21 Vegan Christmas Dinner Ideas for When You Want to Skip the Turkey Without Sacrificing Flavor

ByMandy Applegate

Every holiday table tells a story, and 21 vegan Christmas dinner ideas join in with festive character to spare. These recipes work for big gatherings, quiet nights, or even surprise potlucks where meat isn’t missed. Traditions change, but comfort and flavor stay strong. Discover the creative dishes that help make new holiday memories.

Slices of Vegan Spam.
Plant-Based Vegan Spam. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.
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Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower head cut in half, garnished with chopped parsley, on a white plate.
Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Holiday tables step up their game with this Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower right at the center. The golden outside brings excitement, while every slice has a special feel. I love seeing the surprise on faces when they try this instead of the usual main dish. Even folks who don’t skip turkey end up asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Savory Mushroom Pie

Four individual pot pies with flaky crusts on a round tray, one open to reveal a mushroom filling.
Savory Mushroom Pie. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crisp pastry and hearty filling meet in this Savory Mushroom Pie, making dinner feel both special and comforting. Guests always notice the rich aroma as it comes out hot for the holiday meal. I reach for a second helping every time, even when the table is packed with other favorites. No one misses meat when slices start to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Savory Mushroom Pie

Creamy Vegan Green Bean Casserole

A casserole dish filled with creamy vegan green bean casserole topped with breadcrumbs and chopped parsley, with a serving spoon.
Creamy Vegan Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Comfort has a new look with this Creamy Vegan Green Bean Casserole at your Christmas dinner. The smooth texture pairs perfectly with roasted veggies or crusty bread. I often find guests pausing to enjoy how classic it tastes. The casserole dish always empties out long before the plates stop being passed.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

A plate of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with pine nuts on parchment paper.
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sparkle up your plate with these Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze, bringing tang and crispness to any holiday feast. The glossy shine makes them hard to resist, and everyone comes away with something to talk about. Friends who skip green veggies suddenly end up curious. This dish gives Christmas dinners more personality.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Cheesy Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole

A casserole dish brimming with golden-brown bread crumbs, tender rice, and vibrant broccoli florets, this vegan cheesy broccoli and rice casserole is a delightful blend of flavors.
Cheesy Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Cheering crowds around the buffet line always start with this Cheesy Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole. Warmth and comfort fill every serving spoonful. I look forward to sharing this one because even picky eaters gladly help themselves. The baked flavor fills the room and makes sitting down to dinner a little brighter.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy dish with a spoon, likely consisting of mashed potatoes or a similar textured food. The mixture appears smooth and slightly chunky.
Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Few things spark more smiles than scooping into this Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese at a big holiday gathering. Its familiar goodness reminds everyone of their favorite comfort foods. I notice friends chatting about how smooth and rich it is. This mac and cheese brings everyone together no matter what else is on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese

Cheesy Vegan Hashbrown Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with browned breadcrumbs and chopped parsley, with a serving spoon inside.
Cheesy Vegan Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crisp edges and a cheesy surprise make this Cheesy Vegan Hashbrown Casserole a must-have for festive dinners. The warm, golden dish stands out among more traditional sides. I set it out for special dinners, and it never sits long before the last helping gets claimed. Good stories seem to be swapped while scooping out this favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegan Hashbrown Casserole

Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

A plate of roasted cauliflower steaks garnished with chopped pistachios, pomegranate seeds, and fresh parsley.
Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Festive plates get a pop of color with these Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks. Each cut feels just right to pair with potatoes or greens. I catch people raising eyebrows in the best way, surprised at how much they enjoy every bite. The beautiful color makes them special enough for Christmas dinner center stage.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

Creamy Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish filled with baked broccoli and mushrooms topped with crispy fried onions, with a serving spoon lifting out a portion.
Creamy Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Gentle green color welcomes everyone to try this Creamy Broccoli Casserole near the middle of the table. The soft, comforting feel reminds folks that holiday food can be just as wholesome as it is delicious. I like serving this with extra crackers or warm rolls. Dishes like this create the best kind of sharing moment.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Casserole

Stuffed Acorn Squash

A roasted acorn squash half filled with a stuffing of couscous, apples, nuts, raisins, and fresh herbs sits on a plate.
Stuffed Acorn Squash. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Celebrations feel brighter with this Stuffed Acorn Squash lined up on the Christmas spread. The pretty look wins compliments before anyone even takes a bite. I appreciate having something festive that also feels hearty. By the end of the meal, only empty shells stay behind to remind everyone what they enjoyed most.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash

