Joyful Vegan Christmas Feasts: 30 Delicious Plant-Based Main Courses for a Memorable Holiday Season – One Green Planet

As Christmas approaches, you’re likely planning a festive menu for your special holiday gathering. For individuals without a turkey or ham at their holiday gathering, it’s essential to consider alternative main courses. At the heart of any gathering lies a show-stopping dish that commands attention and satisfaction. Let’s celebrate the unconventional and find joy in the unscripted. When meat takes a seat, the possibilities for main courses expand dramatically, with plant-based dishes capable of satisfying both small and large gatherings alike.

Discover a diverse array of mouth-watering main course recipes designed to delight the senses of even the most discerning diners. Discover 10 mouth-watering vegan main dishes perfect for a Christmas feast, and indulge in 5 delightful vegan casseroles that will become new holiday traditions. As the holiday season is all about family, friends, and warmth, we’re spotlighting comforting, inviting vegan main courses that evoke a sense of home. Prepare to be jolly and bright with these 30 plant-based showstoppers from the Food Monster App, sure to make your Christmas celebrations merry and warm.

1. Creamy Pumpkin Lasagna

Source: Creamy Pumpkin Lasagna

What’s sure to impress at your next dinner gathering is this Creamy Pumpkin Lasagna from Renee McKenzie. Roasted pumpkin combines harmoniously with a rich, velvety pumpkin béchamel sauce infused with a subtle warmth, while a stunning roasted pumpkin topping adds an extra layer of visual appeal. Crown this dish with a generous sprinkling of homemade pine nut Parmesan for an added layer of creamy, nutty complexity.

2. Roasted Black Bean and Spaghetti Squash Harmony

This flavorful vegetarian casserole combines the comfort of spaghetti squash with the hearty taste of black beans and a crunchy cornbread crust. To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, cook 2 medium spaghetti squashes by baking them for about 45 minutes or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork. Let them cool before cutting in half lengthwise and scooping out the insides.

Seeking a speedy, effortless, and satisfying dish to serve a multitude of guests? Look no further than Ashley Smyczek’s ingenious Black Bean and Spaghetti Squash Casserole, the perfect solution for any occasion. With its trifecta of nutritious ingredients – black beans, spinach, and plant-based feta – this delightful recipe is sure to win over even the most discerning palates.

3. Creamy Baked Skillet Spinach Pasta

Source: Creamy Baked Skillet Pasta

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Medha Swaminathan’s Creamy Baked Skillet Pasta boasts a rich, plant-based delight featuring vibrant vegan spinach pasta smothered in a luscious cauliflower-infused cream sauce, crowned with crunchy toasted breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor. Baked to perfection within a richly seasoned cast-iron skillet, this casserole redefines tradition with its unique twist. Warm and cozy dairy-free comfort foods for a joyful holiday season.

4. Mouthwatering Mushroom Ravioli with Rich Creamy Leek Sauce

Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with our decadent Mushroom Ravioli and Creamy Leek Sauce.

Here’s a culinary experience that embodies the essence of an authentic Italian nonna: richly flavored mushroom ravioli smothered in a velvety leek sauce that will leave you feeling like you’re sitting down to a family dinner at Nonna’s table. It’s hearty, satisfying, and delicious. Ensure that every guest receives generous helpings of dessert – and don’t worry about serving just one or two rounds!

5. Bœuf Bourguignon Végétalien

Source: Bœuf Bourguignon Végétalien

This vegan reinterpretation of the iconic French classic, Bœuf Bourguignon, by Renee McKenzie brings a plant-based twist to a timeless culinary staple. Crafted with tender tofu and earthy mushrooms, this dish is a true culinary delight, boasting a satisfying richness and depth of flavor. While preparing dessert, consider cooking this dish in a crockpot to ensure effortless preparation. Julia Child would be proud!

6. Tofu Pot Pie Casserole

Source: Tofu Pot Pie Casserole

Meet the Tofu Pot Pie Casserole, a game-changing recipe that combines the comforting warmth of a classic pot pie with the ease and versatility of a casserole – all infused with the rich, plant-based flavors of vegan cooking. A hearty and nutritious casserole, filled to the brim with an abundance of vegetables and tender tofu, all snugly wrapped in crispy layers of flaky phyllo dough. With its golden-brown hue and perfectly flaky crust, this magnificent turkey is poised to steal the show at your festive gathering, earning rave reviews from even the most discerning palates.

7. Show-Stopping Lentil and Eggplant Lasagna

What’s for dinner? Get ready to impress with this show-stopping lentil and eggplant lasagna recipe that will leave your taste buds doing the happy dance!

