Fa-la-la-la-la, it’s time to get festive with some plant-based deliciousness! 🎄✨
I’ve got 10 mouthwatering vegan holiday recipes that’ll make your taste buds sing carols of joy. Trust me, even your carnivore cousin Carl will be begging for seconds!
As a long-time vegan chef, I’ve perfected these recipes through years of trial and error (and maybe a few kitchen disasters). But don’t worry, I’ve done all the hard work so you don’t have to!
From savory mains to decadent desserts, I’ve collaborated with some of the best vegan chefs to bring you a variety of options. We’re talking everything from classic roasts to unique twists on traditional favorites.
The best part? These recipes are totally customizable and mostly beginner-friendly. No need to stress about complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
So put on your favorite ugly Christmas sweater, crank up the holiday tunes, and let’s dive into some seriously delicious vegan holiday magic!
Mushroom Wellington
Video Recipe
Move over, beef! There’s a new Wellington in town, and it’s 100% plant-based.
This showstopper features a savory mushroom and lentil filling wrapped in flaky puff pastry.
To make it, sauté mushrooms, onions, and garlic until golden.
Mix in cooked lentils, herbs, and breadcrumbs.
Wrap the mixture in vegan puff pastry and bake until golden brown.
Pro tip: Use a mix of mushrooms like shiitake, portobello, and cremini for extra flavor depth.
I once served this at a holiday potluck, and my friend’s dad (a self-proclaimed “meat and potatoes guy”) asked for the recipe. Victory!
Cranberry Orange Glazed Tofu
Video Recipe
Who says tofu can’t be festive? This dish is like a holiday party for your mouth!
Press extra-firm tofu, then marinate in a mixture of orange juice, cranberry sauce, and spices.
Bake until golden, basting with more glaze throughout cooking.
The result? Tangy, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying slices of holiday heaven.
Feel free to get creative with the glaze – maple syrup or balsamic vinegar make great additions.
I love serving this with roasted Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes. It’s like the vegan version of a classic holiday plate!
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Video Recipe
Nothing says “cozy holiday vibes” quite like a steaming bowl of creamy soup.
Roast butternut squash with onions and garlic until caramelized.
Blend with vegetable broth, coconut milk, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Top with roasted pumpkin seeds and a swirl of coconut cream for extra indulgence.
This soup is basically a warm hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for those “baby, it’s cold outside” moments.
Fun fact: I once accidentally used WAY too much nutmeg in this recipe. Let’s just say it tasted like Christmas threw up in my mouth. Lesson learned!
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Video Recipe
These aren’t your grandma’s stuffed mushrooms (unless your grandma is a cool vegan, in which case, can we trade?).
Clean and de-stem large portobello caps.
Fill with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, chopped nuts, and vegan cheese.
Bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden and crispy.
These make a great appetizer or side dish. Plus, they’re totally customizable – go wild with your favorite fillings!
I like to think of these as little edible presents. Unwrap (aka bite into) them to reveal the delicious surprise inside!
Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
Video Recipe
This comfort food classic gets a vegan makeover that’ll have you saying “Shepherd who?”
Cook lentils with veggies like carrots, celery, and peas in a savory gravy.
Top with creamy mashed potatoes (or try mashed cauliflower for a low-carb twist).
Bake until bubbly and golden on top.
This dish is like a warm, cozy blanket for your insides. Perfect for those chilly winter nights!
Pro tip: Add a layer of vegan cheese between the lentils and potatoes for extra ooey-gooey goodness.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Video Recipe
Brussels sprouts: the vegetable that’s gone from holiday villain to veggie superstar!
Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Roast until crispy and caramelized.
Drizzle with a tangy balsamic reduction and sprinkle with chopped nuts.
The key is getting those crispy, almost-burnt edges. That’s where the magic happens!
Confession time: I used to HATE Brussels sprouts as a kid. Now, I could probably eat an entire tray of these by myself. Growth, people!
Sweet Potato Casserole
Video Recipe
This ain’t your typical marshmallow-topped sugar bomb. We’re keeping it classy (and healthier) here, folks.
Mash cooked sweet potatoes with non-dairy milk, cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup.
Top with a crunchy pecan streusel made with oats, nuts, and coconut oil.
Bake until golden and bubbly.
Feel free to play around with the spices – a pinch of cardamom or ginger can add a fun twist!
This dish is proof that you can have your holiday indulgence and eat it too. No food coma required!
Cranberry Orange Bread
Video Recipe
Get ready for your kitchen to smell like a holiday wonderland!
Mix flour, sugar, orange zest, and fresh cranberries in a bowl.
Add wet ingredients like non-dairy milk, orange juice, and melted coconut oil.
Bake in a loaf pan until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
This bread is perfect for breakfast, snacking, or gifting. If it makes it out of your kitchen, that is!
I once tried to veganize my grandma’s recipe, and let’s just say it took a few attempts. But now? I think even she would approve!
Gingerbread Cookies
Video Recipe
It’s not the holidays without some festive cookie action!
Mix flour, molasses, plant-based butter, and plenty of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
Roll out the dough and cut into your favorite holiday shapes.
Bake until firm, then decorate with vegan royal icing.
Get creative with your decorating – who says gingerbread people can’t have purple hair and sparkly outfits?
Warning: Making these with kids can result in a flour-covered kitchen and sugar-high giggles. Proceed at your own risk (but it’s totally worth it).
Chocolate Peppermint Trifle
Video Recipe
End your holiday feast with a bang (and maybe a little food coma).
Layer chunks of vegan chocolate cake with peppermint-infused coconut whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
Add some vegan chocolate pudding or mousse for extra decadence.
Chill until set, then dive in spoon-first!
This dessert is like a party in a glass. A very, very delicious party.
I once made this for a holiday party and didn’t tell anyone it was vegan. The looks on their faces when I revealed the secret? Priceless!
There you have it, my festive friends! Ten vegan holiday recipes that’ll make your season bright (and delicious).
Remember, cooking is all about having fun and making memories. So don’t stress if things aren’t perfect – even kitchen disasters can become hilarious holiday stories!
Now, go forth and cook up some plant-based magic. Your taste buds (and the planet) will thank you!
P.S. If you need me, I’ll be in a food coma surrounded by empty plates and loosened waistbands. Happy holidays!