Vegetarian Thanksgiving: 4 mains that taste better than the Turkey

Thanksgiving, one of the most awaited American holidays, is just six days away and shopping for the esteemed meal is what you should be doing right now. Traditionally, Thanksgiving dinner tables have consisted of a roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and more. In recent years, people have been turning to more animal-friendly eating options, adopting vegetarianism and veganism. But when it comes to the Thanksgiving turkey, Americans are a bit possessive. They replace their diet with a cheat day just to be able to have that hearty taste. However, for those who are thinking of skipping the Turkey dinner, there are much better, vegetarian options. Here are 4 you can try this year.

Including healthy vegetables and the classic Thanksgiving mashed potatoes, a vegetarian shepherd's Pie can be the star of your dinner table. You will need shallots, mushrooms, carrots, tomato paste, flour, red wine, veggie broth, peas, potatoes, and Greek yogurt in this recipe by Pinch of Yum. In a large oven-safe pot, heat some olive oil and add the veggies and herbs. Sauté and then add the tomato paste and flour along with the red wine. Slowly add the broth and salt. Add the peas and spread the mashed potatoes on top. Now bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees.

Tofu has long been sidelined as a flavourless component, but the right kind of seasoning and sauces can make it your favourite. The recipe by Plantifully Based is an easy-to-make one. All you need is an extra-firm tofu, vegetable broth, lemon juice, herbs, panko breadcrumbs, olive oil and more. Begin by pressing the tofu and squeezing out the excess water. Slice them into thin rectangles and add them to a container filled with vegetable broth, lemon juice and seasonings. Once marinated, cook it in a preheated oven at 400°F. Coat the slices in breadcrumbs and bake them for 17-20 minutes. To make the gravy take the leftover marinade and put it in a saucepan. Add more vegetable broth and flour and whisk until thick. While plating, add the tofu slices and drizzle with the gravy.

Sweet potatoes are a must on Thanksgiving. Take sweet potatoes, onions, peppers, cheddar cheese and herbs. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 35 minutes. Add onions and pepper instead of bacon to a pan over medium heat with the herbs and cook. Cut the top of each sweet potato to add the onion stuffing and then garnish with the cheese. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes and serve this recipe by Allrecipes.com.

This Veggie Desserts recipe of eggplant steaks is a must-try for Thanksgiving 2025. You will need eggplant, soy sauce, cooking oil, and spices. Slice the eggplant and season it with oil, herbs, spices and soy sauce. Grill them on medium heat or bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25 minutes.

While no dish in the world can replace the taste and love for a classic Thanksgiving spread, vegetarian dishes made with a smart selection of herbs and spices can definitely come close. Try out these recipes for a vegetarian Thanksgiving, and enjoy a healthy and happy holiday.