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.

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 vegetable is particularly associated with a Christmas dinner? ›

Christmas dinner in the United Kingdom usually consists of roasted turkey, stuffing, gravy, pigs in blankets, bread sauce, redcurrant jelly, roast potatoes; vegetables (particularly Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, and parsnips) with dessert of Christmas pudding, mince pies (both served with brandy butter, custard ...

What is the most eaten Christmas food in the world? ›

What are the Most Popular Christmas Foods Eaten Around the World?
  • Roast turkey or ham, a standard main course for holiday dinners.
  • Eggnog, a rich and creamy beverage made with eggs, milk, and spices. ...
  • Gingerbread cookies and houses are popular festive treats and decorations.

What veg can you cook on Christmas Eve? ›

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 can I do instead of Christmas dinner? ›

Top 10 alternative Christmas dinner centrepieces
  1. Quick roast Christmas chicken & sticky veg.
  2. Honey-glazed ham.
  3. Easy roast pork shoulder.
  4. Marmalade glazed roast duck.
  5. Easy roast leg of lamb.
  6. Whole roasted cauliflower.
  7. Parsnip, mushroom & barley wreath.
  8. Truffled parsnip & brioche pudding.

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 Italians eat for Christmas? ›

In Southern and Central Italy, baked pasta is a must. In Northern Italy, Lasagne Bolognese and filled pasta like manicotti and ravioli are traditional Christmas fare. Next comes the main event, the meat. Roasted veal, baked chicken, sausages or braised beef are common Natale entrées worth celebrating.

What is a Mexican Christmas dinner? ›

Mexican Christmas food spans enchiladas, pozole, tamales, and plenty of desserts. These are our favorite recipes for flavorful versions of those dishes from Mexican chefs, along with a few festive drinks. Start a tamale making tradition, warm up with pozole this winter, and enjoy enchiladas everyone will love.

What do Germans eat on Christmas? ›

These delicious holiday recipes represent typical German Christmas food. Treat guests to a traditional German Christmas dinner with classic dishes like roasted goose legs, braised red cabbage. and dumplings, and don't forget the mulled wine and platter of gorgeous, festive cookies.

What do vegetarians miss from meat? ›

Intake and status of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium and bone turnover markers were generally lower in plant-based dietary patterns compared to meat-eaters. Vegans had the lowest vitamin B12, calcium and iodine intake, and also lower iodine status and lower bone mineral density.

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

How much veg per person for Christmas dinner? ›

How much veg is too much? Whether it's parsnips, sprouts, braised cabbage or carrots, 80g of each per person will do the trick.

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