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    Home » Food

    Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup

    September 16, 2023 by Chelsea Kram – XO&So: Vegetarian Comfort Food Leave a Comment

    Whether you're in need of vegetarian recipes for Thanksgiving in Canada or American Thanksgiving, I've got a whole bunch of them I think you'll love! From mashed potatoes to soups, salads, and other foods to serve at Thanksgiving, it's all here. These are vegetarian recipes, so while they won't have meat in them, they still have cheese and dairy and all that good stuff. I hope you find something you love!

    a collage of vegetarian thanksgiving recipes

    Thanksgiving Potato Recipes 

    a close up of the best mashed potaotes ever with melted butter on top

    Potatoes are, and always will be, my favorite part of holiday meals. I take them REALLY seriously so you can be sure to find a recipe you'll love from my list.

    The Best Creamy Mashed Potatoes EVER
    I'm kind of famous for my mashed potatoes in my circle of friends and family so it feels right to start off with them. This recipe breaks down eevvvverything you need to know about making the best mashed potatoes ever...ones that are ultra rich, creamy, and delicious.
    Best Mashed Potatoes Ever
    creamy mashed potatoes topped with butter and chives
    Baby Roasted Potatoes with Parmesan and Garlic Butter
    A newer recipe of mine, these baby roasted potatoes stand out for their flavor (lots of garlic and butter), crispiness, and overall deliciousness.
    Check out this recipe
    Ultra Cheesy Potato Gratin
    Think of the creamiest, cheesiest mac and cheese you've ever had. Now, instead of noodles, imagine that sauce on potatoes! In this ultra cheesy potato gratin recipe, that's exactly what you get: the cheesy potatoes of your dreams that make the perfect Thanksgiving side dish you HAVE to try this year.
    Check out this recipe
    Smashed Potatoes with Cheese and Chipotle Sour Cream
    If you don't want to go the more traditional mashed potatoes route, try these smashed potatoes! Smashed potatoes are a beautiful thing. But smashed potatoes with cheese? What could be better?
    Don't answer that...I'll tell you: smashed potatoes with cheese AND chipotle sour cream! Here's a must-have recipe for your new favorite vegetarian side dish that no one at the Thanksgiving table will turn down.
    Check out this recipe
    a close up image of smashed potatoes with cheese drizzled with chipotle sour cream

    Vegetarian Thanksgiving Appetizers

    Anyone else like to stuff your face with so many appetizers you are little at capacity but you still find a way to consume way, way, way too much Thanksgiving dinner on top of it? We're in a special club together then!

