18 vegetarian holiday recipes with big seasonal flavor

Big holiday flavors don’t have to come from meat. These 18 bold vegetarian dishes bring the color, crunch, and comfort every table needs. No stress, just good food with big taste.

Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Close-up of roasted Brussels sprouts garnished with chopped nuts on a white plate, with a metal spoon visible in the background. — Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

You won’t need to convince anyone to grab seconds. Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts bring just enough contrast to hold their place among heavier sides. The balance of sweet and spice keeps the plate interesting.
Get the Recipe: Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Creamy Cauliflower Pumpkin Mash

Creamy pumpkin cauliflower mash topped with savory granola and sage leaves in a white baking dish. — Creamy Cauliflower Pumpkin Mash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Not every side needs to be potato-based to win people over. Blending two dependable vegetables, Creamy Cauliflower Pumpkin Mash adds color and contrast without going too rich. It stands up well to everything from roasts to lighter mains.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cauliflower Pumpkin Mash

Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

A serving of baked vegetable casserole with melted cheese on a speckled plate, next to a cast iron pan containing the rest of the dish. — Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

There’s something grounding about a layered dish that doesn’t try too hard. The richness of Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie pairs easily with lighter sides and grain-based mains. Everyone at the table tends to go back for more.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

An image of cooked tater tot casserole. — Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Crisp, warm, and deeply familiar, this one leans into what works. Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole pairs surprisingly well with the fancier items around it. The tray usually ends up empty.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

Easy Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast Recipe

A fork holds a piece of berry crumble on a white plate, garnished with rosemary. — Easy Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

You’ll want something bold and dependable when everything else is soft and creamy. Easy Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast Recipe brings a deep flavor and dense texture that fills the center of the table without needing meat. It holds up beautifully next to all the classics.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast Recipe

Vegetable Pot Pie

Comfort comes in layers, and this one delivers without trying to be the star. Wrapped in a flaky shell, Vegetable Pot Pie holds steady with just the right balance of filling and crust. It works just as well on a main plate as it does on its own.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Pot Pie

Vegan Meatloaf

A slice of chocolate cake with cream topping on an orange plate against a turquoise background. A spoon is placed beside the slice. — Vegan Meatloaf. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

You can expect a full-flavored main that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Vegan Meatloaf lands right in the sweet spot between hearty and balanced. Most guests won’t ask what’s missing.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Meatloaf

Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

Every table needs something sturdy and shareable. Cheesy Vegetable Casserole fills that role with ease, hitting notes that feel both familiar and fresh. Seconds aren’t uncommon.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

Jamaican-Style Pumpkin Soup

Bowl of vegetable soup with a spoon, featuring chunks of orange and yellow vegetables. Nearby are a lime, a half lime, and a sprig of thyme. — Jamaican-Style Pumpkin Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Spice doesn’t have to be loud to make a point. Balanced heat and smooth depth make Jamaican-Style Pumpkin Soup a smart addition when you're looking to mix things up. One ladle usually leads to another.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican-Style Pumpkin Soup

Sweet Potato Hummus

This one adds color and contrast without demanding space on the main plate. Served with crackers or spread on warm bread, Sweet Potato Hummus keeps things grounded. It’s great to have ready before the meal starts.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hummus

Buttered Sautéed Leeks

Let mellow flavors do the work once bold dishes take the spotlight. Buttered Sautéed Leeks act as a quiet complement that smooths out the rest of the meal. They’re often one of the first things to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Buttered Sautéed Leeks

Slow Cooker Potato Soup

A bowl of potato soup topped with shredded cheese, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. There's a spoon and a piece of bread next to the bowl. — Slow Cooker Potato Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Thick and hands-off, this one quietly fills bowls and bellies. There’s nothing flashy about Slow Cooker Potato Soup, but the comfort level runs high. Guests usually ask for a second ladle.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Potato Soup

Spiced Cranberry Chutney

A white bowl filled with cranberry sauce, garnished with a small amount of orange zest, sits on a wooden surface with a spoon on the side. — Spiced Cranberry Chutney. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Tart, warm, and layered, this one adds punch without asking for space. A spoonful of Spiced Cranberry Chutney changes the way everything else tastes in the best way. It earns its spot next to the main dish.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Cranberry Chutney

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Smooth, bold, and familiar, this one belongs in every spread. Garlic Mashed Potatoes work with almost anything you pile next to them. Nobody asks if you made enough.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Vegan White Cashew Gravy

Creamy sauces tie the whole plate together. Vegan White Cashew Gravy adds richness without overwhelming the rest of the flavors. Mashed potatoes and stuffing both benefit from a generous pour.
Get the Recipe: Vegan White Cashew Gravy

Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta

Creamy pumpkin pasta with garlic and tuscan kale in a bowl with a spoon. — Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Not every holiday dish has to lean traditional. Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta brings in a different kind of richness that balances well with everything else. It holds its own right in the middle of the spread.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta

Gingerbread Freezer Fudge

Compact, rich, and boldly spiced, these bites leave a mark without overstaying. Gingerbread Freezer Fudge gives you something sweet that’s easy to make ahead and share. One piece never feels like enough.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Freezer Fudge

Baked Brie with Fig Jam

Strong openers set the tone for everything that follows. Baked Brie with Fig Jam blends creamy and sweet into something that never lingers on the plate for long. Most guests circle back for another round.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie with Fig Jam