41 Best Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes for 2024

If you have guests who don't eat meat or follow a vegetarian diet yourself, there are many fantastic vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes to elevate your holiday feast. Whether you’re going for an all-out vegetarian spread or just looking for a few dishes, this list has more than enough variety.

From simple yet delicious dishes with only a few ingredients to more complex options, these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes will give you and your guests something to look forward to. By incorporating these recipes into your next meal, you can also introduce exciting flavors that will have everyone asking when you’ll be hosting dinner again!

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• 41 Best Vegetarian Recipes for Thanksgiving
• Elevate Your Thanksgiving Meal With Culinary Experiences

41 Best Vegetarian Recipes for Thanksgiving

1. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Pumpkin mac and cheese is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food, blending creamy pumpkin purée with three types of gooey cheese for an unforgettable dish. Combining the heartiness of macaroni with the seasonal taste of pumpkin, serving this vegetarian recipe is also a great dinner party idea for other fall gatherings.

2. Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Having a great selection of Thanksgiving appetizers or snacks for when your guests arrive is always a good idea. Add a festive touch to your spread by putting out a creamy, tart and slightly spicy cranberry jalapeño dip. This vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe features a cream cheese base topped with cranberries and jalapeño which are blended with other delicious ingredients like cilantro and lime. Serve it with bread or crackers and watch it disappear in an instant!

3. Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

This year, enjoy the simplicity of Instant Pot butternut squash soup. This quick and easy vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe delivers rich flavors with very little work involved, making it the perfect go-to when you’re already cooking a selection of other dishes. With its creamy texture, fall flavors and warm spices, this soup is perfect for serving as an appetizer or alongside other main dishes. 

4. Eggplant Casserole

Casseroles are a beloved staple among Thanksgiving foods, making them essential for any holiday gathering. If you’re looking for a vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe that’s fairly quick and easy, eggplant casserole is bound to be a hit. The layers of roasted eggplant topped with marinara and mozzarella create a delightful and comforting dish that’s easy to please the palate.  

5. Vegetarian Quiche

Savor each slice of this delectable vegetarian quiche that even meat eaters will enjoy. Filled with a creamy custard and fresh vegetables nestled in a buttery crust, this hearty dish is a favorite among vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes. The medley of colorful vegetables brings an exciting mix of flavors and textures that will surely entice you for seconds.

6. Pumpkin Curry Soup

Indulge in the vibrant taste of pumpkin curry soup, a creative take on traditional Thanksgiving fare. This enticing vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe uses seasonal ingredients and aromatic spices that warm the body and soul. To maintain its vegetarian status, make sure to use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock so that everyone can enjoy this comforting Thanksgiving dinner menu treat.

7. Ricotta Gnocchi With Sage Brown Butter

Experience the luxurious texture of ricotta gnocchi with sage brown butter, where pillowy dumplings are enveloped in a fragrant and flavorful sauce. This dish adds sophistication to your Thanksgiving spread while remaining comforting and approachable. As one of the top vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes, it promises to be a highlight on your holiday table.

8. Vegan Artichoke and Spinach Dip

Creamy yet completely dairy-free, vegan artichoke and spinach dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that all guests will want a taste of. This flavorful dip combines marinated artichokes with fresh spinach for an irresistible treat that goes perfectly with vegetables or bread. It also fits seamlessly into any selection of vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes while catering to vegan guests as well.  

9. One-Pot Mac and Cheese

Want something both quick to make and vegetarian? If so, one-pot mac and cheese is the vegetarian Thanksgiving dish to make! Easily scalable for larger gatherings, this Thanksgiving recipe is one of the best party food ideas for big groups and picky eaters. With its creamy, cheesy goodness, nobody can resist this mouthwatering treat.   

10. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Serving grilled cauliflower steaks is a fantastic way to showcase the versatility of the vegetable at your Thanksgiving table. These thick slices are seasoned and grilled to bring out natural flavors, offering a tender and satisfying bite that’s perfect for any palate. Pair them with your favorite sauces and sides and watch them become the star of your Thanksgiving feast!  

11. Mashed Butternut Squash

Make your sides a little healthier by adding mashed butternut squash to the mix. This velvety smooth dish brings a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with many vegetarian Thanksgiving mains. Finished off with a crunchy topping of maple syrup and nuts, this vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe is destined to be a standout on your table this year.  

12. Sweet Potato Cornbread

Sweet potato cornbread is like a warm hug on your dinner plate. The rich, sweet flavor of the sweet potatoes melds perfectly with the cornbread’s fluffy texture, creating a surprising contrast. This delightful side is not just another bread, it’s a Thanksgiving essential that everyone will be raving about long after the meal.   

13. Wild Mushroom Risotto

If you want to try making something special this year, wild mushroom risotto is one of the most elevated vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes to try. Packed with rich umami flavors and a texture that’s beyond irresistible, this recipe will have your guests feeling pampered with elegance. Best of all, it can work as a side dish or a main.   

14. Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Combining the best of both worlds into one pie, cinnamon roll apple pie takes dessert to a whole new level. With its luscious apple filling and soft cinnamon roll crust, this pie is pure bliss in every slice. After one taste, this Thanksgiving recipe will become an essential part of your holiday cooking repertoire.  

15. Green Bean Almondine

Say hello to green bean almondine — a side dish that makes vegetables exciting. This vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe sees fresh green beans tossed with caramelized onions and toasted almonds for a satisfyingly crunchy flavor combination. This dish shines among vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes as a refreshing counterpart to heavier holiday fare.

16. Vegan Meatloaf

There’s something timeless about a classic meatloaf that brings everyone together at the dinner table. To make the dish work for everyone, opt to make vegan meatloaf. Featuring plant-based meat, plus lots of vegetables and spices, this vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner idea is an impressive and filling addition to your holiday menu.

17. Rosemary Potatoes

Golden and crispy, rosemary potatoes are the perfect side for any Thanksgiving main dish. From the earthy, herb-infused melt-in-your-mouth center to the crispy edges, these simple yet savory potatoes add a flavorful touch to any spread. 

18. Pumpkin Pecan Pie

No Thanksgiving feels complete without pie, and this list offers some tasty options. A favorite in many households is pumpkin pecan pie which features a velvety filling and crunchy pecan topping. This vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe strikes the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, making it a must-have on your list of showstopping Thanksgiving desserts. 

19. Vegan Eggplant Parmesan

If you’re looking to wow your guests with something a little unexpected, making vegan eggplant Parmesan is the way to go. It’s got all the satisfying crunch and cheesy goodness of the traditional dish but without any animal products. As far as vegan Thanksgiving recipes go, this one is guaranteed to turn heads.

20. Onion Tart

Whoever said tarts are made for desserts has never tried an onion tart. This savory pastry might just be the most underrated dish on your Thanksgiving table. Loaded with sweet caramelized onion and topped with melty cheese on a buttery, flaky crust, this indulgent tart fits right into the collection of the best vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes, whether you serve it as a rich side or star entrée.   

21. Sautéed Brussels Sprouts

If boiled vegetables have lost their charm, opt to make sautéed Brussels sprouts this year. They’re tender inside, crispy outside and brimming with flavor. This delicious vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe also has a delightful twist — a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds for brightness and crunch. 

22. Vegan Pot Pie

Pot pie is another cherished Thanksgiving staple, and vegan pot pie holds its own, if not surpasses the original. With its flaky pastry shell and creamy, vegetable-heavy interior, it’s a hearty dish that will satisfy all your guests. 

23. Baked Candied Sweet Potatoes

If regular sweet potatoes seem a little dull, try making baked candied sweet potatoes. Coated in a sugary glaze, sprinkled with walnuts or pecans and dried cranberries and then baked until caramelized, these tender potatoes are melt-in-your-mouth scrumptious. Serve them as a side and watch this vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe become an instant hit in your household.

24. Corn Grits

Add a Southern twist to your vegetarian Thanksgiving menu by serving corn grits as a side dish. This creamy dish features both cornmeal and whole sweetcorn, plus cheese and fresh herbs for added flavor. This dish can easily be made vegan as well by switching the dairy to plant-based milk and cheese. 

25. Smashed Red Potatoes

Smashed red potatoes are a simple and easy vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe to whip up. Crunchy, crispy and still soft on the inside, these potatoes fit right in with almost any main dish. Just make sure you use a vegetarian Parmesan without rennet or replace or remove that ingredient.

26. Pepper Salad

A less traditional yet still delicious Thanksgiving side is pepper salad. This vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe is relatively easy to make and adds a bright pop of color to your menu. The red, yellow and green peppers all shine through in their own ways while the pine nut topping adds the perfect additional crunch.

27. Hawaiian Mac Salad

Give your Thanksgiving spread a little island flair by serving Hawaiian mac salad. The blend of creamy and tangy flavors, with ingredients like mayonnaise, sugar and apple cider vinegar, adds a vibrant pop to the dish. 

If you’re looking for vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes that are unique and distinctive, this Hawaiian-inspired option is the perfect choice to liven up your feast. This dish works especially well if you’re looking for unique Friendsgiving food ideas having already enjoyed the classics at a family Thanksgiving meal. 

28. Instant Pot Artichokes

When you’re busy cooking up a handful of other Thanksgiving dishes, your Instant Pot is a great tool to turn to for effortless cooking. One of the best vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes that uses this appliance is Instant Pot artichokes. With just a few ingredients, this side dish is one of the simplest and fastest to prepare, so even if you run out, you can easily whip up another batch. 

29. Fried Oyster Mushrooms

Mushrooms pack a flavorful punch that can elevate almost any vegetarian Thanksgiving spread. To incorporate mushrooms into your meal, consider serving an appetizer of fried oyster mushrooms. Bursting with umami goodness, these fried mushrooms will have even the meat-eaters intrigued and coming back for more.

