13 Best Vegetarian Christmas Dinner Ideas
Christmas is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. As we celebrate the holiday season, many of us are looking for new and exciting vegetarian dinner ideas to serve at our Christmas gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, there’s something for everyone on this list of 13 Best Vegetarian Christmas Dinner Ideas. From classic comfort foods to innovative international dishes, these recipes are sure to impress your guests and satisfy their tastebuds.
1. Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers
Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers is a colorful and flavorful dish that’s perfect for the holiday season. This recipe involves filling bell peppers with a mixture of cooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese, and then baking them until they’re tender and slightly browned.
Equipment
To make Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers, you’ll need:
– A large baking sheet lined with parchment paper
– A sharp knife for cutting the bell peppers
– A mixing bowl for combining the filling ingredients
– A spoon for filling the bell peppers
– A baking dish for the cheese sauce (optional)
Ingredients
To make Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers, you’ll need:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 cup black beans, cooked
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sour cream, avocado, or salsa for toppings
Servings
Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers serves 4-6 people.
2. Creamy Spinach Lasagna
Creamy Spinach Lasagna is a rich and satisfying vegetarian dinner that’s sure to become a favorite. This recipe involves layering cooked lasagna noodles with a creamy spinach mixture, shredded mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Equipment
To make Creamy Spinach Lasagna, you’ll need:
– A large mixing bowl for combining the spinach mixture
– A hand mixer or whisk for blending the cheese sauce
– A 9×13-inch baking dish for the lasagna
– A spatula for spreading the cheese sauce
Ingredients
To make Creamy Spinach Lasagna, you’ll need:
– 8-10 lasagna noodles
– 2 cups frozen spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings
Creamy Spinach Lasagna serves 6-8 people.
3. Mushroom Wellington
Mushroom Wellington is a show-stopping vegetarian main course that’s perfect for special occasions. This recipe involves filling a flaky pastry crust with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and cheese, and then baking it until golden brown.
Equipment
To make Mushroom Wellington, you’ll need:
– A large mixing bowl for combining the mushroom mixture
– A pastry brush for brushing the pastry crust
– A 9×13-inch baking sheet for the Wellington
– A sharp knife for cutting the pastry crust
Ingredients
To make Mushroom Wellington, you’ll need:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Servings
Mushroom Wellington serves 6-8 people.
4. Cauliflower Steak with Herb Sauce
Cauliflower Steak with Herb Sauce is a flavorful and healthy vegetarian main course that’s perfect for the holiday season. This recipe involves sautéing sliced cauliflower in a skillet with garlic and herbs, and serving it with a creamy herb sauce.
Equipment
To make Cauliflower Steak with Herb Sauce, you’ll need:
– A large skillet for cooking the cauliflower
– A cutting board for slicing the cauliflower
– A blender or food processor for combining the herb sauce ingredients
– A serving platter for the cauliflower steak
Ingredients
To make Cauliflower Steak with Herb Sauce, you’ll need:
– 2 heads of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh parsley
– 1 cup fresh dill
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings
Cauliflower Steak with Herb Sauce serves 4-6 people.
5. Veggie Pot Pie
Veggie Pot Pie is a comforting and satisfying vegetarian main course that’s perfect for chilly winter evenings. This recipe involves filling a flaky pastry crust with a mixture of cooked vegetables and cheese, and then baking it until golden brown.
Equipment
To make Veggie Pot Pie, you’ll need:
– A large mixing bowl for combining the filling ingredients
– A pastry brush for brushing the pastry crust
– A 9×13-inch baking sheet for the pot pie
– A sharp knife for cutting the pastry crust
Ingredients
To make Veggie Pot Pie, you’ll need:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and corn)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Servings
Veggie Pot Pie serves 4-6 people.
6. Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni
Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni is a delicious and satisfying vegetarian main course that’s perfect for the holiday season. This recipe involves filling cooked pasta tubes with a mixture of cooked spinach and ricotta cheese, and then baking it until golden brown.
Equipment
To make Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni, you’ll need:
– A large mixing bowl for combining the filling ingredients
– A hand mixer or whisk for blending the cheese sauce
– A 9×13-inch baking dish for the cannelloni
– A spatula for spreading the cheese sauce
Ingredients
To make Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni, you’ll need:
– 1 package cannelloni pasta
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings
Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni serves 4-6 people.
7. Lentil Mushroom Meatloaf
Lentil Mushroom Meatloaf is a hearty and satisfying vegetarian main course that’s perfect for the holiday season. This recipe involves mixing cooked lentils, mushrooms, and breadcrumbs with eggs and cheese, and then shaping it into a loaf and baking it until golden brown.
