19+ Vegetarian & Vegan Christmas Main Dishes

Christmas dinner doesn’t need meat to be memorable. Whether you’re cooking for vegetarians, vegans, or just want to try something different this holiday season, these plant-based mains are showstoppers that’ll impress everyone at your table.

From elegant wellingtons to comforting casseroles, each dish brings its own festive flair. These recipes prove that vegetarian and vegan cooking can be just as indulgent, flavorful, and celebration-worthy as any traditional roast. Get ready to discover your new holiday favorite.

Mushroom Wellington

This show-stopping centerpiece delivers rich, earthy flavors wrapped in flaky golden pastry. The meaty texture of mushrooms combined with herbs and sometimes nuts creates a savory filling that rivals any traditional wellington. It looks incredibly impressive when sliced at the table, revealing beautiful layers inside.

While it requires some assembly time, most steps can be done ahead, making it perfect for entertaining without last-minute stress.

Lentil Loaf with Cranberry Glaze

Think of this as the vegetarian answer to meatloaf, but better. Lentils provide hearty protein and a satisfying texture that holds together beautifully when sliced. The tangy-sweet cranberry glaze on top adds festive color and balances the savory loaf perfectly.

It’s surprisingly easy to make and reheats wonderfully, so you can prep it the day before. Guests always appreciate how familiar yet fresh this dish feels.

Stuffed Acorn Squash

These individual portions look stunning on the plate with their natural bowl shape filled with grains, nuts, and dried fruit. The sweet, tender squash pairs beautifully with savory stuffing inside. Roasting brings out the squash’s natural caramelization, creating irresistible crispy edges.

Each person gets their own perfectly portioned serving, which makes plating easy. The combination of textures from creamy squash to crunchy filling makes every bite interesting.

Vegetarian Lasagna

Layers of pasta, vegetables, cheese, and sauce create pure comfort on a plate. This version often features spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini for heartiness without meat. The cheese gets beautifully bubbly and golden on top, creating those coveted crispy edges.

It’s incredibly convenient since you can assemble it completely ahead and just pop it in the oven before dinner. Everyone loves lasagna, making it a safe bet for mixed crowds.

Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

Creamy mashed potatoes crown a savory filling of lentils and vegetables in rich gravy. The contrast between the fluffy potato topping and hearty filling underneath is absolutely comforting. It bakes up with gorgeous golden peaks on the mashed potatoes. This dish is surprisingly filling and satisfying even for meat-eaters.

The best part is how forgiving it is—you can easily adjust vegetables based on what you have available.

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

These giant mushrooms become individual servings when stuffed with breadcrumbs, herbs, and vegetables or grains. Their meaty texture and umami flavor make them incredibly satisfying as a main course. The stuffing gets crispy on top while the mushroom stays tender and juicy.

They cook relatively quickly compared to many holiday mains, which is great for time management. The presentation is elegant yet rustic at the same time.

Butternut Squash Risotto

Creamy, luxurious risotto infused with sweet butternut squash feels special enough for any celebration. The stirring process is meditative rather than difficult, and the results are worth every minute. Squash adds natural sweetness and a gorgeous golden color to the dish. Fresh sage or thyme elevates it with aromatic holiday flavors.

While it needs attention during cooking, it comes together in about 30 minutes.

Cauliflower Steaks with Herb Sauce

Thick slices of cauliflower roasted until caramelized create a surprisingly substantial main dish. The edges get crispy and golden while the center stays tender. A bright herb sauce—whether chimichurri, pesto, or tahini-based—adds freshness and richness.

This option feels light yet satisfying, which many appreciate after heavy appetizers. It’s also one of the quickest mains to prepare when you’re short on time.

Vegan Pot Pie

Flaky pastry encases a creamy filling loaded with vegetables and often chickpeas or lentils for protein. Every spoonful delivers comfort with its rich, savory sauce and tender vegetables. The golden crust on top provides that satisfying crunch everyone craves.