    Baked Brie with Cherry Jam, Pistachios, Cinnamon, & Honey
    Baked brie with cherry jam, pistachios, cinnamon, and honey: your new favorite appetizer for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or virtually any other occasion you can think of...or no occasion at all. It's incredibly delicious and even though it only takes a few ingredients to make, it's PACKED with flavor and it's so beautiful to look at too.
    Check out this recipe
    Baked Goat Cheese Dip with Red Pepper Jelly
    Baked goat cheese dip with red pepper jelly is not only an easy dip recipe to make, but it's one that's so delicious you'll keep coming back for more! Bring this to all of your holiday parties if you want to be the talk of the town this season.
    Check out this recipe
    goat cheese dip with pepper jelly in a white dish surrounded by crackers
    Baked Goat Cheese Dip Appetizer
    If you've been searching for goat cheese appetizer recipes, you've found the best one! This dip is the PERFECT food to bring to parties that will be gobbled up in no time.
    Check out this recipe
    the best baked goat cheese dip appetizer
    Spicy Dill Pickle Dip with Cream Cheese & Crunchy Chip Topping
    Prepare to elevate your snacking experience with my irresistible Spicy Dill Pickle Dip with cream cheese. Creamy, tangy, and loaded with the bold flavors of dill pickles, this dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. With a tantalizing blend of cream cheese, ranch dressing, pickle juice, and a kick of Buffalo sauce, every bite is a burst of savory delight. Topped with a crunchy layer of crushed spicy dill pickle chips, it's a dip that brings the perfect balance of texture and taste. No baking required!
    Check out this recipe
    a close up of a bowl of spicy dill pickle dip surrounded by chips
    High Protein French Onion Dip with Greek Yogurt
    Here's a really easy high protein chip dip recipe with onion soup mix and Greek yogurt. Feel free to add in some sour cream or mayo depending on how much protein you're going for.
    Check out this recipe
    High Protein French onion Greek Yogurt dip in a white bowl with cucumber sticks
    The Best (Easy) Holiday Appetizer Ever: Baked Boursin in Puff Pastry with Red Onion Jam
    Prepare to meet your new go-to easy holiday appetizer: baked Boursin cheese, topped with red onion jam and wrapped in puff pastry. It's perfect for sharing, spreading, or diving into face-first.
    Check out this recipe
    a close up of an easy holiday appetizer with boursin and puff pastry
    Cucumber Cream Cheese Toasts Appetizer
     The ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer: cucumber cream cheese toasts. They'll be gone before you know it anytime you serve them, and they're SO easy to make!
    Check out this recipe
    Cucumber Cream Cheese Toasts Appetizer on a white plate
    Puff Pastry Cheese Straws with White Cheddar and Black Pepper
    These puff pastry cheese straws with white cheddar and black pepper are excellent for an easy appetizer option or for dipping in soup! And did I mention you only need five ingredients to bring them to life?
    Check out this recipe

    Vegetarian Thanksgiving Side Dishes

    Here's a collection I made of reliable and tasty Thanksgiving side dishes sure to complement any main course and please your guests (and yourself!).

    Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Panko Crumbs
    An incredibly easy side dish that's packed with flavor yet complements a number of other dishes you might serve on Thanksgiving.
    Check out this recipe
    Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing
    This has become one of the most viral recipes on my site and it's never had a bad review. AKA: it's the perfect salad to serve at Thanksgiving if you don't want anyone leaving disappointed!
    Check out this recipe
    close up of caesar salad with homemade garlic butter croutons scattered on top
    Skillet Cornbread
    Cornbread is awesome on its own, but the addition of cheese, jalapeno, and honey makes it simply incredible.
    Check out this recipe
    Vinaigrette Salad Dressing with Red Wine Vinegar
    Everyone needs a trusty salad dressing that can go with mixed greens and that's what I have for you here!
    Check out this recipe
    a close up of a salad dressing with red wine vinegar on mixed greens with parmesan
    Ultra Creamy Classic Mac and Cheese
    If your family serves Thanksgiving mac and cheese, please adopt me! I'll bring this recipe (which, in my humble opinion) is one of the best macaroni and cheese recipes in the woooorld!
    Check out this recipe
    Absolutely Outrageous Cheesy Garlic Bread
    What makes this garlic cheese bread so outrageous is how completely over-the-top delicious it is! Go ahead, dig in. You deserve it!
    Check out this recipe
    a close up of garlic cheese bread on a white background

    Thanksgiving Soup Recipes

    A bowl of french onion soup in a red bowl on a red and white tea towel

    Here are some standout Thanksgiving soup recipes that are both delicious and crowd-pleasing. These selections promise to fit seamlessly into your Thanksgiving menu—everyone will have a warm bowl to start off their meal. 

    White Bean and Potato Soup with Nutmeg and Maple Syrup
    Serve yourself a comforting bowl of your new favorite soup recipe: White bean and potato soup with nutmeg and maple syrup!
    Check out this recipe
    white bean and potato soup in a white bowl with a piece of garlic cheese toast
    Best French Onion Soup
    I almost can't imagine anything better than starting Thanksgiving dinner with a piping hot bowl of French onion soup. My version is extra cheesy...you even put cheese in the bottom of the bowl to get some in every bite. Even if you don't try it at Thanksgiving, promise me you'll make it another time, k?
    Check out this recipe
    vegetarian French onion soup in a red bowl

