17 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dinner Menus Everyone Will Enjoy

Thanksgiving dinner is all about gathering around the table, sharing comforting food, and enjoying special moments with family and friends. While traditional Thanksgiving menus often feature turkey, a vegetarian feast can be just as delicious, satisfying, and memorable. From hearty vegetable mains and creamy casseroles to flavorful stuffing, seasonal salads, and irresistible desserts, there are countless ways to create a festive meat-free celebration.

Whether you’re hosting vegetarian guests, planning a completely meat-free Thanksgiving, or simply looking for fresh ideas to add more vegetables to your holiday table, these 17 vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner menus offer something for everyone. Each menu combines complementary flavors and textures, making it easier to plan a balanced meal without spending the entire holiday in the kitchen.

You’ll find cozy comfort-food favorites, elegant holiday centerpieces, colorful roasted vegetables, creamy sides, and delicious desserts. These menus are also flexible, so you can mix and match recipes to create the perfect Thanksgiving dinner for your gathering.

1. Classic Vegetarian Thanksgiving Feast

This traditional-inspired menu brings all the familiar Thanksgiving flavors to the table without meat. Mushroom Wellington makes a beautiful centerpiece, while creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce complete the feast.

Recipe 1: Mushroom Wellington

Prep time: 25 minutes | Cook time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 2 cups finely chopped mushrooms
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 tablespoon milk for brushing

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic and cook until softened.
3. Add mushrooms and thyme, cooking until the moisture evaporates.
4. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Add breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper, then let the filling cool completely.
6. Spread the mushroom mixture down the center of the puff pastry.
7. Fold the pastry around the filling and seal the edges.
8. Brush with milk and make a few small slits on top.
9. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden.
10. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Recipe 2: Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup warm milk
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh parsley

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water.
2. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.
3. Drain the potatoes thoroughly.
4. Melt butter in a small saucepan and gently cook the garlic.
5. Mash the potatoes until smooth.
6. Add warm milk and garlic butter gradually.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Recipe 3: Classic Vegetarian Green Bean Casserole

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup crispy fried onions
• Salt and black pepper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 4 minutes, then drain.
3. Melt butter in a skillet and cook mushrooms until tender.
4. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
5. Gradually whisk in milk and vegetable broth.
6. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
7. Add green beans and half the crispy onions.
8. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
9. Sprinkle the remaining onions over the top.
10. Bake for another 5 minutes until golden.

2. Cozy Pumpkin and Sage Thanksgiving Menu

Pumpkin and sage bring warm, earthy flavors to this comforting Thanksgiving menu. It is perfect for anyone who loves seasonal ingredients and rich autumn-inspired dishes.

Recipe 4: Creamy Pumpkin Sage Risotto

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups Arborio rice
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 5 cups warm vegetable broth
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Warm the vegetable broth in a saucepan.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet.
3. Add onion and cook until soft.
4. Stir in Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
5. Add one ladle of warm broth and stir until absorbed.
6. Continue adding broth gradually, stirring frequently.
7. Mix in pumpkin puree and chopped sage.
8. Cook until the rice is creamy and tender.
9. Stir in Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
10. Serve immediately with extra sage.

Recipe 5: Maple Roasted Pumpkin Wedges

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 small pumpkin, seeded and cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange pumpkin wedges on a baking tray.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup.
4. Sprinkle with rosemary, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
5. Toss gently to coat every wedge.
6. Roast for 25–35 minutes, turning once halfway through.
7. Toast pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet.
8. Sprinkle seeds over the roasted pumpkin before serving.

3. Italian-Inspired Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu

Bring Mediterranean comfort to Thanksgiving with baked pasta, rich tomato sauce, fresh herbs, and cheesy vegetables. This menu is ideal for guests who enjoy hearty Italian flavors.