Equipment
To make Lentil Mushroom Meatloaf, you’ll need:
– A large mixing bowl for combining the meatloaf mixture
– A loaf pan for the meatloaf
– A sharp knife for browning the onion
Ingredients
To make Lentil Mushroom Meatloaf, you’ll need:
– 1 cup cooked lentils
– 1 cup cooked mushrooms
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings
Lentil Mushroom Meatloaf serves 4-6 people.
8. Butternut Squash Ravioli
Butternut Squash Ravioli is a delicious and exotic vegetarian main course that’s perfect for the holiday season. This recipe involves filling fresh pasta with a mixture of cooked butternut squash, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese, and then serving it with a brown butter sauce.
Equipment
To make Butternut Squash Ravioli, you’ll need:
– A large mixing bowl for combining the filling ingredients
– A pasta machine for making the fresh pasta
– A sharp knife for cutting the pasta
– A large skillet for cooking the ravioli
Ingredients
To make Butternut Squash Ravioli, you’ll need:
– 1 cup cooked butternut squash
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings
Butternut Squash Ravioli serves 4-6 people.
9. Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Bake
Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Bake is a comforting and satisfying vegetarian main course that’s perfect for chilly winter evenings. This recipe involves mixing steamed broccoli with a creamy cheese sauce, and then baking it until golden brown.
Equipment
To make Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Bake, you’ll need:
– A large mixing bowl for combining the filling ingredients
– A hand mixer or whisk for blending the cheese sauce
– A 9×13-inch baking dish for the broccoli bake
– A spatula for spreading the cheese sauce
Ingredients
To make Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Bake, you’ll need:
– 4 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings
Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Bake serves 4-6 people.
10. Roasted Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie
Roasted Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty and comforting vegetarian main course that’s perfect for the holiday season. This recipe involves roasting a variety of vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts and carrots, and then topping them with a creamy mashed potato mixture.
Equipment
To make Roasted Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie, you’ll need:
– A large mixing bowl for combining the roasted vegetables
– A hand mixer or whisk for mashing the potatoes
– A 9×13-inch baking dish for the shepherd’s pie
– A spatula for spreading the mashed potatoes
Ingredients
To make Roasted Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie, you’ll need:
– 2 cups roasted Brussels sprouts
– 1 cup roasted carrots
– 1 cup cooked beef-style gravy (or vegetarian alternative)
– 1 cup mashed potatoes
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings
Roasted Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie serves 4-6 people.
11. Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry
Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry is a flavorful and exotic vegetarian main course that’s perfect for the holiday season. This recipe involves mixing cooked sweet potatoes and chickpeas with a creamy curry sauce, and then serving it over basmati rice.
Equipment
To make Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry, you’ll need:
– A large mixing bowl for combining the curry sauce ingredients
– A hand mixer or whisk for blending the curry sauce
– A large skillet for cooking the sweet potatoes and chickpeas
– A serving platter for the curry
Ingredients
To make Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry, you’ll need:
– 2 cups cooked sweet potatoes
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1 cup curry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 cup basmati rice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings
Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry serves 4-6 people.
12. Eggplant Parmesan Bake
Eggplant Parmesan Bake is a delicious and satisfying vegetarian main course that’s perfect for the holiday season. This recipe involves slicing eggplant into rounds, bread them, and then baking them with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
Equipment
To make Eggplant Parmesan Bake, you’ll need:
– A large flat bottom pan or deep skillet
– A cutting board for slicing the eggplant
– A sharp knife for browning the basil leaves
– A 9×13-inch baking dish for the eggplant bake
Ingredients
To make Eggplant Parmesan Bake, you’ll need:
– 2 eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups tomato sauce
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Basil leaves for garnish
Servings
Eggplant Parmesan Bake serves 4-6 people.
13. Stuffed Acorn Squash
Stuffed Acorn Squash is a flavorful and exotic vegetarian main course that’s perfect for the holiday season. This recipe involves seasoning acorn squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then filling it with a mixture of cooked rice, black beans, and shredded cheese.
Equipment
To make Stuffed Acorn Squash, you’ll need:
– A large skillet for roasting the squash
– A cutting board for slicing the squash
– A sharp knife for scooping out the seeds
– A 9×13-inch baking dish for the stuffed squash
Ingredients
To make Stuffed Acorn Squash, you’ll need:
– 2 acorn squash, halved
– 2 cups cooked rice
– 1 cup cooked black beans
– 1 cup shredded cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings
Stuffed Acorn Squash serves 4-6 people.
I hope this article inspires you to create new and exciting vegetarian dishes for your Christmas gathering!