Published Nov 8, 2014 (updated Nov 4, 2026) — byKaren
This list of vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes and ideas is the ultimate source! Whether you’re planning an entirely meatless feast or you’re hosting a vegetarian or two, this list is sure to inspire you.
I set out to gather links to mains, sides, sides that could easily double as mains, and all kinds of vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes that can easily be incorporated into your family feast: Appetizers and soups. Main dishes, meatless stuffing, potatoes and gravy. Pasta dishes, rice, sweet potato casserole, winter squash, and all kinds of veggies sides – green ones, creamed ones, irresistible ones. And salads, too. They’re all here, ready for your vegetarian Thanksgiving menu. (I even provide some amazing cranberry sauce recipes, though who would put meat in cranberry sauce?!)
Tips for the Best Vegetarian Thanksgiving
Whether you’re the lone vegetarian at the table, your hosting vegetarians, or your entire meal is meat-free, here are a few tips for the easiest, most delicious Thanksgiving.
Include already-vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes: Some Thanksgiving recipes are, at their most basic level, already vegetarian. Traditional sides like mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, corn casserole, and roasted veggies fit the bill nicely as-is.
Make an easy plant-based swap: When a recipe calls for broth, such as stuffing or a soup, an easy swap is vegetable broth instead of chicken broth – nobody will notice the difference (and personally, I think it’s a flavor upgrade!)
Let those sides really shine. Honestly, as a vegetarian for 25 years, I still adore Thanksgiving! Because even meat-eaters are likely to agree that the sides are the best part of Thanksgiving. I just skip the turkey, and my plate is still plenty full and satisfying.
Make-ahead is where it’s at. And this goes for non-vegetarian AND vegetarian Thanksgiving food. There are quite a few recipes you can make ahead and freeze, like gravy, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes – or at least do some of the prep beforehand, such as green bean casserole, salads, and pasta dishes.
Bake a wheel of brie with cranberry sauce, and magic happens! This seasonal baked brie is perfect for the holidays and super easy to prep, too. Serve with crackers and crostini for a crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving appetizer option.
These holiday appetizers are great for making ahead of time. Fresh mozzarella, green olives, and mild red peppers are marinated in olive oil spiked with herbs and orange zest, then threaded onto skewers for a pretty finger-friendly display.
This appetizer crosses pretty confidently into dessert territory, but still highly recommended! It's so pretty and seasonal-looking with colorful apples, and super kid-friendly.
If you're craving an easy chip-and-dip appetizer for Thanksgiving, this one delivers! Creamy, spicy, full of flavor, and perfect with ruffled potato chips.
Arguably everyone's favorite appetizer, regardless of the occasion. This one loads up on the dill for an incredible flavor profile. My fave deviled egg recipe, right here!
Hummus is always great with veggies and pita wedges or crackers on the appetizer table. This savory hummus has pumpkin and curry spices for an interesting and seasonal spin on the perennial favorite.
These fresh cucumber appetizers are a nice contrast to heavy holiday food; plus they're super simple to make, too. Simply slice cucumbers and top with a garlic and herb cream cheese. I like to dot each one with a tiny sprig of dill to make them look extra special.
Inspired by the great Martha Stewart, these mashed potatoes have a tangy, delicious, creamy secret: Cream cheese! And they are, in my opinion, the ultimate, best mashed potato recipe there could be.
This vegetarian stuffing is packed with fresh herbs and – if you're vegan or feeding one – a vegan butter option. It's a huge hit with everyone, though!
Coconut Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Maple Syrup & Pecans
Velvety smooth, fluffy sweet potatoes with a drizzle of warm maple syrup and crunchy pecans. With coconut milk instead of dairy, this one's great for anyone looking for a dairy-free Thanksgiving side.
This spin on the viral TikTok pasta takes a hunk of Boursin cheese, a hunk of cream cheese, tomatoes, garlic, and spinach, and makes the most delectable sauce. As perfect for weeknight meals as it is for special occasions!
It's always nice when the slow cooker can do a lot of the work for you while you prep other dishes. These mashed potatoes with garlic are full of flavor and pretty much hands-off.
This butternut squash soup recipe is deceptively simple – yet so good! You roast your butternut squash in halves and puree it with sautéed onion, ginger, and veggie broth. A splash of pure maple syrup rounds out the flavors and coconut milk makes it extra creamy without any dairy.
Roasting carrots for soup makes all of the difference. The carrots caramelize to perfection and the flavor is just divine! This is a great, unique dish for the turkey day table.
This rustic chowder with winter root vegetables and thyme is so cozy! Roast all of your vegetables ahead of time – or make the whole soup ahead of time! Then just warm it really quickly before serving.
Salty little roasted Brussels sprouts make the perfect green veg for the Thanksgiving table. You can prep your sprouts a couple of days beforehand then just spread them on the baking sheet and roast right before serving.
