Vegetarian Thanksgiving Sides and Mains

These hearty vegetarian dishes from around the world will satisfy every appetite this holiday.

Fresh Mushroom Cutlets with Mornay Sauce
This throwback to the Ranch House restaurant is still a popular choice with vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. See the Fresh Mushroom Cutlets with Mornay Sauce Recipe
See the Recipe
See the Recipe
See the Recipe
See the Recipe

The kick of chile, ginger, and lime offers a welcome counterpoint to the rich, sweet flavor of yams. See the recipe for Yams with Ginger and Scallions »

Pumpkin Soup in a Pumpkin

This recipe proves that the flesh isn’t just for pies but makes a delicious soup as well. We found it best to use a heavy pumpkin, with thick flesh that keeps it intact during baking. See the recipe for Pumpkin Soup in a Pumpkin »

Treviso and Gorgonzola Tart
Treviso and Gorgonzola Tart

Delicately flavored treviso is combined with pungent gorgonzola and baked atop pillowy puff pastry. Get the recipe for Treviso and Gorgonzola Tart »

Chestnut Stuffing
Chestnut Stuffing

Traditionally used for stuffing fatty birds like goose because of their high starch content, we like using chestnuts in stuffings for leaner birds like turkey as well, for the sweet nutty flavor they impart. Get the recipe for Chestnut Stuffing »

Rutabaga Caponata
Rutabaga Caponata

Rutabagas are the star in this autumnal twist on the well-known Sicilian eggplant relish. Get the recipe for Rutabaga Caponata »

Salade Lyonnaise
Salade Lyonnaise

Hailing from Lyon, this French bistro standard gathers a delectable trio of bitter frisée, runny poached egg, and crisp lardons. Get the recipe for Salade Lyonnaise »

Turnip-Potato Puree

Serve this mash with pork sausages, if you like. See the recipe for Turnip-Potato Puree »

Sauteed Brussels Sprouts with Pecans

Roasted pecans add crunch while complimenting the earthy, slightly sweet flavor or Brussels sprouts. If you don’t have pecans on hand, hazelnuts make a great substitute. See the recipe for Sauteed Brussels Sprouts with Pecans »

Vegetarian Lasagne

No one will miss the meat in this creamy, vegetable-laden lasagne with perfectly al dente noodles.

Curried Cream Onions
Curried Cream Onions

Luscious pearl onions are rendered complex by curry powder and Tabasco. Get the recipe for Curried Creamed Onions »

Frying whole spices to release their flavor–a technique known in many parts of India as baghar–is crucial to developing the flavors in this simple dish of cauliflower and tomato. See the recipe for Curried Cauliflower with Tomatoes »

Green Beans with Sesame Sauce
Green Beans with Sesame Sauce

Ginger-spiced green beans make a light and simple side dish. Get the recipe for Green Beans with Sesame Sauce »

Roasted Radishes
Roasted Radishes

This colorful side is unbelievably simple, requiring only radishes, olive oil, thyme, and salt and pepper. Roasted Radishes »

Salata Adas (Garlicky Lentil Salad)
Salata Adas (Garlicky Lentil Salad)

This light, Lebanese lentil salad is flavored with lemon juice, cumin, allspice, and parsley.

Collard Greens Salad with Peanut Vinaigrette

We created this composed salad with baby collards to showcase their natural affinity with peanuts and black-eyed peas. See the recipe for Collard Greens Salad with Peanut Vinaigrette »

Piquant Corn Bread
Piquant Corn Bread

Jalapeños and cilantro punch up classic cornbread.

