Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (2024)

When you’re a vegetarian, any family event is awkward to say the least—and Thanksgiving might be the roughest holiday gathering of them all. Between every single relative challenging your reasons for not eating meat and the lack of food options, well, it’s enough to make you just want to stay home. But don’t resign yourself to nibbling celery and guzzling vegan wine in the corner just yet.

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Thankfully, we’ve been gifted with lots of recipes that feel hearty and traditional without the meat. And these meat-free and dairy-free recipes are so awesome, even non-vegetarian guests will gobble them up.

Here are some veg alternatives to add to your menu this year.

Related story15 Ina Garten Recipes That Are Perfect for Spring

More:20 No-Bake Vegan Thanksgiving Desserts That Make a Meat-Free Holiday Amazing

1. Tofurky roast with vegetables

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (3)

Served with carrots and yams, this main course takes a paltry one and a half hours to cook compared with the traditional big turkey of the table. The Popsugar staff omnivores prepared, taste tested and reviewed this tofurky roast with vegetables recipe.

2. Root vegetable baked lasagna

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (4)

Prepare a delicious combination of ricotta cheese, garlic, parsnips, turnips and cinnamon for a quintessentially fall meal of root vegetable baked lasagna.

3. Vegan ratatouille with tempeh

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (5)

Buck tradition in taste and style with vegan ratatouille with tempeh as the main course on the menu, and your table will be the very picture of autumn with the reds, oranges, greens and yellows of all the roasted veggies of this dish.

4. Roasted red beet hummus recipe

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (6)

You’ve had your share of chickpea-, black bean- and white bean-based hummus. Now Thanksgiving is the perfect time to give roasted red beet hummus a try.

5. Quinoa-stuffed acorn squash rings

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (7)

Served with cranberries and maple syrup, these quinoa-stuffed acorn squash rings might just put your average Thanksgiving sides and regular onion rings to shame.

6. Vegetable arty tart

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (8)

This vegetable arty tart can double as your Thanksgiving centerpiece.

More:Vegan Overnight French Toast That’ll End All Your Breakfast Struggles

7. Butternut squash, kale and crunchy pepitas taco

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (9)

Why not celebrate America’s original feast with fall squash and kale-based tacos?

8. Mushroom and leek cornbread stuffing

Traditional stuffing, who needs it? Try this mushroom and leek cornbread stuffing recipe— your gluten-free and vegan guests will thank you.

9. Homemade pumpkin ricotta ravioli with brown butter walnut sauce

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (10)

Pumpkin can take center stage on the dinner table this year when you serve this delish homemade pumpkin ricotta ravioli with brown butter walnut sauce.

10. Olive oil and garlic green beans with crumbled blue cheese

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (11)

Who says Thanksgiving sides have to be boring? Opt for healthy, gourmet and easy-to-prepare with these olive oil and garlic green beans with crumbled blue cheese.

11. Vegetarian and sausage gravy and biscuits

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (12)

Now your veggie guests don’t have to miss out on a classic: biscuits and gravy!

12. Pumpkin curry with chickpeas

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (13)

You might not find this on any other Thanksgiving menu, but that doesn’t mean your dinner guests won’t love this hearty, savory, pumpkin-based dish!

13. Butternut squash chipotle chili with avocado

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (14)

The colors and flavors of fall combine for this Mexican- and autumn-inspired butternut squash chipotle chili recipe.

14. Maple-apple cider tofu with stuffing and apple-cranberry chutney

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (15)

Moist, mouthwatering stuffing that’s vegan-friendly? What’s not to like about this maple-apple cider tofu with stuffing and apple-cranberry chutney recipe?

15. Butternut squash croquettes

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (16)

Cinnamon, olive oil, salt and pepper combine for the perfect sweet and savory Thanksgiving side dish.

16. Vegetarian quinoa chili

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (17)

Packed with veggies and black and red kidney beans, this vegetarian and gluten-free quinoa chili recipe may be the most filling and sought-after side on your holiday dinner table.

17. Shaved Parmesan and truffle mashed potatoes

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (18)

Topped with sautéed wild mushrooms? Yes, please! Never ordinary in the kitchen? Try this shaved Parmesan and truffle mashed potatoes recipe.

18. Baked apple stuffed with candied ginger and almonds

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (19)

You’ve perfected apple pie recipes, but what about baked apple? Obviously you must try it paired with wine.

19. Vegan cranberry coffee cake

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (20)

Thanksgiving is truly the holiday of the cranberry, so why not celebrate the berry by making it the star of the dessert menu with this vegan cranberry coffee cake recipe?

More:The Complete Guide to Stocking a Low-Carb, Vegetarian Kitchen

20. Vegan pumpkin spice scone with vanilla bean cream cheese frosting

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (21)

It’s not just your guests who deserve to try these pretty scones—you do too! And yes, the cream cheese frosting is really vegan.

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (22)
Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (2024)

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