If you’re a vegetarian, holiday meals can get a little tricky. If you’re the oddball in your family (like me!) and everyone else eats the traditional meal, it can get even trickier. This year will be my third holiday season as a vegetarian, and I feel like I’ve learned some things along the way. Not only do I know all the best food bloggers to follow (hello, @minimalistbaker!) but I’ve also tried enough recipes to make an entire Thanksgiving dinner lineup that’ll make you forget all about the turkey sitting at the other end of the table!
For breakfast…
Typically, at my house, breakfast on Thanksgiving is something super easy and fast. Here are a few of my go-to choices:
- Savory: Spicy Tempeh Breakfast Sausage from Minimalist Baker. (Tip: If this is a recipe you want to try, start the night before! You’ll thank me in the morning. Promise!)
- Sweet: These vegan pumpkin cinnamon rolls also from Minimalist Baker are AH-mazing!
Photo via Minimalist Baker
Appetizers, anyone?
Thanksgiving lunch does not exist in my family, but appetizers sure do. Here are a few of my favorites:
- This Chickpea Shawarma Dip is super easy to make and will please vegans and non-vegans alike!
- These Stuffed Mushrooms only require 7 ingredients! (Stuffed mushrooms go quickly in my house, so I usually double this recipe.)
- I’m a sucker for falafel, and this Festive Falafel with Cranberry Pear Dip is a really fun twist on the Middle Eastern classic!
The main event…
Without turkey, putting together the main meal for a vegan Thanksgiving can be kind of tricky. After 3 years of trying, I think I’ve got some things figured out:
- These Thanksgiving wraps are not only delicious but they’re a fun twist on the classic.
- Lentils are a vegan’s best friend, and these lentil meatballs are a hit with everyone!
- It’s not Thanksgiving without mashed potatoes! Try this recipe for vegan Shepherd’s pie, or just make the mashed patatoes!
Image via Minimalist Baker
The Final Round…
Dessert, to me, is the most important part of the Thanksgiving experience. I’m also a big fan of taking tiny pieces of multiple things… a dessert sampler?
- I’d get all kinds of side-eye if I don’t include a vegan pumpkin pie recipe.
- White chocolate is God’s gift to the earth if you ask me, and these vegan white chocolate truffles are heavenly.
- It isn’t a dessert tray without cookies! Try these super easy ginger cookies!
Image via Minimalist Baker