30 Game-Changing Plant-Based Main Courses to Dominate Your Thanksgiving Feast

As the holiday season draws near, we want to sound a timely warning: Thanksgiving is just around the corner. As the meticulous preparations for a truly unforgettable Thanksgiving feast unfold, it’s only natural that anxiety peaks amidst the whirlwind of activity. In reality, they’re free from this requirement. Stress over holiday meals is a thing of the past when you plan ahead. This holiday season, we’re dedicated to supporting your culinary endeavors by providing expert guidance on crafting a memorable menu, encompassing every element: delectable side dishes, savory main courses, rich gravies, mouthwatering desserts, and of course, the star of the show – the entrée.

When turkey’s off the menu, consider whipping up a hearty beef brisket with roasted vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes. Alternatively, try your hand at slow-cooked short ribs, served alongside fluffy buttermilk biscuits and tangy cranberry sauce. If you’re looking for something more unique, why not attempt a flavorful duck breast with an apricot glaze, accompanied by sweet potato casserole and steamed green beans? During our online exploration, we stumbled upon three intriguing concepts: innovative plant-based meatloaf options, bold and savory meat-centric recipes, and vibrant seasonal vegetable-inspired dishes. Let’s get started! Here are 30 show-stopping plant-based dinner options to take center stage at your Thanksgiving celebration.

Lentil loaf with celery root mash? Here’s a more engaging and appetizing way to present this dish:

Savory Lentil Loaf Paired with Creamy Celery Root Mash

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Satisfy your cravings for a hearty, satisfying meal with this innovative Lentil Loaf paired with creamy Celery Root Mash, as presented by the talented chef Gabrielle St. This plant-based masterpiece is not only a game-changer for meat-lovers but also a nutritional powerhouse that will leave you feeling full and guilt-free. Claire. Lentils boast a robust texture reminiscent of meat, making them an ideal substitute in dishes where umami flavours reign supreme. Discovering a nutritious twist on traditional mashed potatoes, this innovative recipe harnesses the wholesome goodness of celery root for a delicious and healthy side dish. When cooked down, it yields a creamy texture reminiscent of warm, comforting mashed potatoes from childhood.

Source: Lentil Loaf

This lentil loaf, crafted by Alison Edmund, surpasses traditional meatloaf in terms of nutritional value and flavor profile, offering a satisfyingly dense and wholesome meal option. This tomato glaze recipe requires just three fundamental ingredients: ketchup, yellow mustard, and brown sugar. Will even the most discerning palates surrender to delight when you serve this delectable sauce atop a savory lentil loaf?

Thanksgiving embodies the essence of comforting home cooking in a unique and unparalleled way. Experience the ultimate in plant-based Thanksgiving traditions with One Green Planet’s Gratitude. In this comprehensive cookbook, discover our top 100 plant-based Thanksgiving recipes, including decadent desserts like Soft Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts with Maple Glaze and Spiced Apple Cake adorned with creamy Cashew Frosting. Savory dishes abound as well, featuring Sweet Potato Chocolate Pudding topped with a crunchy Nut Crumble Topping, Cinnamon Apple Hand Pies filled with tender fruit, and hearty entrees such as Roast Root Vegetable Stack smothered in aromatic Dukkah, Vegducken: Butternut Squash stuffed with Eggplant, Zucchini, and Mushroom Lentil Stuffing, Seitan Roast paired with Sausage and Pear Stuffing, and Apple Cider Gravy, just to name a few.

What’s for dinner? Here’s a recipe that combines the flavors of black beans, quinoa, and walnuts in a moist and delicious loaf. Perfect for a meatless meal or as a vegetarian alternative to traditional bread.

Ingredients:

* 1 cup cooked black beans
* 1 cup quinoa
* 2 cups whole wheat flour
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* 1/4 cup honey
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 egg, lightly beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.

Can I get you anything else?

This satisfying Black Bean, Quinoa, and Walnut Loaf from Julie Zimmer holds together beautifully. This homemade loaf holds its shape remarkably well, much like a traditional meatloaf, boasting a sturdy texture that’s sure to impress. This loaf truly excels in terms of nutritional value. This nutritious blend combines black beans, quinoa, black rice, chia seeds, rolled oats, and crunchy walnuts to create a wholesome mixture. This savory bread is crafted with an unexpected twist: mushrooms. While their earthy flavor is present, it’s subtle, allowing the loaf’s richness to shine. If you prefer a vegetarian option, feel free to swap the mushrooms with sliced zucchini for added flavor and nutrients. Whether serving as a main course or side dish, this hearty loaf is sure to please. This savory dish delights the palate when served on its own, but also shines when paired with a rich and earthy mushroom gravy.

