These are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes to make for 2023 (2024)

These are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes to make for 2023 (1)

Looking for a show-stopping recipe to feed vegetarian or vegan guests this Christmas? You've come to the right place. Here at Good Housekeeping, we have plenty of Christmas-worthy veggie recipes to inspire you. From fancy pithiviers to the classic, cranberry-studded nut roast, we have every vegetarian Christmas craving covered.

An easy vegetarian Christmas main is hasselback squash. Just like hasselback potatoes, cut slices across the width of the halved squash – then cover in a mix of maple syrup, oil and thyme and top with crumbled goats cheese (choose a vegan cheese option if you prefer). Simple yet sophisticated.

Pies can also make wonderful vegetarian Christmas dinners such as this brie and mushroom pie which is given a festive lift with the addition of crunchy walnuts and a dash of sherry. Fancy a challenge? Our root vegetable pithivier takes some effort but the results are well worth it.

This beetroot and shallot tarte tatin makes a wonderful vegan main or side dish. We’ve used vegan Jus-Rol pastry to make it easier and the tarte tatin is served with a dressing of hazelnuts, parsley and capers.

No Christmas dinner is complete without stuffing, so don't miss out on our lentil and nut stuffing – it pairs perfectly with our collection of vegetarian mains, as well as traditional turkey, too.

Remember, make sure if you are serving your vegetarian meal with gravy that you have a vegetarian alternative to hand (you can follow any normal recipe but be sure to use vegetable stock instead and omit any meat juices and products that might be used).

Time to start planning your tastiest vegetarian Christmas yet...

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1

Beetroot and Hummus Tart with Horseradish Drizzle

These are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes to make for 2023 (3)

This tasty vegetarian tart makes use of two super convenient supermarket ingredients – hummus and ready-cooked beetroot – to deliver maximum flavour with minimum effort.

Recipe: Beetroot and Hummus Tart with Horseradish Drizzle

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2

Vegan Crispy Polenta and Roasted Squash Cake

These are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes to make for 2023 (4)

This is a real visual centrepiece, full of seasonal vegetables, with a protein boost from the tofu.

Recipe: Vegan Crispy Polenta and Roasted Squash Cake

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3

Stilton, Leek and Walnut Quiche

These are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes to make for 2023 (5)

Serve this cheesy, nutty quiche warm or at room temperature.

Recipe: Stilton, Leek and Walnut Quiche

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4

Cauliflower Wellington

These are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes to make for 2023 (6)

This delicious centrepiece makes the perfect main course alternative for vegetarians on Christmas Day, and meat-eaters will love it too.

Recipe: Cauliflower Wellington

5

Root Vegetable and Lentil Terrine

These are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes to make for 2023 (7)

This terrine is, unusually, served warm, which means it pairs perfectly with a vegetarian gravy. Any leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2 days, and are delicious served chilled or at room temperature.

Recipe: Root Vegetable and Lentil Terrine

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6

Giant Savoury Mince Pie

These are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes to make for 2023 (8)

We’ve taken inspiration from the sweet festive favourite for this veggie showstopper. Swap the sage for fresh thyme, if you like.

Recipe: Giant Savoury Mince Pie

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7

Beetroot and Goat’s Cheese Roulade

These are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes to make for 2023 (9)

The colour of this roulade alone will tempt everyone to try a slice! If you’re not a fan of goat’s cheese, cream cheese works well here too, but it will need a bit more seasoning.

Recipe: Beetroot and Goat’s Cheese Roulade

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8

Whole Baked Tofu ‘Ham’

These are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes to make for 2023 (10)

Tofu’s ability to take on flavours really comes into its own in this vegan roast, where the smokey, salty rub evokes the cured flavour of ham. Glazed and clove-studded, it looks a treat, too.

Recipe: Whole Baked Tofu ‘Ham’

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9

Root Vegetable Pithivier

These are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes to make for 2023 (11)

This wow-factor, vegan pie centrepiece is utterly delicious and worth the extra effort. If you're making a vegan Christmas dinner, make it this one.

Vegetarian Christmas recipe: Root Vegetable Pithivier

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10

Spiced Whole-Roasted Cauliflower

These are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes to make for 2023 (12)

This vegetarian centrepiece is sure to wow. We originally made this for an Easter celebration, but it would work as a veggie Christmas centrepiece, too.

