Thanksgiving for vegetarians can often be a depressing experience, filled with canned cranberry sauce and Tofurky. Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian, or are just trying to eat healthier these holidays, you definitely won’t be missing the meat with these incredible substitutes. Say goodbye to Tofurky, and hello to a world of creamy Autumn flavor that will have the family begging for leftovers.
Vegan Pot Pies
Pot pies are so laden with calories – save indulging for other dishes, and make a vegan version of pot pies that is an equally flaky heaven. In less than an hour, their muffin tin masterpieces make for no-mess leftovers, but they’ll probably all be eaten up by the end of the night.
Recipe: http://minimalistbaker.com/1-hour-vegan-pot-pies/
Best Vegan Stuffing Ever
There are so many version of vegan stuffings, and this soul-warming version is definitely the best, and will even fool the heartiest meat-eaters.
Recipe:http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2014/11/best-vegan-stuffing-thanksgiving-recipe-vegetarian.html
French Onion Tart
Forget heavy French Onion soup weighing you down – this vegetarian version is served in a flavorful tart version instead with perfectly caramelized onions and sherry vinegar.
Recipe:http://food52.com/recipes/10177-french-onion-tart
Vegan Bacon And Apple-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Yes, you can use vegan meat for thanksgiving that isn’t a disgusting Tofurky. This smoky vegetarian bacon and apple stuffed sweet potato dish is the side you’ve been waiting for – pecans and vegan cream cheese make it irresistible.
Recipe: http://www.thesweetlifeonline.com/2012/11/07/vegan-bacon-and-apple-stuffed-sweet-potatoes/
Meatless Meatloaf
This meatloaf has so much more depth than a boring carnivorous meatloaf. Multi-layered with sweet potato, beans, spicy mustard, carrots and more, this meatloaf is crazy addictive.
Recipe: http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2010/11/thanksgiving-meatless-loaf.html
Chipotle Lime Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
You won’t miss meat at all with this lime-infused grilled cauliflower recipe. Doused in chipotle powder, paprika, and cilantro, the cauliflower soaks up all this glory and tastes divine.
Recipe:http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-chipotle-lime-grilled-cauliflower-steaks-recipes-from-the-kitchn-204490
Roasted Vegetable Galette
Roasted vegetables, if they’re done the right way, can be way more exciting than turkey, especially with tangy goat cheese. Throw it in a crusty galette, and you have the tastiest leftovers for days.
Recipe: http://www.cookyourdream.com/2011/03/roasted-vegetable-galette.html
Butternut Squash Alfredo Baked Shells
To hell with baked ziti – the butternut squash Alfredo baked shell dish is so creamy, without needing to be smothered in cheese. A no-guilt, incredibly buttery dish.
Recipe: http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/butternut-squash-alfredo-baked-shells-recipe/
Mushroom & Kale Stuffed Squash
Personal stuffed squashes are the most picturesque way to achieve a Pinterest Thannksgiving, without slaving away for hours. Mushroom gives the dish a meaty flavor, and kale adds another earthy flavor, packing in some antioxidants.
Recipe: http://www.today.com/recipes/vegetarian-thanksgiving-mushroom-kale-stuffed-squash-t56761
Roasted Cauliflower & Manchego Hand Pies
Two unlikely ingredients marry in this unusual take on a pot pie. This easy-to-eat hand pies are a great side dish to take along to a family get-together.
Recipe: http://www.marthastewart.com/341883/roasted-cauliflower-and-manchego-hand-pi
Pear, Shallot & Delicata Squash Soup
We’ve all heard of the standard stuffed squash, but blending it with a garden of pear and shallot will result in a soup that is incomparable. Add a drizzle of maple syrup for a seasonal sweet and savory treat.
Recipe: http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Pear-Shallot-and-Delicata-Squash-Soup
Wild Rice, Farro, & Tangerine Salad
Tangerines add a burst of light fruitiness, the flavor of the wild rice is balanced in a delicate and innovative dish.
Recipe: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/wild-rice-farro-and-tangerine-salad
Creamed Kale Gratin
Sure, you can prepare kale healthy, and it has a notorious reputation with meat-eaters. But if you douse it in butter and heavy cream, there’s no limit to how scrumptious it can be.
Recipe: http://www.ouichefnetwork.com/oui_chef/2012/03/creamed-kale-gratin.html
Roasted Parsnip Bread Pudding
Savory bread pudding is a delicious alternative to a meaty stuffing. It’s an earthy combo of brioche, thyme, and grated cheese.
Recipe: http://www.marthastewart.com/335713/roasted-parsnip-bread-pudding
Broccoli & Goat Cheese Souffle
Take up the classic childhood snack of broccoli and cheese sauce with this elegant and grown-up soufflé that has an amazing goat cheese flavor but a super light texture.
Recipe: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/broccoli_cheese_souffle.html