Red Cabbage Gratin
Red Cabbage Gratin

A lightly-spiced and creamy cabbage casserole is baked with a crunchy breadcrumb and Parmesan topping. Get the recipe for Red Cabbage Gratin »

Sage Mashed Potatoes
Sage Mashed Potatoes

This fragrant recipes involves a few ingenious methods for infusing the herb’s brisk flavor into the mash. Get the recipe for Sage Mashed Potatoes »

Butter-Braised Kohlrabi
Butter-Braised Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi, with its turniplike flavor, takes well to a slow simmer on the stove with chicken stock, butter, and thyme. Get the recipe for Butter-Braised Kohlrabi »

Roasted Vidalia Onions with Herbed Bread Crumbs
Roasted Vidalia Onions with Herbed Bread Crumbs

Sweet Vidalia onions, grown in and around the namesake Georgia city, turn even sweeter when roasted with a savory herbed bread crumb topping. Roasted Vidalia Onions with Herbed Bread Crumbs »

A satisfying vegetarian main course, these sweet potato, white bean, and spinach patties are terrific served with cranberry-ginger chutney. See the recipe for Autumn Vegetable Patties »

Cranberry-Ginger Chutney
Cranberry-Ginger Chutney

This sophisticated take on cranberry sauce, laced with spices and plenty of fresh ginger, gets a boost from chopped celery and tart apples. Get the recipe for Cranberry-Ginger Chutney »

Peas with Orange and Mint
Peas with Orange and Mint

Fresh orange juice and plenty of mint enliven ordinary frozen peas. Get the recipe for Peas with Orange and Mint »

Potato and Rutabaga Gratin
Potato and Rutabaga Gratin

Earthy rutabagas and aged Gruyere add intrigue to a classic potato gratin. Get the recipe for Potato and Rutabaga Gratin »

Wheat Berry Pilaf
Spiced Wheat Berry Pilaf

Eastern spices like cumin and cardamom bring bright notes to this earthy, pleasantly chewy pilaf. Get the recipe for Spiced Wheat Berry Pilaf »

Winter Squash and Apple Soup
Winter Squash and Apple Soup

A garnish of fried mushrooms and a drizzle of spiced mint butter adds elegance to a simple pureed vegetable soup.

Shredded Brussels Sprouts and Kale Salad
Shredded Brussels Sprouts and Kale Salad

Shredded Brussels Sprouts and Kale Salad

Brussels Sprout Chips with Sweet Chile Sauce
Baked Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar and Black Pepper

SAVEUR associate food editor Ben Mims loves brown sugar and black pepper together: the pepper provides a pleasant heat, and the sugar brings out the spice’s latent sweetness. On a rich and earthy baked potato, the combination is a natural. See the recipe for Baked Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar and Black Pepper »

Green Beans and Tomatoes
Green Beans and Tomatoes

In so many green bean casseroles, the beans are cooked well past the point of mushy. In this recipe they keep some snap.

Raw Kale Salad with Lemon, Pecorino, and Currants
Raw Kale Salad with Lemon, Pecorino, and Currants

In this simple, elegant salad, the spicy flavor of thinly sliced raw kale is offset by creamy Pecorino cheese, bright lemon, and sweet-tart dried currants.

Classic Manicotti

Get the recipe for Classic Manicotti »

Roasted Vegetable Terrine
Roasted Vegetable Terrine

Our colorful vegetarian take on terrine features smoky roasted vegetables, tangy goat cheese, and a sun-dried tomato pesto.

Creamed Brussels Sprouts
Creamed Brussels Sprouts

This creamy, savory preparation brings out Brussels sprouts’ natural sweetness. Creamed Brussels Sprouts »

Maple Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Maple Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Maple syrup enhances the sweetness of this simple sweet potato mash. Get the recipe for Maple Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes »

Kale and Sweet Potato Gratin
Kale and Sweet Potato Gratin

Don’t limit traditional pie spices—clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg—to the dessert table. In this cheesy, rich gratin, the spices take a savory note alongside kale, sweet potatoes, and sharp white cheddar.

Broiled Spaghetti Squash with Walnut-Miso Glaze
Broiled Spaghetti Squash with Walnut-Miso Glaze

It’s rare that we encounter spaghetti squash not shredded into its eponymous noodle-like threads. But kept intact, it reveals a beautifully yielding texture and a savory, subtle flavor that’s perfectly offset by a rich walnut-miso glaze.

Green Bean Salad with Feta and Mint
Green Bean Salad with Feta and Mint

Feta, red onion, and mint are a classic combination; tossed with snappy green beans they make a salad of surprising complexity.