Recipe 6: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagn

Prep time: 25 minutes | Cook time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. Mix ricotta, spinach, egg, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
5. Add a layer of noodles.
6. Spread some ricotta mixture over the noodles.
7. Add marinara sauce and mozzarella.
8. Repeat the layers until the ingredients are used.
9. Finish with sauce and remaining mozzarella.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
11. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until bubbly.
12. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe 7: Roasted Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Servings: 5

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts.
3. Toss them with olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange cut-side down on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp.
6. Sprinkle Parmesan over the sprouts.
7. Return to the oven for 2 minutes.
8. Serve immediately while warm.

4. Rustic Harvest Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu

Celebrate the flavors of the harvest season with roasted squash, colorful vegetables, hearty grains, and a sweet apple dessert. This menu looks beautiful on a rustic holiday table.

Recipe 8: Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 acorn squash, halved and seeded
• 1 cup wild rice
• 2½ cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brush squash halves with olive oil.
3. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 25–30 minutes until nearly tender.
5. Meanwhile, cook wild rice in vegetable broth according to package directions.
6. Sauté onion in a skillet until soft.
7. Stir in cooked rice, cranberries, pecans, and thyme.
8. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Turn the squash halves cut-side up.
10. Fill each half with the rice mixture.
11. Bake for another 10–15 minutes.
12. Serve warm.

Recipe 9: Honey Roasted Carrots

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Servings: 5

Ingredients:

• 1 pound carrots, peeled
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place carrots on a baking sheet.
3. Mix honey, olive oil, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the mixture over the carrots.
5. Toss until evenly coated.
6. Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through.
7. Check that the carrots are tender and lightly caramelized.
8. Garnish with parsley before serving.

5. Elegant Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu

If you want a more sophisticated Thanksgiving dinner, this menu combines elegant presentation with comforting ingredients. A colorful vegetable tart and creamy potato gratin make an impressive combination.

Recipe 10: Roasted Vegetable Tart

Ingredients:

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 1 small zucchini, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes
• ½ red onion, sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss vegetables with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast vegetables for 12 minutes.
4. Roll puff pastry onto a lined baking sheet.
5. Lightly score a border around the pastry.
6. Arrange roasted vegetables over the center.
7. Sprinkle feta cheese on top.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden.
9. Cool slightly before slicing.

Recipe 11: Creamy Potato Gratin

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or cheddar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a baking dish with butter.
3. Mix cream, milk, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange half the sliced potatoes in the dish.
5. Pour over half the cream mixture.
6. Sprinkle with half the cheese.
7. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes.
10. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

6. Southern-Style Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu

Southern-inspired dishes are known for their rich flavors and comforting textures. This meat-free menu features cheesy macaroni, golden cornbread, and sweet potatoes for a satisfying holiday meal.

Recipe 12: Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 3 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt and pepper
• ½ cup breadcrumbs

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni until just tender and drain.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan.
4. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
5. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.
6. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
7. Add cheddar, mozzarella, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
8. Stir in cooked macaroni.
9. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
10. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
11. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Recipe 13: Southern-Style Cornbread

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup melted butter
• ½ teaspoon salt

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Grease a cast-iron skillet or baking pan.
3. Combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
4. Whisk buttermilk, egg, and melted butter in another bowl.
5. Pour wet ingredients into the dry mixture.
6. Stir until just combined.
7. Pour batter into the prepared skillet.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
9. Cool slightly and cut into wedges.

7. Mediterranean Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu

For a lighter but flavorful Thanksgiving celebration, choose Mediterranean-inspired ingredients such as tomatoes, herbs, olives, chickpeas, feta, and fresh vegetables. The menu is colorful, fresh, and easy to share.

Recipe 14: Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 cup cooked couscous
• ½ cup cooked chickpeas
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup crumbled feta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place pepper halves in a baking dish.
3. Mix couscous, chickpeas, tomatoes, feta, olive oil, oregano, and parsley.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Spoon the mixture into each pepper half.
6. Cover the dish loosely with foil.
7. Bake for 20 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Recipe 15: Greek Cucumber and Feta Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: None | Servings: 5

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, chopped
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta
• ¼ cup Kalamata olives
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Chop cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
2. Thinly slice the red onion.
3. Place vegetables in a large salad bowl.
4. Add olives and crumbled feta.
5. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour dressing over the salad.
7. Toss gently to combine.
8. Chill for 10 minutes before serving.

