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71 Recipes

Vegetarian Christmas Recipes

A vegetarian Christmas table can be every bit as spectacular as a traditional one. Think golden nut roasts with all the trimmings, rich mushroom Wellingtons, showpiece vegetable tarts, and sides so good nobody will miss the meat.

German Christmas sauerkraut with caraway seeds and juniper berries in a white ceramic bowl 55 min Easy

German Christmas Sauerkraut with Caraway and White Wine
Christmas yogurt parfait with cranberry compote and cinnamon granola in clear glasses 30 min Easy

Christmas Yogurt Parfait with Cranberry Granola
Christmas lush layered dessert in a glass baking dish with whipped topping and holiday sprinkles 45 min Easy

Christmas Lush (Layered Christmas Dessert)
Christmas haystacks cookies on parchment, golden butterscotch chow mein noodle clusters 15 min Easy

Christmas Haystacks (No-Bake Butterscotch & Chow Mein Noodle Cookies)
Homemade Christmas liqueur in a clear glass bottle with cinnamon stick and dried orange, amber-golden color 30 min Easy

Homemade Christmas Liqueur
Christmas kale salad with cranberries, candied pecans, and shaved parmesan in a white bowl 30 min Easy

Christmas Kale Salad with Cranberries and Candied Pecans
Festive Christmas rice pilaf with cranberries and toasted almonds in a white serving bowl 45 min Easy

Festive Christmas Rice with Cranberries and Toasted Nuts
White chocolate cranberry cheesecake with glossy red cranberry topping on a white ceramic stand 100 min Medium

White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake
Shaved brussels sprout salad with pomegranate seeds, toasted almonds, and Parmesan in a white bowl 25 min Easy

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranate and Toasted Almonds
Two glass mugs of deep red hibiscus hot toddy with cinnamon sticks and orange slices on the rim, steaming on a white surface 10 min Easy

Hibiscus Hot Toddy
Overhead view of a pitcher of christmas juice made with cranberry, pomegranate, and fresh orange slices 5 min Easy

Christmas Juice (Cranberry Pomegranate Holiday Drink)
Mini chocolate orange tarts with glossy dark ganache and candied orange peel on a white ceramic board 60 min Medium

Chocolate Orange Tarts
Spiced pomegranate punch in a clear glass punch bowl with orange slices and cinnamon sticks floating on the surface 30 min Easy

Spiced Pomegranate Punch
Creamy Christmas mashed potatoes with garlic and feta in a white ceramic bowl 40 min Easy

Christmas Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Feta
Overhead view of a ceramic mug of red wine hot chocolate with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick on white countertop 15 min Easy

Red Wine Hot Chocolate
Five mason jars of Christmas pepper jelly in red and green colors on a white surface 45 min Easy

Christmas Pepper Jelly Recipe (Red and Green)
Traditional kutia in a white bowl with wheat berries, poppy seeds, walnuts, and honey drizzle 120 min Medium

Kutia Recipe: Traditional Eastern European Christmas Eve Wheat Pudding
Christmas potatoes au gratin in a white ceramic baking dish with golden bubbling Gruyere crust 95 min Medium

Christmas Potatoes au Gratin
Christmas rocky road squares with marshmallows, cranberries, and pistachios in dark chocolate, cut into portions in a white baking dish 15 min Easy

Christmas Rocky Road
Christmas dip with cranberry sauce layered over cream cheese in a white bowl with crackers 10 min Easy

Christmas Dip Recipe with Cranberry and Cream Cheese
Slow cooker mulled cider in a glass punch bowl with orange slices and cinnamon sticks 130 min Easy

Slow Cooker Mulled Cider
A plate of soft Christmas snickerdoodles coated in cinnamon sugar with crinkled tops 32 min Easy

Christmas Snickerdoodles
Assorted Christmas spritz cookies in wreath, tree, and star shapes on a white plate, some dusted with red and green sugar crystals 32 min Easy

