |
|
Garlic Herb Mashed Cauliflower |
|
Equipment
- Large saucepan or pot for risotto
- Baking sheet for roasting vegetables
- Medium pot for boiling cauliflower
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Blender or immersion blender for mashed cauliflower
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Prepare the Butternut Squash & Sage Risotto: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced butternut squash and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
- If using, pour in the white wine and stir until mostly absorbed.
- Begin adding the vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly, allowing each addition to absorb before adding more. This process should take about 20-25 minutes.
- When the rice is creamy and tender, stir in the chopped sage, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Roast the Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a large baking sheet, toss Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes with olive oil, maple syrup, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the vegetables evenly and roast for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway, until caramelized and tender.
- Make the Garlic Herb Mashed Cauliflower: While the vegetables roast, bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add chopped cauliflower and cook until very tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Drain the cauliflower and transfer it to a blender or large bowl if using an immersion blender.
- Add garlic, vegan butter, almond milk, parsley, salt, and pepper. Blend or mash until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve everything warm, plating the risotto alongside the roasted vegetables and mashed cauliflower for a vibrant, comforting vegetarian Thanksgiving meal.
Tips & Variations
Tip: To save time, you can prepare the risotto base and roasted vegetables a day ahead. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of vegetable broth to refresh the risotto’s creaminess.
Variation: Add toasted pecans or walnuts to the roasted vegetables for an extra crunch and nutty flavor. For a festive touch, sprinkle pomegranate seeds on the finished dish.
Make it gluten-free: These recipes are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your broth and seasonings for hidden gluten if you’re cooking for sensitive guests.
If you’re interested in expanding your vegetarian repertoire, check out our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals for hassle-free options, or try a flavorful twist with our Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor.
And for a fun appetizer, you can’t go wrong with the Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious.
Nutrition Facts
Dish | Calories (per serving) | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat | Fiber |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Butternut Squash & Sage Risotto | 320 | 7g | 60g | 5g | 4g |
Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Sweet Potatoes | 210 | 4g | 35g | 7g | 6g |
Garlic Herb Mashed Cauliflower | 150 | 5g | 10g | 8g | 5g |
Serving Suggestions
These vegetarian dishes pair wonderfully with classic Thanksgiving staples like cranberry sauce, vegan stuffing, or a crisp autumn salad. For a festive touch, serve with warm crusty bread — consider making your own with our Vegan Bread Maker Recipe for Soft and Delicious Loaves.
To round out your meal, a light dessert such as pumpkin pie or apple crisp complements these savory flavors perfectly. If you’re looking for a vegan dessert option, check out our Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests for inspiration beyond the holiday season.
Conclusion
Creating a memorable Thanksgiving meal doesn’t have to be complicated or centered around meat-based dishes. These easy vegetarian recipes provide comforting, flavorful alternatives that celebrate the season’s bounty and satisfy all palates.
From the creamy butternut squash risotto to the sweet and smoky roasted vegetables and the luscious garlic herb mashed cauliflower, these dishes offer a beautiful balance of textures and tastes.
Incorporating vegetarian options into your Thanksgiving spread can introduce your family and friends to exciting new flavors while making your holiday meal inclusive and nourishing. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just adding more plants to your plate, these recipes make it simple and delicious.
Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy the feast!
📖 Recipe Card: Easy Thanksgiving Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash
Description: A simple and flavorful vegetarian main dish perfect for Thanksgiving. Roasted acorn squash halves are filled with a savory mixture of quinoa, cranberries, and nuts.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium acorn squashes, halved and seeded
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush acorn squash halves with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place cut side down on a baking sheet.
- Roast squash for 25 minutes until tender.
- Meanwhile, cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add dried cranberries, pecans, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet, stir to combine.
- Mix cooked quinoa into the skillet mixture and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Remove squash from oven, turn cut side up, and fill each half with quinoa mixture.
- Return squash to oven and bake for 10 more minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 9 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 45 g
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