Recipe: Spiced Whole-Roasted Cauliflower

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11

Pear, Blue Cheese and Walnut Puff Pocket

These are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes to make for 2023 (13)

This is the perfect budget-friendly vegetarian option for Christmas Day. The sweetness of the pears and honey cut through the saltiness of the blue cheese wonderfully.

Recipe: Pear, Blue Cheese and Walnut Puff Pocket

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12

Individual Beetroot Wellington

These are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes to make for 2023 (14)

Beetroot and goat’s cheese are a match made in heaven, and even more delicious when enveloped in pastry - the perfect veggie Christmas dinner.

Vegetarian Christmas recipe: Individual Beetroot Wellington

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13

Mushroom and Shallot Bourguignon Galette

These are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes to make for 2023 (15)

Echoing the flavour of our venison main – plus it works brilliantly with the horseradish crème fraîche.

Vegetarian Christmas recipe: Mushroom and Shallot Bourguignon Galette

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14

Caramelised Onion and Squash Baked Ricotta

These are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes to make for 2023 (16)

Serve this delicious vegetarian Christmas centrepiece at the table alongside your turkey and the meat eaters will all want a slice too!


Vegetarian Christmas recipe:
Caramelised Onion and Squash Baked Ricotta

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15

Jewelled Sprouts and Chestnuts

These are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes to make for 2023 (17)

It’s not Christmas without sprouts! The sweetness of apple juice and maple syrup here helps balance their brassica bitterness.

Vegetarian Christmas recipe: Jewelled Sprouts and Chestnuts

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16

Whole Stuffed Celeriac

These are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes to make for 2023 (18)

The earthiness of the mushrooms combined with the truffle oil makes this a perfect vegan Christmas dinner.

Vegetarian Christmas recipe: Whole Stuffed Celeriac

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17

Hasselback Squash

These are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes to make for 2023 (19)

We love this easy vegetarian Christmas dinner recipe, and it can be a vegan Christmas dinner too with just a little tweaking! Just replace goat's cheese with a substitute, we like Violife Feta Style Non-Dairy Cheese Alternative.

Vegetarian Christmas recipe: Hasselback Squash

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18

Brie and Mushroom Vegetarian Pie

These are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes to make for 2023 (21)

Earthy mushrooms and oozing Brie combine for a moreish vegetarian Christmas dinner that will be the envy of the non-veggies, while crunchy walnuts and a dash of sherry bring a touch of festive cheer to the table.

Vegetarian Christmas recipe: Brie and Mushroom Vegetarian Pie

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19

Creamy Sweet Potato and Celeriac Bake

These are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes to make for 2023 (22)

Earthy root veg in a herby cream makes a deliciously comforting accompaniment to just about any roast.

Vegetarian Christmas recipe: Creamy Sweet Potato and Celeriac Bake

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20

Vegan Beetroot and Shallot Tarte Tatin

These are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes to make for 2023 (23)

A stunning vegan Christmas dinner, even the meat eaters will want a taste! Also a delicious match with beef, if serving as a side dish.

Vegetarian Christmas recipe: Vegan Beetroot and Shallot Tarte Tatin

These are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes to make for 2023 (2024)

FAQs

What does a vegetarian eat for Christmas dinner? ›

Try one of our best-ever vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes, from roasted butternut squash with butterbean and goat's cheese mash to spinach and ricotta lasagne roll-ups – or an impressive spiral vegetable tart. Serve up plenty of greens on the side, and it will be a merry Christmas all round.

What is the most popular veg at Christmas? ›

Within this article we will outline the 5 most popular Christmas vegetables, and how to keep them fresh for the big day!
  • 1) Carrots.
  • 2) Broccoli.
  • 3) Potatoes.
  • 4) Cauliflower.
  • 5) Brussel sprouts.

What is the most popular vegetarian alternative to a turkey dinner at Christmas? ›

Nut Roast. The most popular Christmas meal for vegetarians and vegans is the nut roast. This typically describes a mixture of nuts, breadcrumbs, leeks, onions, broth and either oil or butter. However, this recipe is malleable and offers the opportunity for many alterations according to personal preference.