Classic Christmas Spritz Cookies
Bowl of Christmas granola with gingerbread spices, pecans, and dried cranberries 45 min Easy

Christmas Granola with Gingerbread Spices
Mexican wedding cookies (polvorones) piled on a white plate, dusted with powdered sugar to resemble snowballs 35 min Easy

Mexican Wedding Cookies (Polvorones)
Sliced cranberry orange bread with orange glaze on a white ceramic plate, showing bright red cranberry pieces throughout the golden crumb 75 min Easy

Cranberry Orange Bread with Orange Glaze
Classic British snowball cocktail in a highball glass with advocaat and lemonade, lime slice on the rim 5 min Easy

Classic Snowball Drink Recipe (Advocaat and Lemonade)
Stack of golden gingerbread waffles on a white plate with glossy cranberry syrup poured over the top 40 min Easy

Gingerbread Waffles with Cranberry Syrup
Six jars of homemade Christmas jam with deep ruby-red cranberry color, one jar open with a spoon showing the thick glossy texture 45 min Easy

Christmas Jam Recipe (Cranberry Spiced Berry Jam)
Danish risalamande rice pudding in a white bowl with cherry sauce and whole almond 65 min Medium

Risalamande (Danish Christmas Rice Pudding with Cherry Sauce)
Glass mug of non-alcoholic mulled wine made with grape juice, cinnamon stick, orange slice, and star anise 35 min Easy

Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine Recipe (Virgin Mulled Wine)
Two mugs of homemade peppermint hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and candy canes, overhead view 10 min Easy

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
Australian Christmas pavlova topped with whipped cream, tropical fruit, and berries on a white ceramic plate 120 min Medium

Christmas Pavlova with Tropical Fruit and Berries
Christmas spinach artichoke dip bubbling in a ceramic baking dish with golden cheese crust 35 min Easy

Christmas Spinach Artichoke Dip
Christmas yams sweet potato casserole with golden toasted marshmallows in a white baking dish 60 min Easy

Christmas Yams Recipe (Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows)
Traditional Greek christopsomo Christmas bread with dough cross and walnuts on a white plate 105 min Medium

Christopsomo: Traditional Greek Christmas Bread
Eggnog French toast on a white plate with powdered sugar and maple syrup 25 min Easy

Eggnog French Toast
Christmas champagne cocktail with pomegranate arils and orange peel in a crystal flute 5 min Easy

Christmas Champagne Cocktail with Pomegranate
Glazed Polish babka bread on a white plate, tall fluted bundt shape with white drizzled icing 85 min Medium

Polish Babka (Traditional Easter and Christmas Bread)
Christmas tiramisu in a white ceramic dish dusted with dark cocoa powder, showing distinct layers of mascarpone cream and espresso-soaked ladyfingers 30 min Easy

Christmas Tiramisu (Tiramisu di Natale)
Christmas green bean casserole in a white oval baking dish with crispy shallot topping, fresh from the oven 70 min Medium

Christmas Green Bean Casserole from Scratch
Christmas bruschetta with cranberry compote and goat cheese on a white serving platter 25 min Easy

Christmas Bruschetta with Cranberry and Goat Cheese
Czech potato salad bramborovy salat in a white ceramic bowl with diced vegetables and egg garnish 55 min Easy

Czech Potato Salad (Bramborovy Salat)
Swedish glogg in a glass mug with almonds, raisins, and a cinnamon stick 35 min Easy

Swedish Glogg Recipe (Traditional Scandinavian Mulled Wine)
Christmas tree shaped cheese board with cheddar, brie, cured meats, rosemary, and cranberries arranged on a wooden board 30 min Easy

Christmas Tree Cheese Board
Ponche navideño in a white ceramic mug with tejocote, cinnamon stick, and steam rising 60 min Easy

Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Punch)
Classic Christmas nut roast in a white loaf dish, sliced to show the dense nut and lentil interior 80 min Medium

Classic Christmas Nut Roast
Stack of fluffy gingerbread pancakes with melting butter and maple syrup on a white plate 25 min Easy

