Vegetarian Christmas recipes for a decadent meat-free feast (2024)

Whether you're a seasoned veggie or this is your first Christmas away from the main menu - these vegetarian recipes are sure to get you salivating.

You’ve decked the halls, got the Christmas centrepieces and even mastered the best gifts for teenagers - but what about the vegetarian Christmas dinner?

The good news is, we’ve more than got you covered.

Impress your guests with fancy Christmas starters like our vegetable and truffle tart before moving onto the main event. Our best ever nut roast is sure to make even the meat-eaters jealous, or, if that’s not enough you win you over, the chesnut, mushroom and cider pie will.

Of course Christmas is barely Christmas without a generous-helping of sides, so get ready to pile those plates sky-high with cauliflower cheese and beetroot salad.

Feeling hungry? Us too. Scroll on for the tastiest dishes around this festive season. And when you’re done, we’ve got the perfect sweet treats in our Christmas desserts round-up.

Vegetarian Christmas recipes guaranteed to please a crowd

Vegetarian Christmas recipes for a decadent meat-free feast (1)

Vegetable And Truffle Tart

Try this vegetable and truffle tart, garnished with red amaranth for an impressive finish. This recipe only takes 45 minutes to make so you won't be slaving away over it for hours, particularly as most of that is cooking time, so when you stick it in the oven you can get on with the million other things you will need to get done on Christmas Day. Alternatively, you can prepare these delicious tarts the day before so all you'll need to do is heat them up before serving.

Vegetarian Christmas recipes for a decadent meat-free feast (2)

Beetroot, Butternut and Goats' Cheese Tartlets

A delicious starter for the whole party or a special vegetarian main course, we love the way the flavours marry together in this beetroot, butternut and goats' cheese tartlets recipe.

Vegetarian Christmas recipes for a decadent meat-free feast (3)

Mushroom Leek and Crumb Topped Tartlets

These vegetarian tarts match all the trimmings, so it will be easy to make these as the main course to go with everything else you'll be cooking.

Vegetarian Christmas recipes for a decadent meat-free feast (4)

Spinach and Mushroom Filo Tart

You can prepare this spinach and filo tart recipe ahead and then just warm on the day, ready to serve with the rest of the Christmas dinner.For strict vegetarians, leave out the Parmesan or replace with a vegetarian Italian hard cheese, which you can find in all major supermarkets.

Vegetarian Christmas recipes for a decadent meat-free feast (5)

Best Nut Roast

Forget dreary cardboard flavours, this nut roast recipe is packed with delicious ingredients - who needs turkey?!

Vegetarian Christmas recipes for a decadent meat-free feast (6)

(Image credit: G5_Studio2)

Roast Butternut with Goats' Cheese

You don't need to be vegetarian to enjoy this roast butternut with goats' cheese recipe. The combination of sweet squash and pungent, tangy goats' cheese works fantastically well.From Christmas parsnips to roast potatoes, make sure your guests dip their vegetables into the cheese - it's delicious!

Vegetarian Christmas recipes for a decadent meat-free feast (7)

Chestnut, Mushroom and Cider Pie

A great alternative main for vegetarians, the chestnuts really bring the taste of Christmas to this chestnut, mushroom and cider pie recipe.

Vegetarian Christmas recipes for a decadent meat-free feast (8)

Red Onion Tarte Tatin with Chestnut Mushrooms

This upside-down red onion tarte tatin with chesnut mushrooms recipe is a savoury version of the French bistro classic tarte tatin - a smart main course your vegetarian guests will love.To make cooking easier on Christmas morning, you can cook the onions the day before, add the pastry and leave the dish in the fridge 
until you are ready to bake the tart.

Vegetarian Christmas recipes for a decadent meat-free feast (9)

(Image credit: G5_Studio2)

Caramelised Onion Tart with Goats' Cheese

Make some time before things get hectic to prepare our caramelised onion tart with goats' cheese and thyme recipe - the longer you give the onions, the more fabulous the finished result will be!

Goats' Cheese, Walnut and Beetroot Salad

With no cooking required, you'll be amazed how easy it is to put together this sophisticated goats' cheese, walnut and beetroot salad recipe.

Vegetarian Christmas recipes for a decadent meat-free feast (11)

Blue Cheese and Caramelised Onion Tart

If you're catering for a veggie crowd, this blue cheese and caramelised onion tart recipe will go down a storm. It's delicious as part of a buffet with a crispy salad.

Vegetarian Christmas recipes for a decadent meat-free feast (12)

Artichoke and Cheese Veggie Pie

The rich filling in our artichoke and cheese veggie pie recipe takes no time at all to make - and is so delicious no-one would miss the meat!Find more vegetarian recipes

Vegetarian Christmas recipes for a decadent meat-free feast (13)

Ultimate Cauliflower Cheese

Delicious as a side dish or even on its own with the traditional Christmas dinner sides, this ultimate cauliflower cheese recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Vegetarian Christmas recipes for a decadent meat-free feast (14)

(Image credit: steve baxter)

Wild Mushroom and Spinach Lasagne

A great idea for a Christmas Eve dinner, this mushroom and spinach lasagne recipe makes a welcome change from the traditional ragu filling. Serve with a crisp green salad and plenty of garlic bread.If you're cooking for strict vegetarians, omit the Parmesan or replace with a vegetarian cheese.

Vegetarian Christmas recipes for a decadent meat-free feast (15)

Leek and Dolcelatte Tart

The perfect Boxing Day lunch, this leek and dolcelatte tart recipe is equally delicious hot or at room temperature. Serve with homemade coleslaw and some chutneys.For strict vegetarians, omit the Parmesan or replace with a vegetarian cheese.