Individual pot pies look charming, or you can make one large pie for family-style serving. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone feel cozy and cared for.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta and spinach, then baked in marinara until bubbly. The cheese gets melty and delicious while the pasta stays perfectly tender. Fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and a mild flavor that even kids often enjoy. This dish is wonderfully make-ahead friendly—assemble early and bake when ready.

It’s familiar comfort food that happens to be vegetarian.

Roasted Vegetable Tart

A crispy pastry base topped with colorful roasted vegetables creates an elegant, rustic centerpiece. The vegetables caramelize beautifully, developing deep, sweet flavors. Goat cheese or vegan cashew cream adds richness and holds everything together. It’s stunning to look at and tastes even better than it looks.

The tart can be served warm or at room temperature, giving you flexibility with timing.

Vegan Nut Roast

This traditional British holiday dish combines nuts, vegetables, and grains into a savory loaf that slices beautifully. The nuts provide richness and a wonderful texture that’s both hearty and refined. It’s often seasoned with sage, thyme, and other festive herbs. Served with gravy and cranberry sauce, it truly feels like a complete holiday meal.

Many recipes are easier than they look, requiring mostly mixing and baking.

Eggplant Parmesan

Layers of breaded, baked eggplant with marinara sauce and melted cheese create Italian comfort at its finest. The eggplant becomes tender and almost creamy inside its crispy coating. Cheese stretches beautifully when you cut into it, making for an appealing presentation. Baking instead of frying keeps it lighter while still delivering on flavor.

It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for both vegetarians and those just looking for something delicious.

Wild Rice Stuffed Pumpkin

A whole roasted pumpkin filled with wild rice, cranberries, and nuts makes a breathtaking table centerpiece. The pumpkin flesh becomes sweet and tender, scooped out along with the stuffing. Wild rice adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft squash.

This dish is naturally impressive without requiring advanced cooking skills. Everyone will want to take photos before you even serve it.

Vegan Stuffing-Stuffed Squash

Your favorite stuffing gets a new home inside roasted squash halves for a creative twist on tradition. The squash caramelizes at the edges while the stuffing gets crispy on top. This combination satisfies cravings for classic holiday flavors in a fresh presentation. It’s a great way to make stuffing more substantial as a main course.

Each squash half is a generous portion that looks beautiful on the plate.

Mushroom Bourguignon

This vegan take on the French classic features mushrooms braised in red wine with pearl onions and herbs. The sauce becomes rich and deeply flavorful, perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes or crusty bread. Mushrooms soak up all the wonderful flavors while maintaining their meaty texture. It’s an elegant dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, though it’s quite straightforward.

The aroma while it cooks will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner.

Beetroot and Lentil Wellington

Vibrant beetroot and earthy lentils create a gorgeous filling with layers of pink and brown when sliced. The flavor is earthy and slightly sweet, complemented by herbs and sometimes nuts. Wrapped in golden pastry, it’s as impressive-looking as any centerpiece.

The combination might sound unusual but tastes absolutely delicious and sophisticated. It’s a conversation starter that delivers on both presentation and flavor.

Vegan Lasagna

Layers of pasta with vegetable-packed marinara, tofu ricotta, or cashew cream create a plant-based comfort classic. Nutritional yeast often adds a cheesy flavor that even dairy-lovers appreciate. The edges get perfectly crispy while the center stays saucy and satisfying. It’s filling enough that no one misses the meat or dairy.

Like traditional lasagna, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd and tastes even better the next day.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa

Colorful bell peppers filled with protein-rich quinoa, vegetables, and sometimes beans make cheerful individual servings. The peppers become sweet and tender while the filling stays fluffy and flavorful. They’re naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan. Each pepper is a complete meal with grains, vegetables, and protein all in one tidy package.

The variety of colored peppers makes the table look festive and inviting.

Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

A whole roasted cauliflower drizzled with creamy tahini sauce makes a surprisingly impressive centerpiece. The cauliflower gets golden and caramelized with a tender interior. Tahini sauce adds richness and Middle Eastern flair with its nutty, creamy flavor.

This dish comes together quickly but looks and tastes special. It’s lighter than many holiday mains, which some guests really appreciate, while still feeling indulgent and satisfying.