Gingerbread Pancakes
Classic Christmas stuffing in a white baking dish with golden crust and visible herbs 65 min Easy

Classic Christmas Stuffing with Sage and Onion
Traditional German Rotkohl braised red cabbage in a white ceramic serving dish, deep purple and glossy with apple pieces 70 min Easy

German Rotkohl (Braised Red Cabbage)
Traditional Greek kourabiedes Christmas butter and almond cookies dusted in powdered sugar on a white plate 50 min Medium

Kourabiedes: Greek Christmas Butter and Almond Cookies
Freshly baked cranberry orange scones with orange glaze on a white ceramic plate 38 min Easy

Cranberry Orange Scones
Baked Christmas stuffed mushrooms with cream cheese and parmesan on a white serving platter 35 min Easy

Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms with Cream Cheese and Herbs
Christmas fruit salad with strawberries, kiwi, pomegranate, grapes, and whipped cream in a white bowl 20 min Easy

Christmas Fruit Salad with Cream
Honey glazed carrots and parsnips on a white serving platter garnished with fresh thyme 45 min Easy

Honey Glazed Carrots and Parsnips
Golden-brown make-ahead egg casserole with spinach, roasted red peppers, and melted Gruyere in a white oval baking dish 75 min Easy

Make-Ahead Egg Casserole for Christmas Brunch
Christmas hot chocolate in a white mug topped with whipped cream and cinnamon 15 min Easy

Christmas Hot Chocolate with Warming Spices
Christmas puppy chow with powdered sugar coated Chex cereal, sprinkles, and holiday M&Ms in a white bowl 15 min Easy

Christmas Puppy Chow (Chocolate Peanut Butter Chex Mix)
Christmas Rice Krispie treats with red and green sprinkles cut into squares on a white platter 15 min Easy

Christmas Rice Krispie Treats
Christmas candy truffles with crushed candy cane, cocoa, and white chocolate coatings on a black plate 30 min Easy

Christmas Candy Truffles with Peppermint and Dark Chocolate
Classic Scottish Christmas shortbread cookies in festive shapes on a white plate 40 min Easy

Classic Christmas Shortbread Cookies
Glass of classic homemade eggnog topped with freshly grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick 30 min Medium

Classic Homemade Eggnog
Christmas Chex mix with seasoned cereal, pretzels, and nuts in a white serving bowl 75 min Easy

Christmas Chex Mix (Sweet and Savory Holiday Snack Mix)
Traditional British Christmas trifle in a glass bowl showing layers of sponge, berry compote, custard, and whipped cream topped with fresh berries 55 min Medium

Traditional Christmas Trifle with Sherry-Soaked Sponge and Custard
Crispy golden Christmas roast potatoes with rosemary and garlic on a white serving platter 75 min Easy

Crispy Christmas Roast Potatoes with Goose Fat and Garlic
Homemade old fashioned Christmas chocolate fudge pieces stacked on a white plate 35 min Medium

Old Fashioned Christmas Fudge
Cranberry brie bites in golden puff pastry cups topped with rosemary on a wooden serving board 30 min Easy

Cranberry Brie Bites in Puff Pastry Cups
Christmas salad with pomegranate seeds, candied pecans, goat cheese, and pear slices in a white bowl 20 min Easy

Christmas Salad with Pomegranate, Pecans, and Goat Cheese
Cranberry gin fizz cocktails with rosemary sprigs and fresh cranberries in highball glasses 25 min Easy

Cranberry Gin Fizz with Rosemary and Sparkling Water
Traditional British mince pies with star-shaped pastry tops and powdered sugar dusting 60 min Easy

Traditional Mince Pies with Homemade Mincemeat
Christmas crack saltine toffee bark with chocolate and sea salt on parchment paper 20 min Easy

Christmas Crack (Saltine Toffee Bark)
The Christmasify Kitchen

A Festive Table Without the Meat

A vegetarian Christmas table can be every bit as spectacular as a traditional one. The days of the sad nut roast are over - modern vegetarian Christmas cooking means golden mushroom Wellingtons with flaky pastry, rich vegetable tarts layered with goat cheese and caramelised onion, and stuffed squash that draws gasps when it arrives at the table.