    Cauliflower Carrot Soup
    If you need a Thanksgiving soup recipe that isn't too heavy but it's still delcious and flavorful, this. is. it.
    Check out this recipe
    CLEAN carrot and cauliflower soup
    Creamy Celery Soup with Potato
    You're already going hard on potatoes as a side dish, so why not try a potato soup recipe for Thanksgiving too? This one is a classic at my house!
    Check out this recipe
    creamy celery soup in a pink bowl

    Thanksgiving Desserts

    Now, onto desserts! While I don't have my own pumpkin pie recipe to share (yet), I do have plenty of other Thanksgiving/fall dessert recipes that are worth considering.

    Perfect Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Loaf
    This pumpkin chocolate chip loaf has all of the fall flavors you've been craving packed into one incredibly easy dessert recipe!
    Check out this recipe
    perfect pumpkin chocolate chip loaf on a white background
    Baked Peaches with Cinnamon Toast Crunch Topping
    Baked peaches with Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal for a topping just makes sense! It has all of the flavors we want in a delicious fall dessert, as well as the perfect crunch to complement the soft peaches and the cold ice cream you'll serve these with.
    Check out this recipe
    baked peaches with cinnamon toast crunch topping in a pink bowl
    Pistachio Cream Puff Pastry Twists
    These pistachio cream puff pastry twists are the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or for a light dessert! They're really easy to make and you only need a handful of ingredients and about half an hour to create them.
    Check out this recipe
    puff pastry twists with pistachio cream on a gold tray
    Pumpkin Spice Sliced Baked Apples
    These pumpkin spice baked apples will satisfy all of your fall dessert cravings! They're super easy to make and SO delicious. Serve them with ice cream, whipped cream, yogurt, granola, or on their own.
    Check out this recipe
    pumpkin spice baked apples in a white dish
    Salty Potato Chip Pretzel Chocolate Bark
    This salty potato chip pretzel chocolate bark is the perfect, easy holiday dessert to keep for yourself or share with loved ones! Made with crunchy potato chips, salty pretzels, smooth chocolate, and rich caramel, this recipe brings together all of your favorite tastes in one easy dessert.
    Check out this recipe
    Brown Sugar Peach Crisp Bars
    Embrace the flavors of summer with these delightful peach crisp bars layered with a crumbly, cinnamon-infused base and topping, and a luscious brown sugar peach filling. Enhanced with hints of nutmeg and optional shredded coconut, these bars (served hot or cold) are the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Pair with ice cream or whipped cream for an added touch of indulgence or enjoy them on their own!
    Check out this recipe
    two slices of brown sugar peach crisp bars on parchment paper beside two ripe peaches
    The Best Easy Cake Recipe: Crater Cake
    This rendition of the classic Crater Cake is a super easy cake recipe with layers of banana bread cake, cinnamon, brown sugar, and chocolate chips!
    Check out this recipe
    Double-Glazed Pumpkin Scones
    These double-glazed pumpkin scones will beat store-bought scones any day of the week! The two types of icing (plain and pumpkin spice) take these flavorful scones to the next level.
    Check out this recipe

    Vegetarian Thanksgiving Brunches

    thanksgiving brunch casserole close up

    Do you kick the day off with a tasty brunch? I like your style. This year, give one of these vegetarian brunch recipes a try. And if you have meat eaters in the family, you can easily accommodate the by adding meat to many of these dishes or serving it on the side.

