15 Meat-Free Tarts and Pies Highlighting the Best of Fall Flavors! – One Green Planet

When we say “pie,” the first image that pops into your mind is probably something like a pot pie fresh out of the oven with a flaky, buttery crust — but pies haven’t always been that way. There’s a lengthy history behind something that’s become a fall dinner staple. The earliest pies were actually more like galettes and are said to have been invented by the Egyptians during the Neolithic period. It wasn’t until the 5th-century BC that the pie pastry was supposedly invented — scholars have traced mention of savory sweetmeats and pastries stuffed with fruit. Pies were also a popular staple in the lower class Medieval household for a number of reasons. Smaller ovens meant that the large feasts one would find spread out on the tables of the aristocracy were not an option. Pies were an easy way to serve a variety of ingredients in a warm, filling, and obtainable. Whoever made the meal would use what was readily available.

Today, there are different types of pies throughout the world — and when we talk about pie, we mean all kinds, from the traditional pot pie to tarts (let’s face it — a tart is a pie without a top crust), and even hand pies (because we say “yes” to all handheld meals). That’s why even though September 23rd is National Pot Pie, there’s so much more for us to celebrate about one of fall’s favorite comfort foods. So get ready, because your bookmark folder will be full of dinner ideas by the time you get through this list of 15 savory pies.

1. Batzina: Greek Zucchini Pie

Batzina is a traditional Greek pie made from eggs, cheese, and flour. Some versions include pumpkin, others are all cheese. This version leaves out the eggs and cheese, using nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor and includes zucchini. It’s thin, crispy, and savory and delicious when served both hot or cold.

2. Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Beet Tart

This Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Beet Tart not only looks amazing but also tastes great! The beet filling is creamy, rich, and satisfying. It’s a combination nobody will expect but everybody will love. Serve it as an entrée, as a starter or a side dish. It will posh up your table for sure!

3. Turkish Spinach and Tofu Borek

Typically made with cheese and spinach between layers of buttery filo pastry, Borek is a savory pie from Turkey that’s incredibly easy to make.  Crumbled tofu with a dose of nutritional yeast takes the place of cheese and it’s layered with spinach and flaky pastry layers. This dish is perfect for chilly fall evenings.

4. Pueblo Corn Pie

This Pueblo Corn Pie is made up of so many layers of deliciousness. On top, you have a crumbly, slightly crunchy cornmeal topping that hides a tasty bean corn and chili within. It’s spicy, savory, and more importantly, it’ll keep you full!

5. Spanakopita

Spanakopita is a Greek savory filo dough pie filled with spinach and cheese. Here, vegan mozzarella cheese and lemony Spinach come together to form this delicious, flaky, and buttery pie. Super delicious AND healthy!

6. Caramelized Onion Tart

This Caramelized Onion Tart is a delicious dinner idea for when you want to try something a little different. The pastry is crisp and light while the filling is both sweet and savory, like French onion soup. As it bakes, the top browns, so you get a little bit of something crispy in every bite. This also keeps well in the refrigerator, so if it lasts, you’ll have tasty leftovers!

7. Jackfruit Pot Pie

This Jackfruit Pot Pie is the meat-free pot pie of your dreams! If you’re craving a creamy, warm jackfruit and veggie filling encased in a delicate puff pastry crust, you must make this recipe. Your stomach will be so incredibly happy.

8. Savory Mushroom Tart

This Savory Mushroom Tart has a mixture of Baby Bella mushrooms sautéed in soy sauce and balsamic vinegar then sprinkled with fresh herbs. It’s flaky, warm, savory, and very shareable! Slice it up and serve as an appetizer or pair with a fresh salad.

9. Pasta Pie

Let’s all just take a moment and admire this Pasta Pie. Constructed with rigatoni, filled with creamy cashew cheese and marinara sauce, and studded with olives, this dish is truly a comfort food masterpiece. Try this whimsical dish the next time you’re in the mood for Italian.

10. Rustic Pesto and Heirloom Tomato Tart

Heirloom tomatoes are some of the most impressively colorful fruits out there, which makes them the perfect choice for this Rustic Pesto and Heirloom Tomato Tart. It has an easy crust, a layer of cheesy pesto made from spinach, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes, and then a colorful topping of sliced tomatoes with crunchy pine nuts. Yum!

11. Mac and Cheese Pies

Macaroni pie is a Scottish delicacy that consists of a crisp, crumbly pastry crust that’s filled with macaroni and cheese. These dairy-free Mac and Cheese Pies recreate it perfectly, from the crust to the gooey, cheesy mac and cheese filling. There’s something otherworldly about the way these things come together, so much that you’ll probably be left speechless when you take your first bite. You can make one large pie for this recipe or several small ones, if you’re looking to make a shareable appetizer.

12. Jamaican ‘Beef’ Patties With Cheese

Just like authentic patties, these Jamaican “Beef” Patties have a spicy, meaty filling with melty cheese surrounded by a dough that’s flaky and flavorful. They can also be filled with greens, vegetables, tofu, seitan or whatever you love. This filling is textured vegetable protein, but you could also use all neat meat replacement, burger crumbles, soy crumbles, or lentils. So versatile!

13. Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

This Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is fantastic for the whole family! It’s full of fall flavors, with a filling of hearty lentils, Japanese pumpkin, mushrooms, peas, and carrots that are stewed in spices and a topping of mashed sweet potatoes. Then, it’s baked until it’s warm and bubbly on the inside and slightly browned on top.

14. Mint Chickpea Cornmeal Tart

This Mint Chickpea Cornmeal Tarts are an entire Indian meal in tart form. They are light, crispy, sweet, spicy, aromatic, and basically curry-filled bite-size tarts. This filling is super refreshing, and mouth-watering because of the presence of spices and mint. A dollop of herbed vegan yogurt is the replacement of raita, which you add at the end. This addition makes this entire dish so bright and delectable.

15. Vegetable Rose Tart With Cheesy Sun-Dried Tomato Filling

This Vegetable Rose Tart With Cheesy Sun-Dried Tomato Filling is so pretty and tasty! The oat and sunflower seed crust is deliciously crunchy, the cheesy sun-dried tomato filling is savory and creamy, and together with the fresh vegetable ribbons on top, it makes the perfect dish! It’s great if you want to impress with your cooking skills at a brunch or family reunion. You can also easily adjust the spices, garlic, and vegetables according to you taste.

Looking for more ideas? Then hop on over to our vegan savory pies page!

Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home

Reducing your meat intake and incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet is known to Support various health benefits, including reducing chronic inflammation, improving heart health, enhancing mental well-being, achieving fitness goals, meeting nutritional needs, managing allergies, and promoting gut health, among others. Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer,  prostate cancer, and has many side effects.

For those of you interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend grabbing our favorite plant-based cookbooks and downloading the Food Monster App — with over 20,000 delicious recipes, it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals, and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Here are some great resources to get you started:

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