When planning a meal that’s sure to satisfy a large group, lasagna is often an excellent option. With its harmonious balance of flavors and textures, this Show-Stopping Lentil and Eggplant Lasagna by Lera Krasovskaya is a quintessential example of wholesome comfort food that will leave you utterly satisfied. A rich and satisfying pasta dish is crafted by combining whole wheat lasagna noodles with protein-packed tofu, fiber-rich lentils, and the meaty texture of eggplant. What’s not to adore about tender, flavorful veggies smothered in rich sauce and nestled among comforting noodles? No one we know.

8. Black bean chili pot pie with a cumin-infused sweet potato crust that’s both savory and indulgent.

Warmly served black bean chili pot pies atop a crispy cumin-scented sweet potato crust, infused with the essence of smoky paprika and the richness of velvety sour cream?

A warm slice of homemade pie – the ultimate expression of love and care. Warm and inviting, these Black Bean Chili Pot Pies with a crunchy Cumin Sweet Potato Crust by Alison Murray embody the essence of comfort cuisine. Individual mini-pies bursting with wholesome goodness, featuring a medley of black beans, vibrant vegetables, and a tantalizing sweet potato crust infused with aromatic spices. Indulge your guests in a delightful solo serving of individual pot pies, eliminating the need for communal sharing and ensuring everyone enjoys their own perfect portion.

9. Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi in Warmly Spiced Butter Sauce, Finished with a Zesty Lemon Cashew Cream

Source: Pumpkin Gnocchi

Present your guests with a sophisticated culinary experience by serving a dish that exudes elegance while being simplicity itself to prepare?

Indulge in the creamy, comforting goodness of Rhea Parsons’ homemade Pumpkin Gnocchi, smothered in a luxurious vegan butter sauce infused with warm, aromatic spices, and paired with a tangy, refreshing lemon cashew cream. The aroma of success will linger, suggesting a culinary marathon undertaken with dedication and care. Let them.

10. Southern Stew

Source: Southern Stew

Indulge in the warmth of the season with this delectable Southern Stew, brought to you by the talented Kayli Dice – let the rich flavors transport you to a cozy holiday haven. Richly flavored with the comforting essence of the South, this dish boasts a velvety sweet potato broth as its foundation. Richly flavored and filling, this stew bursts with tender black beans, sweet corn, and a medley of nutritious greens. Christmas Soul Food Traditions: A Hearty Celebration

11. Savory Spicy Potato Casserole with Crispy Tofu ‘Chorizo’

What’s a flavorful twist on classic potato casserole? Try this Spicy Potato Casserole with Tofu Chorizo recipe!

Transforming the comforting essence of baked potatoes smothered in rich vegan chili into a satisfying meal for a gathering of friends? This Spicy Potato Casserole with Tofu Chorizo, courtesy of chef Kelly Williams, boasts tantalizing layers of thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a bold, spicy tomato-based sauce. The addition of black beans and “tofu chorizo” significantly boosts the protein level and injects a delightful textural variety into a saucy dish, making it an exciting culinary option.

12. Pumpkin Cannelloni with Almond Sauce

Pumpkin cannelloni with almond sauce – a harmonious blend of seasonal flavors and textures.

Pumpkin cannelloni takes a bold step away from traditional pumpkin dishes with its unique twist. A tender and tantalizing cannelloni dish awaits, its star-studded filling comprised of richly savored pumpkin puree, elevated by a luscious almond sauce that will undoubtedly be the crowning glory of your Christmas celebration.

Warmly seasoned Hearty Stout and Mixed Vegetable Stew?

As loved ones converge for holiday gatherings, it’s natural to seek out dishes that evoke a sense of warmth and comfort – something that whispers “welcome home” with every spoonful. The foundation of this hearty stew is built upon a rich tapestry of sautéed onions, infused with pungency from generous amounts of garlic, while subtle notes of rosemary and thyme add depth to the overall flavor profile. The vegetables are subsequently incorporated, yielding a rich and velvety sauce that gradually intensifies, ultimately coaxing the ingredients into succulent, tender morsels of delight. Winter’s chill sets the stage perfectly.

14. Comforting Kale Pesto Pasta Casserole

Source: Kale Pesto Pasta Casserole

This indulgent Kale Pesto Pasta Casserole, courtesy of Florian Nouh, satisfies with its rich flavors and effortless preparation. With the subtle nuance of sun-dried tomatoes and olives, this dish boasts a richly savory flavor profile. Tender strips of sautéed eggplant are carefully folded into the vibrant pesto sauce. The true showstopper here is the delectable crust, crafted from a harmonious blend of gluten-free bread crumbs, rich olive oil, and pungent garlic. It’s crunchy, hearty, and perfect!

