Vegetarian Thanksgiving Main Dishes

Two servings of Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash on white plates
Photo: Nicholio

Thanksgiving may have the nickname of "Turkey Day," but that doesn't mean you can't celebrate with a wow-worthy vegetarian main. From stuffed squashes to pasta bakes and savory bread puddings, these are our favorite meat-free options for decking out the dinner table and impressing guests. These dozen delicious recipes will make everyone forget about the bird and focus on plants instead.

01 of 13

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks

Roasted Cauliflower 'Steaks' on a white plate
Rock_lobster

Cauliflower might sounds like a boring main dish, but when thickly cut and properly seasoned, it makes for an eye-catching main dish. All you need is a drizzle of vegetarian gravy to make it Thanksgiving-worthy.

02 of 13

Tofu Turkey

Close up of Tofu Turkey
Adam

Using a savory blend of ingredients like miso, tamari, and herbs, tofu is transformed into a dish that can rival turkey. Reviewer Can Can says, "I was very impressed with the way this turned out. I served it for Thanksgiving to nine meat eaters and EVERYONE said it tasted like turkey! I couldn't believe it."

03 of 13

Veggie Pot Pie

a top-down view of a two-crust pie with a slice cut out
Allrecipes

Thanksgiving is all about comfort food, and what's better than a pot pie? This vegetarian version is stuffed with mushrooms, carrots, potatoes, and cauliflower, all in a rich brown gravy.

04 of 13

Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash

Two servings of Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash on white plates
Nicholio

Highlight one of the season's best veggies, acorn squash, by stuffing it with a blend of wild rice, fresh sage, and cornbread dressing. "Delicious," raves Kathleen Woods Rubino. "I'm a vegetarian and I had this as my main course for Thanksgiving. It was amazing."

05 of 13

Portobello Penne Pasta Casserole

Portobello Penne Pasta Casserole
Brianna White

Pasta may be an unusual choice for the Thanksgiving dinner table, but one bite will make you want to recreate it year after year. "Meaty" portobello mushrooms pair up with penne and spinach before getting tossed in a creamy cheese sauce.

06 of 13

Traditional Style Vegan Shepherd's Pie

vegan shepherd's pie slice
Tisha

Layered up with vegetarian ground beef, veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes, this homey casserole deserves to be the star of your Thanksgiving meal. Reviewer prgr2007 says one particular aspect sticks out, "The potatoes alone get 5 stars. I wanted to eat them all out of the bowl before they made it to the oven!"

07 of 13

Loaded Vegetarian Quiche

vegetarian quiche with cheese and vegetables
Jared Swanson

Quiche is one of those dishes that can easily be served at any time of day. This vegetarian version is loaded up with onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, and plenty of gooey cheese.

08 of 13

Zucchini with Chickpea and Mushroom Stuffing

Zucchini with Chickpea and Mushroom Stuffing
Kim

Beautiful in presentation, and easy to serve with individual halves for each guest, these zucchini add a pop of color to the Thanksgiving spread. The chickpea and mushroom filling is seasoned with earthy spices, like cumin and coriander, and brightened with a dash of lemon juice.

09 of 13

Delicious Lentil Loaf

Delicious Lentil Loaf
HurdBird

Lentils don't get enough love during the Thanksgiving holiday, so change that with this vegetarian spin on meatloaf. Feel free to swap in your favorite thick gravy in place of the smoky barbeque glaze.

10 of 13

Savory Rosemary Bread Pudding

Savory Rosemary Bread Pudding
Dawn Lim

Crunchy and creamy, herbaceous and rich, this savory version of bread pudding will have you rethinking the entire dish. If you have a smaller guest list, follow some reviewers' suggestions and cook individual servings in ramekins.

11 of 13

Ellen's Vegan Stuffed Peppers

bell peppers stuffed with buckwheat
Buckwheat Queen

Both gluten-free and vegan, this plant-based main dish can feed guests who may have a variety of dietary restrictions. Use a variety of bell peppers for a pop of color.

12 of 13

Lentil Rice and Veggie Bake

Lentil Rice and Veggie Bake
Buckwheat Queen

This bold bake is an all-in-one dish, featuring lentils, rice, and vegetables. Top with a handful of fresh chopped herbs to add extra flavor and amp up the presentation.

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