33 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes Made with Real Food (Not Tofurkey) (2024)

Vegetarians at a family Thanksgiving dinner are accustomed to getting the stink eye, the exasperated sigh, and the classic, “I think these mashed potatoes are meat-free… oh, wait — they’re made with chicken stock.”

😐 , right?

On a day that emphasizes indulgence to the point of a stomachache, folks who choose to avoid meat are often the odd ones out — and, as a result, the ones who miss out.

33 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes Made with Real Food (Not Tofurkey) (1)Share on Pinterest

But instead of complaining, they slap smiles on their faces and fill up on not-so-satisfying green bean casserole, dinner rolls, and pumpkin pie.

Not so this year. Here are 33 of our favorite vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes that land pretty far from boring, tasteless, or the dreaded Tofurkey.

Feed me pies, feed me sweet little pies…

1. Pumpkin pot pie

33 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes Made with Real Food (Not Tofurkey) (2)Share on Pinterest

The classic chicken pot pie goes vegetarian and seasonal in this spotlight-stealing dish. Roasted pumpkin, carrots, celery, and kale take center stage, shoving meat aside. (And yes, kale does deserve center stage sometimes.)

White kidney beans give the dish some protein, so you won’t miss the meat at all. Make the crust a tiny bit healthier by opting for whole-wheat flour and going easy on the Parmesan cheese.

2. Swiss chard, sweet potato, and feta tart with teff crust

33 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes Made with Real Food (Not Tofurkey) (3)Share on Pinterest

This beautiful, healthy tart will definitely upstage the turkey on your Thanksgiving table. Take that, turkey! (But in a nice way, where you get to continue running around your paddock.)

Sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, Swiss chard, and feta cheese hit their stride when tucked into a whole-wheat and teff crust (if teff isn’t in your pantry, just use regular flour).

3. Mushroom pot pie

33 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes Made with Real Food (Not Tofurkey) (4)Share on Pinterest

Like a pot pie, this dish is made from layers of pastry wrapped around a tasty filling. Also like a pot pie, it f*cking bangs.

Since pastry is, by definition, made from tons of butter, you can lighten up the filling by using part- or all-skim ricotta and going easy on the butter and olive oil.

4. Vegan shepherd’s pie

33 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes Made with Real Food (Not Tofurkey) (5)Share on Pinterest

With a lentil and veggie mix instead of ground beef as its base, this shepherd’s pie is primed for a healthy makeover — and it’s just as delicious.

This version is vegan, but if you’re a cheese-eating vegetarian, we suggest sprinkling some goat cheese on top for an added creamy tang.

5. Roasted vegetable galette

33 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes Made with Real Food (Not Tofurkey) (6)Share on Pinterest

Put veggies front and center with this rustic vegetable tart. A galette is a type of savory crepe, and it’s as good as it sounds.

Colorful carrots, parsnips, butternut squash, and shallots provide plenty of flavor, and the goat cheese crumbles give this dish a salty, rich finish.

Experiment with a whole-wheat crust to add some fiber into the mix.

6. Roasted cauliflower vegetable tart

33 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes Made with Real Food (Not Tofurkey) (7)Share on Pinterest

What happens when you cross a Chicago-style pizza with a vegetable quiche? You get a satisfying deep-dish vegetable tart that’s impressive enough for Thanksgiving dinner.

The healthy cauliflower, mushrooms, and thyme filling plays off the Parmesan-quinoa crust. This decadent, veggie-rich main dish rivals any turkey for a hearty meal.

7. Festive chickpea tart

33 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes Made with Real Food (Not Tofurkey) (8)Share on Pinterest

This veggie-rich seasonal tart looks complicated (and impressive), but it’s pretty simple to whip together.

Save yourself a step by spreading the topping (made of ground chickpeas, cranberries, spinach, sage, walnuts, rolled oats, tamari, and celery, among other ingredients) on a premade whole-wheat pie crust.

Or, for extra brownie points, go full DIY and make your crust from scratch. Ooooooh, fancy.

8. Mushroom and stout pot pies with sweet potato crusts

33 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes Made with Real Food (Not Tofurkey) (9)Share on Pinterest

A savory pie that combines beer, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms is the perfect melding of decadence and healthy food.