15. Tempeh and Pasta Casserole

Source: Tempeh and Pasta Casserole

With its satisfying blend of tempeh and pasta, this casserole is an ideal solution for feeding a crowd, no matter their preferences or dietary needs. The tempeh contributes a rich, nutty flavor and a boost of protein, while the pasta provides satisfying sustenance to keep hunger at bay. The velvety cashew sauce harmoniously unites the flavors in this delectable one-pan wonder, sure to envelop you in a warm, cozy, and mouthwatering culinary experience on a chilly evening.

16. Vegan Cioppino (Italian-Style ‘Fish’ Stew)

Source: Italian-Style ‘Fish’ Stew

This robust and authentic Italian-Style ‘Fish’ Stew, as envisioned by chef Florian Nouh, takes inspiration from the iconic “cioppino,” a beloved San Francisco-style fish stew. Here is the rewritten text: In this plant-based rendition, silken tofu seamlessly substitutes for fish, while the dish’s essence stays intact – a medley of sautéed vegetables and aromatic herbs bathed in a rich and tangy tomato broth.

Source: “Cheezy” Vegan Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles, a beloved Mexican staple, consists of crispy fried soft tortillas paired with an array of delectable accompaniments. These Cheesy Vegan Chilaquiles, a creative spin on the beloved Mexican dish, deliver a trifecta of satisfying qualities: extreme fill-ability, rich savouriness, and an abundance of flavour. Don’t let the ingredients intimidate you; this recipe is surprisingly straightforward and simple to prepare.

18. Jackfruit Pot Pie

Source: Jackfruit Pot Pie

What’s more heartwarming than a warm, flaky-crust pot pie at holiday gatherings with loved ones? Discover a game-changing plant-based pot pie with this revolutionary Jackfruit Pot Pie recipe from Sarah Pether – the ultimate comfort food for a new generation of eaters. Wrapped in flaky, buttery puff pastry, a rich and comforting jackfruit and vegetable filling is revealed, its creamy warmth tantalizing the senses. When this delectable dish makes its appearance on the table, everyone’s spirits are sure to soar with joy and delight.

19. Simple Stuffed Pumpkin Manicotti

Source: Simple Stuffed Pumpkin Manicotti

For pasta enthusiasts, a game-changing recipe awaits in Michaell Johnson’s delightful Simple Stuffed Pumpkin Manicotti. This isn’t one of those meals that demands a grand introduction. The harmonious union of wholesome ingredients is a symphony of taste and nutrition! Here’s a show-stopping recipe that’s sure to impress at your holiday celebration:

20. Pesto-Infused Pappardelle Serves as the Perfect Companion to Crisp Artichoke and Chickpea Meatballs.

What’s your take on a dish that combines the creamy richness of pesto with the vibrant flavors of artichoke and chickpea meatballs served atop pappardelle pasta?

Pasta is often a reliable option, but when paired with Michelle Lee’s innovative Pesto Pappardelle with Artichoke Chickpea Meatballs, the combination truly shines, earning top honors. Savoring tender, aromatic veggie meatballs on a bed of rich, herb-kissed pappardelle pasta, swirled in a vibrant, freshly made pesto that bursts with the essence of verdant greens and fragrant herbs. Seared artichoke hearts and chopped, fresh tomatoes combine to complete the dish. This seemingly elaborate recipe is actually surprisingly straightforward, allowing you to create a truly gourmet pasta dish with minimal fuss.

21. Moussaka with Cashew Cream

Source: Moussaka with Cashew Cream

For a hearty meal that satisfies a large gathering, look no further than Marie-Ève Couture’s show-stopping Moussaka with Cashew Cream. Does this dish have comforting eggplant and mashed potatoes swirled together in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce with hints of warm spices? The addition of the rich and creamy cashew topping elevates this dish to new heights of flavor and indulgence.

22. Savory Thai Yellow Curry with Tender Seitan and Crisp Potatoes.

Can you make me fall in love with a bowl of creamy Thai yellow curry made with tender seitan and fluffy potatoes? Then stir-fry garlic, shallots, and lemongrass until fragrant; add curry paste and cook until the aroma fills the air. Pour in coconut milk and vegetable broth, then let the rich flavors meld together. Add bite-sized pieces of firm seitan and halved potatoes, simmering until they absorb the savory goodness.

Savor the festive flavors of Thailand with Rosalie Livingstone’s vibrant recipe for Yellow Curry with Seitan and Potatoes: a harmonious blend of spices, textures, and colors that will elevate your holiday gatherings!