A perfect blend of savory and sweet, this nut roast with cranberry orange compote is a delightful vegetarian dish, ideal for special occasions or everyday meals.

Here’s a revised version: This vibrant Nut Roast with Cranberry Orange Compote by Holly Jade explodes with festive holiday flavors, featuring no added sugars for a truly guilt-free indulgence that’s 100% tantalizingly delicious. Crafted from a harmonious blend of walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and cashews, this dish yields a richly flavored, tender, and varied culinary experience. This sweet and tangy seasonal cranberry orange compote perfectly complements the festive dish. Savoring a delightful and savory twist on traditional turkey day fare, this dish is sure to impress at your upcoming Thanksgiving celebration alongside a medley of autumnal vegetables.

Source: Lentil Vegetable Loaf

Warmly inviting and replete with hearty goodness, this Lentil Vegetable Loaf by Camille David embodies the essence of comforting cuisine. The harmonious union of aromatics, spices, lentils, vegetables, and nuts yields a surprisingly complex outcome, despite its uncomplicated ingredient list. A versatile recipe for every occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck gathering.

What’s a Heartwarming Way to Give Thanks? Try This Impressive Thanksgiving Vegetable Loaf with a Show-Stopping Cranberry Glaze!

Seeking a dish that pleases every palate on the table? Thanksgiving Vegetable Loaf with Cranberry Glaze by Jasmine Briones is a classic recipe that never goes out of style? The harmonious blend of quinoa, oats, earthy mushrooms, and crunchy nuts creates a satisfying “meatloaf” texture in this dish, while the scattering of tart cranberries lends a seasonal touch. Consider pairing it with either our signature cranberry glaze recipe for a tangy twist or a classic meatloaf glaze for a timeless touch.

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Cranberry Lentil Loaf with Maple Glaze: A Savory and Sweet Union

Here’s a delightful gluten-free Cranberry Lentil Loaf with Maple Glaze, courtesy of Lindsay Cotter – a recipe that’s sure to garner appreciation and boasts an effortless preparation process. The finishing touch is a velvety sweet maple-mustard glaze, elevating this bread to new heights.

What’s cooking with hazelnuts? A festive fusion of flavors in this Hazelnut and Orange Nut Roast With Cranberry Sauce.

Why settle for ordinary meatloaf when Annabelle Randles’ Hazelnut and Orange Nut Roast with Cranberry Sauce can be the showstopping star of your next gathering? This innovative dish is sure to impress with its stunning visuals and mouthwatering flavors. It combines the wholesome goodness of fluffy quinoa, nutritious lentils, and a vibrant medley of sautéed vegetables – think tender leeks, earthy mushrooms, sweet onions, and fresh celery. The harmonious juxtaposition of citrusy orange and fruity cranberries provides a delightful respite from the overall savory tone of this loaf, creating a unique and intriguing culinary experience.

Source: Lentil Cashew Loaf

With its satisfying flavor profile, this Lentil Cashew Loaf from Katie Culpin and Josh Bailey is a masterclass in simplicity – and simplicity at its finest. The lentils and cashews combine to create a richly textured, succulent loaf, with the sundried tomatoes adding a burst of concentrated flavour that elevates the overall taste experience. The loaf is elevated to new heights by a rich, savory glaze that adds a depth of flavor and a satisfying finish.

Source: Lentil Potato Nut Loaf

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Nele Liivlaid’s vibrant Lentil Potato Nut Loaf is a wholesome creation combining the nutritious trio of red lentils, chickpeas, and potatoes with an abundance of colorful vegetables. This hearty soup is infused with a delightful trifecta of flavors: nutty, savory, and subtly sweet, courtesy of the roasted sweet potatoes and carrots. This hearty loaf pairs exquisitely with a medley of flavors, featuring a creamy vegan cheese sauce, a crisp salad comprising fresh Romain lettuce, tender steamed kale, caramelized oven-roasted Brussels sprouts smothered in nutty tahini sauce, and the crunch of raw red cabbage.

Source: Seitan

Seitan is a plant-based protein substitute extracted from the gluten component of wheat.

This versatile wheat-based dish, also known as Seitan, has multiple preparation methods, but the simplest and most fundamental approach comes from renowned chef Azucena Noriega’s recipe, which relies on just two primary ingredients – bread flour and water – before adding a touch of flavor with seasoning. While the process may be complex, the delectable payoff makes it well worth the effort. Experience the versatility of this delectable seitan by serving it on sandwiches, using it as a flavorful salad topping, or presenting it as a show-stopping main course that will leave your dinner party guests in awe.

