Best Classic Vegan Holiday Dinners
Best Classic Vegan Holiday Dinners
If you're on a plant-based diet, the holidays can sometimes be a trying time when large-format meats take center stage on holiday spreads, and options for vegetarians are often relegated entirely to the realm of side dishes superb though they may be.
It begs the question, though: What does the crackling turkey, sultry ham or dramatic crown roast represent in a lavish holiday meal? Is it that these are the most delectable dishes for holiday entertaining? I'd argue… not necessarily. Those options are themselves more about what they stand for: the theatrics in the presentation, the ritual of time and care in their preparation and the ability to feed the hungry multitudes in one show-stopping centrepiece.
You don't need meaty mains to create a satisfying meal brimming with seasonal flavour. Everyone can love these unique, meatless holiday dishes. Feast on our collection of colourful vegetarian tarts, citrus-flecked salads, creamy casseroles, and roasted vegetables. With these meatless entrées and sides, your guests won't miss the traditional turkey and accompaniments. Plus, you'll boost your intake of potassium, fiber, folate, and vitamins A, E, and C, as well as other vitamins and minerals.
There's no need for vegetarians to be excluded from the bountiful offerings of the holiday table. The recipes in this collection of vegetarian tarts, casseroles, and other meatless main dishes are flavorful and satisfying. Everyone will want to partake.
Classic Vegan Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving is one of the biggest food holidays of the year. Whether you're celebrating the American holiday with a few friends or a crowd of relatives, whether you celebrate it with a turkey, a ham, or even vegan options, you can't go wrong.
Delicious vegan cannelloni (also called ravioli) is worth trying at some point during the year, but they're even better when they're baked and served all warm and gooey. Here, the dish comes together quickly, and the fresh herb sauce is incredibly impressive.
A traditional Thanksgiving meal can often result in many leftovers, which can be a problem if you don't have a huge refrigerator and kitchen. If you're not cooking from scratch this year, try one of these vegan thanksgiving recipes, which all include ample amounts of time-saving pantry staples and easy-to-find produce from the farmer's market.
The Classic Vegan Holiday Soups
Whether you're hosting a family dinner or throwing a potluck, you'll find an array of easy-to-follow recipes in The Vegan Thanksgiving Soups cookbook. These hearty, warming bowls of comfort food are perfect for throwing together on the fly while you're scrambling to prepare dinner. When you're holiday shopping for vegetarians, you don't have to get overwhelmed.
Classic Vegan Christmas Dinner
This collection is for you if you've always wished for the vegan version of your favourite holiday specialties. Spiced turkey meatballs, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and much more can be made with ingredient substitutions that leave the meat if desired. The result is a holiday meal that is both healthful and tasty. Classic Vegan Winter Dishes – From hearty winter casseroles to creamy soups to flavorful warm side dishes, the ingredients for an extraordinary vegan holiday feast are at hand. There are sweet treats to share and simple dishes perfect for entertaining but remember: this is not a diet to be considered in a vacuum, one that will deprive you of the joy of eating a well-rounded, delicious meal.
If you're celebrating Christmas in the South, you'll need to step up your game with a traditional southern-style turkey. But this vegan version is just as delicious, and not only is it full of flavour, but it's super simple to prepare.
Classic Vegan Turkey Dinner
The Thanksgiving turkey may be an American classic, but what about the other holidays? What about making a complete vegetarian meal for your loved ones? You can with this classic four-course dinner.
Vegan Roast Beef with Crispy Onions and Carrots
No carnivore likes to see roasts of any kind go to waste, but you can give any roast such an impressive makeover that even the toughest meat-eaters will be impressed. Thanks to its stellar flavours and texture, this decadent, creamy “beef” roast is guaranteed to impress.
But the ultimate holiday meal is here in the form of a great holiday feast, including stuffing, mashed potatoes, turkey, and other traditional holiday fares.
And finally, there's no better way to celebrate the holidays than with a classic macaroni and cheese. This time topped with some genuinely unique ingredients.
The best thing about being vegan is that you can enjoy a wide variety of delicious meals, and the best part about vegan Christmas is that you don't have to forgo good ol' Christmas fun and games.
