8 Festive Vegan Xmas Dinner Recipes

Oh my gosh, it’s almost Christmas! Can you believe it? Time to break out the ugly sweaters and get cooking!

I’ve got a treat for you today – 8 festive vegan Christmas dinner recipes that’ll knock Santa’s socks off. Trust me, I’ve road-tested these bad boys in my own kitchen (and may have eaten way too many “test” portions in the process).

We’re talking crowd-pleasing mains, scrumptious sides, and a showstopping dessert that’ll have your non-vegan relatives begging for the recipe. I’ve teamed up with some of my favorite vegan chefs to bring you the crème de la crème of plant-based holiday fare.

Whether you’re hosting the whole fam or just having a cozy dinner for two, there’s something here for everyone. The best part? These recipes are totally customizable and most can be prepped ahead of time. Because who wants to spend all of Christmas Day slaving away in the kitchen? Not this elf!

So put on your favorite holiday playlist, pour yourself a glass of (vegan) eggnog, and let’s dive into some yuletide deliciousness. Your taste buds are about to go on a sleigh ride!

Lentil and Mushroom Wellington

Holy moly, talk about a showstopper! This bad boy will have even the most ardent meat-eaters at your table doing a double-take.

You’ll start by sautéing a heavenly mix of lentils, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs. Then wrap that goodness up in layers of flaky puff pastry (make sure it’s vegan!). Pop it in the oven and voila – a golden, crispy centerpiece that’ll have everyone fighting over the last slice.

Pro tip: Make the filling a day ahead to save time on Christmas Day. And don’t skimp on the herbs – they’re what really makes this dish sing!

I once served this to my carnivore uncle who swore he’d never touch “rabbit food.” Let’s just say he ate his words… along with seconds and thirds of the Wellington!

Maple-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Okay, I know what you’re thinking. “Brussels sprouts? At Christmas? Are you trying to start a riot?” But hear me out!

These aren’t the mushy, boiled-to-death sprouts of your childhood nightmares. We’re talking crispy, caramelized little flavor bombs that’ll convert even the most die-hard sprout haters.

Toss those babies with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast ’em until they’re golden brown. Drizzle with a quick maple glaze right before serving for a sweet-savory punch that’ll knock your festive socks off.

Fun fact: I once ate an entire batch of these straight off the baking sheet before they even made it to the table. No regrets!

Cranberry and Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf

Move over, boring side dishes! This wild rice pilaf is here to sleigh the holiday game. (See what I did there? 😉)

You’ll cook up a mix of wild and brown rice, then toss it with dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and a zesty orange dressing. The result? A symphony of flavors and textures that’ll have your taste buds doing the happy dance.

This dish is perfect for making ahead – in fact, it actually tastes better after a day or two in the fridge. Talk about a Christmas miracle!

I love serving this alongside some roasted veggies for a colorful, nutrient-packed plate. Your body will thank you for sneaking in some whole grains amidst all the holiday indulgence!

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Baby, it’s cold outside! Warm up with a bowl of this creamy, dreamy butternut squash soup. It’s like a hug in a mug (or bowl, but that doesn’t rhyme).

Roast your squash with some onions and garlic, then blend it all up with vegetable broth and coconut milk. A dash of nutmeg and cinnamon gives it that cozy holiday vibe.

Want to get fancy? Garnish with some toasted pumpkin seeds and a swirl of coconut cream. Your guests will think they’ve died and gone to soup heaven.

True story: I once spilled an entire pot of this soup all over my kitchen floor right before a dinner party. Let’s just say my dog had a very merry Christmas that year!

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Looking for something a little lighter but still festive AF? These stuffed portobellos have got your back (and your taste buds).

Brush some big ol’ portobello caps with olive oil and roast them until they’re nice and tender. Meanwhile, whip up a stuffing of quinoa, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Pile that goodness into your mushroom “boats” and bake until everything’s hot and bubbly.

These are great for portion control (if you’re into that sort of thing during the holidays). Plus, they look fancy as heck without requiring any cheffy skills.

Pro tip: Make extra stuffing. You’ll thank me later when you’re eating it straight out of the fridge at midnight. Not that I’ve ever done that… 👀

Rosemary and Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Let’s be real – it’s not Christmas without some form of potato on the table. These crispy, herb-infused spuds will have everyone fighting over the last one.

Chop up some Yukon Gold potatoes (leave the skins on for extra nutrients and laziness points), toss with olive oil, fresh rosemary, and an obscene amount of garlic. Spread ’em out on a baking sheet and roast until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside.

I like to finish these with a sprinkle of sea salt and some fresh parsley. It’s not only delicious but makes them look all fancy and Instagrammable. Because if you didn’t post your Christmas dinner, did it even happen?

Chocolate Orange Tart

Alright, time for the grand finale! This chocolate orange tart is so decadent, your guests will never believe it’s vegan.

Start with a buttery (vegan butter, of course) chocolate crust. Fill it with a silky smooth chocolate ganache infused with orange zest. Chill until set, then top with candied orange slices for that extra wow factor.

Fair warning: This tart has been known to induce spontaneous happy dances and declarations of undying love. Serve at your own risk!

I once brought this to a potluck and had three people propose marriage on the spot. I politely declined, but I did share the recipe. I’m generous like that.

Gingerbread Cookies

What’s Christmas without some cookies for Santa? (Or let’s be real, for you to munch on while wrapping presents at 2 AM.)

These gingerbread cookies are crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside, and packed with all those warm, cozy spices we associate with the holidays. Plus, they’re fun to decorate! Get the whole family involved for some quality bonding time (or entertainment, depending on your family dynamics).

The dough can be made ahead and frozen, so you can have fresh-baked cookies whenever the craving strikes. Which, during the holiday season, is approximately every 37 minutes for me.

Word to the wise: Hide a stash for yourself. Otherwise, you might come downstairs on Christmas morning to find that “Santa” (aka your partner/roommate/sneaky cat) has eaten them all!

And there you have it, folks! Eight vegan Christmas recipes that’ll make your holiday table shine brighter than Rudolph’s nose.

Remember, cooking should be fun, not stressful. So if something doesn’t turn out perfectly, just slap some cranberry sauce on it and call it a new holiday tradition. That’s the beauty of being the chef – you make the rules!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with my kitchen and about 17 pounds of Brussels sprouts. Merry Christmas, happy cooking, and may your holidays be filled with love, laughter, and lots of delicious vegan food!