There are numerous (wonderful!) vegetarian alternatives to the traditional meat dishes that are served at Christmas dinner, such as prime rib, baked ham, and roast turkey. The following are some of our favorite vegetarian Christmas dinner ideas, from delicious soups and salads to filling pasta dishes and substantial stews, all of which taste just as festive.
A few dishes need almost no preparation at all, due to convenient materials like frozen or canned veggies. (Once you’ve spent the holiday making pasta from scratch, you might want to make it a yearly Christmas habit!) Some can be prepared in advance, leaving the morning free for gift-opening and quality time with loved ones. Some can be made in under 20 minutes. For their meals, some people use microwaves, Instant Pots, or slow cookers. There is one thing that all of these meatless Christmas feasts have in common, though: they are festive and tasty enough to please meat lovers as well as vegetarians. Therefore, there is no need to prepare a prime rib “just in case.”
The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Crowd-Pleasing Vegetarian Christmas Dinner
Vegetarians no longer have to make do with salads and appetizers to satisfy their hunger (read: cheese and crackers). These delicious vegetarian and vegan Christmas dinners ensure that even those who don’t eat meat may enjoy the holiday feast. Indeed, we wish you a blessed Christmas!
Pasta with a Brown Butter and Hazelnut Sauce with Sweet Potatoes
The use of packaged pasta and a can of sweet potato puree allows this savory vegetarian main dish to be prepared in under 25 minutes. Its stunning crispness is the result of a brief stint under the broiler.
Torte di Verdure
The lovely layers of this 15-minute prep time pie feature squash, kale, potato, and tomato. It will look its best in a springform pan. Try it out; you won’t be sorry you did.
Quick and Easy Vegetarian Lasagna
Noodles are layered with vegetables and cheeses, and the final layer is topped with fresh basil. Just assemble and bake the ingredients, as we used a jar of marinara and no-boil lasagna noodles and frozen vegetables that had already been cooked.
Pesto Pasta with Marinated Peppers
This vibrant pasta dish is elevated by the use of a batch of handmade marinated peppers, making it a fitting choice for a festive feast. Make a few extra jars to give as party favors (who doesn’t appreciate a tasty treat!).
Crumbly Carrot Latkes Made in a Hot Pan
This novel take on a classic Hanukkah dish also makes a great Christmas dinner main course. Individually cast-iron skillets filled with shredded carrots and fennel slaw are served to each diner. Yum!
Enchiladas with Mole de Butternut
All it takes to elevate this dish is a few simple pantry staples: canned adobo chilies, creamy peanut butter, and a dash of chocolate.
Mushroom-Stuffed Polenta
Polenta is the perfect base for any number of vegetarian toppings, including sautéed mushrooms and greens, because it is both cheesy and creamy.
Recipe for Baked Eggs with Mushroom Ragu and Polenta
This warm vegetarian casserole is the perfect example of how well casseroles work to feed a large group of people. Making a big casserole guarantees that everyone will be fed without having to wash a ton of dishes. On top of that, you get to host and socialize while the food bakes in the oven for twenty minutes or more.