Classic Vegan Easter Dinner
Easter dinners can be made with a little more thought than a typical holiday meal because the dishes themselves require preparation, cooking, and cleanup, but don't forget, this is a holiday dinner, and it's certainly one to be celebrated. Vegan recipes for Easter brunch classics are colorful, indulgent, and filled with hidden nutrients, and can be prepared for the whole family. Three-Course Vegan Holiday Dinner – Nothing goes better with a heaping helping of cheddar cheese and sweet potato casserole than a stack of these delicious vegan casseroles.
In many cultures, the first major holiday of the year is often marked by a massive meal featuring meat- and dairy-free variations of traditional favourites. In these vegan recipes, the food is still presented in lavish, unpretentious style. It's all about the feeling, not the calorie count.
Classic Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dinner
The holidays are a time for traditional food favourites such as this traditional Thanksgiving dinner. A few minor adjustments are made to the classic recipe to make it gluten-free and vegan-friendly, but this is essentially the same meal with some bold new flavours.
Vegetarian Stuffed Pheasants
These vegetarian stuffed pheasants are deliciously served with your favourite pasta, but they're also great with savoury roasted potatoes.
Why spend Easter in the kitchen when there are so many great vegan Easter recipes to choose from? Why not sit down to a holiday meal with some of our favourite family recipes that are easy to prepare, delicious, and decadent all at once?
When planning your menu for Easter brunch, one of the easiest items to serve is an Easy Vegan Rice Pudding. Make this on a Sunday and serve it to family and friends the following day for an extra special treat. If you're not a fan of being up early, try these Quick and Easy Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies on a Monday morning for an extra special Easter treat.
Vegetarian Thanksgiving Tarts
Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, or maybe even pescetarian (pescetarians like fish), these amazingly simple vegetarian Thanksgiving Tarts will set the table for a delicious, richly satisfying main course. Enjoy some warm mashed potatoes or as part of a holiday meal. The Tarts are an impressive addition to any special occasion.
Butternut Squash Artichoke Casserole – Butternut squash is one of those foods everyone loves, but it's not always easy to find. Fortunately, there's always room for this versatile and straightforward vegetable in any classic holiday recipe. This beautiful holiday version of an Artichoke Casserole is a perfect dish for a vegan Thanksgiving, vegetarian Thanksgiving, or even a night at the table.
Filling turkey and stuffing muffins with a sweet chestnut sauce. A delicious pumpkin pie filling is baked into a tender, moist dough crust. A nutritious and completely vegan main course is split peas baked into a delicate crust topped with fragrant pine nuts. This flavorful gingerbread tart is one of our favourite fall flavours.
Classic Vegetarian Holiday Stews
Thinly sliced vegetable roast is paired with sweet, creamy butternut squash mashed with coconut milk and spices. This hearty vegetarian pot pie uses tender vegetables sautéed with grains and other root vegetables in a rich sauce. Whole grains are folded into a rich mushroom gravy as the sauce for this vegetarian dish.
A vegetarian take on the traditional Thanksgiving turkey is the centrepiece of this recipe. Roasted cauliflower leaves make for an irresistible crust, and the filling contains just six simple ingredients. If you're not a fan of vegetables, this delightful savoury cheesecake could fool you into thinking otherwise. Cilantro, tomato, lemon zest, and coconut extract add a mild freshness to this custard that is super moist without any cream or sugar.
Vegetarian Thanksgiving Roast
For a satisfying and straightforward holiday dinner, make this delicious vegan Thanksgiving roast. The chickpea stuffing and barley are filling, and the root vegetables add an array of textures.
Vegetarian Casseroles
It can be hard to envision a traditional holiday feast without meat, but with the recipes in this collection, you can make your main dish any time of year. No need for sides like Brussels sprouts or mashed potatoes. Casseroles have become synonymous with holiday meals, but many of them are much more than dairy- and gluten-free comfort food—they're hearty, satisfying main dishes in their own right. Many vegetables go well in the tarts, casseroles, and other main dishes in this collection, so there are many options if you're in the mood to branch out. Vegetable Pasta is just about the most versatile vegetarian dish of all.