As a Thanksgiving entrée, this dish is pretty simple and speedy, with just a few steps and minimal dishes to wash.

When the world gets back to a place where you can cook food for people en masse, you’ll be able to keep your veggie friends and family content.

9. Sweet potato-crusted spinach quiche

33 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes Made with Real Food (Not Tofurkey) (10)Share on Pinterest

Crust? Sure, that’s fine. Sweet potato crust? OK, we’re listening.

This rustic quiche combines all the colors and flavors of fall. It’s a beautiful dish that will surely tempt every person at the table, veggie or otherwise.

Leftover quiche makes a great breakfast the next day too.

10. Samosa pot pie

33 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes Made with Real Food (Not Tofurkey) (11)Share on Pinterest

For a spicy twist on hearty, crusty Thanksgiving fare, look no further than a samosa pot pie.

Spiced with cumin, coriander, garam masala, and cayenne and filled with potatoes, these samosas in pie form add a super interesting veggie twist. These will fill you up all the way, but the puff pastry adds a lightness that means you won’t instantly fall asleep after your meal.

(If you’re into Indian food, check out these curry recipes as well — we loooooove spices and bold flavors.)

Things. Inside. Of. Buns. All. Damn. Day.

11. Thanksgiving veggie burger

Share on Pinterest

Eating a burger on Thanksgiving: sacrilege or genius? We’ll always gun for a burger, whatever momentous day of the calendar it is.

This all-veggie patty is made from black beans, bell peppers, onions, and spices and topped with leftover Thanksgiving sides.

It’s just like a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, only on a bun. What’s not to love?

12. Quinoa, mushroom, and zucchini veggie burgers

Share on Pinterest

Once again proving that burgers are a totally acceptable Thanksgiving fare, these quinoa-mushroom-zucchini patties will probably steal the show.

Spread a little bit of cranberry sauce or mashed potatoes on top for some extra festive flair.

Thanksgiving meals shouldn’t leave you with mushroom to eat more stuff. Say no more…

13. Portobello mushrooms stuffed with eggplant and gorgonzola

Share on Pinterest

Gorgonzola, eggplant, garlic, and Parm transform these giant ’shrooms into a rich, filling meal. ’Shroom, ’shroom? More like vroom vroom.

Just swap in some dairy-free cheese if you want to make a vegan version.

14. Gluten-free stuffed mushrooms

Share on Pinterest

Who needs meat when you can eat rich, meaty portobello mushrooms instead?

Stuffing them with celery, kale, onions, feta, and wild rice turns these veggies into a full-on meal.

15. Pomegranate apple quinoa stuffed acorn squash

Share on Pinterest

These roasted gourds loaded with pomegranate seeds, quinoa, goat cheese, and nuts are bound to satisfy vegetarians, vegans, and meat eaters… that’s everyone.

Imagine pleasing everyone. Now you can.

The best part? It’s basically quinoa salad in an edible bowl, so there are fewer dishes to wash at the end of the night.

You can eat the bowls. That’s magic.

16. Quinoa-stuffed acorn squash rings

Share on Pinterest

These golden rings of squash look like mini suns filled with a seasonal quinoa mixture. That sounds pretty perfect for a chilly late-fall dinner, right?

With cranberry, sage, apple, and maple syrup, the quinoa filling hits all the season’s high notes.

17. Curry-stuffed delicata squash

Share on Pinterest

As the samosa pot pie proves, flavors from all over the world have every right to sit with us at the Thanksgiving table.

You can stuff a delicata squash with basmati rice, cinnamon, raisins, cashews, Granny Smith apples, and of course, fresh curry powder.

Traditional? Hardly. Delicious? Definitely.

18. Roasted acorn squash with walnuts and cranberries

Share on Pinterest

Squash is a vegetarian staple, and this version stuffs in one of our Thanksgiving favorites: cranberries.

With just five ingredients, this is something you can whip up quickly, even if it’s not actually Thanksgiving.

Even if you can’t have everyone over for Thanksgiving this year, it can still be bellissimo.

