19 Vegetarian & Vegan Thanksgiving Main Dishes That Are Wow
Gone are the days when vegetarians and vegans had to settle for sad side dishes at Thanksgiving dinner. These show-stopping main courses prove that plant-based meals can be just as impressive and satisfying as any traditional centerpiece.
From elegant stuffed squashes to hearty roasts, these recipes deliver bold flavors, beautiful presentation, and that special holiday magic everyone’s craving. Whether you’re hosting an entirely plant-based feast or simply want to give your vegetarian guests something amazing to celebrate, these dishes will have everyone asking for seconds—and the recipes.
1. Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice and Cranberries
This gorgeous dish looks like autumn on a plate, with tender acorn squash halves cradling a fragrant mixture of nutty wild rice, tart cranberries, and aromatic herbs. The natural sweetness of the roasted squash perfectly complements the earthy rice filling, while the cranberries add delightful pops of tartness throughout.
It’s surprisingly easy to prepare—just roast the squash while you cook the rice mixture, then stuff and bake. The presentation is absolutely stunning, making it perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the recipe here.
2. Lentil Wellington with Mushroom Gravy
Think of this as the vegetarian answer to beef wellington, but arguably even better. Flaky, golden puff pastry encases a rich, savory filling of seasoned lentils, mushrooms, and vegetables that’s incredibly satisfying and protein-packed.
The texture is wonderfully meaty without being heavy, and the mushroom gravy takes it over the top with deep, umami flavors. While it requires a bit of prep work, most of it can be done ahead of time, and the wow factor when you slice into that beautiful pastry makes every minute worthwhile.
Get the recipe here.
3. Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini and Pomegranate
Simple ingredients transform into something magical with this Middle Eastern-inspired dish. A whole head of cauliflower gets roasted until golden and tender, then drizzled with creamy tahini sauce and topped with jewel-like pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs.
The contrast of textures and flavors is incredible—nutty tahini, sweet-tart pomegranate, and perfectly caramelized cauliflower. It’s deceptively easy to make, mostly hands-off roasting time, but the presentation is so elegant that guests will think you spent hours preparing it. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and vegan.
Get the recipe here.
4. Butternut Squash Lasagna
Forget traditional pasta lasagna—this version layers thin slices of butternut squash with rich béchamel, spinach, and cheese for something completely irresistible. The squash becomes silky and sweet when baked, creating the most incredible contrast with the creamy, savory layers.
Each bite delivers comfort food satisfaction with a sophisticated twist that feels perfect for the holidays. Yes, it takes some time to assemble, but it can be prepared a day ahead and just popped in the oven before serving, making it ideal for entertaining.
Get the recipe here.
5. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Quinoa
These massive mushroom caps become edible bowls for a protein-packed quinoa stuffing loaded with herbs, vegetables, and nuts. The meaty texture of the portobellos makes this dish incredibly satisfying, while the quinoa filling provides a wonderful contrast of flavors and textures.
They’re surprisingly quick to prepare—just sauté the filling while the mushrooms roast, then stuff and finish in the oven. Each mushroom serves as an individual portion, making plating effortless, and they’re naturally gluten-free. The combination of earthy mushrooms and nutty quinoa feels both rustic and refined.
Get the recipe here.
6. Maple Glazed Hasselback Delicata Squash
The hasselback technique turns delicata squash into something that looks almost too beautiful to eat. Thin slices create accordion-like ridges that caramelize beautifully, while maple syrup glaze adds a glossy finish and deep sweetness. The edges get crispy while the interior stays tender, and every slice captures that gorgeous glaze.
It’s much easier than it looks—just slice and roast—but the visual impact is tremendous. The natural sweetness pairs perfectly with savory Thanksgiving sides, and since delicata skin is edible, there’s no peeling required.
Get the recipe here.
7. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with Lentils
This plant-based take on the British classic delivers all the comfort food vibes with a hearty lentil and vegetable base topped with creamy mashed potatoes. The lentils provide incredible richness and protein, while mixed vegetables add color and nutrition.
The mashed potato topping gets golden and slightly crispy on top while staying fluffy underneath. It’s the ultimate make-ahead dish—assemble it completely, then refrigerate and bake when needed. The familiar flavors make it appealing to omnivores, while vegans get a satisfying, protein-rich main course that feels like a warm hug.
Get the recipe here.
8. Roasted Vegetable Tart with Herb Crust
This stunning tart showcases the best of fall vegetables arranged artfully over a flaky, herb-infused crust. Roasted root vegetables, winter squash, and caramelized onions create a beautiful mosaic of colors and flavors. The herb crust adds an aromatic base that complements the sweet, earthy vegetables perfectly.
While it looks incredibly sophisticated, it’s quite manageable—make the crust ahead and roast vegetables while it chills. The presentation is restaurant-worthy, but the flavors are pure comfort food. It slices beautifully and can be served warm or at room temperature.
Get the recipe here.
9. Stuffed Pumpkin with Rice and Vegetables
Using a whole pumpkin as both serving vessel and ingredient creates drama that’s hard to match. The pumpkin is stuffed with seasoned rice, vegetables, and herbs, then baked until the flesh becomes tender and slightly caramelized.
As it cooks, the pumpkin infuses the rice with sweet, earthy flavors while becoming part of the dish itself. It’s perfect for a crowd since you can use a large pumpkin, and the presentation is absolutely unforgettable. The prep is straightforward, mostly just chopping and stuffing, but the payoff in terms of visual impact is enormous.
Get the recipe here.