Vegetarian Christmas recipes for a decadent meat-free feast (16)

Baked Mushrooms with Onions and Roquefort

The rich flavour of France's favourite cheese makes this baked mushrooms with onions and Roquefort recipe a decadent main, which goes perfectly with the traditional Christmas side dishes.

Vegetarian Christmas recipes for a decadent meat-free feast (17)

(Image credit: charlie richards photography ltd)

Spanish Stuffed Tomatoes

Make Spanish-style stuffed tomatoes for a European twist to your Christmas dinner, packed with flavour.

Vegetarian Christmas recipes for a decadent meat-free feast (18)

Squash, Sage and Taleggio Tart

Squash and taleggio tart with fragrant sage makes a delicious vegetarian Christmas recipe that you can cut up and share with everyone at the table.

Vegetarian Christmas recipes for a decadent meat-free feast (19)

(Image credit: Gareth Morgans)

Mushroom, Goat's Cheese and Tarragon Tartlets

Delicious as a Christmas main or a dinner party dish over the festive season, your guests will love this mushroom, goat's cheese and tarragon tartlets recipe.

Vegetarian Christmas recipes for a decadent meat-free feast (20)

Terrine Forestiere

Rachel Khoo's terrine forestiere would make an unusual addiction to the Christmas table, but would work well with its robust texture and earthy flavours.

Vegetarian Christmas recipes for a decadent meat-free feast (21)

Roasted Butternut and Wilted Rocket Spaghetti

A complete doddle to make, roasted butternut and wilted rocket spaghetti recipe is full of flavour without being too rich or drowning in gloopy sauces. If you're cooking for strict vegetarians, look out for vegetarian Parmesan alternatives online and in specialist shops. Want more meat-free inspiration? Find more vegetarian recipes

Vegetarian Christmas recipes for a decadent meat-free feast (2024)

FAQs

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 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 veg do you have with Christmas dinner? ›

Discover the perfect amounts of potatoes, carrots, parsnips, sprouts, peas and red cabbage to serve with your roast turkey. Need help planning your Christmas dinner?

What is the most popular Christmas vegetarian alternative? ›

Best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes
  • Shallot tarte tatin. ...
  • Sage butter-basted roast cauliflower. ...
  • Roasted butternut squash with goat's cheese. ...
  • Wild mushroom and taleggio risotto cake. ...
  • Butternut squash and gruyère pithivier. ...
  • Sweet potato, chestnut and apricot loaf. ...
  • Vegetarian wellington. ...
  • Squash, sage and chestnut layer cake.

What can a vegetarian 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.

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].

How do you prepare Christmas veg the night before? ›

Prep your veg the night before

Peel potatoes, carrots, parsnips and any other veg you're having and leave them in pans of cold water overnight. This will save you a lot of faff and additional mess on Christmas morning.

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.

What can I eat on Christmas without cooking? ›

No cook Christmas recipes: Sandwiches and wraps
  • Chicken and avocado.
  • Chicken Caesar.
  • Cheese and salad.
  • Bacon, Lettuce and tomato (BLT)
  • Egg salad.
  • Tuna salad.
  • Smoked salmon and cream cheese.
  • Roast beef and mustard.
Dec 17, 2019

What is the perfect Christmas dinner? ›

You likely will want to choose a main first, like a turkey, Christmas ham, casserole or other show-stopping dishes. Then, you can compliment your main with Christmas side dishes and holiday appetizers. And of course, you can't forget about sweet Christmas desserts and festive co*cktails to sip on throughout the night!

What veg can I cook the day before Christmas? ›

Getting these prepped and lined up in a tray on Christmas Eve will make Christmas morning so much more enjoyable. Get your potatoes, carrots, parsnips, red cabbage and Brussels ready, then simply cover with foil and pop in the fridge, ready to cook tomorrow.

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

Traditional American Christmas dinner food
  • Turkey. A turkey is an inexpensive main meal that will feed a lot of people. ...
  • Stuffing. Stuffing (sometimes called dressing) is another common Christmas dinner food. ...
  • Mashed potatoes. ...
  • Gravy. ...
  • Cranberry sauce. ...
  • Christmas ham. ...
  • Beef tenderloin. ...
  • Rack of lamb.
Dec 10, 2021

What is the best alternative to turkey at Christmas? ›

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

What is the most popular alternative to having a turkey? ›

Other poultry candidates include rich and fatty duck or roasted chicken, both of which will stand in seamlessly and pair perfectly with classic Thanksgiving sides. There are also cuts of beef to consider such as prime rib, beef tenderloin, brisket or pot roast.

What is a good substitute for turkey meat? ›

For smaller crowds, swap the turkey with chicken, Cornish game hens, or stuff and roast individual quails for each guest, which is very elegant for a plated meal. Our roast chicken with sourdough stuffing, pomegranate roast chicken, and cranberry stuffed cornish game hen bring a festive Thanksgiving vibe to the table.

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

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dan Stracke

Last Updated:

Views: 6547

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dan Stracke

Birthday: 1992-08-25

Address: 2253 Brown Springs, East Alla, OH 38634-0309

Phone: +398735162064

Job: Investor Government Associate

Hobby: Shopping, LARPing, Scrapbooking, Surfing, Slacklining, Dance, Glassblowing

Introduction: My name is Dan Stracke, I am a homely, gleaming, glamorous, inquisitive, homely, gorgeous, light person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.