These vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes include everything you need for a meal that everyone will enjoy, from festive appetizers to satisfying mains.
1/45
Pesto Lasagna
From the Recipe Creator:
The bright flavor of basil takes center stage in this pesto lasagna. Paired with a rich cheese sauce and layers of noodles, it's a potluck dish that will have guests asking you for the recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 452 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 903mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
2/45
Fig-Carrot Stuffed Kabocha Squash
From the Recipe Creator:
While searching for a new winter squash variety, I stumbled upon kabocha squash—it really wowed me. The flavor and texture are both rich and beautiful. This recipe, which I improvised, really suits the squash well. —Caitlin Stephens-North, Malden, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed wedge: 299 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 489mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 13g fiber), 5g protein.
3/45
Eggplant Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
We love eggplant Parmesan, so I created this crowd-pleasing meatless “meatball” by combining roasted eggplant with a blend of aromatic herbs, cheese and crispy panko bread crumbs. Serve the meatballs over pasta, nestle them in crusty rolls for meatball subs or offer them as appetizers at your next gathering. —Sharon Ricci, Mendon, New York
Nutrition Facts:
4 meatballs: 350 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 2320mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein.
4/45
Pretty Duchess Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
Here, comfort-food flavor comes in attractive packages that are just the right size! This recipe is a favorite Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving menu idea. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 158 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 437mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
5/45
Cranberry Ricotta Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
To make light and airy gnocchi, work quickly and handle the dough as little as possible. You'll be pleased with the resulting pillowy dumplings. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 411 calories, 30g fat (16g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 503mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
6/45
Cheesy Baked Asparagus
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy baked asparagus is an ideal fresh asparagus recipe with a rich, creamy sauce and cashews. It’s a favorite vegetarian Christmas dinner dish that is easy to prepare. —Jerry Gulley, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 261 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 447mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
7/45
Scalloped Cranberries
From the Recipe Creator:
This warm cranberry casserole is a nice substitute for traditional cranberry relish. It’s been a staple on my holiday table ever since my aunt gave me the recipe many years ago. —Ellan Streett, Clear Spring, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 388 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 246mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (55g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
8/45
Vegetable Potpie
From the Recipe Creator:
We raised our daughters as vegetarians. I wanted to give them more options than just pizza and pasta, so when they were around 11 years old, I made this vegetable potpie recipe. It’s still a hit. —Mark Sirota, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 679 calories, 40g fat (21g saturated fat), 146mg cholesterol, 973mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 15g protein.
9/45
Butternut Squash Custard
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband first tasted this comforting casserole when he was still my fiance. Having enjoyed it so much, he said I needed to offer it at every Christmas dinner. I've been happy to oblige! —Maura Calusdian, Londonderry, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 202 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 118mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
10/45
Onion Kugel
From the Recipe Creator:
Sliced eggplant, diced green pepper or shredded cabbage can be used in place of onions for this onion kugel recipe. Easy and traditional, the dish resembles a delicious souffle. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 171 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 276mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
11/45
Sauteed Mushrooms
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty garlic butter mushrooms are so delicious served with steak, chicken or pork. The sauteed garlic is the secret! —Joan Schroeder, Mesquite, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 109 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
12/45
Crispy Baked Tofu
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll never need another baked tofu recipe! My version is nice and crispy on the outside while remaining super soft on the inside. —Ralph Jones, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 154 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 949mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
13/45
Rustic Squash Tarts
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is hiding a big surprise. Flaky, rustic-looking pastry shells hold a sweet and spicy pecan layer under the squash slices. —Ann Marie Moch, Kintyre, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 279 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 196mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
14/45
Cauliflower Steaks with Gorgonzola Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
This healthy, low-carb vegetarian dish is so full of flavor. The buttery, creamy Gorgonzola sauce allows the cauliflower to shine. It's the perfect steakhouse dinner, minus the steak! —Carrie Dault, Harriman, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 753 calories, 67g fat (35g saturated fat), 159mg cholesterol, 1602mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 20g protein.
15/45
Triple Cranberry Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
Cranberry fans will ask for this sauce again and again. It's loaded with their favorite fruit—in fresh, dried and juice form. Orange and allspice make it awesome. —Arlene Smulski, Lyons, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 113 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 0 protein.