19. Roasted butternut squash risotto

Share on Pinterest

This tasty risotto uses olive oil and vegetable broth to achieve a rich consistency. With an entire butternut squash, this baked dish is an easy way to get your veggies on Thanksgiving Day.

Skip the grated Parm to make this meal vegan-friendly.

20. Sweet potato gnocchi with balsamic-sage browned butter

Share on Pinterest

Who said Thanksgiving dinner had to be a meat-and-potatoes affair? (OK, we’ll hang on to the potatoes.)

This creative Italian-inspired dish is a good example of why stepping out of your comfort zone can be smart (and delicious).

21. Homemade pumpkin ravioli

Share on Pinterest

Italian for Thanksgiving? Yes, please.

Mix things up with fresh, homemade ravioli (packets of pasta with a stuffing) filled with seasonal ingredients. Serve ’em with a bit of melted butter and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.

(Cauliflower Parm is another surefire win — here’s how to nail it.)

22. Kale and ricotta stuffed shells

Share on Pinterest

What happens when you combine an Italian classic with a Thanksgiving classic? You get these delicious, healthy, totally main course-worthy stuffed shells.

Pow! Right in the turkey.

Butternut squash adds moisture and flavor, so it’s possible to cut down on the cheese for a healthier dish.

Add some spice to your celebration.

23. Pumpkin chili with black beans and garbanzo beans

Share on Pinterest

Everyone’s favorite winter meal gets the royal treatment in this festive chili recipe. Instead of ground beef, this version uses chickpeas and black beans, as well as pumpkin puree and canned tomatoes.

Don’t forget to serve with cornbread!

24. Vegan Thanksgiving wraps

Share on Pinterest

Chickpeas and sweet potatoes are some of our favorite staples — even for those of us who aren’t vegetarian. They absolutely scream fall. What better for Thanksgiving?

This recipe uses the awesome chickpea + sweet potato combo to makes these adorable Thanksgiving wraps.

25. Vegetable lasagna casserole

Share on Pinterest

A casserole may not seem like a special-occasion dinner, but this one-bowl meal will make a convert out of any skeptic.

Featuring zucchini, carrots, eggs, salsa, and cheese, this Tex-Mex-inspired dish is basically a vehicle for vegetables. Is it Tex-Mex? Is it lasagna? Is it a casserole?

Who gives a f*ck? It’s delicious. All aboard the zucchini bus!

Anyone can make a soup or stew with delicious results.

26. Vegetarian vegetable stew

Share on Pinterest

Those who are serious about getting their veggies on Thanksgiving should bookmark this fresh stew recipe. Oh, it has veggies, all right. Loads and loads of veggies.

Combine onion, carrots, celery, portobello mushrooms, white mushrooms, garlic, tomatoes, potatoes, peas, and parsley to make this hearty soup.

27. Tomato and vegetable white bean soup

Share on Pinterest

Let soup take a starring role by serving this veggie dish as a main on Thanksgiving Day. Wait — it’s not a starter? What is this madness?

Don’t fret. Instead of turkey, this recipe features white beans, potatoes, zucchini, onions, and tomatoes. It’ll both warm and fill you up in equal measure.

28. Simple pumpkin soup

Share on Pinterest

Spice things up at the dinner table by serving — 🙀 — soup as a main dish. (It still feels weird from the last point, but we stand by it.)

You can’t go wrong with this flavorful dish made with just six ingredients (and an optional garlic-kale-sesame topping that becomes way less optional after you taste it).

Six ingredients too many? Here are some hearty slow cooker meals that need five ingredients or less.

Including stuffing, nuts, oatmeal, and some eggplant balls that will make your mouth water. 🍆

29. Quinoa stuffing with apple, sweet potato, and hazelnuts

Share on Pinterest

For a side dish that’s filling enough to serve as a main course, look no further.

Quinoa and hazelnuts provide protein and fat while sweet potatoes and apples give this dish fiber and lots of fall flavor.

30. Savory oatmeal with mushrooms and greens

Share on Pinterest

If you thought oatmeal was just for breakfast, you’re about to discover a whole new world.