Lemon-and-Herb-Roasted Vegetables
Lemon-and-Herb-Roasted Vegetables

Chopped whole lemon and spicy fresh ginger lend brightness to hearty roasted vegetables including sweet potatoes, acorn squash, and carrots.

Creamy Watercress Dip
Creamy Watercress Dip

Creamy cottage cheese combines with watercress, lemon, chive, and parsley to make this bright dip for raw vegetables.

Sautéed Green Beans with Pickled Shallots
Sautéed Green Beans with Pickled Shallots

Shallots are quick-pickled and sautéed with green beans in this refreshing side.

Roasted Onion and Chestnut Compote

Roasted Onion and Chestnut Compote »

Sweet Noodle Kugel
Sweet Noodle Kugel

Kugel—the creamy egg noodle casserole that’s a staple of Jewish holiday cooking&dmash;gets a Midwestern topping of cornflakes in this Thanksgiving side dish.

Roasted Carrot and White Bean Dip
Roasted Carrot and White Bean Dip

Carrots are roasted with rosemary and garlic until tender and slightly caramelized before being puréed with cannelini beans and coriander to make a vibrant, sweet, and earthy dip for raw veggies or pita chips.

Lemon Parmesan Dip
Lemon Parmesan Dip

Creamy and bright-tasting, lemon parmesan dip makes for an excellent accompaniment to a chip or crudité platter.

Mashed Yams with Lime and Honey
Mashed Yams with Lime and Honey

Creamy baked yams mashed with butter, lime juice, and honey make an easy, bright autumn side dish.

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
Sautéed Brussels Sprouts

This simple, satisfying side rounds out any Thanksgiving dinner.

Creamy Garlic Soup
Creamy Garlic Soup

A rich soup heavy with garlic and shallots makes a hearty first course or light main dish. Serve it with plenty of crusty bread. Get the recipe for Creamy Garlic Soup »

Cream of Fennel Soup
Cream of Fennel Soup

Cream of Fennel Soup

Recipes

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Sides and Mains

These hearty vegetarian dishes from around the world will satisfy every appetite this holiday.

Fresh Mushroom Cutlets with Mornay Sauce
This throwback to the Ranch House restaurant is still a popular choice with vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. See the Fresh Mushroom Cutlets with Mornay Sauce Recipe
See the Recipe
See the Recipe
See the Recipe
See the Recipe

The kick of chile, ginger, and lime offers a welcome counterpoint to the rich, sweet flavor of yams. See the recipe for Yams with Ginger and Scallions »

Pumpkin Soup in a Pumpkin

This recipe proves that the flesh isn’t just for pies but makes a delicious soup as well. We found it best to use a heavy pumpkin, with thick flesh that keeps it intact during baking. See the recipe for Pumpkin Soup in a Pumpkin »

Treviso and Gorgonzola Tart
Treviso and Gorgonzola Tart

Delicately flavored treviso is combined with pungent gorgonzola and baked atop pillowy puff pastry. Get the recipe for Treviso and Gorgonzola Tart »

Chestnut Stuffing
Chestnut Stuffing

Traditionally used for stuffing fatty birds like goose because of their high starch content, we like using chestnuts in stuffings for leaner birds like turkey as well, for the sweet nutty flavor they impart. Get the recipe for Chestnut Stuffing »

Rutabaga Caponata
Rutabaga Caponata

Rutabagas are the star in this autumnal twist on the well-known Sicilian eggplant relish. Get the recipe for Rutabaga Caponata »

Salade Lyonnaise
Salade Lyonnaise

Hailing from Lyon, this French bistro standard gathers a delectable trio of bitter frisée, runny poached egg, and crisp lardons. Get the recipe for Salade Lyonnaise »

Turnip-Potato Puree

Serve this mash with pork sausages, if you like. See the recipe for Turnip-Potato Puree »

Sauteed Brussels Sprouts with Pecans

Roasted pecans add crunch while complimenting the earthy, slightly sweet flavor or Brussels sprouts. If you don’t have pecans on hand, hazelnuts make a great substitute. See the recipe for Sauteed Brussels Sprouts with Pecans »

Vegetarian Lasagne

No one will miss the meat in this creamy, vegetable-laden lasagne with perfectly al dente noodles.