Sweet Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Granola with nuts and oats is drizzled with honey, creating a symphony of flavors reminiscent of a vegan sweet potato casserole.
Sweet Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Nothing says comfort quite like this Sweet Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole on a holiday evening. The smooth and sweet finish makes every plate feel balanced and memorable. I find people coming back for just a spoonful more. This dish holds its own against desserts and always leaves guests feeling right at home.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Savory Vegan Nut Roast

Close-up of a nut roast topped with cranberry sauce and garnished with fresh herbs, served on a white plate.
Savory Vegan Nut Roast. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Warm and earthy flavors in this Savory Vegan Nut Roast help anchor the Christmas table with something special. Folks who want a hearty bite without turkey keep asking for just one more slice. I notice it disappears even with plenty of other choices around. Its rustic appeal makes the whole holiday lineup feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Savory Vegan Nut Roast

Creamy Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

A baked casserole with Brussels sprouts and a crispy, golden-brown topping, garnished with chopped parsley.
Creamy Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Even skeptics reach for a scoop of this Creamy Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole when it’s bubbling hot. The rich feel softens the bold flavor, leading to pleasant surprises all around. I notice guests comment about how different it tastes from the usual side dishes. Holiday tables get a lift with options that offer something new.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

Flaky Homemade Vegan Pot Pie

Close-up of a vegan pot pie with a flaky crust, featuring visible corn, peas, carrots, and a creamy filling. A sprig of fresh herb and a sprinkle of black pepper garnish the pie.
Flaky Homemade Vegan Pot Pie. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Cozy up to the table with this Flaky Homemade Vegan Pot Pie, covered in a golden crust. The steam wafting out with every cut gets everyone leaning closer. I use this recipe for bigger gatherings where I want comfort and charm. The pie plate is always spotless before the holiday stories are done.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Homemade Vegan Pot Pie

Loaded Vegan Tater Tot Casserole

Close-up of a dish with crispy tater tots, green bell peppers, and a creamy sauce, topped with fried onions.
Loaded Vegan Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Kids and grown-ups gather in a hurry for this Loaded Vegan Tater Tot Casserole on celebration nights. Crunchy bites on top add a playful twist to classic holiday sides. I love watching plates fill up as soon as this dish hits the table. Sharing food like this just sparks joy and brings people together.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Vegan Tater Tot Casserole

Tender Sautéed Kale

A white bowl filled with sautéed kale and sliced garlic, with a fork lifting a portion from the bowl.
Tender Sautéed Kale. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Meals come alive with this Tender Sautéed Kale adding a bright green touch next to heavier mains. The texture turns simple greens into something to talk about. I find myself reaching for more every time I serve it. Sharing this adds something fresh and light to a Christmas dinner filled with comfort.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale

Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

A white dish with roasted root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, red onions, and sweet potatoes, garnished with fresh dill and thyme.
Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Warm colors fill the table when you serve these Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables at Christmas. A mix of crisp, sweet, and earthy means there’s something for everyone to enjoy. I appreciate having a dish that suits so many tastes while looking cheerful. People start talking about their favorites after just a few bites.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Savory Vegan Ham

A glazed meatloaf with a crosshatch pattern sits on a white platter, garnished with parsley. Two slices are cut from one end.
Savory Vegan Ham. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Rich, savory slices from this Savory Vegan Ham shine as a centerpiece or piled up on a side plate. Dinner feels cheerful with each thin piece ready to pair with mashed potatoes or rolls. I find it gives the table a true holiday feeling even without traditional options. Guests are eager to try something a bit different.
Get the Recipe: Savory Vegan Ham

Sweet Vegan Corn Casserole

A square slice of corn casserole topped with chopped green onions, showing visible corn kernels and a moist, crumbly texture.
Sweet Vegan Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Golden crust and a sweet bite make this Sweet Vegan Corn Casserole one of the first dishes to run out at Christmas dinner. The soft texture works well with all sorts of other sides. I love adding it to the table because it brings comfort to every bite. During holidays, a classic like this never gets left behind.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Vegan Corn Casserole

Fluffy Vegan Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with chopped chives and black pepper.
Fluffy Vegan Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Holiday plates load up fast when these Fluffy Vegan Mashed Potatoes are around. Their rich texture feels just right under a big spoonful of gravy or veggies. I always find myself making a double batch to keep everyone happy. Christmas just doesn’t feel the same without that first, big scoop of mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Plant-Based Vegan Spam

Slices of Vegan Spam.
Plant-Based Vegan Spam. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

New traditions begin with this Plant-Based Vegan Spam tucked into the Christmas spread. The playful nod to classic meats sparks curiosity and conversation around the table. I smile every time someone’s eyes light up after their first taste. Sharing plant-based spins on old favorites helps make the holidays feel extra inclusive.
Get the Recipe: Plant-Based Vegan Spam

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