Food blogs tend to have a “one-note” style, which means that all of their recipes are variations of one delicious theme: All are vegan. This collection of meatless casseroles and soups is no exception. In this collection of delicious vegetarian meatballs, fluffy mushroom-based pie, and stunningly delicate dumplings, you'll find an abundance of creative, flavour-packed dishes guaranteed to please everyone on your holiday dinner list.
Delicious Holiday Recipes For Vegans
If you're looking for great food for your next holiday celebration, you're in the right place. Check out these fantastic recipes for vegetarian Christmas and holiday party food: Slow Cooker Pork Stew – The slow cooker's one major drawback for meat-eaters is that you can't cook any old cut of meat to perfection. Still, for vegans, it's an invaluable tool.
Whether you're dealing with a roast, a pot roast, or a whole chicken, you can make delicious pork stew that will please any carnivore, if not a pretty traditional carnivore. Creamy Roast Potatoes – With Mushroom Gravy, Roasting a whole chicken is a treat for any carnivore, but if you're a vegan, roasting a whole bird without anything dripping to stick to the skin and make your house smell like a smokehouse is a challenge.
Eggplant Lasagna
One of the best things about vegetarian food is that you can still enjoy the richness of traditional Italian family classics while avoiding dairy and eggs.
This versatile recipe features a layer of eggplant based on traditional lasagna, with ricotta filling and lots of vegan cheese for good measure. It's sure to impress.
Roasted Leg of Lamb
Leg of lamb is a classic for a reason. This easy roast is loaded with texture and flavour, thanks to the addition of vegan sage and onion to the garlic-rubbed loin, spring onions and herbs to the glazed carrots, and the added a nice sweet-spicy kick from the honey-glazed pecans.
Vegan Holiday Dinner Recipe
Vegan Holiday Roast Turkey & Stuffing – Do as you do, my fellow meat-eaters: dig into the turkey, then pour yourself a glass of the red wine and open up a can of unsalted butter-studded green beans. Before you know it, your guests will be sitting on the couch, tearing off bits of turkey and mashed potatoes to stuff their faces.
Put Your Paws Into This Vegan Holiday Baked Sweet Potato Casserole. Now you can grab a fork and make your sweet potato casserole without all the unhealthy butter and flour. You might want to limit yourself to one serving, though, so you can get through the rest of the turkey.
What Do Vegans Eat for Holidays?
This article makes it easy to transition to a plant-based diet. It explains how to eat more nutritious meals, share meals, and be more flexible around the holidays, whether you're a new convert or you're returning to eating meat on this special day or any other time.
The recipes, most of which are from nonvegan sources, include dozens of new ways to prepare vegetables and grains perfect for meat-eaters and vegetarians. There are plant-based versions of classic dishes like hummus, chicken noodle soup, fruitcake, and even versions of desserts that are spectacular for vegans and nonvegans alike. You'll find a wide range of dairy-free desserts, entrees and side dishes.
Best Classic Vegan Holiday Dinner
Creamy Polenta with Smoked Ham and Parmesan – Filled with garlic-spiked kale pesto, this gourmet take on polenta pairs a succulent slice of ham with crunchy Parmesan cheese. Prep a day ahead and bring to room temperature before serving.
Vegetarian Holiday Casserole – This healthy vegetarian casserole is stuffed with green beans, mushrooms, and caramelized onions. It can be used as a side dish for any holiday gathering and is also a great way to use leftover roasted vegetables.
Vegetarian Holiday Panzanella – You don't have to buy store-bought bread to enjoy this bread salad which is served warm with a garlicky olive oil-heavy dressing, especially on those chilly winter nights.
This meatless turkey dinner is a one-pot wonder that only takes one hour to prepare. It's a feast fit for a vegetarian holiday dinner, with bold and savoury flavours. It's a fantastic one-pot solution for any vegetarian trying to add meat to their diets without dealing with their traditional carnivorous guests.