    Vanilla and Lemon Dutch Baby Pancake
    A vanilla and lemon dutch baby pancake is the perfect weekend brunch recipe that's easy to make and tastes as good as it looks! With fewer than 10 ingredients and ready in under half an hour, this will be your new go-to special breakfast recipe.
    Check out this recipe
    vanilla and lemon dutch baby pancake in a black skillet
    Savory Goat Cheese & Honey Bread Pudding
    This savory bread pudding is made with goat cheese and honey and a bit of spice! It can be made ahead of time so you can just pop it in the oven, and it’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or even dinner. It's unique, and it'll impress your friends without them knowing how easy it is to make.
    Check out this recipe
    savory bread pudding
    Breakfast Grilled Cheese Eggs Benedict Sandwich
    An ooey-gooey breakfast grilled cheese topped with mashed avocado, tomato, a poached egg, & hollandaise sauce makes for the brunch recipe of your dreams!
    Check out this recipe
    breakfast grilled cheese Eggs Benedict sandwiches on a white background
    My Favorite Dutch Baby Puff Pancake Recipe
    Dutch baby puff pancakes are so easy to make and only require a few ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!
    Check out this recipe
    the best puff pancake dutch baby recipe
    Easy French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Raisin Bread & Cream Cheese
    This easy French toast casserole recipe for two is made with cinnamon raisin bread, cream cheese, and just a few other ingredients for the most delicious breakfast ever!
    Check out this recipe
    Air Fryer French Toast Sticks with Cinnamon Raisin Bread and Cream Cheese
    Looking for a new twist on a breakfast classic? Try these Air Fryer French Toast Sticks made with cinnamon raisin bread and cream cheese! These delicious roll-ups are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, and are ready in just minutes thanks to the air fryer.
    Check out this recipe
    air fryer french toast sticks roll up with cinnamon raisin bread and cream cheese on a pink plate
    Caramelized Pear Puff Pancakes
    Adding caramelized pears and some vanilla bean extract to a perfected Dutch baby pancake recipe leaves you with the most perfect, crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch!
    Check out this recipe
    Vegetarian Wife Saver Breakfast Casserole
    This vegetarian wife saver breakfast casserole is perfect for Christmas morning — just prepare it the night before and bake in the morning!
    Check out this recipe
    Broccoli Cheddar Egg & Hash Brown Casserole
    This broccoli cheddar egg & hash brown casserole is a vegetarian breakfast option everyone will love! It's super simple to make and makes for great leftovers.
    Check out this recipe
    broccoli cheddar egg and hash brown casserole
    Easy Egg Casserole with Cottage Cheese and Roasted Red Peppers
    This easy breakfast casserole is made with eggs, cottage cheese, roasted red peppers, and other yummy ingredients that your whole family will love!
    Check out this recipe

    Need Other Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes?

    a whipped feta and cranberry dip on a pink plate that makes an excellent vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe

    Here are a few more ideas for some unique additions to your Thanksgiving menu this year.

    Buffalo Mac and Cheese with Ranch
    Buffalo Mac and Cheese - Get ready for the sauciest mac & cheese EVER that takes delicious to a new level with Frank's Buffalo Hot Sauce & ranch seasoning!
    Check out this recipe
    buffalo mac and cheese in a pink bowl topped with green herbs
    Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Brie, Raspberry, and Apple
    A gourmet grilled cheese with Brie, raspberry, and apple, and just a hint of thyme in the butter is the perfect sweet and savory combination!
    Check out this recipe
    stacked gourmet grilled cheese
    Havarti Mac and Cheese with Dill
    Havarti mac and cheese with dill is a delicious twist on a classic with an ultra-creamy sauce and a subtle hint of dill you'll love!
    Check out this recipe
    Lemon Fruit Dip with Sour Cream
    This lemon fruit dip with sour cream is the perfect recipe for bridal showers, baby showers, brunches, or any other time you need an easy, light side dish or appetizer! Dip bananas, strawberries, or any fruit you love in it. It takes five minutes and only four ingredients to make.
    Check out this recipe
    Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with White Cheddar & Pesto
    These fast & easy mini grilled cheese sandwiches with white cheddar & pesto are the perfect holiday appetizer or soup dipper!
    Check out this recipe
    easy mini grilled cheese appetizers on a white background
    Whipped Feta with Cranberries, Pistachio, & Honey
    Here's an awesome way to use up some of that extra cranberry sauce!
    Check out this recipe
    Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese with Goat Cheese
    This butternut squash mac and cheese recipe uses goat cheese, cheddar cheese, nutmeg, & a handful of other tasty ingredients to make your new favorite fall comfort food recipe!
    Check out this recipe
    butternut squash Mac and cheese with goat cheese crumbles and sage on top

    By the way, I also have a new page on my site with a bunch of helpful links. It has links to my social profiles, LTK, Amazon Storefront, etc. There's NO pressure to shop from any of these links. But if you're curious about the products I use, etc., that's where you'll find them. As always, I appreciate your support SO much!