16/45
Roasted Vegetable and Chevre Quiche
From the Recipe Creator:
Roasting the veggies in this rich yet bright quiche intensifies their flavors. The addition of fresh goat cheese lends a wonderful creamy tanginess. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 219 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 471mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
17/45
Spiced Acorn Squash
From the Recipe Creator:
Working full time, I found I didn't always have time to cook the meals my family loved, so I re-created many of those dishes in the slow cooker. This treatment for squash is one of our favorites. —Carol Greco, Centereach, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 squash half: 433 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 142mg sodium, 86g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
18/45
Quinoa-Stuffed Squash Boats
From the Recipe Creator:
My colorful “boats” with quinoa, garbanzo beans and pumpkin seeds use delicata squash, a winter squash with edible skin that’s cream-colored with green stripes. In a pinch, acorn squash will do—but don't eat the skin! —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed squash half: 275 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 591mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 10g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
19/45
Creamy Mushroom-Potato Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
The day I first made this, we'd invited a neighbor—a bachelor farmer—for dinner, and I wanted to fix something hearty. The recipe was a hit instantly. These days, our three sons enjoy it as a change from regular mashed potatoes. We've found that it's best served with beef ... either with or without gravy. —Kathy Smith, Granger, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 141 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 317mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
20/45
Asparagus Pastry Puffs
From the Recipe Creator:
When the first asparagus of the season appears, we serve it rolled inside puff pastry with a yummy cheese filling. Our guests always compliment these lovely treats. —Cindy Jamieson, Tonawanda, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 188 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 211mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
21/45
Lentil Loaf
From the Recipe Creator:
This lentil loaf is so flavorful, you won't miss the meat. And it's packed with fiber and nutrients. —Tracy Fleming, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 213 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 580mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
22/45
Spinach Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamed spinach just got an upgrade. This cheesy spinach bake is the perfect holiday side dish. It's topped with buttery Parmesan bread crumbs for added crunch. —Cathy Trochelman, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 225 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 737mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
23/45
Crockpot Mac and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish. I've never met anyone who didn't ask for a second helping. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 502 calories, 28g fat (18g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 638mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
24/45
Pronto Vegetarian Peppers
From the Recipe Creator:
In the summer, I love to serve these peppers with salad and a roll. At the end of summer, I freeze them for cold months when produce costs are high. For a hot meal on a cold day, I love to serve them with a side of warm pasta tossed in olive oil. —Renee Hollobaugh, Altoona, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed pepper halves: 341 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 556mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 11g fiber), 19g protein.
25/45
Polenta with Mushrooms and Spinach
From the Recipe Creator:
As a vegetarian, I love coming up with new dishes that non-vegetarians will enjoy (and not miss the meat). This polenta with mushrooms and spinach recipe is so good, everyone always asks for the recipe. —Marcy Delpome, Stanhope, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice with 3 tablespoons topping: 97 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
26/45
Roasted Beets
From the Recipe Creator:
This roasted beets recipe makes ordinary beets taste tender and delicious with just a few sweet and good-for-you ingredients. —Wendy Stenman, Germantown, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 beet wedges: 92 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 328mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
27/45
Stuffed Shells
From the Recipe Creator:
More cheese, please! You'll get your fill from saucy jumbo pasta shells loaded with four kinds—mozzarella, Asiago, ricotta and cottage cheese. Do the prep work, and then freeze according to the recipe directions to have a ready-to-bake meal for a future busy night. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed shells: 376 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 959mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
28/45
Bow Tie & Spinach Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
With pasta salad, it’s easy to change up ingredients. We like to add grilled chicken and pine nuts, and sometimes we substitute black beans for the garbanzo beans. —Julie Kirkpatrick, Billings, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 318 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 661mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
29/45
Mozzarella Mushrooms with Garlic Toast
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this dinner using ingredients I had on hand. It turned out to be so delicious, my wife and I now make it for special occasions. —Marc Bushee, Moorhead, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 366 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 562mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein.
30/45
Butternut Squash Lasagna
From the Recipe Creator:
My rich, saucy lasagna features winter squash at its finest. The whipped cream topping adds a unique twist to this meatless casserole packed with roasted butternut squash, two kinds of cheese and a host of seasonings. Allowing the lasagna to stand for 10 to 15 minutes before serving makes it easier to cut. —Lisa Sheets, Carmel, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 358 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 585mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein.
31/45
Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
Cream cheese is the secret ingredient in these comforting spuds. Simply mash, mix and let them warm in the slow cooker. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 341 calories, 24g fat (15g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 267mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
32/45
Italian Herb-Lentil Patties with Mozzarella
From the Recipe Creator:
My family has requested this meatless recipe over and over again. It is simple to prepare and even meat lovers like it. —Geri Lucas, Oldsmar, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 patty: 416 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 26g protein.
