How to Plan a Vegetarian Thanksgiving

Are you inviting a vegetarian to your Thanksgiving feast, but don’t have a clue what to fix them? Are you worried your menu is just too… meaty? Seriously, I’m from a large Southern family, and if you’re anything like me, even the veggies are filled with meat or meat broth!

And listen, salads aren’t the only option for a vegetarian! Trust me, I tried the vegetarian way for a time. My family was extremely confused and didn’t know what to make for me, but through that I discovered you can make a vegetarian feel right at home amongst the meat-eaters with these simple tips.

• Make your guest a main dish that can double as a side for everyone else. Stay away from imitation meat. During my veggie bit I found that “tofurky” is just an added stressor and it takes away from the Veg-giving. So pick a recipe packed with protein from ingredients like beans, nuts, eggs, and yummy cheese. One of these recipes would be perfect for your table!

 Pumpkin Pot Pie – Earthyfeast

Lentil & Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie – One Ingredient Chef

Stuffed Butternut Squash – Pickles & Honey

Acorn Squash with Walnuts & Cranberries– Let the Baking Begin

Veggie and Egg Casserole

Roasted Cauliflower, Mushroom and Goat Cheese Quiche with Quinoa Crust – Closetcooking

• No need to go overboard with sides. Vegetarians love Thanksgiving traditions too! So make extra of the vegetarian-friendly ones. They’d rather have large helpings of their favorite traditional sides than seven small tastes of vegetarian concoctions. Plus, this saves you from digging around for new recipes! If you’re willing, it is nice to adjust what you can (but they’ll understand if beans are full of fat-back and the rice has chicken broth in it… it is Thanksgiving).

Down Home Sweet Potato Casserole

Crunchy Baked Green Beans

Southern Style Creamed Corn – The Domestic Diva

Classic Mashed Potatoes

Savory Mushroom Gravy – Post Punk Kitchen

Spinach Balls – Shockingly Delicious

Baked Cranberry Sauce

• Still go crazy with dessert! Sugar is allowed in the vegetarian diet, and hey, since they don’t lose their calories to meat your guest will be saying, “Bring it on!” My grandma was pleased I could still eat dessert during this time because I’ve always helped her bake. Honestly, if sugar were off the vegetarian diet, it’s possible I would have broken my vow for her pie! You’re probably aware Southerners love their butter and sugar, and I’m no exception. Here are some of my favorite Thanksgiving desserts that I think you’ll love too!

Pumpkin Spice Roll

Buttermilk Carrot Cake

Apple- Filled Pound Cake

Old Fashioned Southern Chocolate Cake

Chocolate Pecan Pie

New Sweet Potato Pie

Strawberry Rhubarb Mold

Fruit Bars

Blue Ribbon Oatmeal Cookies

Fall Harvest Cobbler 

With these simple tips your guest will feel like you designed the menu just for them, but you’ll know it was no big deal! All you really did was try out a new dish this Thanksgiving. We bet your meat-loving family members will love it too! Perhaps you’ll start a new tradition this year!

Happy cookin’!

What are some of your favorite recipes for a vegetarian Thanksgiving?