Looking for a meatless main dish to serve at Thanksgiving or Christmas that isn’t Tofurky?! Whether you’re hosting vegetarian guests, planning a completely meatless holiday meal, or simply looking for something different to put at the center of your table, I have some delicious alternatives to traditional turkey that are anything but boring.
These five meatless Thanksgiving main dishes are hearty, flavorful, and special enough for a holiday gathering. From savory hazelnut-crusted tofu to seasonal stuffed squash and comforting vegetarian cabbage rolls, there’s something here for every kind of Thanksgiving table.
1. Baked Hazelnut-Crusted Tofu (gluten free & vegan)
Inspired by the flavors in the now discontinued Field Roast hazelnut herb cutlets, this hazelnut-crusted tofu is easy to make and packed with similar flavors. Baking these tofu cutlets keeps preparation simple and mostly hands-off without disturbing the breading too much like you would encounter with pan-frying. The hands-on prep time for these is only 10 minutes and they pair perfectly with all of your favorite savory Thanksgiving sides liked mashed potatoes. Get the recipe here!
2. Stuffed Acorn Squash with Mushrooms & Fennel (gluten free & vegan)
If you want something that looks stunning on a plate, you’ll love these savory stuffed acorn squashes! Tender roasted acorn squash is filled with a flavorful stuffing made with celery, fennel, sage, thyme, pecans, mushrooms, rice, and lentils. This meatless main dish is super satisfying and packed with seasonal flavors. Get the recipe here!
3. Cabbage Rolls with Tofu, Mushrooms, & Walnuts (gluten free & vegan)
If you love to use Thanksgiving as an excuse to try out recipes that you wouldn’t normally make for a weeknight dinner, I think you’ll really love these cabbage rolls as a meatless main dish! Tender blanched cabbage leaves are filled with a hearty, umami-rich mixture of tofu, mushrooms, walnuts, and aromatics, then baked in a flavorful vegetable broth with miso and tomato paste instead of traditional tomato sauce. These are a labor of love but so worth it. Get the recipe here!
4. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Black Lentils (vegan w/ an easy gluten free swap)
I personally love using mushrooms for a satisfying and umami-rich alternative to meat. Portobello mushrooms caps are stuffed with a mixture of cooked veggies, lentils, walnuts, and breadcrumbs then baked until warmed through. I love peppery black lentils here but you can save some prep time by using canned lentils! Serve these over a bed of mashed potatoes and thank me later. Get the recipe here!
5. Cabbage Steaks with Tempeh Bacon Bits & Creamy Dijon Sauce (vegetarian & gluten free)
The humble cabbage is elevated to 5-star meatless main dish with the help of some homemade tempeh bacon bits and a velvety and tangy Dijon sauce. Cabbage is cut into thick rounds, roasted until tender, then topped with a drizzle of Dijon sauce and sprinkle of smoky tempeh bacon. The time investment for this recipe is longer than I typically share, but trust me that these cabbage steaks are well worth the effort, especially for a holiday meal. Get the recipe here!
A meatless Thanksgiving main dish can be just as satisfying and special as a traditional turkey. Whether you opt for a hearty tofu centerpiece, seasonal stuffed squash, or something a little more unexpected, these recipes are a delicious way to make room for more plant-based dishes at your holiday table. Don’t forget to round out your meal with some of my favorite vegetarian Thanksgiving sides!
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