The key is treating the vegetarian main course as a proper centrepiece, not an afterthought. A mushroom Wellington, nut roast with cranberry glaze, or whole roasted cauliflower with romesco deserves the same prominence as the turkey. Surround it with traditional sides - most are already vegetarian - and nobody will feel like they are missing out.

For mixed tables where some guests eat meat and others do not, many Christmas dinner sides are naturally vegetarian: roast potatoes (use vegetable oil or olive oil instead of goose fat), roasted root vegetables, cranberry sauce, and most stuffings (use vegetable stock). A separate vegetarian main alongside the turkey takes minimal extra effort.

This collection includes hearty mains, festive starters, desserts (almost all are vegetarian by default), and baking projects for the holidays. Every recipe is tested, satisfying, and designed to hold its own at the Christmas table.

Vegetarian Christmas Recipes Tips

Expert advice for perfect results every time.

  1. 1

    Make a proper centrepiece

    Don't just serve a collection of sides. Invest in one showpiece vegetarian main - mushroom Wellington, nut roast, stuffed squash - that has the visual impact of a roast. It should be the dish that gets carved or portioned at the table.

  2. 2

    Use umami-rich ingredients

    Mushrooms, miso paste, soy sauce, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted garlic add the depth and savouriness that meat provides. Layer these flavours into your vegetarian dishes for maximum satisfaction.

  3. 3

    Check your sides are truly vegetarian

    Traditional stuffing often contains sausage meat. Gravy is usually made from meat drippings. Roast potatoes may be cooked in goose fat. Brussels sprouts often have bacon. Make separate vegetarian versions of these sides - it takes minutes and makes a big difference.

  4. 4

    Ask about cheese rennet

    Many cheeses (including traditional Parmesan) use animal rennet. If cooking for strict vegetarians, check labels or use vegetarian alternatives. Ricotta, cream cheese, and most soft cheeses are rennet-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about vegetarian christmas recipes, answered.

What is a good vegetarian main course for Christmas?

Top vegetarian Christmas mains include mushroom Wellington (puff pastry wrapped around a rich mushroom filling), nut roast with cranberry glaze, whole roasted cauliflower with romesco sauce, stuffed butternut squash with wild rice and cranberries, vegetable pot pie, beetroot Wellington, and aubergine parmigiana. Choose something with visual impact that can be sliced or portioned at the table.

How do I make vegetarian gravy?

Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms until deeply browned. Add garlic, tomato paste, and a splash of soy sauce for umami. Deglaze with wine, add vegetable stock, and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain, return to the pan, and thicken with a flour-butter roux. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. It rivals any meat gravy.

What vegetarian dishes can I make ahead for Christmas?

Mushroom Wellington can be assembled the night before and refrigerated. Nut roast freezes well for up to a month. Vegetarian gravy keeps 3–5 days in the fridge. Most vegetable side dishes (braised red cabbage, roasted root vegetables, stuffing) can be prepped 1–2 days ahead. Vegetarian pies and tarts freeze unbaked for 2 months.

Are Christmas desserts vegetarian?

Most Christmas desserts are naturally vegetarian: Christmas pudding, mince pies, trifle, chocolate cake, cheesecake, panna cotta, and meringue-based desserts. The main exceptions are desserts using gelatine (use agar-agar instead) or suet (use vegetarian suet). Always check ingredient labels for animal-derived products.

How do I cater for vegetarians at a mixed Christmas dinner?

Prepare one vegetarian main course (Wellington or nut roast) alongside the turkey. Ensure at least 2–3 sides are vegetarian (use veggie stock in stuffing, oil instead of goose fat for potatoes). Make vegetarian gravy separately. Most desserts are already vegetarian. Label dishes at the table so vegetarian guests know what is safe. It takes minimal extra effort and makes everyone feel included.