Discover the best Vegetarian Christmas Recipes! From festive mains and side dishes to starters, desserts and all the trimmings for a meat-free holiday feast. Veggies, desserts and everything in between.
Planning a vegetarian Christmas dinner? These vegetarian Christmas recipes have everything you need for a delicious meat-free feast, from impressive main dishes and traditional Christmas sides to festive starters, gravy, desserts and sweet treats.
Whether you're cooking for vegetarian guests or making the whole Christmas dinner meat-free, there's plenty of inspiration here. Choose a showstopping Mushroom Wellington, a hearty Stuffed Butternut Squash, or a classic Nut Roast, then add your favourite Christmas trimmings.
I've brought together a collection of vegetarian and vegan recipes to help you plan a Christmas menu everyone can enjoy.
From Brussels Sprout Filo Pie, Slow Cooker Ratatouille and Onion Tarte Tatin to Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Red Wine Mushroom Gravy and Figgy Pudding.
Jump to:
- Vegetarian Christmas DINNER RECIPES
- Vegetarian Christmas Side Dishes
- Vegetarian Christmas Starters and Appetizers
- Vegetarian Christmas Gravy, Sauces and Condiments
- Christmas Desserts
- Christmas Cookies & Biscuits
- Christmas Sweets & Edible Gifts
- Christmas Drinks
- Christmas Breakfast
- Planning a Vegetarian Christmas Dinner
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Christmas Recipe Inspiration
- 💬 Comments
Vegetarian Christmas DINNER RECIPES
The centrepiece of a vegetarian Christmas dinner should be every bit as special as the rest of the feast!
From golden, flaky Mushroom Wellington to festive nut roasts, stuffed squash and savoury pies, these vegetarian Christmas main dishes are full of flavour and perfect for a celebration.
Whether you want something impressive to bring to the table or an easy main that leaves you more time with your guests, there's plenty to choose from.
- Mushroom Wellington
- Nut Roast
- Stuffed Butternut Squash (vegan)
- Mini Bundt Chestnut Roasts
- Creamy Brussels Sprout Filo Pie
- Onion Tarte Tatin
- Vegan Shepherds Pie
- Vegan Stuffed Peppers
- Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic and Paprika
- Portobello Mushroom Steaks (vegan)
- Slow Cooker Ratatouille
- Easy Mushroom Tart Recipe
Looking for even more plant-based centrepieces? Explore my collection of Vegan Christmas Main Dishes.
Vegetarian Christmas Side Dishes
For me, the side dishes are one of the best parts of Christmas dinner! Crispy potatoes, sweet roasted parsnips, Brussels sprouts, stuffing and plenty of seasonal vegetables make the meal feel extra special.
These vegetarian Christmas side dishes include traditional favourites alongside a few creative ways to serve winter vegetables.
Choose a mixture of roasted vegetables, creamy sides and something green for a delicious spread. And don't forget to include a few dishes that can be prepared ahead to make Christmas Day easier.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar
- Easy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Vegan Stuffing with Sage
- Parmesan Parsnips
- Gorgonzola Brussels Sprouts
- Braised Red Cabbage
- Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
- Maple Glazed Carrots with Cayenne
- Green Beans with Cranberries and Pecans
- Candied Sweet Potato Casserole
- Air Fryer Parsnips
- Easy Cheesy Leeks
- Green Beans Almondine
- Christmas Rice
- Boulangère Potatoes
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Goat Cheese
Vegetarian Christmas Starters and Appetizers
Start your Christmas meal with something delicious! These vegetarian Christmas starters include warming winter soups, colourful salads, savoury pastries and easy appetizers.
If you're serving a big Christmas dinner, a light soup or seasonal salad makes a lovely first course. For parties and festive gatherings, try some bite-sized nibbles or dips that everyone can share.
Many of these recipes are also great for entertaining throughout December or serving at a Boxing Day buffet.