    Other Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipe Info

    Whether this is your first vegetarian Thanksgiving or you're a seasoned vet, you might have questions about making traditional Thanksgiving dishes vegetarian (among other things.) So, I answer them below!

    What are some popular vegetarian main dishes for Thanksgiving?

    • Vegetarian and vegan roasts, often made from seitan or tofu.
    • Stuffed acorn or butternut squash.
    • Mushroom and lentil loaf.
    • Vegetable pot pie or shepherd's pie with a lentil base.

    Can traditional Thanksgiving dishes be made vegetarian?

    You bet they can! Dishes like stuffing, green bean casserole, and mashed potatoes can easily be made vegetarian by substituting or omitting ingredients like chicken broth or bacon.

    What can I use as a replacement for turkey?

    There are many store-bought vegetarian and vegan turkey alternatives available. Tofurky and Field Roast are popular brands. Homemade seitan roasts and stuffed squashes can also serve as the centerpiece.

    How can I ensure my vegetarian dishes are flavorful?

    Spices, herbs, vegetable broths, and umami-rich ingredients like mushrooms, soy sauce, and nutritional yeast can boost the flavor profile of your vegetarian dishes.

    What about desserts? Are traditional Thanksgiving desserts vegetarian?

    Most traditional desserts like pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and apple pie are vegetarian. However, always check ingredient lists for gelatin or lard which are non-vegetarian ingredients sometimes used in desserts.

    Can I make vegetarian gravy?

    Yep! vegetarian gravy can be made using a base of vegetable broth, along with flavorings from herbs, spices, and umami-rich ingredients. Some people also use mushrooms or miso for added depth.

    Here's a popular, well-rated recipe from Kitchen Treaty that I have tried and tested and can attest to its deliciousness.

    How do I accommodate both vegetarian and non-vegetarian guests?

    You can offer a separate vegetarian main dish alongside the turkey. Many traditional side dishes are already vegetarian or can easily be adapted, so everyone can share them.

    Are store-bought vegetarian turkey alternatives good?

    This is subjective and varies from brand to brand. Many vegetarians and vegans find them tasty and satisfying, especially when complemented with traditional Thanksgiving sides. It's recommended to read reviews or try them beforehand.

    How can I make sure my mashed potatoes are vegetarian?

    Traditional mashed potatoes are typically vegetarian. However, be cautious with added broths or flavor enhancers. Stick to using butter (or vegan alternatives), milk (or non-dairy milk), salt, and seasonings.

    What are some protein-rich vegetarian dishes for Thanksgiving?

    Dishes made from lentils, beans, chickpeas, tofu, seitan, and tempeh are all high in protein. Examples include lentil loaf, chickpea salads, and tofu roasts.

    Remember, a vegetarian Thanksgiving doesn't mean compromising on flavor or tradition. With a bit of creativity and preparation, you can serve a feast that satisfies all your guests!

    Happy Thanksgiving, my friends!

    Until next time, 
    Chelsea

    a collage of vegetarian thanksgiving recipes

    PS. If you're into roundup recipes, I have two others to check out next:

    FALL COMFORT FOOD RECIPES ROUNDUP

    VEGETARIAN EASTER RECIPES ROUNDUP

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    About Chelsea Kram & XO&So

    Hi! I'm Chelsea and I'm the Canadian food blogger behind all of the XO&So vegetarian comfort food recipes. Click here to get to know more about me.

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