EST. 1954 Holy Family University’s Student Newspaper

Vegetarian-Friendly Recipes For Thanksgiving

By: Ava Folcarelli

With just a few weeks to go, we are right around the corner from approaching the beginning of the holiday season. As a vegetarian, however, this brings forth the dreaded ‘holiday meals anxiety’. During the season that thrives on bringing family together and cherishing these moments with one another, the last thing on our minds should be whether or not there will be a food that fits in our restricted diet. With this, I have come up with five simple “meatless” recipes to add to your plate this Thanksgiving.

#1-Smashed Brussels Sprouts

  • Difficulty: ⭐⭐

The perfect, vegetarian appetizer to place alongside a ‘meat-lovers’ charcuterie board. Skip the finely sliced meats and snack on these simple, low-effort, bite-sized Brussels sprouts instead. They are a pre-Thanksgiving meal staple. 

For this recipe, you will need: 

  1. Brussels sprouts
  2. Olive oil
  3. Salt and pepper
  4. Red pepper flakes
  5. Garlic
  6. Parmesan
  7. Bread crumbs

For the dip (optional), you will need:

  1. Mayonnaise
  2. Dijon mustard
  3. Hot sauce 
  4. Pepper
  5. Lemon Juice
  6. Lemonzest (optional)

#2-Baked Mac and Cheese

  • Difficulty: ⭐

A simple pasta dish that can easily be served alongside the many other great selections of Thanksgiving foods. Mac and cheese are one of my favorite Thanksgiving foods as a vegetarian. 

For this recipe, you will need: 

  1. Butter
  2. Flour
  3. Milk
  4. Salt and pepper
  5. Cheese (your choice)
  6. Macaroni (your choice)
  7. Bread crumbs (optional)

#3-Roasted Potatoes and Carrots

  • Difficulty: ⭐

An effortless recipe that provides nutritional value alongside its tasty flavor. A perfect staple side-dish to add to your table this Thanksgiving.

For this recipe, you will need: 

  1. Potatoes
  2. Carrots 
  3. Olive oil 
  4. Italian seasoning 
  5. Salt and pepper

#4-Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

  • Difficulty: ⭐⭐

Skip the stuffing, choose the casserole. This creamy and crunchy dish is perfect for feeding many other vegetarians or those with a similar palate. For Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving, serve this dish with a buttered roll and enjoy your favorite company with your new favorite meal.

 For this recipe, you will need: 

  1. Ritz crackers
  2. Broccoli 
  3. Velveeta cheese 
  4. Milk
  5. Heavy cream
  6. Salt and pepper
  7. Cayenne pepper
  8. Dijon mustard

#5-Apple Tart

  • Difficulty: ⭐⭐

Although most desserts do not typically contain meat, here is one of my favorite Thanksgiving desserts that I enjoy as a picky eater. This can be served alone or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s simple, it’s crunchy, it’s the perfect way to end the night after having your perfect meatless spread. 

For this recipe, you will need: 

  1. A sheet of frozen puff pastry
  2. Flour
  3. 3 apples (your choice)
  4. Sugar
  5. 1 egg
  6. Butter
  7. Apple jelly

Ava Folcarelli is a Junior at Holy Family University, majoring in English. Her studies primarily focus on critical analysis and mastering the practice of editing. She plans to graduate in the spring of 2027.

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