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30 Best Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes That Go Way Beyond Just Tofurkey

You'll forget all about the turkey with these easy vegetarian recipes.

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vegetarian thanksgiving recipes
Mike Garten

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Planning a meatless Thanksgiving dinner this year? Though your usual holiday classics — like turkey and gravy — may be off-limits, there's no need to fear: There are plenty of vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes that make for just as satisfying of a feast, from delicious Thanksgiving side dishes to filling entrees, appetizers and more. Whether you're cooking up an entire meatless course or planning just one or two veggie-forward dishes to add to your holiday spread, these easy vegetarian recipes will please all vegetarians and carnivores alike (after all, who says Thanksgiving has to be all about the turkey?).

With these healthy yet filling dishes, you'll fall into a well-deserved food coma just like everyone else at the table. That's because these recipes — which include essential holiday dishes like stuffing and casseroles — are packed with hearty ingredients like beans, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and much more. Prepare for savory and sweet dishes that will even make your meat-loving relatives forget about the main dish — and if you have an even more restrictive diet, make sure to check out our favorite vegan Thanksgiving recipes, too.

1

Stuffing-Stuffed Kabocha Squash

stuffing stuffed kabocha squash
Mike Garten

Miss the show and dance of carving a whole turkey? This vegetarian alternative may be even better. Bring the whole squash to the table and lift the "lid" (hold for ooh's and ahh's), then cut into wedges to serve.

Get the Stuffing-Stuffed Kabocha Squash recipe.

2

Fresh Green Bean Casserole

fresh green bean casserole
Mike Garten

Crispy breadcrumbs, savory mushrooms and cheese make this green bean casserole an instant crowd-pleaser.

Get the recipe for Fresh Green Bean Casserole »

RELATED: 31 Green Bean Recipes For Thanksgiving That Will Make These Veggies the Life of the Party

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3

Roasted Sweet Potato, Pear and Onion

roasted sweet potato, pear, and onion
mike garten

Mix all of fall's best flavors (including sweet potato!) in one savory side dish.

Get the recipe for Roasted Sweet Potato, Pear, and Onion »

4

Thyme and Shallot Roasted Butternut Squash

thyme and shallot roasted butternut squash on a white plate
mike garten

Looking for the ultimate way to serve fall's favorite veggie? Roast them until they're golden brown — then drizzle on maple syrup for some extra-sweet flavor.

Get the recipe for Thyme and Shallot Roasted Butternut Squash »

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5

Kale and Roasted Cauliflower Salad

a close up of a kale and roasted cauliflower salad in a bowl
Danielle Occhiogrosso

Cauliflower comes together with healthy greens in this refreshing yet filling salad.

Get the recipe for Kale and Roasted Cauliflower Salad »

6

Croissant Mushroom Stuffing

turkey stuffing   croissant mushroom stuffing
Mike Garten

Stuffing is essential, of course — especially when there's a vegetarian option that's as mouthwatering as this one.

Get the recipe for Croissant Mushroom Stuffing »

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7

Grilled Carrots

healthy side dishes   roasted carrots
Mike Garten

Toss these root veggies with spicy harissa paste and toasted pistachios for the perfect light side dish. Don't forget the drizzle of honey!

Get the recipe for Grilled Carrots »

8

Orange-Apricot Cranberry Sauce

orange apricot cranberry sauce
Mike Garten

The best part about this cranberry sauce? You can make it in 20 minutes in your Instant Pot.

Get the recipe for Orange-Apricot Cranberry Sauce »

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9

Savory Pumpkin and Sage Soup

pumpkin and sage soup in a bowl
Quentin Bacon

Warm up with a cozy soup that combines pumpkin with fall's best spices (including ginger and nutmeg!) in a savory veggie broth.

Get the recipe for Savory Pumpkin and Sage Soup »

RELATED: 34 Best Fall Soups for Chilly Autumn Nights

10

Roasted Sweet & Sour Brussels Sprouts

roasted sweet and sour brussels sprouts
Mike Garten

Balsamic vinegar adds the perfect sweet-and-tangy flavor in this tasty Brussels sprouts recipe.

Get the recipe for Roasted Sweet & Sour Brussels Sprouts »

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11

Butternut Squash Salad

roasted butternut squash salad
mike garten

Looking for a hearty vegetarian side dish? This healthy salad not only features fall's MVP veggie, but is also topped with a tasty tahini dressing.

Get the recipe for Roasted Butternut Squash Salad With Tahini Vinaigrette »

12

Chimichurri Cauliflower "Steaks"

vegetarian thanksgiving recipes   cauliflower steak
Mike Garten

You already know about swapping pizza crust and rice with cauliflower, but now the popular veggie is a steak alternative, too.

Get the recipe for Chimichurri Cauliflower "Steaks" »

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13

Sour Cream and Cheddar Mashed Potatoes

rustic sour cream and cheddar mashed potatoes   vegetarian thanksgiving recipes
Mike Garten
14

Roasted Asparagus and Ricotta Tart

roasted asparagus and ricotta tart   vegetarian thanksgiving recipes
Mike Garten

This side dish might be the best use of asparagus we've ever seen.

Get the recipe for Roasted Asparagus and Ricotta Tart »

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15

Supercarb Loaded Sweet Potatoes

supercarb loaded sweet potatoes   vegetarian thanksgiving recipes
Mike Garten

Is there even such a thing as too many carbs on Thanksgiving? (The answer is no.)

Get the recipe for Supercarb Loaded Sweet Potatoes »

16

Vegetarian Chili Macaroni

vegetarian chili macaroni   vegetarian thanksgiving recipes
Mike Garten
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17

Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash

acorn squash   vegetarian thanksgiving recipes
Mike Garten

These stuffed squashes are also packed with feta and cranberries for the ultimate flavorful treat.

Get the recipe for Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash »

18

Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread

cranberry brie pull apart bread   vegetarian thanksgiving recipes
Courtesy of Half Baked Harvest

It's full of flavor AND you can eat it with your hands. It's a win-win.

Get the recipe from Half Baked Harvest »

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19

Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake

cheesy brussels sprout bake   vegetarian thanksgiving recipes
Ethan Calabrese

Ditch the real bacon for your favorite meat alternative, like these coconut bacon bits.

Get the recipe from Delish »

20

Brussels Sprout & Basil Bowties

brussels sprout  basil bowties   vegetarian thanksgiving recipes
Mike Garten

Don't feel like spending all day cooking Thanksgiving dinner? Well, you only need 20 minutes to whip up this dish.

Get the recipe for Brussels Sprout & Basil Bowties »

Headshot of Amina Lake Abdelrahman

Amina is a product review writer and editor who worked as an editorial assistant in the Good Housekeeping Institute from 2018 to 2020, writing original content based on GH Lab experts' product testing and analysis. Amina graduated from Montclair State University with a B.A. in communication studies and journalism.

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