50 Best Vegetarian Christmas Dinner Recipes to Make for the Holiday
They're hearty enough to keep guests full, too!
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One of the best holiday traditions is celebrating Christmas with a big family dinner—no matter what the menu might be! While some people choose to serve prime rib as the main course, others might prefer a Christmas dinner that's entirely vegetarian. Whatever the case might be, these vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes are here to help!
Whether you're looking to accommodate vegetarian guests or you want to go meatless this year, these Christmas vegetable dishes will make it easy to satisfy everyone at your holiday table. From hearty casserole dishes to vegetable sides, there are so many creative ways to let the veggies shine. In fact, you'll be just as excited about the cauliflower "steaks" and stuffed acorn squash as you would about any Christmas roast. Of course, you'll want to pair them with some classic potato recipes and seasonal winter vegetables, too.
For an added bonus, many of the vegetarian dishes ahead also double as healthy Christmas recipes. Just look at the shaved Brussels sprouts salad, simple garlic green beans, or the Christmas crudités with a creamy herb dip. Of course, if you're anything like Ree Drummond, you'll want to add some hearty pasta recipes, like spinach lasagna or baked gnocchi alfredo, to the menu. You can also find options like winter soups and Christmas breads to enhance your main meal. Whichever you choose, just be sure to round out the feast with some festive Christmas desserts.
Stuffed Artichokes
Prepare to see these stuffed artichokes stacked on plates at your Christmas dining table! Packed with cheese, red pepper flakes, garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, they're just so good. While this recipe does include anchovies, they're completely optional and can be taken out to keep it vegetarian.
Get the Stuffed Artichokes recipe.
Mushroom and Black Pepper Pasta
This quick recipe from Ree's newest cookbook is a spectacular way to showcase tasty mushrooms all while giving you more time to celebrate the season—it takes less than 30 minutes to make! And don't forget sprinkles of parmesan and parsley.
Get Ree's Mushroom and Black Pepper Pasta recipe.
Cauliflower Steak
While these might not be actual “steaks,” the thick-cut cauliflower still acts as a show-stopping dish. In this recipe, lemon pepper seasoning adds a bright kick,but you could also try a barbecue rub or blackening seasoning. You can even dress it up with different toppings, like pesto or chimichurri if you’d like.
Get the Cauliflower Steak recipe.
Christmas Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a great way to add some protein to your vegetarian dinner. Turn them into little Christmas trees using fresh herbs and chopped red bell pepper to make them even more festive and fun.
Get the Christmas Deviled Eggs recipe.
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
This seasonal twist on mac and cheese is made with smoky cheese folded into real pumpkin puree. You might not realize it, but it’s the reason why this dish is so creamy. Finish it off with garlic butter breadcrumbs.
Get the Pumpkin Mac and Cheese recipe.
Air Fryer Green Beans
This is a quick and easy way to add something green to your holiday table. The tender green beans are ready in just 15 minutes thanks to the air fryer. To start, simply toss them in olive oil and seasoning before adding them to the basket.
Get the Air Fryer Green Beans recipe.
Butternut Squash Risotto
Don’t be intimidated! Risotto is easier to make than you might think. All it takes is a little patience, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese! Along with tender rice, this recipe gets even better thanks to butternut squash.
Get the Butternut Squash Risotto recipe.
Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Vegetables
Roasted veggies, tender gnocchi, and melty cheese—what’s not to love? Did we mention that you only need one pan to make it?! Just toss the chopped veggies and gnocchi in simple seasonings, then spread it on the baking sheet.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Looking to switch up your typical mashed potato dish? Try a seasonal version with these mashed sweet potatoes instead. They're just as fluffy and comforting with cozy flavors like cinnamon, brown sugar, and maple syrup.
Get the Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Feta Pasta
It’s not just the red and green colors that make this dish perfect for Christmas—it’s also the fact that it’s incredibly comforting for the whole family! Bursting with bursting with tomatoes and fresh basil, you’ll see why it took the internet by storm.
Get the Baked Feta Pasta recipe.
One-Pot Lemon Pasta
It might sound simple, but one-pot lemon pasta is full of delightful flavor—fresh, bright, citrus flavor, that is! A touch of red pepper flakes gives the dish a subtle kick. You'll also top it with parmesan, basil, and black pepper.
Get the One-Pot Lemon Pasta recipe.
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Hummus is a filling appetizer that can please both vegetarians and meat-eaters, alike! Serve it as a starting snack or right alongside your meal. This one has a pop of red color from the roasted red peppers that will look beautiful on a platter with pita wedges.
Get the Roasted Red Pepper Hummus recipe.
Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes
This might just be the creamiest, cheesiest way to enjoy potatoes on Christmas. They've got a rich gruyère and sharp white cheddar sauce along with caramelized browned edges. The best part? They're totally hands-free!
Get the Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes recipe.
Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction
A tangy balsamic reduction is the secret to getting your whole family to eat their Brussels sprouts. Toss in some walnuts for added texture and everyone will be asking for seconds!
Cajun Green Bean Casserole
This classic casserole gets a spicy kick thanks to Cajun seasoning and hot sauce. Topped with fried onions, it has just the right amount of crunch. Plus, the red and green colors make it perfect for any holiday table.
Get Ree's Cajun Green Bean Casserole recipe.
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Making these tender sweet potatoes is easy, but you'll want to be sure to cover each and every one in the spiced maple and bourbon glaze. It's what makes them so sweet and candied!
Get the Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Pasta Fagioli
This hearty soup will warm up all your guests on a chilly Christmas night. To make it vegetarian, simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. It's so easy!
Get the Pasta Fagioli recipe.
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
This rich, decedent, creamy sauce is made from butternut squash, garlic, sage, and plenty of parmesan cheese. The recipe calls for chicken stock but you can swap it with vegetable stock if you prefer.
Get the Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta recipe.
Roasted Cauliflower
This is a vegetable side dish that everyone at the table can enjoy. It's simple, flavorful, and it only takes 30 minutes to whip up.
Get the Roasted Cauliflower recipe.
Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
A few simple upgrades to your holiday menu will leave everyone at the table impressed. For instance, swap out your typical dinner rolls for this garlicky, cheesy pull-apart bread instead.
Get the Pull-Apart Garlic Bread recipe.
Make Air Fryer Cauliflower in 30 Minutes
Avocado Salsa Verde Takes Five Minutes To Make
Sun-Dried Tomato-White Bean Dip Takes Five Minutes
Sheet Pan Gnocchi Is a Dinnertime Hero