This savory dish features old-fashioned oats topped with mushrooms, greens, and chickpeas for a creative twist on Thanksgiving dinner.

You’ll be the trendiest guest at the table.

31. Classic nut loaf

Share on Pinterest

If the word “meatloaf” still brings to mind scary cafeteria mystery meat, it’s time to revisit the concept with this vegetarian version. (Is vegetarian meatloaf an oxymoron? Yes, and we love the mere thought of it.)

Lots of veggies, spices, and nuts make this meat-free loaf positively healthful. Top it with some grated cheese, because everything is better with cheese.

32. 4-ingredient eggplant balls

Share on Pinterest

These super-easy eggplant balls are great with all your traditional sides or left over with some pasta the next day.

Just combine eggplant, garlic, shallots, breadcrumbs, and a bunch of spices (that you definitely have in your kitchen) in a food processor, and you’ll get a creative vegetarian dish.

33. Creamy spinach salad with potatoes, avocado, and maple tempeh

Share on Pinterest

Like olives and anchovies, tempeh seems to fit in the “hate it or love it” category. If you’re a fan, this richly flavored dish is ideal for the dinner table. If you’re not, this will never be the salad for you.

This smoky maple version combines potatoes, avocado, and spinach for a filling, wholesome Thanksgiving salad.

Since this year’s Thanksgiving is likely to be very different, why don’t you try something different for dinner — even if you’re usually a meat eater?

Even if it’s less the Macy’s Parade and more the Keeping 6 Feet of Space-y’s Parade, you don’t have to give up the comforting winter vibes. And you can still keep those Thanksgiving bangers going with our special playlist.

Hang on to a little bit of normal this Thanksgiving, but take advantage of the difference too.

33 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes Made with Real Food (Not Tofurkey) (2024)

FAQs

What do vegetarians eat instead of turkey for Thanksgiving? ›

Vegan Turkey Substitutes
  • Burmese Tofu (aka Chickpea Flour Tofu) ...
  • Whole Roasted Cauliflower With Turmeric-Tahini Sauce & Pistachios. ...
  • Vegan Lentil Shepherd's Pie With Parsnip & Potato Mash. ...
  • Vegetarian Mapo Tofu. ...
  • Sweet Potato & Chickpea Cakes. ...
  • Vegan Lasagna With Roasted Vegetables. ...
  • Zucchini Verde Enchiladas. ...
  • Nutty Veggie Burgers.

How to be vegetarian on Thanksgiving? ›

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Main Dishes
  1. Vegetarian Mushroom Wellington. Alexa Weibel. ...
  2. Spicy Roasted Mushrooms With Polenta. ...
  3. Ombré Gratin. ...
  4. Baked Brie and Caramelized Vegetable Pie. ...
  5. One-Pot Vegetable Biryani. ...
  6. Broccoli Cheese Casserole. ...
  7. Butternut Squash and Fondue Pie With Pickled Red Chiles. ...
  8. Roasted Mushrooms in Ata Din Din.

Do vegetarians celebrate Thanksgiving? ›

Here is a collection of Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu Ideas to share around the holiday table! Meatless main dishes, vegetable side dishes, festive salads, starchy sides, baked goods, and some incredible Thanksgiving desserts.

What is the most popular vegetarian alternative to roast turkey? ›

This seitan tofu roast tastes just like turkey, with crispy skin and all! This vegan turkey makes the perfect centerpiece for a delicious holiday meal. It's surprisingly easy to make, and most of it can be made ahead of time, so it's a great stress-free option.

What is the most wanted alternative to turkey on Thanksgiving? ›

Read on for several turkey alternatives for your holiday meal.
  • Goose. Another classic bird for special occasions is the goose. ...
  • Capon. ...
  • Game Birds. ...
  • Ham. ...
  • Wagyu Beef. ...
  • Porcelet. ...
  • Lamb. ...
  • Venison.

Does God want me to be a vegetarian? ›

Within the Bible's New Testament, the Apostle Paul states that people of "weak faith" "eat only vegetables", although he also warns both meat-eaters and vegetarians to "stop passing judgment on one another" when it comes to food in verse 13 and "[It is] good neither to eat flesh" in verse 21.