Green bean casserole can be somewhat divisive, but I uphold that this one will win them over! With fresh green beans and a homemade creamy sauce, all topped with crispy French fried onions. Yum!
Classic for a reason! I tried really hard to create a cornbread stuffing recipe that didn't turn out soggy – click through to see my tricks for super yummy (and definitely not soggy) cornbread dressing!
With sage and breadcrumbs, this honeynut squash is a delicious side that is super impressive and looks divine on the Thanksgiving table. Plus, you can prep it ahead of time!
This simple side is made with green beans, almonds, butter, and sea salt. I make it every Thanksgiving, and always prep it ahead. I par-boil the green beans, and place them in a bag and refrigerate. Then, I toast the almonds and store them at room temp. When it comes time for the meal, just a quick saute and they're ready to go!
The best thing about this salad is that it can be made entirely ahead of time! It's hearty and absolutely delicious – the perfect green salad for Thanksgiving.
I LOVE these vegetarian baked beans! Miso adds depth of flavor while pure maple syrup contributes some sweetness. They're easy to make, add a protein source, and feel like fall.
I especially love this vegetarian Thanksgiving side dish idea because it's also appropriate for those eating dairy-free, vegan, and/or gluten-free. It's full of flavor with a great texture and total "stuffing" vibes. Best of all, it's easily prepped ahead of time.
This one's actually really nostalgic for me because my Mom used to love three bean salad – and I did too. Something about that tangy dressing – yum! I decided a few years ago to create a spin on that version with sweet potatoes – and the result just happens to be a perfect Thanksgiving side option!
This sweet potato soup is a creative way to get those sweet potatoes on the Thanksgiving table – no marshmallows in sight! It's velvety and rich with a touch of cream cheese melted in + rosemary for the ultimate winter warmth.
This easy pumpkin pasta comes together in a single pot and is such a crowd pleaser! Creamy pumpkin, tender pasta, and melty goat cheese – what could be better?
This broccoli apple salad is a great way to get some green on the table. With tender broccoli, sweet apples, and crunchy almonds in a tangy lemon-tahini dressing. Love this one!
If I had a nickel for every time I've searched for "Thanksgiving green salad," well, I'm pretty sure I'd have several dollars! So I decided to create a salad that fits the bill perfectly, with seasonal squash and pumpkin seeds plus apple, salty creamy feta, and cranberries, all tossed in a maple dijon vinaigrette. Best of all, you can prep all of the components ahead of time.
The ultimate vegan wellington?! Possibly so! A flavorful chickpea-walnut loaf with a buttery mashed potato core, all wrapped up in flaky-golden puff pastry and baked to perfection. The perfect holiday table centerpiece!
Chickpeas, lentils, and walnuts pair up with seasoned veggies and a smoky ketchup glaze for a full-of-flavor meatloaf! A vegetarian main worthy of centerpiece status.
This one's definitely worthy of a special occasion! Cheesy pasta, tender butternut squash, and spinach all bake together in a springform pan. It's easy to make and great for prepping ahead. Plus, this one impresses for sure (and makes the best leftovers!)
Thinly sliced sweet potatoes and ruby-red beets top a tender sea salt and herb coconut oil crust. This vegan entree is definitely worthy of a spot at your holiday table – and the best part is you don’t have to worry about making it look perfect. The more rustic the better!
Hearty chickpeas stand in for chicken in this cozy, creamy stew covered with fluffy dumplings. This one is deceptively easy and pretty much the ultimate vegetarian comfort food!
The easiest slow cooker pasta recipe ever! Cheesy tender pasta in a tomato-cream sauce … what's not to love? Everything cooks right in the Crock Pot – even the pasta.
Layered pasta cradles a trio of cheeses and sweet Italian tomato sauce, and then it's all baked up until bubbling and gooey. Hearty vegetarian comfort food at its best!
Wild rice pilaf heartied up with lentils, flavored with curry spices and cumin, and dotted with sweet dried cranberries and crunchy pecans – all served up in delicious roasted delicata squash halves. Yum!
Vegetarians and vegans, rejoice! This vegetarian gravy with easy vegan gravy option is exactly what you've been missing on Thanksgiving. It's so easy to whip up a batch. Just keep those saucy carnivorous mitts away from the gravy boat – meat eaters may prefer it over their own.
Thick and rich gravy packed full of mushrooms, which are sautéed in olive oil and butter then joined by sherry, thyme, and veggie broth. The perfect gravy for special occasions – or any ol' time!
This easy butternut squash salad recipe hits all the right notes! With creamy caramelized butternut squash, crunchy pepitas, salty feta, tart cranberries, and crisp apples over mixed greens and drizzled with an orange maple vinaigrette. My new favorite salad!
With just 4 ingredients and about 20 minutes of time, you can have a homemade fresh cranberry sauce that everyone will rave over! Sweet, tart, and perfect with all your Thanksgiving fixings. Plus, you can easily make it ahead of time!
