Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 10 Food Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Summer

      10 Food Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Summer

      Here are the popular flavors we think will be big this year, plus recipes to try these trends at home. Read More
    • 22 Vegetarian Lunches You Can Make in 10 Minutes

      22 Vegetarian Lunches You Can Make in 10 Minutes

      When you're short on time, you can still make a quick, healthy lunch that will help you power through the afternoon. Whether you prefer a simple grain bowl with lots of veggies, a slice of loaded avocado toast or a delish salad, there's something for you in this mix. You need just 10 minutes in the kitchen to pull together recipes like our Egg Tartine and Chickpea Salad Sandwich. Read More
    • What Is Taperakia? For These Greek Moms, Sending Meals to Their Kids is an Act of Love

      What Is Taperakia? For These Greek Moms, Sending Meals to Their Kids is an Act of Love

      Learn about the Greek practice of shipping adult children Tupperware containers of food, plus get their recipes to make at home. Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Healthy Lifestyle Diets
  4. Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
  5. Vegetarian Holiday & Occasion Recipes
  6. Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes
  7. Vegetarian Thanksgiving Main Dish Recipes
  8. 21 Show-Stopping Vegetarian Mains for Thanksgiving

21 Show-Stopping Vegetarian Mains for Thanksgiving

Updated January 06, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Sweet Potato Hash Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

These stunning meatless Thanksgiving main dish recipes (including some vegan options) are so rich and satisfying, even the meat-eaters will want some on their plate.

Start Slideshow

1 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato Hash Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

5841531.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Diced sweet potato, bell peppers and apples make a vegan stuffing inspired by the flavors of sausage. To add that savory flavor, we use poultry seasoning (don't worry, there's no actual poultry in it!). Piled into portobello mushroom caps, it creates a beautiful and filling plant-based main dish--perfect for the holidays.

1 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vegan Cauliflower Steaks with Mushroom Gravy

a plate with cauliflower and mushroom sauce
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The highlight of this gorgeous vegan holiday main dish recipe is the surprisingly rich dairy-free mushroom gravy. The roasted cauliflower is also pleasantly delicious thanks to a little caramelization while roasting. Smother a side of vegan mashed potatoes with any extra gravy.

2 of 21

3 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cauliflower Rice-Stuffed Peppers

5434467.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Slash the calories and carbs of traditional stuffed peppers by swapping white rice for cauliflower "rice." The riced cauliflower is hearty and won't turn to mush during baking. Use an assortment of red, yellow, orange and green peppers to make an appealing presentation.

3 of 21

Advertisement

4 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spinach Cannelloni with Cabbage & Smoked Mozzarella

5196513.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

At Ristorante il San Pietro in the Piedmont of Italy, they use scamorza affumicata, an aged smoked mozzarella, but smoked fresh mozzarella works too in this healthy homemade vegetarian pasta recipe. You can substitute dry pasta, such as cannelloni or manicotti, for the fresh. Cook 12 noodles according to package directions, then stuff and sauce them.

4 of 21

5 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Moroccan Chickpea-Stuffed Acorn Squash

4027908.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Think of this healthy vegetarian side dish recipe as a meatless tagine served in a squash bowl. Kabocha, sweet dumpling or carnival squash make good alternatives to acorn squash. To make this side a hearty vegetarian meal, serve 2 halves each.

5 of 21

6 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cauliflower Steaks with Parmesan Cauliflower Rice & Romesco

4784635.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Use the entire cauliflower head--leaves (yes, they're edible), stem and florets and all for this healthy cauliflower main dish recipe. Be sure to not flip the cauliflower steaks as they roast, they get super-crispy and deliciously browned in the hot oven.

6 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Fall Vegetables in Cheddar Crust

3756983.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This tart starts with a Cheddar cheese crust that's filled with roasted leeks, fennel and broccoli or Brussels sprouts. Beets or cauliflower would stand in beautifully too.

7 of 21

8 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Galette with Kabocha Squash & Kale

3758450.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Kale and kabocha squash pair deliciously in this healthy vegetarian galette recipe that looks as fabulous as it tastes. Kabocha squash doesn't need to be peeled, but if it isn't available, use buttercup squash instead.

8 of 21

9 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Squash & Leek Lasagna

4092133.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Grated butternut squash, pine nuts and sautéed leeks in a creamy white sauce are layered with sheets of whole-wheat pasta for this wintery variation on a vegetable lasagna. Any Parmesan cheese can be used in this casserole, but we recommend Parmigiano-Reggiano for its superior flavor.

9 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato, Red Onion & Fontina Tart

4138413.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Try this roasted-vegetable free-form tart as an appetizer or side dish for a special dinner or as a vegetarian main dish. The pastry dough is very forgiving and quite easy to roll out on parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. The walnut-studded crust is crisper served warm, but you can enjoy the tart at room temperature or cold too.

10 of 21

11 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Polenta-Stuffed Kabocha Squash

3759178.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The cheesy polenta filling in this healthy stuffed squash recipe makes a great alternative to mashed potatoes, as well as a hearty vegetarian entree. If you can't find kobocha squash, try using a buttercup squash or pie pumpkin--or skip serving it in the hollowed-out vegetable altogether and use 2 cups of your favorite pureed winter squash in Step 5.

11 of 21

12 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Savory Onion & Tomato Galette

3758498.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this savory tomato galette recipe the red onions are a little sweet from caramelization and a little sour from red-wine vinegar, but they complement the slow-roasted plum tomatoes perfectly. The result is rich and deeply satisfying. Serve this rustic tart with a green salad for a light lunch or a roast chicken for a hearty dinner.