Savoring the rich flavors of this homemade Thai-style yellow curry paste, it’s perfectly showcased when lavishly poured over tender chunks of seitan and potatoes, bathing them in a velvety coconut milk sauce that harmonizes sweet and savory notes. Yum!

Source: Polenta Veggie Bake

While this largely unobtrusive Polenta Veggie Bake recipe from Sara Hohn relies on a few convenient shortcuts. Here: First, you’ll find quick-cooking polenta that whips up on the stovetop in less than ten minutes, a culinary marvel for even the most hectic of schedules. The jarred marinara sauce is then carefully layered atop the creamy polenta, only to be further enhanced by the warmth and magic of the oven as it bakes. This hearty dish is loaded with an abundance of vegetables, making it a warm and inviting holiday meal that’s sure to become a new family tradition.

24. Hearty Winter Curry Pie

Source: Hearty Winter Curry Pie

Forget the conventional wisdom on vegetable pot pies – Rebecca Fallihee’s Hearty Winter Curry Pie is poised to become a new favorite. As the aromatic scents of curry, coconut milk, and ginger mingle within a buttery pie crust, the senses are transported to a cozy haven, providing solace from the chill of winter’s grasp.

25. Comforting Hearty Lentil Chili Pot Pie with a Golden Crunchy Pumpkin Cornbread Crust

Source: Lentil Chili Pot Pies

As your guests take their first bites of these bite-sized Lentil Chili Pot Pies, their faces are sure to light up with delight. A rich and satisfying veggie-packed lentil chili, bursting with flavor, served atop a warm and inviting gluten-free pumpkin cornbread with just the right hint of sweetness.

Indulge in a richly flavored Creamy Pumpkin Risotto, perfectly paired with the sweet and spicy crunch of roasted pepitas.

For a show-stopping Christmas main course that’s neither turkey nor stuffed squash, turn to Liz Moody’s Creamy Pumpkin Risotto with Sweet and Spicy Roasted Pepitas for inspiration. Savory and indulgent in every bite, this delectable treat is a game-changer for those with dietary restrictions, offering a simultaneously creamy, rich, and satisfying experience that’s free from animal products and grains. Wrapped in a delightful aroma?

27. Country ‘Meatloaf’ With Gravy

Source: Country ‘Meatloaf’ with Gravy

Meet this mouthwatering Country ‘Meatloaf’ with Gravy recipe, courtesy of Katie Koteen – perfect for satisfying the appetites of your holiday gathering guests! This nutritious dish is both robust and flavorful, capable of pleasing even the most discerning meat lovers while also keeping health concerns in check, making it an ideal choice for navigating the indulgent holiday season. Savor every bite with a rich serving, paired with a side of savory gravy or elevate the dish further by topping it with earthy sautéed mushrooms.

28. What a tender twist on comfort food: Seitan’s savory depth harmonizes with the rich flavors of slow-cooked vegetables and aromatic spices, elevating this classic dish to new heights.

Source: Seitan Pot Roast

Savoring the nostalgia of a comforting home-cooked meal, Seitan Pot Roast by Dawn Kriss brings a plant-based twist to a classic family favorite, offering a satisfying alternative to traditional pot roast. This savory vegetarian dish boasts richly flavored homemade seitan swimming in a delectable vegetable stew that will leave you wanting more. With its convenient slow-cooker preparation, the pot roast requires minimal effort, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your holiday meal while it tenderly simmers into a mouthwatering main course, ready to serve when you need it.

29. Rustic, Creamy Portobello Stroganoff

Source: Rustic, Creamy Portobello Stroganoff

Rebecca Weller’s This Rustic, Creamy Portobello Stroganoff makes for a stunning and memorable holiday serving option. This dish’s robust flavor profile ensures a satisfying meal that belies its nutritious credentials, making healthy eating a delightful surprise for all. Portobello mushrooms infuse the dish with a rich, earthy depth, complemented by the indulgent texture of tender, meaty flesh. Meanwhile, the silky smoothness of cashew cream and a sprinkle of aromatic herbs conspire to wrap everything in a luxurious embrace.

30. Tempeh Shepherd’s Pie

Source: Tempeh Shepherd’s Pie

Discover the ultimate winter comfort food, reimagined as a deliciously vegan option: Tempeh Shepherd’s Pie by Katie Koteen. A savory blend of crumbled tempeh and vibrant vegetables forms the hearty filling, beautifully crowned by a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes. This dish is a guaranteed hit with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.

Here are some incredible recipes that will make your holiday season merry and bright.

Discover the Art of Cooking Delicious Plant-Based Dishes in Your Own Kitchen?

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