What is the most popular vegetarian alternative to a turkey dinner at Christmas? ›

Nut Roast. The most popular Christmas meal for vegetarians and vegans is the nut roast. This typically describes a mixture of nuts, breadcrumbs, leeks, onions, broth and either oil or butter. However, this recipe is malleable and offers the opportunity for many alterations according to personal preference.

How do vegetarians survive without meat? ›

Eat beans, pulses, eggs and other sources of protein

Pulses are particularly important for people who don't get protein by eating meat, fish or dairy products. Other non-dairy sources of protein include eggs and meat alternatives, such as tofu, mycoprotein (such as Quorn), textured vegetable protein and tempeh.

What is a vegetarian that eats chicken and turkey? ›

The term "pollo-vegetarian" was first used in nutritional textbooks in the 1980s to describe a semi-vegetarian diet that incorporates poultry. Historian Rod Preece describes pollotarians as "those who refrain from mammals but are willing to eat the flesh of birds notably chickens."

What is a vegetarian fed turkey? ›

We're talking real turkey, but one that's been fed a 100% vegetarian diet. Ideally, look for USDA Organic and USDA Process Verified logos, which means your turkey was raised on a certified organic farm, was never fed any animal by-products, and that all of the above has been verified by USDA inspections.

What can you serve instead of turkey? ›

Whatever the reason, here are 20 Thanksgiving recipes for a turkey-free table.
  • Roast Chicken With Maple Butter and Rosemary. Image. ...
  • Beef Wellington. Image. ...
  • Ombré Gratin. Image. ...
  • Skillet Pork Chops and Apples With Miso Caramel. Image. ...
  • Samosa Pie. Image. ...
  • Maple-Baked Salmon. Image. ...
  • Lasagna. Image. ...
  • Ina Garten's Make-Ahead Coquilles St.
Nov 10, 2022

What is the least eaten food on Thanksgiving? ›

The Least Popular Thanksgiving Foods, Ranked
  • Sweet Potatoes or Yams — 25.12%
  • Stuffing/Dressing. — 22.33%
  • Pumpkin Pie. — 21.44%
  • Carrots. — 16.95%
  • Mashed Potatoes. — 15.45%
  • Corn. — 14.36%
  • Macaroni and Cheese. — 14.36%
  • Apple Pie. — 12.86%

What is the most unpopular Thanksgiving food? ›

The Most Disliked Traditional Thanksgiving Foods
  • Ham — 25.57%
  • Coleslaw — 25.57%
  • Pumpkin Pie — 24.28%
  • Mashed Potatoes — 18.66%
  • Macaroni and Cheese — 17.47%
  • Carrots — 16.98%
  • Apple Pie — 16.29%
  • Corn — 15.50%
Nov 21, 2023

What meat is the most popular alternative to turkey? ›

Cornish game hen, goose, duck, ham, beef, salmon, and mushroom recipes make worthy centerpieces for holiday meals. This is collaborative content from Food & Wine's team of experts, including staff, recipe developers, chefs, and contributors.

What is an alternative bird to turkey for Thanksgiving? ›

As for cooking methods, duck, pheasant and goose can roast in the oven just like you would a turkey. The fattier duck and geese should be slow-roasted so the fat renders and you get a crispy skin. A quick reminder: Just like all poultry, make sure your bird reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

What is the name of the vegetarian turkey? ›

Yes. There's Tofurkey, there's Gardein, there's Field Roast. You can get those at the major grocery stores around here.

What poultry is an alternative to turkey? ›

Birds like chicken, duck, quail, and Cornish hens are smaller, worthy alternatives to the traditional Thanksgiving turkey.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Nicola Considine CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 5762

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nicola Considine CPA

Birthday: 1993-02-26

Address: 3809 Clinton Inlet, East Aleisha, UT 46318-2392

Phone: +2681424145499

Job: Government Technician

Hobby: Calligraphy, Lego building, Worldbuilding, Shooting, Bird watching, Shopping, Cooking

Introduction: My name is Nicola Considine CPA, I am a determined, witty, powerful, brainy, open, smiling, proud person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.