12 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Stuffed Pumpkin with Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

3958756.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This roast pumpkin with a mushroom-and-bread stuffing is a beautiful vegetarian entree for the holidays. Use a small pumpkin if you can find one, but a winter squash like kabocha or buttercup also works. For a special garnish, save the seeds from the pumpkin, toss them with spices and roast them. If you use a squash, opt for store-bought pepitas; the squash seeds are too woody to eat.

13 of 21

14 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Crispy Phyllo Spinach Tartlets

3756981.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Frilly layers of phyllo dough surround the festive spinach and sun-dried tomato filling in a dressed-up version of Greek spanakopita. Serve these as a main dish for supper and you're sure to please vegetarians and omnivores alike.

14 of 21

15 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Acorn Squash Stuffed with Chard & White Beans

3757244.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Acorn squash's natural shape makes it just right for stuffing. This filling has Mediterranean flair: olives, tomato paste, white beans and Parmesan cheese. Serve with: Mixed green salad with radicchio and red onion and crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio.

15 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Caramelized Onion & Brussels Sprout Galette

Caramelized Onions and Brussels Galette
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Serve this vegetarian tart recipe as a main dish or in thinner slices for an appetizer or side dish. Since you'll be pleating the dough to create a rustic look, buy ready-to-roll pie crusts rather than prepared pie shells--you'll find them in the dairy section of your market with other ready-to-bake items or near the frozen desserts.

16 of 21

17 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Whole Roasted Romanesco with Labneh & Curry Oil

7129809.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This psychedelic-seeming crucifer looks like cauliflower and broccoli fell in love and had a baby. The earthy, smoky flavor makes this a show-stopping vegetarian side dish or appetizer—or make it the centerpiece of a vegetarian Thanksgiving feast.

17 of 21

18 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Fontina Cheese Sauce

7007772.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This is a great fall dish—warming nutmeg pairs deliciously with sweet, roasted butternut squash gnocchi and a rich alfredo-like cheese sauce. Although the gnocchi aren't as pillowy as your classic white potato gnocchi, they're still light-tasting and come with the added benefit of a little extra fiber and some eye-healthy vitamins.

18 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Burrata

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Burrata
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This beautiful butternut squash salad with creamy burrata cheese and peppery arugula is perfect for fall entertaining. For the best flavor and texture, remove the burrata from the refrigerator about an hour before use and assemble the salad while the squash is still warm from roasting so the cheese will melt slightly. Feel free to use precut butternut squash to make this recipe easier. If you can find pomegranates, the arils add a bright pop of color and flavor to this healthy salad, but it's just as good—and almost as impressive-looking—without them.

19 of 21

20 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Noodle-Less Butternut Squash Lasagna

Noodle-Less Butternut Squash Lasagna
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Slices of butternut squash stand in for noodles in this veggie-packed lasagna with spinach, mushrooms and a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce. You can make the Parmesan cheese sauce with regular flour or swap in gluten-free flour to make this dish gluten-free. Look for a squash with a long, straight neck for the best results. Serve with a green salad for a vegetarian meal that you'd be happy to serve to company.

20 of 21

21 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Butternut Squash Bisque with Almonds & Cilantro

Butternut Squash Bisque with Almonds & Cilantro
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Roasting the squash first deepens the bisque's flavor and is a step you don't want to skip. Look for pre-chopped butternut squash in the refrigerated area of the produce section, or in the freezer aisle. It will significantly simplify this recipe. If you're short on time, plan to prep the other ingredients while the squash roasts. We add almonds at the end for a toasty, textural contrast, while cilantro and cayenne give this butternut squash bisque a slightly exotic flair. This easy bisque recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan (if you opt for vegetable stock), but you could certainly add a drizzle of heavy cream at the end if you wish.

21 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 21 Sweet Potato Hash Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
    2 of 21 Vegan Cauliflower Steaks with Mushroom Gravy
    3 of 21 Cauliflower Rice-Stuffed Peppers
    4 of 21 Spinach Cannelloni with Cabbage & Smoked Mozzarella
    5 of 21 Moroccan Chickpea-Stuffed Acorn Squash
    6 of 21 Cauliflower Steaks with Parmesan Cauliflower Rice & Romesco
    7 of 21 Roasted Fall Vegetables in Cheddar Crust
    8 of 21 Galette with Kabocha Squash & Kale
    9 of 21 Squash & Leek Lasagna
    10 of 21 Sweet Potato, Red Onion & Fontina Tart
    11 of 21 Polenta-Stuffed Kabocha Squash
    12 of 21 Savory Onion & Tomato Galette
    13 of 21 Roasted Stuffed Pumpkin with Spiced Pumpkin Seeds
    14 of 21 Crispy Phyllo Spinach Tartlets
    15 of 21 Acorn Squash Stuffed with Chard & White Beans
    16 of 21 Caramelized Onion & Brussels Sprout Galette
    17 of 21 Whole Roasted Romanesco with Labneh & Curry Oil
    18 of 21 Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Fontina Cheese Sauce
    19 of 21 Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Burrata
    20 of 21 Noodle-Less Butternut Squash Lasagna
    21 of 21 Butternut Squash Bisque with Almonds & Cilantro

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2022 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    21 Show-Stopping Vegetarian Mains for Thanksgiving
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.