55 Best Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes for an Easy Meat-Free Meal
Main dishes and sides even the turkey lovers will want.
Designing a Thanksgiving menu that suits everyone's dietary preferences is no small feat. If there will be some vegetarian (or vegan) guests at your Thanksgiving dinner this year, then it's only fair to devise some vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes that go beyond an autumnal salad and introduce new variations of your favorite Thanksgiving apps and classic side dishes.
While some may think vegetarian recipes are healthier versions of heavier Thanksgiving treats we all know and love, there are just as many dishes that have all the comforting qualities of a classic turkey stuffing — sans the meat, of course. And the best part is, just because these recipes are vegetarian, doesn't mean they are just for vegetarians. Meat lovers will enjoy any of these ideas — veggies, hearty grains, and seasonal fruit — as they all complement a slice of turkey.
That said, here are the best vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes you can add to your menu right now, or even dog ear for your Christmas dinner or Passover seder. Turkey may be the typical main course on Thanksgiving Day, but we promise your guests will be asking for seconds of roasted vegetable sides, barley risottos, and creamy soups just as much.
Barley Risotto
Rather than using tradition Arborio rice, this recipe uses pearl barley to create a hearty and warm dish full of veggies.
Get the Barley Risotto recipe.
Buttermilk Cornbread
It's a toss-up between turkey gravy and cornbread as the most popular Thanksgiving side. We think vegetarians would vote for the latter — and after making this recipe, may have to agree.
Get the Buttermilk Cornbread recipe.
Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Potato Soup with Maple Croutons
For those who have a sweet tooth, prepare this soup that calls for cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and maple syrup. Your taste buds will have just enough room for a slice or two of sweet pie after.
Get the Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Potato Soup with Maple Croutons recipe.
Gingery Cranberry Sauce
A tablespoon of fresh ginger adds a nice flavor to this cranberry sauce that can be stored in the freezer for up to two months.
Get the Gingery Cranberry Sauce recipe.
Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Chive Butter
You're going to want to make a double batch of these — they'll go that quickly! Want to make it vegan? Skip the butter or use a non-dairy alternative.
Roasted Cauliflower Salad
This veggie side is full of texture and is as pretty as it is mouthwatering. The baby arugula adds a nice spice to the sweet cranberries and roasted almonds.
Get the Roasted Cauliflower Salad recipe.
Butternut Squash and Turmeric Soup
It's the coconut milk in this recipe that makes it creamy and rich. Plus, it uses a vegetable bouillon base.
Six-Ingredient Potato Gratin
No cheese, just cream help make this recipe. And trust us, guests won't be able to get enough of these creamy russet potatoes.
Get the Six-Ingredient Potato Gratin recipe.
Squash Toasts
These bite-sized appetizers will hold guests over until dinnertime.
Get the Squash Toasts recipe.
Oven-Baked Brandied Cranberries
For an adult version of the tried and true classic, try this cranberry recipe that calls for a quarter cup of brandy.
Harvest Pumpkin Soup
Swap the chicken broth for vegetable and load in a large potato and onion plus a can of pure pumpkin for a smooth Thanksgiving soup.
Get the Harvest Pumpkin Soup recipe.
Pear & Walnut Salad
Slices of apple and pear plus fennel, walnuts, and celery give this salad a loaded crunch.
Get the Pear & Walnut Salad recipe.
Coriander Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Coriander seeds, ground cinnamon, and half of a red chile combine for a flavorful side dish with a yogurt and lemon drizzle that will impress your dinner guests.
Apple and Potato Gratin
Once you finish layering the slices of three Granny Smith apples and two russet potatoes, all you have to do is set the oven to 30 to 35 minutes.
Get the Apple and Potato Gratin recipe.
Creamy Garlic and Herb Spinach
This recipe is definitely not vegan — heavy on the cheese — but it's the perfect green side for vegetarians looking for the ultimate comfort side.
Instant Pot Risotto with Sweet Potato, Lemon, and Sage
Sweet potato and sage is a quintessential fall flavor combo you need on your Thanksgiving table — regardless if you have vegetarians dining with you on November 24 or not.
Get the Instant Pot Risotto with Sweet Potato, Lemon, and Sage recipe.
Cheddar and Herb Stuffing
You can prepare this stuffing recipe the day before, so you have one less dish to cook on Thanksgiving. Just replace the chicken broth with a veggie version.
Get the Cheddar and Herb Stuffing recipe.
Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Pecorino Cheese and Almonds
Do all the chopping and whisking the night before so all you have to do on Thanksgiving Day is sauté these sprouts over a medium-high flame.
Get the Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Pecorino Cheese and Almonds recipe.
Sweet Potatoes with Shredded Salad
For a vegetarian-friendly salad that is just as hearty, try this recipe that shreds carrots, beets, and apples for an autumnal delight.
Marinated Beets with Rosemary
You can prepare these beets up to two days in-advance as they need to be in refrigerated before you can scoop them onto your plate at Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Marinated Beets with Rosemary recipe.
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
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