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A vegetarian main can be just as delicious as a meat-based dish – if not more so! Here are our favorite dishes that can go head to head with honey baked hams and steaks:

Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

Mushrooms, carrots, and peas sautéed with garlic and onion, sauced up with a sizzle of red wine, coated in a quick gravy, and baked under a layer of rich mashed potatoes.

Vegetable Lasagna

Cheese is a reliable way to convince the meat-lovers in your family of the virtues of a vegetarian diet. This recipe is perfect for the holidays and easy enough to make on a weeknight.

Vegan Stuffed Butternut Squash

Stuffed anything is about as fail safe as it gets — just chop up some veggies, cook some grains, and put it in your favorite gourd. Ta-dah!

Tips for making any veggie packed holiday dinners

If you're not one to follow recipes, here are our guidelines for making any type of festive vegetarian dish.

  1. Start with a flavorful base. Sautéed onions and garlic, roasted mushrooms, or even a simple tomato sauce can all make excellent bases for your vegetarian main.
  2. Add in some protein. Beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh are all great options for adding protein to your dish.
  3. Load up on the veggies. The holidays are the perfect time to get creative with your veggie combinations. Think about adding in some roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed kale, or roasted sweet potatoes.
  4. Give it a festive touch. Festive herbs and spices, like rosemary, sage, and nutmeg, can really make your vegetarian main shine.
  5. Don’t forget about the sides. Delicious side dishes can make or break a vegetarian Christmas main. Make sure to include some exciting sides, like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or cheesy french onion soup.
  6. Finish it off with a bang. A drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a dollop of cranberry sauce can all take your main to the next level.