Sweetened with pure maple syrup and flavored with orange zest and juice, this easy homemade cranberry sauce recipe is a wonderful addition to the holiday table! Orange and cinnamon add subtle seasonal flavors that make the cranberries shine.
This spiced apple cranberry sauce recipe unites cranberries, apples, and cider in a sweet-tart and perfectly Autumn situation. Cinnamon and cloves lend warmth. A versatile homemade cranberry sauce perfect for your Thanksgiving table!
Red wine, raspberries, and cinnamon make for a special – yet still surprisingly simple – homemade cranberry sauce. Tart, just a bit jammy, and warmly spiced. Love!
Fresh homemade cranberry sauce, sweetened with pears and warmed with ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It's SO easy to make this cranberry sauce which is simple yet special enough for the holiday table.
From meatless appetizers to vegetarian sides to hearty meat-free mains (and veggie gravies!) this list of vegetarian Thanksgiving ideas and recipes is sure to inspire you. One of my favorites is this super easy garlic mashed red potatoes recipe that needs only 5 minutes prep, then the Crock Pot does the rest of the work!
10clovesgarlic(medium in size, separated from the bulb and peeled [about 1/8 pound of garlic])
2poundsred potatoes(scrubbed clean and cut into 2-inch pieces)
2tablespoonsbutter(+ more for serving)
1/2teaspoonkosher salt(+ more to taste)
1/4teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper(+ more to taste)
1/4cupvegetable broth(can substitute water)
1/4cuphalf-and-half(+ more as desired)
Equipment
Two-quart or larger Crock Pot
Instructions
Place garlic in the Crock Pot, then add potatoes. Top with butter, sprinkle on the salt, and add the water or vegetable broth.
Cook on high 3 – 4 hours or low 8 hours. Potatoes and garlic should be very tender.
Using a potato masher, mash potatoes a bit and then pour in 1/4 cup half-and-half. Continue mashing, adding additional half-and-half until potatoes are desired consistency. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired.
Serve topped with additional butter if desired.
Notes
Adaptations/Variations
Vegan Mashed Red Potatoes – Swap in vegan butter and a creamy plant-based milk such as full-fat (unsweetened!) oat milk.
Non-garlicky mashed red potatoes – Just leave out the garlic! Still delicious.
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Karen is a vegetarian home cook living among carnivores. She loves creating irresistible and flexible recipes that help multi-vore families like hers keep the peace - deliciously.
You have officially saved my Thanksgiving this year with such a great list of vegetarian recipes to choose from. Indeed… let’s do this! Happy Holidays!
Kare this is a terrific collection of Thanksgiving recipes. I can make my menu using these recipes and Done! except for the ‘turkey’. Thank you for including my carrots with cranberries and almonds recipe, it takes almost no time at all to make which leaves lots of time to make dessert.
Karen,
Thanks for allowing me to share your round up in my Best Thanksgiving Round Ups post! I appreciate your contribution to the cornucopia of recipes. With your help, we’ve got hundreds of recipes for all sorts of Thanksgiving needs, from setting the table, to making ahead, to vegetarian dishes, to more desserts than my brain can comprehend.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Amazeballs, this idea is perfect, thank you so much to share your vegetarian recipe..
A real-life home cook who just loves to create and share awesome recipes
Hi! I’m Karen – I’m a real person with real, vetted recipes – over 900 of them! Since 2009, every recipe on Kitchen Treaty is thoroughly tested and loved before I hit “publish.” I’m a home cook, certified plant-based pro, and mom. I’m a vegetarian married to a carnivore, and my goal is to coexist deliciously.
Woah! There are lots of really great ideas here! Thanks for sharing and Happy Thanksgiving!
Kare! This roundup is immense! I love that your guy has a term like that – my dad calls it ‘vegetarian nose-pick’. Thanks for all the inspiration!
What an awesome list! Can’t wait to have some vegetarian options on our table this year. 🙂
Thanks, Rachel! 😀
You have officially saved my Thanksgiving this year with such a great list of vegetarian recipes to choose from. Indeed… let’s do this! Happy Holidays!
Ha ha, thank you! Happy Holidays to you, too!
Kare this is a terrific collection of Thanksgiving recipes. I can make my menu using these recipes and Done! except for the ‘turkey’. Thank you for including my carrots with cranberries and almonds recipe, it takes almost no time at all to make which leaves lots of time to make dessert.
Karen,
Thanks for allowing me to share your round up in my Best Thanksgiving Round Ups post! I appreciate your contribution to the cornucopia of recipes. With your help, we’ve got hundreds of recipes for all sorts of Thanksgiving needs, from setting the table, to making ahead, to vegetarian dishes, to more desserts than my brain can comprehend.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wonderful recipes, we have vegetarians in our family they will all appreciate this as well the rest of us. Thank you.
Thank you! 🙂
Amazeballs, this idea is perfect, thank you so much to share your vegetarian recipe..