Delicious and Nutritious Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes for the Whole Family and Kids

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends and give thanks for all the good things in life. It’s also a time to indulge in delicious food. But for vegetarians, Thanksgiving can sometimes feel like a challenge when traditional dishes are typically meat-based. The good news is that there are plenty of delicious and healthy vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes that will satisfy everyone at the table, including the kids. From hearty mains to savory sides and sweet desserts, there are plenty of options to choose from.

In this post, I’ll share some of our favorite vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes that are not only nutritious and delicious but also easy to make. So whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking for some healthy and tasty options for your Thanksgiving feast, these recipes are sure to impress.

1. The importance of Vegetarian Thanksgiving

Vegetarianism is becoming increasingly popular, and there are many reasons for this. Some people choose to avoid meat for health reasons, while others may be more concerned about animal welfare or the environmental impact of meat production. Whatever the reason, vegetarianism is a great way to improve your health, reduce your carbon footprint and help animals.

Thanksgiving is an important holiday in the United States, and traditionally, it’s all about the turkey. However, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious vegetarian options available that can be just as satisfying as a turkey dinner. Not only can you create a meal that is kind to the planet and animals, but it can also be a great opportunity to introduce your family and loved ones to new and exciting dishes.

Vegetarian Thanksgiving can also be a great way to get creative in the kitchen. With so many different meat alternatives and plant-based ingredients available, the possibilities for a delicious and nutritious meal are endless. So, whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking for a way to mix things up this Thanksgiving, there has never been a better time to experiment with vegetarian dishes.

2. Vegetarian Thanksgiving menu ideas

When it comes to planning a vegetarian Thanksgiving menu, there are so many delicious options to choose from that the meat-eaters at your table won’t even miss the turkey. Here are some menu ideas that are sure to please the whole family:

1. Butternut Squash Soup: Start off your meal with a warm and comforting bowl of butternut squash soup. It’s easy to make and packed with nutrients.

2. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms: Instead of a traditional turkey, try stuffing portobello mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese. They’re hearty and satisfying.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasting is the perfect way to bring out the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts. Toss them with some olive oil and spices, then pop them in the oven for a crispy and delicious side dish.

4. Sweet Potato Casserole: This classic Thanksgiving side dish can easily be made vegetarian by using coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Top it off with a crunchy pecan topping for a sweet and savory treat.

5. Wild Rice and Cranberry Salad: This colorful and flavorful salad is a great addition to any Thanksgiving table. The combination of nutty wild rice, tart cranberries, and crunchy nuts is sure to please.

6. Pumpkin Pie: No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a pumpkin pie. Luckily, it’s easy to make a vegetarian version by using coconut milk instead of condensed milk. Top it off with some whipped cream and you’re good to go!

There you have it – a delicious and nutritious vegetarian Thanksgiving menu that everyone will love. Give these recipes a try and your family and friends will be begging you for the recipes!

3. Mashed Potatoes with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Mashed potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving dish, but this vegetarian version with mushroom gravy is sure to be a hit with even the meat-eaters at the table. To start, boil peeled and chopped potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, and salt to taste.

Meanwhile, in a separate pan, sauté sliced mushrooms in olive oil until browned and tender. Add in minced garlic and thyme, then sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir until it forms a paste. Gradually add in vegetable broth and stir until the gravy thickens.

Pour the mushroom gravy over the mashed potatoes and garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms and the creamy texture of the potatoes make for a perfect pairing that will leave everyone wanting seconds. Plus, with the added nutritional benefits of mushrooms, this dish is a great way to incorporate more vitamins and minerals into your Thanksgiving feast.

4. Vegetarian Stuffing Recipe

Thanksgiving stuffing is a staple for every Thanksgiving meal. But, what if you’re a vegetarian or have vegetarian guests over for dinner? Don’t worry, there are plenty of vegetarian stuffing recipes that are just as delicious and satisfying as traditional stuffing.

A great vegetarian stuffing recipe is made with sourdough bread, onions, celery, mushrooms, and vegetable broth. You can also add in some dried cranberries and chopped pecans for a sweet and crunchy twist. Start by sautéing the onions, celery, and mushrooms until they’re tender and then add in the bread and dried cranberries. Pour in the vegetable broth and mix it all together. The bread will soak up the broth and become soft and flavorful.

If you want to make it vegan-friendly, use a vegan bread and substitute vegetable oil or vegan butter for the butter in the recipe. You can also use a vegan broth instead of vegetable broth.

This vegetarian stuffing recipe is a crowd-pleaser and is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving dinner. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor and nutrition. Plus, it’s a great way to show your vegetarian guests that you care about their dietary preferences.

5. Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Cranberry sauce is a staple on many Thanksgiving tables, but did you know that it’s incredibly easy to make your own at home? Not only is homemade cranberry sauce fresher and more flavorful than the canned variety, but it’s also much healthier since you can control the amount of added sugar.

To make your own homemade cranberry sauce, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: fresh or frozen cranberries, water, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Start by rinsing the cranberries and picking out any stems or leaves. Then, combine the cranberries, water, sugar, and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.