30. Apple Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving staple that is loved by many for its unique balance of tartness and sweetness. For a twist on the classic, make cranberry apple sauce. This recipe leans heavily into the sweetness, combining rich brown sugar and cinnamon with fresh cranberries and apples to give you the perfect jammy condiment. 

31. Cauliflower au Gratin

The ultimate comfort food dish, delectable cauliflower au gratin features a luscious cheese sauce that envelops each floret, giving you rich flavor in every spoonful. This creamy and savory side harmonizes perfectly with any vegetarian Thanksgiving main dish or could even work as a main itself. If you’re looking to serve something that will have your guests craving more, this vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe is a must on your menu!

32. Sweet Potato Brownies

Baking around the holiday is one of the top Thanksgiving activities to enjoy with friends or family. Best of all, most baked goods are vegetarian, meaning you can serve your veggie guests some tasty homemade treats. For something a little different, try making sweet potato brownies.

Other delicious add-ins include peanut butter and chopped pecans. They’re so full of gooey chocolatey goodness that you’ll forget there are even vegetables in them!

33. Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno

Thanksgiving dinner is the perfect time to experiment and explore new recipes, and serving a five-cheese ziti al forno is a surefire way to impress your guests. This classic Italian pasta dish is loaded with gooey cheeses and enhanced by a splash of red wine for an exceptional vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner idea. Pair it with your favorite wine for Thanksgiving, and you’ll have the most irresistible centerpiece that everyone will love.

34. Parsnip Purée

If mashed potatoes are your go-to dish, you might just fall in love with parsnip purée. Silky-smooth and delectably creamy, this purée pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or hearty mains. Best of all, you only need five ingredients and you can have this dish whipped up in less than an hour.  

35. Eggplant Curry

For a more unique option, serve eggplant curry as your vegetarian Thanksgiving centerpiece. This healthy and delicous dish is loaded with an abundance of warm spices, creamy coconut milk and perfectly cooked vegetables. Garnish with fresh Thai basil or cilantro for a refined finishing touch that beautifully complements the dish's colors. 

36. Vegan Chocolate Pudding

Not every Thanksgiving dessert has to include pumpkin, cinnamon or other fall flavors, and this vegan chocolate pudding proves it. Coconut milk and vegan butter act as the base for this thick chocolate pudding while cocoa powder and vegan chocolate chips give it its rich decadent flavor that kids and adults alike will love.  

37. Fried Mac and Cheese

Fried mac and cheese is another popular appetizer that even meat eaters will come back to for seconds. This tasty dish sees mac and cheese coated in panko and deep-fried to crispy, golden goodness with a marinara dipping sauce added on the side to serve. You can also customize this dish by using a different flavored mac and cheese, such as pumpkin mac and cheese. 

38. Quinoa Salad With Feta

Quinoa salad with feta is the vibrant addition you need to add to your vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe repertoire. This wholesome dish combines hearty quinoa, fresh vegetables and tangy feta cheese to create a spectacular medley of flavors. This salad can easily be made vegan as well by substituting feta with vegan feta.

39. Vegetable Stew

As the chill of autumn settles in, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a warm bowl of vegetable stew. Ideal for Thanksgiving dinner and perfect for those crisp fall days, this hearty stew is ready to steal the show. With a variety of vegetables already in the mix, feel free to toss in your favorites as well — after all, that’s the magic of stew.

40. Firecracker Meatballs

Firecracker meatballs are the ultimate meat-free treat for those who love bold flavors. Made from a base of red beans and oats, these meatballs are packed with protein and a touch of heat from the crushed red peppers. Serve them over rice, pair with your favorite vegetarian or vegan sauces or set them out as an irresistible appetizer.

41. Sweet Potato Biscuits

If you don’t have a dedicated recipe for biscuits, these buttery sweet potato biscuits are the answer to all your problems. They strike the perfect balance of sweetness and fluffiness, making them ideal for dipping in gravy or cranberry sauce, but they shine on their own as well. This recipe is also easily scalable, ensuring there’s plenty to go around. After all, who can resist the allure of a warm biscuit? 

Elevate Your Thanksgiving Meal With Culinary Experiences

Whether you’re preparing for your first Thanksgiving or aiming to enhance your collection of vegetarian dishes, taking some in-person cooking classes near you or online vegetarian cooking classes offers a fantastic way to master the art of delectable meat-free dishes. With hands-on experience and expert guidance, you’ll learn new techniques and uncover exciting recipes that are sure to wow your guests at your next gathering. 

On the other hand, if a stress-free Thanksgiving is what you’re after, consider hiring one of the many esteemed private chefs near you to take the pressure off your shoulders. They’ll craft a personalized menu tailored to your preferences, so all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the holiday with family and friends. You won’t even have to clean up after!

Incorporating vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes into your holiday menu is a wonderful way to embrace the versatility of meat-free cooking while being inclusive of dietary needs. From unique starters to moreish main dishes, these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes will ensure that everyone at your table can enjoy a delicious and heart-warming meal.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.