The best part about this recipe is that it's fast, easy, and completely healthy. It's a simple and light dish that's easy to make and make ahead of time. Don't worry about the snacking after dinner, as you'll be satisfied with a healthy mix of roasted veggies that will leave you feeling full and satisfied without the usual sweets and starchy carbohydrates of your traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
Stuffed Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is the vegetable equivalent of turkey: Seasonal, versatile and large enough to elicit a big reaction when presented accordingly. Cranberries and kale add holiday-appropriate colour and texture. With its maple and sage notes, a little vegan breakfast sausage would also do well here to fool the omnivores in your life, which may require a little fooling where vegetarian eating is concerned.
Mushroom Wellington
Fun fact — mushrooms are already a significant player in giving a traditional Beef Wellington its meaty, savoury flavour, in the form of a duxelles: a mushroom pâté that adds richness and nuance to the otherwise lean tenderloin. Here, the naturally meaty flavour and texture, not to mention the dramatic look of sliced portobellos, give this vegetarian Wellington as much right to claim star billing as its namesake.
Grilled Vegetable Sformato
In Italian, sformato means “to unmold,” surely a good omen for a holiday-worthy centrepiece. Anything that requires “turning out” in its preparation promises stunning results. This dish is essentially a terrine of noodles, cheese and vegetables — crowd-pleasers all of them — with a caramelized eggplant crust and striated interior to provide a good amount of showmanship. Best of all, it's the type of thing that improves with a day of rest, so your dishes will have been done by a whole day when guests start arriving and immediately begin admiring its comely nature.
Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie
There's something about the role of shepherds in holiday lore and the wholesomeness of the tending-the-flock imagery. A cottage pie with a mashed potato crust is an equally wholesome, remarkable, not to mention filling way to feed your flock this season. Rich gravy with lentils and mushrooms, heady with red wine and herbs, is not only delicious but positively cozy. For added flair, use your piping skills to provide peaks to your mashed potato crust.
Maple Hasselback Butternut Squash
There's more than one way to make butternut squash the star of the vegetarian holiday show. The Hasselback look is all the rage for potatoes lately: Imagine the increased dramatics when you apply the technique to something three times the size of your average russet. A simple garnish of fennel, pomegranates and walnuts is perfectly elegant and understated, or you can up-the-ante with vegetarian sausage gravy or ratatouille to finish.
Glazed Tofu Roast
Okay, do you think tofu may be a hard sell for your non-vegetarian friends and family? I get it. But have you seen this one, all sexy and racy with its cross-hatched pattern, caramelized exterior and sultry glaze? Tofu has a sad reputation for being bland, but that's the point: it is an entirely blank slate for flavour and texture when handled with care, and the holidays are exactly the time for that kind of attention to detail. With extra time to press out its additional liquid and long marination that spares no expense in layering flavour from sweet, to spicy, to smoky, this is the tofu that conversion stories are made of.
Herbed Vegan Pot Pie
Phyllo dough is your friend here for creating a foodscape that begs for a festive occasion, with its flair for sculptural drama and golden-brown inspiring layers. (Also, most phyllo dough, unlike puff pastry, is naturally vegan.) Almond milk helps to create a roux that's just as rich as any of its dairy counterparts, and now you've not only fed the hungry multitude well but included numerous vegetables in the main event, so name a better holiday host than you?
Pumpkin Squash Soup With Sage
Anyone who thinks that soup is not main-dish, holiday centrepiece worthy has never had pumpkin soup served to them inside an actual, individual pumpkin. The soup itself is low maintenance but redolent with holiday flavour thanks to sage, the official herb of November and December. The pumpkin tureens will require a bit more elbow grease, but you have something to prove here about the glamour of vegetarian holiday hosting, so have at it!
Conclusion
When you're making a huge holiday meal from scratch, it's helpful to have a variety of dishes in the mix to keep things interesting for all your guests and to allow you to adapt recipes to different dietary restrictions and preferences.
I trust you enjoyed reading the article about the Best Classic Vegan Holiday Dinners. Please stay tuned. There are more blog posts to come very shortly.
JeannetteZ
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Ideas? Thoughts? Questions? I would love to hear from you. Would you please leave me your questions, experience, and remarks about the Best Classic Vegan Holiday Dinners in the comments section below? You can also reach me by email at Jeannette@LivingTheVeganLifestyle.org.
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