Concerned about covering the cost of a huge Thanksgiving spread this year? Maybe it’s worth thinking a little differently — or perhaps, leaving the bird off the table.
The turkey often accounts for the largest single cost of Thanksgiving — so by choosing vegetarian options this year, you could keep a lot more cash in your wallet.
You might be thinking: “I can picture vegetarian sides and sweets, but what about main dishes?” We’ve compiled 10 vegetarian entrees for Thanksgiving, plus a variety of starters and sides you may not have thought of, including numerous vegan and gluten-free (GF) choices to satisfy everyone at your gathering. Most of these recipes rely on seasonal produce, which tends to be less expensive, and you can cut costs further by using these tips for trimming your grocery bill or reading about going vegan without going broke.
Whether you skip the turkey entirely — or simply add more plant-based dishes to your lineup — you’ll likely enjoy these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes.
Vegetarian Thanksgiving Appetizers
Roasted delicata squash, pomegranate and arugula salad: This seasonal plate from Cookie and Kate pops with vibrant color and makes an excellent opener for your feast. (GF)
Silky roasted rutabaga and parsnip soup with kale and coconut “bacon”: Roasted root vegetables are always a winner, and the unusual components of this Choosing Raw soup will impress even picky eaters. (GF; vegan)
Swiss chard and chanterelle mushroom cups: Though categorized as a breakfast item by Dishing Up the Dirt, these charming cups double nicely as pre-dinner finger food. (GF)
Acorn squash and apple soup: Happy Herbivore describes this soup as “like apple pie in a bowl.” Need we add more? (GF; vegan)
Quinoa and sweet potato patties: From The Pink Peppercorn, these crunchy cakes are “packed with quinoa, sweet potato, brown rice, spinach and dried cranberries.” Ideal for nibbling! (GF; vegan)
Quick black bean and sweet potato chili: Want something that can simmer while you prepare other items? This hearty stew from VegKitchen could be just right. (GF; vegan)
Stuffed portobello mushrooms with roasted red pepper coulis: Stuffed mushrooms are a safe bet. Pair them with an elegant coulis like the one Vegangela suggests, and you’re golden. (GF option; vegan)
Caramelized onion and carrot soup: This straightforward soup from The Tomato Tart can be made ahead — and its hue practically screams autumn. (GF; vegan)
Roasted carrot salad with arugula, goat cheese and crispy garlic chips: Garlic chips? Yes please: we want Patty’s Food salad on our table. (GF)
Vegan spinach artichoke dip: No celebration is complete without a dip. Try One Green Planet’s lighter take on a beloved classic. (GF option; vegan)
Vegetarian Thanksgiving Entrees
Butternut squash and leek risotto: This “Thanksgiving risotto” from Love & Lemons is an excellent main or accompaniment. (GF; vegan)
Festive chickpea tart: A Dreena Burton creation made with chickpeas, spinach and savory herbs — a striking centerpiece for your table! (GF option; vegan)
Glazed lentil walnut loaf: If famed blogger Oh She Glows ranks this among her top recipes, it’s worth trying; this loaf may become a go-to favorite. (GF option; vegan)
Pumpkin ravioli with brown butter and pecans: If the name of this dish from Julia’s Album doesn’t make you salivate, check your pulse. (And using leftover Halloween pumpkin makes it budget-friendly!)
Baked butternut squash and cheese polenta: Creamy, cheesy filling with a crisp top? Yes please — this one from Food & Wine is a winner. (GF)
Gluten-free vegetable pot pie: Pot pie screams comfort — and this vegan, gluten-free version from She Let Them Eat Cake will make guests with restrictions feel included. (GF; vegan)
Spinach and ricotta strudel with chickpeas: Spinach + ricotta + filo dough = a guaranteed favorite from Amuse Your Bouche.
Summer squash and portobello mushroom lasagna: Everyone enjoys lasagna. This version from Herbivoracious looks absolutely delectable.
Unconventional vegan cassoulet: Ricki Heller notes this substantial dish can be time-consuming, but she promises the results justify the effort. (GF; vegan)
Mini pumpkins stuffed with quinoa, butternut and cranberries: If dramatic presentation matters to you, these stuffed pumpkins from The Denver Post are ideal. Serve them and guests might forget why turkey was ever the focal point! (GF; vegan)
Vegetarian Thanksgiving Sides
French bread stuffing with swiss chard & caramelized red onions: Forget the boxed mixes — this stuffing from Oh My Veggies is where it’s at!
Fingerling potatoes with garlic-lemon aioli: Picky Cook calls these potatoes “addictive beyond your wildest dreams” — and we’re inclined to agree.
Maple, balsamic and lemon brussels sprouts: If you haven’t swooned over brussels sprouts photos, you likely haven’t seen this This American Bite version. (GF; vegan)
Clean green bean casserole: You need that green bean casserole — but you don’t have to include heavy grease, cream and flour. Try Detoxinista’s lighter take. (GF; vegan)
Homemade cranberry sauce with white wine: Once you make your own, canned cranberry sauce will be a thing of the past. Eat the Love’s white wine twist sounds intriguing. (GF; vegan)
Caramelized onion, mushroom and gruyere tartlets: We’d never heard of tartlets until seeing Brown Eyed Baker’s recipe — after those photos, we’re definitely trying them.
Pull-apart gluten-free dinner rolls: Guests expect dinner rolls — so why not offer these from My Gluten-Free Kitchen? She claims they taste like the real deal. (GF; vegan option)
Creamed kale gratin: Kale remains trendy for good reason: it’s nutritious and tasty. This rich creamed kale from Oui, Chef might not be the lightest, but it looks heavenly. (GF)
Roasted cauliflower salad with spicy dressing: Give your side a kick with this bold and filling salad from Healthful Pursuit. (GF; vegan)
Pumpkin and sage risotto: We couldn’t resist adding another risotto, because — well — pumpkins and sage. From One Ingredient Chef. (GF; vegan)
Stuffed zucchini with cheesy breadcrumbs: “Packed with artichoke hearts, parmesan and pine nuts.” Translation: we’re all in for this My Recipes offering.
Mashed potatoes, paired withthe best vegetarian gravy: You didn’t think mashed potatoes would be forgotten, did you? Here are some classic spuds from the Food Network, with a tasty vegetarian gravy from Umami Girl.
Vegan Thanksgiving Desserts
Many traditional desserts are already vegetarian, so here we’re listing GF and vegan sweet options.
Four-ingredient vegan pumpkin pie with coconut whip: We like simple recipes, and Healthy Happy Life’s four-ingredient version looks absolutely tempting. (Vegan)
Maple pecan pie: Post Punk Kitchen calls her gluten-free, vegan pie “a perfect pecan pie” — custardy, maple-kissed, glossy on top and caramel-like inside. Consider us convinced. (GF; vegan)
Vegan gluten-free apple crisp: Warm spiced apples with a crunchy oat topping — Minimalist Baker’s apple crisp is a must. (GF; vegan)
Pumpkin spice rice pudding: Allyson Kramer’s version is a delightful alternative to pumpkin pie — and it looks adorable served in wine glasses. (GF; vegan)
Modern vegan apple pie: We love this no-bake, contemporary apple pie from Carrie On Living — not using the oven gives it extra points for saving precious space. (GF; vegan)
Enjoy your meal!
Your Turn: Would you swap your Thanksgiving turkey for a vegetarian centerpiece? Or will you add any of these recipes to your side dishes?