Source: Gluten-Free Seitan

Here’s a type of seitan that is naturally gluten-free and made from wheat-free ingredients. While this Gluten-Free Seitan recipe by Rhea Parsons is free from gluten, it does contain oats; thus, for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, it’s crucial to use certified gluten-free oats to ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience. The oats’ hearty texture, with its signature “meaty chew,” elevates the dish to a satisfying perfection, particularly well-suited for grand Thanksgiving celebrations.

Source: Vegetable Stuffed Seitan Roast

Forget the store-bought stuff. Meet the Vegetable Stuffed Seitan Roast, a show-stopping entrée crafted by Yana Chistyakova that’s sure to delight even the most discerning palates. Infusing the seitan dough with a medley of aromatic herbs – including the pungent rosemary, the earthy thyme, and the smoky sweetness of paprika – elevates the dish’s flavour profile while also contributing to its captivating visual allure. The savory filling combines tender meaty mushrooms with sweet carrots, crisp apples, crunchy nuts, and plump raisins – a delightful medley of flavors and textures. The entire roast is then submerged in a rich, savory vegetable broth to deeply infuse its tender flesh with complex umami notes. Yum.

Source: Seitan Roast

For an unforgettable holiday gathering with a few close friends, why not treat them to a luxurious and indulgent Stuffed Seitan Roast, courtesy of renowned chef Zsu Dever? Savoring each bite of this delectable, slow-cooked roast, you’ll discover a harmonious blend of flavors as tender vegan sausage, sweet and tangy cabbage, and chewy dried fruit meld together in perfect symphony, all wrapped up in a satisfyingly succulent package after three hours of gentle heat. The dish is finished by searing it in a pan before being placed back in the oven to bake once more. The crispy top gives way to succulent stuffing, its flavors harmonizing in a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, all perfectly complemented by a rich onion-cider gravy.

Source: Seitan Pot Roast

While not a traditional take on pot roast, this Seitan Pot Roast by Dawn Kriss offers a surprising twist that’s sure to impress even the most discerning diners. What’s your secret to whipping up a mouthwatering vegan dish, and how do you coax tender, chewy seitan from humble wheat gluten ingredients? With the convenience of a slow cooker, simply add all the ingredients, attend to other matters, and return to a cozy, satisfying dinner.

Source: Savory Seitan Roast

Savory Seitan Roast, a culinary masterpiece crafted by Inka Szot, yields rich flavors through a meticulous process: slow-cooking in aromatic broth, followed by a bold rub of cayenne pepper, and finishing touches courtesy of a judicious use of leftover broth during the baking process. Savor the rich flavors of this tender roast by serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, earthy mushroom gravy, a medley of roasted vegetables, and a tangy cranberry sauce.

Source: Mini Stuffed Seitan Roasts

Don’t let intimidation get in your way – indulge in these remarkably effortless Mini Stuffed Seitan Roasts, a game-changing homemade roast recipe courtesy of Anja Cass. This savory bread stuffing, free from any prior cooking requirements, pairs seamlessly with its accompanying gravy that can be swiftly prepared in just 60 seconds. As all preparations are complete, simply place the dish in the oven and allow the culinary transformation to unfold.

Source: Unturkey Roast

This mouthwatering Unstuffed Turkey Roast from Tami Noyes serves a crowd generously, yielding satisfying leftovers in keeping with holiday tradition. Whether sliced thinly or thickly, the roast awaits your culinary touch. If you wish to warm the slices, allow them to cool first and then simmer them in a flavorful broth until they’re nicely re-heated. The slices are also beautifully wrapped in puff pastry, replete with sautéed mushrooms, luscious greens, and crispy bread cubes, complemented by the savory goodness of cooked, crumbled vegan sausages. Assemble the turkey according to the package instructions and bake as directed. Serve with gravy.

Source: Stuffed Seitan Roast

With its make-ahead convenience, this tender Stuffed Seitan Roast by celebrated chef Josephine Watmore is perfect for busy days that demand a delicious and stress-free meal. Simply slice off the desired portion size for dinner, then reheat for approximately 10 minutes to ensure a satisfyingly hot meal just prior to serving. This approach frees up valuable oven space, making dinner preparation a more tranquil and manageable experience.

 

Source: Crispy Breaded Chickpea Cutlets

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Amy Lyons’ innovative Crispy Breaded Chickpea Cutlets serve as the perfect canvas for a rich, homemade mushroom gravy, all while boasting a game-changing gluten-free breading. With their rich, nutty taste and creamy consistency, chickpeas are the ideal ingredient to elevate this dish to a crowd-pleaser status. Pair this dish with a medley of crisp, fresh greens and a variety of vegetables to create a well-rounded meal.