33/45
Slow-Cooker Broccoli Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
This family-favorite side dish is quick to fix and full of flavor. Because it simmers in a slow cooker, it frees up my oven for other things. That's a tremendous help when I'm prepping a big meal at home. —Connie Slocum, Antioch, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 159 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
34/45
Green Bean Mushroom Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh green bean flavor stands out in this pretty lattice-topped pie. A flaky golden crust holds the savory bean, mushroom and cream cheese filling. It tastes wonderfully different every time I make it, depending on the variety of mushrooms I use. —Tara Walworth, Maple Park, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 503 calories, 37g fat (23g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 587mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein.
35/45
Manicotti
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the first meal I ever cooked for my husband and all these years later, he still enjoys every bite. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed manicotti: 361 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1124mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
36/45
Baked Figs
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a nice change from the traditional savory offerings. To keep the flavorful figs warm during your party, serve them in a chafing dish. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 71 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
37/45
Warm Tasty Greens with Garlic
From the Recipe Creator:
My farm box had too many greens, so I had to use them up. This tasty idea uses kale, tomatoes and garlic in a dish that quickly disappears. —Martha Neth, Aurora, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 137 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 216mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
38/45
Caramelized Fennel Tarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Fennel is a favorite of mine, no matter how it’s cooked, but I think it is really amazing sauteed until rich and golden, then baked on delicious puff pastry. I’ve served these as a side dish and an appetizer. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 116 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 102mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
39/45
Mushroom and Sweet Potato Potpie
From the Recipe Creator:
The last time I was in the US, I had an amazing mushroom and beer pot pie at a small brewpub. It was so rich and comforting. I tried numerous versions when I got home and I think I've come pretty close! —Iben Ravn, Copenhagen, Denmark
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 211 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
40/45
Simple Vegetarian Slow-Cooked Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
When I have a hungry family to feed, these tasty beans with spinach, tomatoes and carrots are a go-to dish. This veggie delight is frequently on our menu. —Jennifer Reid, Farmington, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 229 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 13g fiber), 12g protein.
41/45
Mushroom Asparagus Quiche
From the Recipe Creator:
Loads of asparagus pieces add color and flavor to this hearty, creamy quiche. And its easy crescent roll crust means you’ll have a vegetarian Christmas dinner ready in a snap! —Sharon A. Fujita, Fontana, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 272 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 580mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
42/45
Skillet Mac and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 600 calories, 37g fat (23g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
43/45
Honey-Thyme Butternut Squash
From the Recipe Creator:
This golden, honey-sweetened squash is just as hearty and comforting as your favorite potato dish. With its bright color, it makes an attractive side for special autumn meals. —Bianca Noiseux, Bristol, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 145 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 161mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
44/45
Red Pepper Cornmeal Souffle
From the Recipe Creator:
I use the vegetables from our garden in all my cooking. Dotted with parsley and red pepper, this souffle is a favorite. —Janet Eckhoff, Woodland, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 193 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 427mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
45/45
Mushroom-Bean Bourguignon
From the Recipe Creator:
In our family, boeuf bourguignon has been a staple for generations. I wanted a meatless alternative. All this dish needs is a French baguette. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 234 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 613mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
Vegetarian Christmas Dinner FAQ
What vegetarian Christmas dinner ideas will everyone like?
It’s hard to think of a more crowd-pleasing vegetarian family dinner idea than a cheesy baked pasta, like lasagna or mac and cheese. To cut the richness and make it holiday-worthy, add some seasonal vegetables, like butternut squash or sauteed greens. A platter of cauliflower steaks, with their slight sweetness and mellow taste, might be a surprise hit at the table.
Are there festive vegetarian recipes I can make ahead for Christmas?
To keep stress low when planning a vegetarian Christmas feast, include some make-ahead sides or mains, like cranberry sauce, meat-free meatballs and veggie casseroles. These dishes can be prepared completely ahead and served at room temperature or assembled and then baked before dinner. For dishes like stuffed squash or a pot pie, make the filling in advance or prep the components so finishing the recipe on Christmas takes only minutes.
What sides go with vegetarian holiday main dishes?
You can make most traditional sides, including mashed potatoes, crisp salads and green vegetables like asparagus and green beans, to pair with vegetarian holiday main dishes. To adjust your favorite recipes to be meatless, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, and instead of crumbled bacon in your salad, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the dressing for a similar taste.
