Going Vegetarian? These Easy Meat-Free Thanksgiving Recipes Will Help (2024)

If you're looking for a stick-to-your-ribs dish that everyone can dig into, this is it. Polenta—the Italian cornmeal dish that bears more than a passing resemblance to grits—is made even more delicious here with a combination of three different kinds of cheese, including plenty of tangy blue Gorgonzola.

Get the recipe for Gorgonzola Baked Polenta.

Quick-pickled onions combine with just-slightly bitter escarole, a variety of citrus, and some toasty pistachios for a strong, crunchy dish.

Get the recipe for Escarole Salad with Oranges, Pistachios, and Pickled Onions.

Though the dish couldn't be simpler to make, this pairing of roasted grapes and baked squash transforms into a delicious side dish that's much more than the sum of its parts.

Get the recipe for Roasted Grapes and Delicata Squash Rings.

Serve this up as the appetizer, before digging into all the sides. You can add croutons for crunch, but we like to switch things up by topping it with a little spiced popcorn.

Get the recipe for Butternut Squash Soup.

These go on all the tables, and when guests arrive, you put a glass of wine in their hands, and let them get to munching.

Get the recipe for Grandsue’s Sweet-and-Spicy Roasted Pecans.

Wait. Did we say glass of wine? We meant a mug of this delicious, delicate warm mulled white wine.

Get the recipe for Cranberry Mulled White Wine.

We packed this absolute crunchfest so full of fall flavor that it's practically a main dish.

Get the recipe for Kale Salad with Pickled Cranberries and Crispy Quinoa.

This tangy take on classic creamed onions is surprisingly flavorful, and even vegan!

Get the recipe for Sweet-and-Sour Onions.

The key to making this simple, hearty dish taste extra amazing is to use a variety of roots. We like parsnips, carrots, sweet potatoes and beets, but you can choose your faves.

Get the recipe for Easy Root Vegetable Gratin.

Bright, fresh, and crunchy—and much less cloying than the canned stuff—this easy cranberry side makes a great addition to the plate.

Get the recipe for Fresh Cranberry-Apple Relish.

Can there be too many salads at the Thanksgiving table? 🤔 If so, we haven't found the number yet.

Get the recipe for Big Green Winter Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette.

It's just not a feast without a big basket of biscuits gracing the holiday table. These smart seasoned sides are flavored with chives, asiago cheese, and a smattering of cream cheese to make them extra delicious.

Get the recipe for Cream Cheese Herb Biscuits.

This gooey, delicious bread-covered dip makes a great appetizer, first course, or even just-before-dessert final course. It's best served piping hot, so the cheese stays melted.

Get the recipe for Honey-Apple Baked Brie with Fried Sage.

No matter how much you innovate at Thanksgiving, there's always some room for tradition.

Get the recipe for Squash Casserole.

Make them once and these cinnamon-and-whiskey spiced sweet potatoes are sure to become a family tradition.

Get the recipe for Bourbon Yams.

Nana's not going to have to urge anyone to have seconds of this stick-to-your-ribs side. In fact, you'll be lucky to get the dish back.

Get the recipe for Nana’s Famous Corn Pudding.

This simple—and simply delicious—Thanksgiving side is a true Southern staple.

Get the recipe for Lima Bean and Corn Succotash.

Problem: Your go-to Thanksgiving salad isn't super filling. Solution: This simple, hearty, roasted fruits-and-veggies salad packed with pumpkin seeds, blue cheese, and a maple vinaigrette.

Get the recipe for Roasted Pear, Sweet Potato, and Radicchio Salad.

Butternut squash and onions complement each other for a hearty vegetarian side option.

Get the recipe for Roasted Butternut Squash with Cider Vinaigrette.

Who says salads have to be boring? Amp up your greens with warm, roasted vegetables and pomegranate seeds.

Get the recipe for Sweet Potato-and-Cauliflower Salad.