Think Thanksgiving has to mean turkey? Think again. Some of the most satisfying, flavor-packed, and soul-warming dishes on the Thanksgiving table are the vegetarian ones — rich casseroles, creamy potatoes, roasted veggies, and golden bakes that steal the spotlight before the carving knife even comes out. These Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes prove that you can create a full, comforting holiday feast without a trace of meat and without missing a thing.
If you’re planning a plant-based Thanksgiving spread or simply want to include a few standout meat-free dishes, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking.
Why You’ll Love These Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes
These recipes aren’t side dishes pretending to be mains. They’re hearty, satisfying, and filled with the cozy flavors that make Thanksgiving special. Here’s why you’ll want to add them to your holiday lineup:
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Comfort meets creativity: Every recipe takes a familiar favorite and gives it a flavorful vegetarian twist.
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Easy ingredients: You’ll find everything at your regular grocery store — no obscure substitutes.
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Crowd-pleasing results: Meat-eaters won’t even notice what’s “missing.”
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Make-ahead friendly: Many of these dishes can be prepped a day early, leaving you time to enjoy the celebration.
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Balanced and beautiful: With roasted vegetables, creamy sides, and spiced desserts, your table will look just as good as it tastes.
So grab your baking dish, pour yourself some apple cider, and let’s create a Thanksgiving feast that celebrates plants, flavor, and family.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Why This Recipe Works
Mac and cheese is already comfort food royalty, but add roasted butternut squash and you’ve got a silky, slightly sweet, and deeply savory sauce that feels luxurious. It’s the perfect start to your Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes collection.
Ingredients
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1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
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1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons flour
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2 cups milk
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Boil squash until tender, about 12–15 minutes. Drain and blend with a little milk until smooth.
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute.
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Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
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Stir in the butternut squash puree and cheese. Mix until creamy.
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Combine with cooked pasta and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Pro Tip: Use sharp cheddar or gruyere for more depth of flavor, and top with toasted breadcrumbs before serving.
Savory Lentil Loaf
Why You’ll Love It
This hearty lentil loaf is comfort food at its finest — packed with protein, rich in flavor, and finished with a glossy tomato glaze. Think of it as the vegetarian cousin of traditional meatloaf, only lighter and earthier.
Ingredients
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1 cup cooked green or brown lentils
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1 onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup breadcrumbs
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon thyme
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 egg or flax egg (for vegan version)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until combined.
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Press mixture firmly into a parchment-lined loaf pan.
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Brush top with ketchup or barbecue sauce for a glaze.
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Bake for 40–45 minutes, until firm and golden brown.
Serve with: Creamy mashed potatoes and vegetarian gravy for the ultimate comfort meal.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze
Why You Need This Dish
Even people who claim to hate Brussels sprouts change their tune after tasting this version. The caramelized edges, the maple-Dijon glaze — it’s sweet, salty, and crispy all at once.
Ingredients
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1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Toss sprouts with oil, maple syrup, mustard, salt, and pepper.
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Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Optional upgrade: Add toasted pecans or shaved parmesan before serving.
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
The Ultimate Side Dish
No Thanksgiving menu — vegetarian or not — is complete without mashed potatoes. This version is rich, smooth, and infused with roasted garlic for extra flavor.
Ingredients
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2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
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3 cloves garlic, peeled
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½ cup milk or cream
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3 tablespoons butter
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Boil potatoes and garlic in salted water until fork-tender.
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Drain, then mash with butter and milk until smooth.
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Season generously with salt and pepper.
Pro Tip: Add a splash of sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Roasted Vegetable Stuffing
Why It’s a Must-Have
This Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipe turns traditional stuffing into a hearty, standalone dish. The roasted vegetables and fragrant herbs make every bite satisfying.
Ingredients
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4 cups bread cubes (day-old preferred)
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1 onion, diced
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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1 cup carrots, diced
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2 cups vegetable broth
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon sage
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½ teaspoon thyme
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½ teaspoon rosemary
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Sauté onion, celery, and carrots in olive oil until soft.
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Combine vegetables with bread cubes and herbs.
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Pour in broth until mixture is moist but not soggy.
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Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes.
Optional twist: Add roasted mushrooms or dried cranberries for a gourmet touch.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
The Sweet Finish
Every Thanksgiving feast needs dessert, and these Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are the perfect finale. Creamy, spiced, and easy to slice — they capture all the flavors of fall in every bite.
Ingredients
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
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¼ cup melted butter
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12 oz cream cheese, softened
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¾ cup pumpkin puree
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½ cup sugar
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2 eggs
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1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
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Combine graham crumbs and butter; press into an 8×8-inch baking pan.
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Beat cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar, eggs, and spice until smooth.
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Pour mixture over crust and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes.
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Cool completely, then refrigerate before slicing.
Serving idea: Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.
What to Serve with These Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes
To complete your plant-based holiday table, pair these dishes with simple sides that balance flavor and texture:
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Cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart contrast.
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Green bean almondine for freshness and crunch.
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Homemade dinner rolls brushed with herb butter.
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Mushroom gravy that adds depth and umami to any dish.
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Apple cider or sparkling cranberry punch for the perfect festive drink.
Tips for a Stress-Free Vegetarian Thanksgiving
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Plan ahead: Many recipes can be made a day early — stuffing, lentil loaf, and desserts all hold beautifully overnight.
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Balance your menu: Combine creamy, crunchy, and fresh dishes for variety.
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Use seasonal ingredients: Fresh herbs, squash, and root vegetables are at their peak in November.
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Don’t skip presentation: Garnish with herbs, pomegranate seeds, or toasted nuts for that holiday “wow.”
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Make enough for leftovers: These vegetarian dishes reheat well, and the flavors deepen overnight.
Conclusion Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes
Thanksgiving isn’t about the turkey — it’s about gathering, gratitude, and good food. These Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes bring all the comfort, flavor, and warmth of the holiday season without relying on meat. From the creamy butternut mac and cheese to the savory lentil loaf and the sweet pumpkin cheesecake bars, every dish on this list proves that plant-based cooking can be rich, satisfying, and completely festive.
So, this year, fill your table with color, texture, and flavor. Whether you’re vegetarian, hosting a mix of guests, or just looking to try something new, these recipes guarantee everyone leaves the table happy — and maybe even asking for the recipes themselves.