Source: The Vegducken

Meet the show-stopping centerpiece of your holiday gathering: The Vegducken by Jasmine Briones. The aroma is so tantalizing that it’s almost impossible to resist digging in, despite the overwhelming urge to capture its visual splendor first? Roasted butternut squash serves as the canvas for a vibrant medley of eggplant, zucchini, and whole scallions, which is then filled with a rich tapestry of sautéed mushrooms, red onion, scallions, red lentil, chickpeas, and gluten-free breadcrumbs that have been skillfully puréed to create a satisfyingly crumbly texture. Happy Thanksgiving!

Source: Roasted Root Vegetable Stacks

Indulge in these delectable Roasted Root Vegetable Stacks, crafted by Cassandra Star – a culinary masterpiece that’s not only quick to prepare but also effortlessly delicious. The harmonious fusion of roasted root vegetables, sweet potatoes, and onions, thoughtfully layered to allow each component to shine, is elevated by a generous scattering of aromatic dukkah and pungent garlic, which beautifully balance the inherent sweetness of the dish.

Source: Pecan Stuffed Butternut Squash

Nourished by the natural sweetness of the squash, this snack is bursting with essential vitamins and minerals that fuel your body and lift your mood, keeping you energized and feeling joyful throughout the day. This Pecan Stuffed Butternut Squash by Maria Koutsogiannis is not only remarkably straightforward to prepare, but it also boasts a stunning visual appeal, infused with the warmth of aromatic flavours that tantalize the senses and make it an impressive showstopper at any gathering. The succulent pecan-stuffed pastry slices boast an undeniable visual appeal, further elevated by the tangy sweetness of pomegranate seeds which surprise with their bold, fruity flavour.

Source: Cauliflower Piccata

Cutting a head of cauliflower into slabs, reminiscent of slicing a loaf of bread, yields perfectly edible “steaks” that can be roasted to perfection and savored as a delightful meal. Veganized Cauliflower Piccata from Veganize It! Savor the rich flavors as tender zucchini is elevated by a tangy lemon piccata sauce, earthy mushrooms, and a comforting bed of creamy mashed potatoes – a game-changing way to enjoy this humble vegetable.

Source: Portobello Wellington

Is Portobello Wellington a culinary revelation, proving that gourmet vegan cuisine is not just a notion, but a reality capable of rivalling traditional masterpieces. This dish exudes an earthy charm, its natural sweetness unfolding to reveal a rich tapestry of flavors. Host a memorable dinner party by incorporating these unique touches.

Source: Roasted Eggplant

This roasted eggplant recipe, courtesy of Kristen Genton, boasts an unexpectedly straightforward approach yet yields remarkably scrumptious results. The roasted vegetables emerge exquisitely tender, their rich umami flavour tempered by the creamy sweetness of the cashew sauce. Add a handful of pomegranate arils for a surprising burst of tangy sweetness, elevating this snack or meal to new heights without sacrificing a hint of flavour.

Source: Double-Baked Butternut Squash

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Maria Engbjerg’s Double-Baked Butternut Squash recipe is a masterful celebration of autumn’s bounty, making it an ideal centerpiece for any Thanksgiving gathering. Present a stunning salad alongside a nourishing, visually appealing, and satisfying dinner. How to elevate a humble butternut squash recipe by baking it for 2 laps in the oven?

What’s for dinner? Get creative with these Brown Rice and Lentil Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, a delicious twist on traditional stuffed cabbage recipes.

Kathryn Pfeffer-Scanlan’s recipe for Brown Rice and Lentil Stuffed Cabbage Rolls innovatively substitutes traditional corned beef with a wholesome blend of green lentils and nutty brown rice, offering a satisfying plant-based alternative. Adding a vitamin C-rich tomato sauce to these dishes allows the iron content to increase even further.

Source: Rosemary Roasted Butternut Squash

Savoring the bold flavors of fall? Look no further than Philipp Ertl’s Rosemary Roasted Butternut Squash recipe – a straightforward delight that yields maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Roasted to perfection, butternut squash absorbs the deep, aromatic essence of caramelized garlic and fragrant rosemary, elevating its natural sweetness into a truly sublime culinary experience. Served alongside a rich and satisfying chunky lentil and mushroom tomato sauce, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling both full and invigorated. This versatile dish serves equally well as a reliable weeknight staple and a show-stopping addition to holiday gatherings alike.

What a delightful vegetarian Wellington! Would you like to fill it with roasted maple parsnip, caramelized onions, and earthy chestnuts, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry and baked to golden perfection?

This stunning Maple Parsnip and Chestnut Wellington by Natalie Tamara is the perfect show-stopping centerpiece for even the most discerning holiday gathering. As the flaky puff pastry wraps around a medley of roasted vegetables, the subtle sweetness of their natural flavors is elevated by the rich, velvety notes of pure maple syrup. Delight your guests with this impressive Wellington served alongside a medley of roasted mushrooms and vibrant red peppers, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

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