11 Vegan and Vegetarian Thanksgiving Mains That Aren’t Tofurky

Plant-based meals are often seen as light and healthy—but those aren’t the first words that come to mind when you think of Thanksgiving dinner. However, there’s no reason a main dish can’t be both vegan or vegetarian and indulgent. These meatless options combine stunning presentation with rich flavors, ensuring you won’t miss the turkey (or Tofurky) this season.

1. Pumpkin Curry

Soups and stews can be difficult to make visually appealing for a holiday spread. This recipe from Healthy World Cuisine magazine solves that by serving a flavorful vegetarian Thai curry inside a hollowed-out pumpkin. The festive look suits the occasion perfectly, while ingredients like peanut butter, pumpkin, and chickpeas make it hearty and satisfying. If you're short on time, you can substitute with pre-chopped squash and serve it in a regular bowl.

2. Stuffed Squash

Stuffed squash is a satisfying alternative to turkey for Thanksgiving. Varieties like butternut, acorn, and delicata squash are already tied to the holiday, and by filling them with vegetables and grains, they become a show-stopping entrée. The Kitchn offers a versatile recipe for stuffed acorn squash, which can be customized with your favorite winter squash, vegetables, grains, and proteins. For a more specific dish, the BBC provides a recipe for butternut squash stuffed with nuts, barley, and dried cranberries—perfect for a festive table.

3. Mushroom Wellington

This plant-based version of the classic beef Wellington, featured in New York Times Cooking, replaces meat but still delivers an impressive presentation. Mushrooms, a key ingredient in the traditional recipe, take center stage here, enhanced by a rich port reduction that introduces an extra layer of savory depth.

4. Cauliflower Steak

For plant-based diners who enjoy using a knife and fork on Thanksgiving, cauliflower steaks are an excellent option. Gordon Ramsay's take from MasterClass features the charred vegetable dressed in harissa, porcini mushrooms, and olive pistou. In contrast, Valerie Bertinelli’s version on FoodNetwork.com adopts a more traditional holiday vibe, garnished with parsley, pine nuts, and golden raisins.

5. Vegetable Lasagna

Lasagna is a favorite for festive occasions, and it’s easy to make a vegetarian version. Epicurious’s recipe uses spinach and mushrooms layered between sheets of pasta, all cooked in a rich roasted tomato sauce. Meanwhile, Smitten Kitchen’s variation opts for a creamy béchamel sauce instead of tomato. Lasagna can be assembled ahead of time, making it a great choice for holiday gatherings, whether you're hosting or bringing a dish along.

6. Vegetable Tamales

The same qualities that make tamales a traditional Christmas dish also make them an ideal choice for Thanksgiving. Preparing them is a collaborative effort, so gather your family to help assemble them beforehand. To keep it vegetarian, swap out stewed meats for cheese, beans, or vegetables. This version from the Spruce Eats features a delightful filling of fresh corn, tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and cheese.

7. Stuffed Eggplant

Eggplants have the heartiness to stand up to traditional Thanksgiving mains. Much like squash, you can stuff them with grains, nuts, vegetables, and plant-based proteins, then roast them in the oven at a high temperature. Taste of Home’s recipe features a filling of chopped mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes, sweet red peppers, and wheat germ. While it suggests topping with parmesan cheese, you can easily leave it out for a vegan version (or serve grated cheese on the side for guests to choose).

8. Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

While shepherd's pie isn’t a traditional Thanksgiving dish, it perfectly fits the hearty, comforting theme. Vegetarian versions maintain the best part—the crispy mashed potato topping—and swap out the ground lamb for a filling, plant-based substitute. Martha Stewart’s recipe combines carrots, peas, cremini mushrooms, and French lentils, while adding tomato paste and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to enhance the umami depth.

9. Root Vegetable Gratin

Vegetable gratins are a classic choice for Thanksgiving side dishes, but they deserve to shine on their own. Alison Roman’s root vegetable gratin recipe from Bon Appétit layers celery root, rutabaga, turnips, and Yukon gold potatoes, baked with butter, parmesan, breadcrumbs, and heavy cream. It’s as indulgent as a vegetarian main course gets.

10. Vegetable Paella

Paella is a festive dish that doesn’t require meat or seafood to be special. Food52 has created a vegetarian version of this classic Spanish dish, featuring peas, green beans, artichokes, roasted red peppers, and zucchini. The addition of saffron gives it an indulgent touch perfect for the holidays; serve it straight from the pan for extra drama.

11. Whole Roasted Cabbage

For a vegetarian main dish you can carve like a turkey, try roasting a whole cabbage. Delish’s recipe recommends seasoning the cabbage and basting it with butter (or oil for a vegan alternative), then roasting it in a skillet with chopped vegetables. Adding mushroom gravy makes it even more reminiscent of a holiday roast, and unlike turkey, this dish is ready in just 90 minutes.