11 Vegetarian-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes: SparkRecipes SlideShow

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11 Vegetarian-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes

By Stepfanie Romine, Staff Writer
On an occasion that's nicknamed "Turkey Day," people who choose to not eat meat can feel a little left out. Beyond the main event, meat-based broths and garnishes abound on the Thanksgiving table—in stuffing, gravies, casseroles and more. Don't be destined to a day of only eating the plain side dishes! Here are 11 options that will make your for a meat-free meal a real feast. Vegetarian or not, everyone will be grateful for these decadent, filling, easy-to-make recipes!

Stuffed Mushrooms with Field Roast

These stuffed mushroomsare packed with fall flavors and takes only 20 minutes to make. This super simple dish has only four ingredients! (Use small mushrooms if serving as an appetizer.)

Sage and Pumpkin Risotto

Creamy risotto is worth every minute of stirring. If you have leftover sage, cook it in a small skillet with a dab of butter until crunchy, then crumble it over the risotto.

Seitan & Mushrooms with Egg Noodles

This filling pasta dish is a vegetarian spin on beef and noodles. Seitan (wheat gluten) is rich in protein, with a chewy texture. Tip: Use "eggless" egg noodles to make this dish vegan.

Hearty Lentil Loaf

This is a nourishing, home-cooked dish that everyone will love! Serve with steamed broccoli and sweet corn for a complete vegetarian meal.

Baked Tofu Kale Loaf

Tofu AND kale in the same dish? That's the healthiest sounding recipe we've ever found! Not to worry, this loaf is packed with flavorful secret ingredients!

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese, please! Any time this cheesy casserole is on the table, it's sure to be a special occasion. The butternut squash adds richness and a bit of virtue, too!

Vegan Roast with Savory Potatoes

Chock full of veggies, with loads of flavor, too, this wholesome feast is free of not only meat but also eggs and dairy.

Wonderful Stuffed Potatoes

Stuffed potatoes are often relegated to side-dish status, but the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt in these gives them a generous protein boost. You'll want these to stay front and center on Thanksgiving Day.

Nut Loaf

This delicious and hearty vegetarian entrée is a holiday favorite, especially when paired with wild mushroom gravy.

Apple-Pecan Cornbread Stuffing

Studded with juicy apples and crunchy pecans, this cornbread stuffing is a spectacular side dish that deserves a place at the center of the plate.

Mushroom-Sage Gravy

Top that cornbread stuffing (or any of these dishes) with this mushroom and sage gravy. Voila! Any side dish becomes a memorable main attraction!