Curried Cream Onions
Curried Cream Onions

Luscious pearl onions are rendered complex by curry powder and Tabasco. Get the recipe for Curried Creamed Onions »

Frying whole spices to release their flavor–a technique known in many parts of India as baghar–is crucial to developing the flavors in this simple dish of cauliflower and tomato. See the recipe for Curried Cauliflower with Tomatoes »

Green Beans with Sesame Sauce
Green Beans with Sesame Sauce

Ginger-spiced green beans make a light and simple side dish. Get the recipe for Green Beans with Sesame Sauce »

Roasted Radishes
Roasted Radishes

This colorful side is unbelievably simple, requiring only radishes, olive oil, thyme, and salt and pepper. Roasted Radishes »

Salata Adas (Garlicky Lentil Salad)
Salata Adas (Garlicky Lentil Salad)

This light, Lebanese lentil salad is flavored with lemon juice, cumin, allspice, and parsley.

Collard Greens Salad with Peanut Vinaigrette

We created this composed salad with baby collards to showcase their natural affinity with peanuts and black-eyed peas. See the recipe for Collard Greens Salad with Peanut Vinaigrette »

Piquant Corn Bread
Piquant Corn Bread

Jalapeños and cilantro punch up classic cornbread.

Red Cabbage Gratin
Red Cabbage Gratin

A lightly-spiced and creamy cabbage casserole is baked with a crunchy breadcrumb and Parmesan topping. Get the recipe for Red Cabbage Gratin »

Sage Mashed Potatoes
Sage Mashed Potatoes

This fragrant recipes involves a few ingenious methods for infusing the herb’s brisk flavor into the mash. Get the recipe for Sage Mashed Potatoes »

Butter-Braised Kohlrabi
Butter-Braised Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi, with its turniplike flavor, takes well to a slow simmer on the stove with chicken stock, butter, and thyme. Get the recipe for Butter-Braised Kohlrabi »

Roasted Vidalia Onions with Herbed Bread Crumbs
Roasted Vidalia Onions with Herbed Bread Crumbs

Sweet Vidalia onions, grown in and around the namesake Georgia city, turn even sweeter when roasted with a savory herbed bread crumb topping. Roasted Vidalia Onions with Herbed Bread Crumbs »

A satisfying vegetarian main course, these sweet potato, white bean, and spinach patties are terrific served with cranberry-ginger chutney. See the recipe for Autumn Vegetable Patties »

Cranberry-Ginger Chutney
Cranberry-Ginger Chutney

This sophisticated take on cranberry sauce, laced with spices and plenty of fresh ginger, gets a boost from chopped celery and tart apples. Get the recipe for Cranberry-Ginger Chutney »

Peas with Orange and Mint
Peas with Orange and Mint

Fresh orange juice and plenty of mint enliven ordinary frozen peas. Get the recipe for Peas with Orange and Mint »

Potato and Rutabaga Gratin
Potato and Rutabaga Gratin

Earthy rutabagas and aged Gruyere add intrigue to a classic potato gratin. Get the recipe for Potato and Rutabaga Gratin »

Wheat Berry Pilaf
Spiced Wheat Berry Pilaf

Eastern spices like cumin and cardamom bring bright notes to this earthy, pleasantly chewy pilaf. Get the recipe for Spiced Wheat Berry Pilaf »

Winter Squash and Apple Soup
Winter Squash and Apple Soup

A garnish of fried mushrooms and a drizzle of spiced mint butter adds elegance to a simple pureed vegetable soup.