- Herb and Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms
- Mini Baked Potatoes
- Artichoke Hearts (Air Fryer, Fried or Baked)
- Caponata alla Siciliana
- Brussels Sprout Fritters
- Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
- Roasted Carrot Salad with Honey Orange Dressing
- Broccoli Soup
- Pear and Gorgonzola Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing
- Mac and Cheese Balls
- Brussels Sprout Soup
- Celery and Stilton Soup
- Easy Tomato Soup
- Brussels Sprout Slaw
- Rosolli Finnish Beetroot Salad
- Christmas Leftovers Loaded Fries
Vegetarian Christmas Gravy, Sauces and Condiments
No Christmas dinner is complete without the gravy!
A rich vegetarian gravy brings roast potatoes, vegetables and meat-free mains together. Cranberry sauce and other homemade condiments are also an easy way to add extra festive flavour.
These simple sauces and accompaniments are perfect for serving alongside your Christmas dinner.
Christmas Desserts
After all those delicious Christmas dinner recipes, it's time for something sweet!
From rich chocolate treats and festive cakes to fruity desserts and traditional Christmas favourites, these Christmas desserts are perfect for finishing your meal.
Choose a dessert you can prepare in advance if you'd rather spend Christmas Day relaxing than making something from scratch.
- Figgy Pudding
- Vegan Pumpkin Cake with Ginger Frosting
- Apple Kale Cake with Apple Icing
- Poached Pears in Red Wine with Cinnamon Cream
- Mincemeat Pinwheels
- Chocolate Orange Cake (1-bowl)
- Melted Snowman Brownies
- Cinnamon Twists
- Easy Fudgy Gingerbread Brownies
- Winter-Spiced Parsnip Cake with Mulled Wine Drizzle
- Gingerbread Pumpkin Cupcakes
- Easy Almond Plum Cake with Sour Cream and Fresh Plums
- Roasted Squash Cake with Spices
- Carrot and Apple Mince Pies
- Vegan Tofu Chocolate Mousse
- Pumpkin Bars
Christmas Cookies & Biscuits
Christmas baking is one of my favourite parts of the festive season! From gingerbread and traditional Christmas biscuits to beautifully decorated cookies, these festive bakes are perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Whether you're filling the cookie jar, baking with the kids or making something special for a Christmas party or cookie exchange, you'll find plenty of delicious Christmas cookie recipes to try.
For even more inspiration, explore my Christmas Cookies From Around the World.
- Easy Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
- Christmas Tree Cookies
- Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
- Pignoli Cookies - Italian Pine Nut Cookies
- White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
- Icelandic Meringue Cornflake Christmas Cookies
- Icelandic Pepper Cookies - Piparkokur
- Snow Globe Cookies
- German Bethmännchen Marzipan Cookies
- Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Marshmallow Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Shortbread Cornstarch Cookies
Christmas Sweets & Edible Gifts
Homemade Christmas sweets and treats are perfect for gifting, sharing or enjoying throughout the festive season!
From rich chocolate truffles and rum balls to crunchy pecan brittle, fudge and festive no-bake treats, these easy Christmas sweet recipes are wonderful for filling gift boxes, taking to parties or keeping on hand for a little festive indulgence.
- Salted Chocolate Honeycomb Recipe
- Marzipan Chocolates
- Ginger Pecan Brittle with Chocolate Drizzle
- Peppermint Brownies
- Easy Marzipan Recipe
- Rumkugeln German Rum Balls
- Reindeer Food
- Christmas Chocolate Tiffin (Refrigerator Cake)
- Romkugler Danish Rum Balls
- Easy Almond Paste Recipe
- Chocolate Almond Clusters
- Pumpkin Mincemeat
- Cranberry Syrup
- Chestnut Syrup
- Mulled Wine Syrup
- Pumpkin Spice Syrup
Christmas Drinks
Get into the festive spirit with these delicious Christmas drinks! From warming hot chocolate and cosy winter drinks to festive cocktails, mocktails and seasonal favourites, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you're hosting a Christmas party, welcoming guests or relaxing by the fire, these easy Christmas drink recipes are perfect for celebrating the season. Plus, we have simple syrups to take your drinks to the next festive level!