You can also add in other flavors to make your cranberry sauce even more unique and delicious. For example, you could add in some orange zest, cinnamon, or even a splash of red wine. And if you want to make it even healthier, you can use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.

Homemade cranberry sauce is not only a tasty addition to your Thanksgiving meal, but it’s also a great way to introduce your family to new flavors and healthier alternatives. Plus, it’s so easy and quick to make that you’ll wonder why you ever bought the canned stuff in the first place!

6. Roasted Sweet Potato and Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts are a delicious and nutritious vegetarian Thanksgiving side dish that the whole family will love. The combination of sweet and savory flavors in this dish is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and can easily be made vegan by swapping out the butter for a plant-based option.

To make this dish, start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, wash and chop two large sweet potatoes into small cubes, and trim and halve one pound of Brussels sprouts. Toss them in a large mixing bowl with two tablespoons of melted butter or a plant-based option, one teaspoon of salt, and a half teaspoon of black pepper.

Once everything is well coated, spread the sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts out in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are tender and lightly browned on the outside.

Once the dish is done, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a serving dish. You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for an extra pop of flavor. Serve it alongside your favorite vegetarian Thanksgiving main dish, and watch as everyone goes back for seconds.

7. Vegan Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving classic, but it’s usually made with cream of mushroom soup, which contains dairy. This vegan green bean casserole recipe is a healthier, plant-based alternative that still has all the comforting flavors you love.

To make this recipe, you’ll need fresh green beans, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk), flour, and breadcrumbs. Start by blanching the green beans until they’re tender but still slightly firm. Then, sauté some chopped onions and garlic until they’re golden brown and fragrant. Add in the vegetable broth and plant-based milk, and whisk in some flour to create a creamy sauce.

Next, mix in the green beans and transfer everything to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and bake in the oven until golden and crispy. The end result is a deliciously savory and creamy casserole that’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Not only is this vegan green bean casserole recipe a healthier option, it’s also a great way to introduce your loved ones to the world of plant-based eating. Plus, it’s so tasty that even die-hard carnivores won’t be able to resist. Give it a try this Thanksgiving and see for yourself!

8. Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to start off the meal. This butternut squash soup recipe is not only delicious, but also packed with nutrients that will leave your family and kids feeling satisfied and energized.

To begin, you will need one large butternut squash, peeled and cubed. Heat up one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add the cubed squash. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender.

Next, add one diced onion and two cloves of minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent. Add in four cups of vegetable broth, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and one teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a boil and then let it simmer for about 30 minutes.

Once the soup has simmered, use an immersion blender or transfer it to a blender to puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For an added touch of flavor and texture, top each bowl of soup with a dollop of plain greek yogurt and a sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds.

This butternut squash soup is not only a crowd-pleaser, but also a great option for vegetarians and vegans at the Thanksgiving table. It’s a healthy and delicious way to start off the meal and get everyone in the holiday spirit.

9. Pumpkin Pie Recipe

No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a slice of pumpkin pie. This classic dessert is loved by everyone, and it’s surprisingly easy to make a delicious vegetarian version.

To start, preheat your oven to 425F. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 can of pumpkin puree, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until well combined.

Next, pour the mixture into a 9-inch pie crust. You can use a store-bought crust or make your own using this recipe: mix 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 cup of cold butter in a food processor until crumbly. Gradually add 3-4 tablespoons of cold water until the dough comes together. Roll out the dough and place it into a pie dish.

Bake the pie for 15 minutes at 425F, then reduce the temperature to 350F and continue baking for another 45 minutes or until the filling is set. Let the pie cool completely before serving.

For an extra special touch, top the pie with whipped cream or serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This pumpkin pie is sure to be a hit with the whole family, and it’s a great way to end a delicious vegetarian Thanksgiving meal.

10. Tips for keeping kids engaged in vegetarian Thanksgiving meals.

If you’re planning a vegetarian Thanksgiving meal, it’s important to keep your kids engaged and excited about the food you’re serving. Here are a few tips to make sure your vegetarian Thanksgiving meal is kid-friendly:

1. Get kids involved in the cooking process: Kids love to help out in the kitchen, so get them involved in the cooking process. Let them help with the meal planning, picking out recipes, and even preparing some of the dishes.

2. Serve kid-friendly dishes: While you may be excited to try out new and elaborate vegetarian dishes, it’s important to make sure there are plenty of kid-friendly options on the menu. Serve dishes like mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables that kids are sure to love.

3. Let kids customize their plates: Kids love to feel like they have some control over what they’re eating. Set up a “build your own plate” station with different vegetarian options so kids can create their own plates.

4. Make the meal fun: Thanksgiving is all about spending time with family and having fun. Make your vegetarian Thanksgiving meal fun by setting up a craft station for kids, playing games, or having a scavenger hunt to find hidden vegetarian treats.

By following these tips, you can make sure your vegetarian Thanksgiving meal is not only delicious and nutritious but also kid-friendly and engaging for the whole family to enjoy.

I hope you enjoyed our post about delicious and nutritious vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to add some healthy options to your Thanksgiving menu, we’ve got you covered. These recipes are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, making them a great addition to any meal. I hope that you and your family enjoy these recipes as much as we do! Don’t forget to share them with your friends and family too. Happy Thanksgiving!