Shredded Brussels Sprouts and Kale Salad
Shredded Brussels Sprouts and Kale Salad

Shredded Brussels Sprouts and Kale Salad

Brussels Sprout Chips with Sweet Chile Sauce
Baked Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar and Black Pepper

SAVEUR associate food editor Ben Mims loves brown sugar and black pepper together: the pepper provides a pleasant heat, and the sugar brings out the spice’s latent sweetness. On a rich and earthy baked potato, the combination is a natural. See the recipe for Baked Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar and Black Pepper »

Green Beans and Tomatoes
Green Beans and Tomatoes

In so many green bean casseroles, the beans are cooked well past the point of mushy. In this recipe they keep some snap.

Raw Kale Salad with Lemon, Pecorino, and Currants
Raw Kale Salad with Lemon, Pecorino, and Currants

In this simple, elegant salad, the spicy flavor of thinly sliced raw kale is offset by creamy Pecorino cheese, bright lemon, and sweet-tart dried currants.

Classic Manicotti

Get the recipe for Classic Manicotti »

Roasted Vegetable Terrine
Roasted Vegetable Terrine

Our colorful vegetarian take on terrine features smoky roasted vegetables, tangy goat cheese, and a sun-dried tomato pesto.

Creamed Brussels Sprouts
Creamed Brussels Sprouts

This creamy, savory preparation brings out Brussels sprouts’ natural sweetness. Creamed Brussels Sprouts »

Maple Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Maple Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Maple syrup enhances the sweetness of this simple sweet potato mash. Get the recipe for Maple Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes »

Kale and Sweet Potato Gratin
Kale and Sweet Potato Gratin

Don’t limit traditional pie spices—clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg—to the dessert table. In this cheesy, rich gratin, the spices take a savory note alongside kale, sweet potatoes, and sharp white cheddar.

Broiled Spaghetti Squash with Walnut-Miso Glaze
Broiled Spaghetti Squash with Walnut-Miso Glaze

It’s rare that we encounter spaghetti squash not shredded into its eponymous noodle-like threads. But kept intact, it reveals a beautifully yielding texture and a savory, subtle flavor that’s perfectly offset by a rich walnut-miso glaze.

Green Bean Salad with Feta and Mint
Green Bean Salad with Feta and Mint

Feta, red onion, and mint are a classic combination; tossed with snappy green beans they make a salad of surprising complexity.

Lemon-and-Herb-Roasted Vegetables
Lemon-and-Herb-Roasted Vegetables

Chopped whole lemon and spicy fresh ginger lend brightness to hearty roasted vegetables including sweet potatoes, acorn squash, and carrots.

Creamy Watercress Dip
Creamy Watercress Dip

Creamy cottage cheese combines with watercress, lemon, chive, and parsley to make this bright dip for raw vegetables.

Sautéed Green Beans with Pickled Shallots
Sautéed Green Beans with Pickled Shallots

Shallots are quick-pickled and sautéed with green beans in this refreshing side.

Roasted Onion and Chestnut Compote

Roasted Onion and Chestnut Compote »

Sweet Noodle Kugel
Sweet Noodle Kugel

Kugel—the creamy egg noodle casserole that’s a staple of Jewish holiday cooking&dmash;gets a Midwestern topping of cornflakes in this Thanksgiving side dish.

Roasted Carrot and White Bean Dip
Roasted Carrot and White Bean Dip

Carrots are roasted with rosemary and garlic until tender and slightly caramelized before being puréed with cannelini beans and coriander to make a vibrant, sweet, and earthy dip for raw veggies or pita chips.

Lemon Parmesan Dip
Lemon Parmesan Dip

Creamy and bright-tasting, lemon parmesan dip makes for an excellent accompaniment to a chip or crudité platter.

Mashed Yams with Lime and Honey
Mashed Yams with Lime and Honey

Creamy baked yams mashed with butter, lime juice, and honey make an easy, bright autumn side dish.

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
Sautéed Brussels Sprouts

This simple, satisfying side rounds out any Thanksgiving dinner.

Creamy Garlic Soup
Creamy Garlic Soup

A rich soup heavy with garlic and shallots makes a hearty first course or light main dish. Serve it with plenty of crusty bread. Get the recipe for Creamy Garlic Soup »

Cream of Fennel Soup
Cream of Fennel Soup

Cream of Fennel Soup

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