- Mulled Wine Spritzer
- Peppermint Syrup
- Glühbier Hot Mulled Beer (Gluehbier)
- Coquito - Puerto Rican Eggnog
- Easy Vegan Eggnog (almond milk)
- Sweet Potato Latte
- Xocolatl - Aztec Hot Chocolate
- Mulled Gin Cocktail
- Gingerbread Latte
- Red Velvet Beet Hot Chocolate
- Ginger Cranberry Kombucha Mocktail
- Cranberry Pomegranate Cosmopolitan Cocktail
Christmas Breakfast
Start Christmas morning with something delicious! From festive pancakes and fluffy waffles to warming breakfast bakes and special brunch treats, these Christmas breakfast recipes are perfect for a relaxed morning with family and friends.
Choose something you can prepare ahead so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities.
- Risengrod - Danish Rice Porridge
- Streusel Topped Cinnamon Muffins
- Easy Pear and Gingerbread Parfait
- Vegan Gingerbread Pancakes
- Fig Compote
- Pancake Board (Breakfast Charcuterie Platter)
- Walnut Granola Breakfast Parfait
- Easy Stewed Plums
- Easy Fluffy Vegan Pancakes
- Waffle Breakfast Sandwiches
- Fried Potatoes and Onions
- Ginger and Rhubarb Muffins
Planning a Vegetarian Christmas Dinner
Putting together a vegetarian Christmas menu doesn't have to be complicated. I like to start by choosing the main dish, then build the rest of the meal around it.
A simple way to plan your menu is to choose:
- One vegetarian main dish: such as Mushroom Wellington, nut roast or stuffed butternut squash.
- Two or three vegetable sides: perhaps Brussels sprouts, roasted parsnips and cauliflower cheese.
- A potato dish: crispy roast potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Stuffing and gravy: the essential Christmas trimmings!
- A festive dessert: ideally something you can prepare ahead.
You can add a starter, extra sides or homemade sauces depending on how many people you're feeding.
Tips for an Easier Christmas Dinner
Prepare what you can in advance. Check each recipe for make-ahead and storage instructions. Sauces, some desserts and certain vegetable dishes can often be prepared before Christmas Day.
Plan your oven space. Work out which dishes need the oven and at what temperature. An air fryer or slow cooker can be useful for preparing sides without taking up valuable oven space.
Write a cooking schedule. Once you've chosen your recipes, note their preparation and cooking times so everything is ready to serve together.
Make a shopping list. Check the ingredients for all your chosen recipes and combine them into one list. Don't forget to check what you already have in the cupboards.
Keep things manageable. You don't need to make every dish from scratch or serve lots of different recipes. A delicious main, a few favourite sides and a lovely dessert can make a wonderful Christmas meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do vegetarians eat for Christmas dinner?
There are lots of delicious vegetarian alternatives to a traditional roast. Mushroom Wellington, nut roast, stuffed butternut squash and savoury vegetable pies all make wonderful Christmas main dishes. Serve them with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, meat-free stuffing and vegetarian gravy.
Can I make a vegetarian Christmas dinner ahead of time?
Yes! Many parts of a vegetarian Christmas dinner can be prepared in advance. Choose recipes with suitable make-ahead instructions, prepare vegetables where possible, and make sauces or desserts ahead to save time on Christmas Day.
What Christmas side dishes are vegetarian?
Many traditional Christmas sides can be vegetarian, including roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts, roasted parsnips, cauliflower cheese, red cabbage and mashed potatoes. Check ingredients such as animal fat, meat-based stock and cheese made with animal rennet when cooking for vegetarians.
Can I make a vegan Christmas dinner?
Absolutely! There are plenty of plant-based Christmas mains, sides and desserts to choose from. Try a vegan nut roast or stuffed squash with roasted vegetables, vegan stuffing and dairy-free gravy.
More Christmas Recipe Inspiration
Still planning your festive menu? Browse all my Christmas Recipes for even more seasonal dishes, or discover more ideas in my Vegan Christmas Main Dishes collection.
I hope these vegetarian Christmas recipes help you create a delicious festive feast, whether you're cooking for a crowd or keeping things small and cosy.
Merry Christmas!
Kate x
Christa says
Thanks for laying out all these Vegetarian Christmas Recipes together! I've been working through trying to come up with a meal plan for the big day. We made your nut roast last year so will definitely make it again - possibly with the mushroom wellington.
Neally says
Buena página... Muchas gracias Saludos