8. Comforting Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu

This menu is perfect for guests who love warm, hearty comfort food. A flaky vegetable pot pie paired with a creamy corn casserole creates a cozy dinner everyone can enjoy.

Recipe 16: Creamy Vegetable Pot Pie

Prep time: 25 minutes | Cook time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced potatoes
• ½ cup green peas
• ½ cup corn kernels
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1½ cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup milk
• Salt, pepper, and thyme

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Boil carrots and potatoes for 8–10 minutes until slightly tender.
3. Melt butter in a skillet and sauté onion.
4. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
5. Slowly add vegetable broth and milk, whisking until smooth.
6. Add carrots, potatoes, peas, corn, thyme, salt, and pepper.
7. Simmer until the filling thickens.
8. Transfer the filling to a baking dish.
9. Cover with puff pastry and seal the edges.
10. Cut small slits in the pastry to release steam.
11. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
12. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe 17: Creamy Sweet Corn Casserole

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 40 minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sweet corn kernels
• 1 cup creamed corn
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup melted butter
• 1 box corn muffin mix
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a medium baking dish.
3. Combine sweet corn, creamed corn, sour cream, and melted butter.
4. Add corn muffin mix, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir until just combined.
6. Fold in half the shredded cheddar.
7. Pour the mixture into the baking dish.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top.
9. Bake for 35–40 minutes until set and golden.
10. Allow to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

How to Plan the Perfect Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dinner

A successful vegetarian Thanksgiving menu doesn’t need to be complicated. A little planning makes it easier to serve a variety of delicious dishes without overwhelming yourself on the holiday.

• Choose one centerpiece: Mushroom Wellington, stuffed squash, vegetable pot pie, or lasagna can serve as the main attraction.
• Balance the sides: Include potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, and one or two comforting casseroles.
• Use seasonal ingredients: Pumpkin, sweet potatoes, squash, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cranberries, and apples bring autumn flavors to the table.
• Prepare ahead: Make sauces, chop vegetables, prepare stuffing, and assemble casseroles a day before Thanksgiving.
• Include different textures: Combine creamy dishes with crispy roasted vegetables, fresh salads, and flaky pastry.
• Check dietary preferences: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and check cheese, pastry, and other packaged ingredients for animal-derived additives if serving strict vegetarians.

Conclusion

A vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner can be every bit as festive, flavorful, and satisfying as a traditional holiday meal. With hearty mains like mushroom Wellington, stuffed acorn squash, spinach and ricotta lasagna, and vegetable pot pie, you can create a beautiful centerpiece that everyone will enjoy.

Pair these dishes with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, colorful salads, and comforting casseroles for a complete holiday spread. The best part is that you don’t have to follow just one menu. Mix and match these 17 vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner ideas to create a celebration that suits your guests, cooking style, and favorite seasonal flavors.

Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or enjoying a small Thanksgiving dinner at home, these meat-free recipes will help make your holiday table warm, welcoming, and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can vegetarians eat for Thanksgiving dinner?

Vegetarians can enjoy mushroom Wellington, stuffed acorn squash, vegetable lasagna, creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, roasted vegetables, salads, cornbread, and pumpkin desserts.

2. What is a good vegetarian main dish for Thanksgiving?

Mushroom Wellington is an excellent centerpiece because it has a rich mushroom filling wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Stuffed acorn squash, vegetable pot pie, and spinach lasagna are also wonderful choices.

3. How do I make Thanksgiving stuffing vegetarian?

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth. Combine bread cubes with sautéed onions, celery, garlic, herbs, and vegetable broth, then bake until the top is crispy.

4. Can I prepare vegetarian Thanksgiving dishes ahead of time?

Yes. Many dishes, including lasagna, casseroles, stuffing, vegetable fillings, and sauces, can be prepared a day ahead. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake or reheat before serving.