10. Mushroom and Chestnut Roast
This elegant roast combines the earthy richness of mushrooms with the sweet nuttiness of chestnuts for something that feels truly special. The mixture holds together beautifully when sliced, revealing layers of different mushroom varieties and herbs. The chestnuts add wonderful texture and a subtle sweetness that balances the deep mushroom flavors perfectly.
While it requires some prep time—cleaning mushrooms and preparing chestnuts—the actual cooking is mostly hands-off roasting. It slices like a traditional roast, making it perfect for that ceremonial carving moment, and the flavors are sophisticated enough for any holiday table.
Get the recipe here.
11. Cauliflower Steaks with Chimichurri
Thick slices of cauliflower roasted until golden become surprisingly substantial “steaks” that satisfy like meat. The cauliflower develops a beautiful caramelized exterior while staying tender inside, and the bright, herby chimichurri sauce adds incredible freshness and flavor. It’s amazingly simple—just slice, season, and roast—but looks impressive plated individually.
The chimichurri can be made ahead and actually improves with time, making this perfect for entertaining. The combination of nutty roasted cauliflower and zesty herbs feels both rustic and refined, and it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Get the recipe here.
12. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
This crowd-pleasing casserole brings Mexican-inspired flavors to the Thanksgiving table with layers of tortillas, seasoned sweet potatoes, black beans, and melty cheese. The sweet potatoes become creamy and slightly caramelized, while the black beans add protein and earthy depth.
The enchilada sauce ties everything together with just the right amount of spice and tang. It’s incredibly easy to assemble—just layer and bake—and can be prepared entirely ahead of time. The flavors actually improve overnight, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules, and it feeds a crowd generously.
Get the recipe here.
13. Vegan Stuffed Turkey Roast
This plant-based centerpiece captures all the ceremony of traditional turkey without any of the meat. Made from seasoned seitan or a mix of plant proteins, it slices beautifully and has a surprisingly satisfying, meaty texture. The herb stuffing adds familiar Thanksgiving flavors, while the “skin” develops a golden, slightly crispy exterior.
It takes some advance planning—the roast needs time to set and develop flavors—but the hands-on work isn’t difficult. When sliced at the table, it provides that traditional carving moment that makes the meal feel complete, and the flavors will satisfy vegans and omnivores alike.
Get the recipe here.
14. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Galette
This rustic French-inspired tart showcases the natural sweetness of roasted beets against tangy goat cheese in a flaky pastry crust. The beets become incredibly sweet and tender when roasted, while the goat cheese adds creamy richness and a pleasant tang. Fresh herbs and a drizzle of honey tie all the flavors together beautifully.
The free-form galette shape makes it more forgiving than a traditional tart—rustic edges are part of the charm. It’s gorgeous enough for company but simple enough for a casual meal, and the make-ahead friendly nature means less stress on the big day.
Get the recipe here.
15. Jackfruit Carnitas with Mole
This innovative dish transforms young green jackfruit into incredibly convincing “carnitas” with a complex, rich mole sauce. The jackfruit’s naturally stringy texture mimics pulled pork perfectly, while the mole adds deep, sophisticated flavors with hints of chocolate and warm spices. It’s surprisingly easy once you understand the technique—the jackfruit requires minimal prep and absorbs flavors beautifully.
The mole can be made entirely ahead, making day-of preparation simple. Served with tortillas and traditional accompaniments, it brings exciting global flavors to the holiday table while remaining completely plant-based and deeply satisfying.
Get the recipe here.
16. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Vegetables
These colorful peppers make beautiful individual servings filled with protein-rich quinoa, vegetables, and herbs. The peppers become tender and slightly sweet when roasted, while the quinoa filling provides satisfying substance and nutrition. The combination of textures—soft pepper, fluffy quinoa, and various vegetables—creates interest in every bite.
They’re perfect for meal prep since they can be assembled ahead and baked when needed. The presentation is naturally elegant, and you can use different colored peppers for a stunning rainbow effect. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by skipping any cheese.
Get the recipe here.
17. Vegan Pot Pie with Root Vegetables
This comforting classic gets a plant-based makeover with hearty root vegetables in a rich, savory gravy topped with flaky pastry. The vegetables—think carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and celery—become melt-in-your-mouth tender while the gravy provides incredible depth and richness.
The pastry top gets beautifully golden and provides that satisfying contrast of textures. While it requires some prep work, most components can be prepared ahead and assembled when ready to bake. The familiar, cozy flavors make it appealing to everyone at the table, and it’s the ultimate comfort food for chilly holiday weather.
Get the recipe here.
18. Maple Bourbon Glazed Tofu Steaks
Thick slabs of extra-firm tofu get transformed into something spectacular with a sticky, sweet, and slightly smoky maple bourbon glaze. The tofu develops a beautiful caramelized exterior while staying tender inside, and the glaze adds incredible depth with hints of vanilla and oak from the bourbon.
It’s surprisingly quick to prepare—just press, slice, and pan-sear the tofu while the glaze reduces. The presentation is elegant enough for company, and the flavors are complex enough to satisfy any palate. The combination of sweet maple and smoky bourbon feels perfectly suited for fall celebrations.
Get the recipe here.
19. Stuffed Butternut Squash with Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
This show-stopping dish features a whole butternut squash filled with traditional holiday stuffing loaded with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans. The squash becomes incredibly sweet and tender as it roasts, while the stuffing picks up those wonderful flavors and stays moist and flavorful.
The contrast between the creamy squash and the textured stuffing creates perfect balance in every bite. While it looks impressive, it’s quite manageable—just hollow out the squash, prepare the stuffing, stuff, and roast. The presentation is absolutely gorgeous, and it captures all the traditional Thanksgiving flavors in one beautiful, cohesive dish.
Get the recipe here.
