With Thanksgiving coming up in the next few weeks, I’ve noticed that people have started to discuss what foods they’re looking forward to making and eating this holiday season. However, as someone that’s been a vegetarian for a few years, I’ve never thought of Thanksgiving as a holiday that’s conducive to a more plant-based lifestyle. So, whether you’ve been vegetarian your whole life, or you’re just starting to try to eat less meat, here are some vegetarian options that would be great to make for Thanksgiving.
1. Caramelized Butternut Squash
From the Barefoot Contessa herself, Ina Garten’s butternut squash recipe is a Thanksgiving staple. I’ve always associated squash with the fall months, and this combination of caramelized brown sugar and butternut squash would be right at home on a Thanksgiving dinner table.
2. Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Maple Cinnamon Sage Brown Butter
From another Food Network chef, Giada de Laurentis created this gnocchi recipe as a unique dish to add to your Thanksgiving table. Whether you serve this as a side dish or as your main Vegetarian option, this gnocchi combines Thanksgiving flavor with Italian flair.
3. Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms
If you follow a vegan diet, or you are looking to consume fewer animal products, these mushrooms are a great option to serve at Thanksgiving. As one of the simpler items on this list, you could either serve these mushrooms as an appetizer to your Thanksgiving dinner, or you could have these as a fun side dish— because after all, isn’t Thanksgiving all about the sides?
4. Veggie Pot Pie with Cornmeal Pie Crust
Although this pot pie might be time-intensive, these individual pies would add a fun and comfort-food inspired element to your Thanksgiving dinner.
5. Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup
Serving soup at Thanksgiving may seem sacrilegious to some, but when I saw this recipe, all I could think about was sharing this mushroom soup with friends and family! With three different types of mushrooms and other vegetables, this soup feels like just what you’d want after a cold autumn day.
6. Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
This vegan dish would be at home on a Thanksgiving table either as a side dish or as the main course. These potatoes incorporate silken tofu, nutritional yeast, and fresh herbs to create a creamy and comforting dish.
7. Zucchini and Sweet Corn Soufflé
As another individualized dish, these soufflés would make a delicious, fresh, and satisfying addition to your Thanksgiving dinner. Although they may be slightly more difficult to make, these soufflés are worth the extra effort.
Hopefully, with this variety of plant-based options for Thanksgiving, you can enjoy a great meal and focus on spending time with friends and family!