What is the best Christmas dinner to make? ›

  • Lasagna. Regina Schrambling. ...
  • Easy. Prime Rib Roast. ...
  • Pepperpot. Millie Peartree. ...
  • Jansson's Temptation (Creamy Potato Casserole) Eric Kim, Jens Linder, Johanna Westman. ...
  • Christmas Glazed Ham. Yotam Ottolenghi. ...
  • Vegan Jackfruit Pernil. Christina Morales, Lyana Blount. ...
  • Easy. Cola-Braised Beef With Chile-Lime Onions. ...
  • Easy.

What do vegetarians eat instead of turkey? ›

Other protein-filled vegan options that could replace turkey in your vegan Thanksgiving table are tempeh, tofu and seitan. Choose one of these plant-based turkey alternatives, or combine more than one in your table, complimenting with veggies, rice, salads, or any other plant-based whole foods ingredients you want.

Do vegetarians eat eggs? ›

Unless they are vegan (meaning they don't eat dairy products, eggs, or any other products which are derived from animals), some vegetarians do eat eggs and belong to a group known as lacto-ovo-vegetarians which according to the Vegetarian Society is the most common type of meatless diet.

What veg is best in December? ›

This is a great time for brassicas — cauliflower, romanesco broccoli, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collards and kale. And of course we couldn't start winter without root vegetables like turnips and beets, or winter squashes like butternut and kabocha.

What can I cook instead of turkey for Christmas? ›

10 Main Course Alternatives to Turkey for Christmas
  1. Goose. Traditionally, goose was the original bird of choice for a Christmas feast. ...
  2. Duck. Another festive bird that offers flavorsome fat is duck. ...
  3. Chicken. ...
  4. Beef. ...
  5. Lamb. ...
  6. Venison. ...
  7. Fish. ...
  8. Pork.
Dec 16, 2020

What can I use instead of turkey for Christmas? ›

7 delicious alternatives to roast turkey to try this Christmas
  • Mulled wine glazed ham. ...
  • Jewelled-stuffed butternut squash. ...
  • Cashew and pistachio stuffing nut roast. ...
  • Sticky citrus roast duck with crispy potatoes. ...
  • Porcini, bacon and sage roast rib of beef with port gravy. ...
  • Spiced pomegranate and clementine slow-roast lamb leg.

What is a good Christmas dinner instead of turkey? ›

Slow-roast lamb and pork with golden crackling also make impressive Christmas mains. There's festive favourites like beef wellington and salmon en croute, plus some vegetarian and vegan options.

What is the most popular Christmas dinner item? ›

Overall the traditional Christmas dinner classic, the turkey, is far and away the winner for most popular festive food.

What are 3 food items that are popular for Christmas dinner? ›

Every family in every part of the world serves their own traditional Christmas foods, but in the U.S., some are enjoyed nationwide:
  • Turkey.
  • Prime Rib.
  • Baked Ham.
  • Mashed Potatoes & Gravy.
  • Stuffing.
  • Green Bean Casserole.
  • Candied Sweet Potatoes.
  • Roasted Vegetables.
Dec 21, 2023

What do vegetarians miss from meat? ›

Previous reviews have indicated that vegetarians and vegans may risk vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, zinc and calcium deficiency as these micronutrients can mostly be found in animal foods or have a lower bioavailability in plant foods [8,9,10,11,12,13,14].

What is the most popular vegetarian alternative to a roast turkey? ›

Nut roast is a popular vegetarian alternative to a turkey dinner. It is a savory dish made primarily from a mixture of ground nuts, breadcrumbs, and various vegetables, herbs, and spices.

Why is Christmas Eve dinner meatless? ›

The specific dishes may differ from country to country, but many of them are universal. Due to the Nativity Fast, no meat, eggs or milk (including cheese) are allowed during the supper.

What do Pescatarians eat for Christmas dinner? ›

  • Tuna and Pesto Pasta.
  • Thai Vegetable Massaman Curry.
  • Baked Trevally with Sticky Coconut Rice.
  • Pescetarian Christmas: A Christmas Dinner Without the Meat.
  • Roast Cauliflower and Cheddar Soup.
  • Grilled Butterfish with Tricolour Quinoa.
  • Guacamole Grilled Cheese.
  • Focaccia Bread Pizza.
Dec 11, 2019

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