40 Best Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes That Anyone Would Love
Yes, even meat-lovers like Ladd Drummond.
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It might be called Turkey Day but some of the best dishes to hit the table on Thanksgiving can very well be vegetarian! Think about it: There are tons of Thanksgiving vegetable side dishes that you’re serving up anyway. "Sometimes, I even forget to put the turkey on my plate," Ree Drummond admits. Whether it’s smashed Brussels sprouts, stuffed acorn squash, or mushroom gravy, there are tons of vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes to try. You’ll even find some holiday main courses that are completely meatless, like the vegetarian pot pie or comforting pumpkin lasagna.
All the dishes on this list are made without any meat so you know your vegetarian friends will be happy. Plus, some of the recipes are vegan (like the Instant Pot butternut squash soup) and most of them double as healthy Thanksgiving recipes, too! But don’t worry—just because these dishes are vegetarian doesn't mean they aren't comforting or delicious. There are plenty of cozy, mouthwatering fall recipes like cauliflower gratin and apple-cranberry stuffing that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Once you've planned your vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner, the only thing left to do is whip up a fall dessert to make the seasonal meal complete!
Sautéed Green Beans with Pomegranates
This quick veggie side dish will add a pop of color and texture to your menu. The tender green beans are paired with sweet-tart pomegranate seeds, roasted pistachios, and plenty of fresh herbs.
Get Ree's Sautéed Green Beans with Pomegranates recipe.
Mushroom Gravy
Everyone should get to enjoy the savory goodness of gravy which is exactly why this mushroom variation will come in handy for a vegetarian menu. It's rich and flavorful, and perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes!
Get the Mushroom Gravy recipe.
Baby Kale Salad with Acorn Squash
Don't just serve any old salad for your Thanksgiving dinner! Make it a hearty, seasonal salad that's loaded with mix-ins. This one has roasted acorn squash, goat cheese, cranberries, and pepitas.
Get Ree's Baby Kale Salad with Acorn Squash recipe.
Blue Cheese and Pear Flatbread
There's something about the sweet and savory combination of seasonal pears and tangy blue cheese that's just so satisfying. The fact that this recipe is made with store-bought pizza dough is an added bonus!
Get Ree's Blue Cheese and Pear Flatbread recipe.
Smashed Brussels Sprouts
You'll turn anyone into a veggie lover with this recipe for crispy smashed Brussels sprouts. They have so much crunch and a lemon dipping sauce that makes them utterly irresistible.
Get the Smashed Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole
This is one of those recipes that's hearty and comforting, yet so easy to make! The whole thing comes together in just 35 minutes.
Get Ree's Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole recipe.
Thanksgiving Salad
Give salad a chance on Thanksgiving! It's a light and refreshing way to balance out those heavier holiday dishes. And with mix-ins like pickled apples and smoked almonds, it's sure to be hit.
Get the Thanksgiving Salad recipe.
Butternut Squash Risotto
A creamy, seasonal risotto just feels like a special occasion dish. Luckily, Ree's version isn't difficult to make so it's perfect for impressing your guests.
Get Ree's Butternut Squash Risotto recipe.
Air Fryer Green Beans
If you're short on oven or stovetop space, this recipe for making green beans in an air fryer will be a holiday lifesaver! They still get nice and tender, but never mushy.
Get the Air Fryer Green Beans recipe.
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Creamy mac and cheese gets an autumnal spin with this recipe made with pumpkin puree and fresh sage. The only thing that makes it better is the garlic butter breadcrumbs on top!
Get the Pumpkin Mac and Cheese recipe.
Potato Leek Soup
Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this creamy soup entirely vegetarian. It's a comforting way to kick off the meal for everyone.
Get the Potato Leek Soup recipe.
Roasted Delicata Squash
This beautiful veggie side dish is a great way to show off autumn's harvest! The tender squash is sweet and savory thanks to a coating of crispy parmesan.
Get the Roasted Delicata Squash recipe.
Curried Vegetable Pot Pie
Here's a meatless main course that's sure to steal the show! Along with the warm, curry-spiced veggies, there's a lattice topping made with a supermarket shortcut: store-bought pie crust!
Get Ree's Curried Vegetable Pot Pie recipe.
Apple Cranberry Sauce
You don't need turkey to serve cranberry sauce! The sweet-tart side dish is just as delicious served next to mashed potatoes, squash, or any main course.
Get the Apple Cranberry Sauce recipe.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Maple syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon give this fluffy mash a lightly sweetened flavor that's similar to a sweet potato casserole. It's a fun twist on two holiday classics.
Get the Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Cauliflower Steak
This is not your average steak recipe! But the cauliflower steaks are hearty enough to serve on a holiday menu. You could serve them up with pesto or even gravy.
Get the Cauliflower Steak recipe.
Butternut Squash Pasta
Pasta fans will love this creamy, fall recipe! The sauce is made with butternut squash puree, heavy cream, sage, and parmesan cheese.
Get the Butternut Squash Pasta recipe.
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Topped with a crumble and a drizzle of hot honey, these sweet potatoes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Plus, each person at the table can get their own twice-baked sweet potato so you know they'll be satisfied.
Get the Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Sheet Pan Gnocchi
Perfectly roasted vegetables and fluffy potato gnocchi come together in this easy sheet pan supper. It'll make you forget all about the turkey.
Get the Sheet Pan Gnocchi recipe.
Corn Soufflé
From the sweet creamed corn to the spicy jalapeño peppers, there are so many reasons to love this fluffy corn soufflé. But if you ask us, it's the sour cream that really balances out all the flavors.
Get the Corn Soufflé recipe.
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