29 Thanksgiving Main Dishes That Give Guests Who Skip Turkey More Than Just Sides
A turkey-free Thanksgiving main should give guests who skip the bird a real place at the table. This collection spans savory loaves, casseroles, pasta, risotto, hearty soups, and vegetable-centered entrees, with mushrooms, beans, squash, greens, and cheese adding substance in different ways. Choose a sliceable centerpiece for the platter or set out a warming bowl for a relaxed holiday meal.
Vegetarian Shepherds Pie
The crisp potato topping gives Vegetarian Shepherds Pie the familiar look of a holiday centerpiece, while mushrooms, white beans, carrots, and celery make the filling hearty. It takes 1 hour 15 minutes and serves eight, so there is enough to share around a full table. Rosemary and balsamic deepen the savory vegetables beneath the mash. Set it out with cranberry sauce or green beans for guests who want a complete main dish without turkey.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Shepherds Pie
Butternut Squash Ravioli
Pillowy pasta gives Butternut Squash Ravioli a special-occasion feel, with squash, butter, nutmeg, and a little white wine shaping the filling and sauce. The recipe takes about an hour, including homemade pasta work, and heavy cream rounds out the finish. Serve a few ravioli as a plated entree with a simple salad, or offer them as a smaller alternative for guests choosing several holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Ravioli
Vegetable Frittata
Golden edges and colorful pieces make Vegetable Frittata an easy dish to slice and pass. Eggs, milk, mozzarella, mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, tomatoes, and Parmesan come together in a 40-minute recipe that serves four. Its familiar flavors work well for a smaller Thanksgiving meal or a brunch-style Thanksgiving meal, and each wedge can sit beside roasted potatoes or salad without competing with the other dishes on the table.
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Cauliflower Steaks
A browned surface and bright garnish give Cauliflower Steaks a striking place on a holiday platter. The oven-roasted slices take 40 minutes and are seasoned with olive oil, honey, lemon, garlic, and smoked paprika, then topped with pistachios, pomegranate, and parsley. Each steak brings both tender cauliflower and crisp, fresh accents. Serve them with rice or another substantial side when a guest wants a vegetable-centered main.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks
Vegan Nut Roast
Sliced like a loaf and built with nuts, lentils, mushrooms, carrots, and herbs, Vegan Nut Roast makes a substantial holiday centerpiece. The recipe takes 1 hour 55 minutes and yields ten portions, so it can cover a larger table. Parsnip and breadcrumbs help bind the mixture, while the assorted nuts add texture. Pair a slice with gravy and cranberry sauce for a full Thanksgiving plate.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Nut Roast
Mushroom Risotto
Creamy rice gives Mushroom Risotto a rich, slow-stirred character that suits a seated holiday dinner. It takes 50 minutes and serves four, with porcini, chestnut, and portobello mushrooms, garlic, rosemary, white wine, vegetable stock, and cheddar in the mix. Spoon it into shallow bowls as a main for a smaller group, or serve modest portions alongside roasted vegetables for a varied spread.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Risotto
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna
A generous square of Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna brings plenty to the plate, with noodles layered around ricotta, mozzarella, spinach, mushrooms, carrots, and zucchini. It takes 1 hour 15 minutes and serves eight, making it convenient for a Thanksgiving meal where guests want something more substantial than sides. The tomato sauce and cheese give each portion a familiar baked-pasta profile. Add a green salad to round out dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna
Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Set Roasted Whole Cauliflower in the center of the platter for a simple, sliceable vegetable main. The whole head takes 65 minutes in the oven, with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and lime bringing color and flavor. Fresh parsley or cilantro finishes the top. Cut wedges at the table and pair them with lentils or potatoes for guests who want a filling plate without turkey.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Vegetarian Meatloaf
Firm slices make Vegetarian Meatloaf easy to serve as a traditional-style main. Chickpeas, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, panko, flaxseed, tomato paste, and soy sauce form the loaf, which takes 1 hour 20 minutes and serves six. A ketchup and maple topping brings a familiar sweet-savory finish. Arrange the slices beside mashed potatoes and green vegetables for a Thanksgiving plate with a clear centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Meatloaf
Butternut Squash Risotto
Soft squash and creamy rice give Butternut Squash Risotto a seasonal profile that fits neatly into Thanksgiving dinner. The recipe takes 1 hour 10 minutes and serves four, combining Arborio rice, squash, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, and vegan Parmesan. Parsley adds a fresh finish, while the slow-cooked rice makes each bowl substantial. Serve it as a main for a smaller Thanksgiving meal or alongside other vegetable dishes.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto
Vegetable Pasta Bake
Bubbling cheese and tomato sauce make Vegetable Pasta Bake a familiar option for guests who prefer pasta to turkey. Rigatoni or penne is paired with red onion, bell pepper, zucchini, spinach, cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella. The bake takes 35 minutes, with no serving count listed in the recipe card. Cut it into generous portions and set out a crisp salad for an easy, complete holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Pasta Bake
Eggplant Casserole
Layers of eggplant, marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan give Eggplant Casserole the hearty structure of a main dish. It takes 45 minutes and serves six, with basil and parsley providing a fresh finish. The familiar tomato-and-cheese combination makes it an easy fit beside Thanksgiving sides without relying on turkey flavors. Serve warm squares with roasted vegetables or bread for guests who want a filling meat-free plate.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
A bowl of Roasted Butternut Squash Soup offers a warm, substantial option for a relaxed holiday meal. It takes an hour and serves six, blending roasted squash with onion, garlic, curry powder, vegetable broth, coconut milk, and red pepper flakes. The smooth texture contrasts nicely with the roast and casseroles on a Thanksgiving table. Serve it with crusty bread for guests who prefer a bowl as their main.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Vegetarian Chili
A full bowl of Vegetarian Chili gives turkey-free guests a hearty, spoonable main with layers of spice. The recipe takes about an hour and serves six, using mushrooms, red onion, garlic, red chilies, cumin, cinnamon, oregano, and smoked paprika. Those ingredients build a savory base with warmth from the seasonings. Set out bowls with bread or rice so guests can make a complete meal from the pot.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Chili
Mushroom Stroganoff
Tender mushrooms in a creamy sauce make Mushroom Stroganoff a rich alternative to carved meat. The recipe takes 30 minutes and serves two, combining assorted mushrooms with red onion, garlic, pickles, capers, smoked paprika, and crème fraîche. Spoon it over noodles or potatoes for an easy plate, especially at a smaller Thanksgiving meal. Its tangy sauce brings a different flavor profile to the familiar holiday sides.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff
Broccoli Casserole
The crunchy cracker topping gives Broccoli Casserole a welcome contrast to its creamy center. Broccoli, mayonnaise, cream of mushroom soup, eggs, onion, paprika, and cheddar make up this 55-minute bake, which serves six. It can hold its own as a filling main when served in generous portions, or anchor a plate with a salad and bread for guests looking beyond the turkey.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese
A slow cooker keeps Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese hands-off while the rest of Thanksgiving dinner comes together. The recipe takes 3 hours 10 minutes and serves eight, with elbow macaroni, cheddar, mozzarella, whole milk, evaporated milk, butter, paprika, and Dijon mustard. Its creamy texture makes it a hearty option for guests who want something familiar. Set the cooker out with vegetables and salad for a simple plate.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese
Gnocchi
Soft potato dumplings give Gnocchi a tender, filling shape for a turkey-free entree. The recipe takes 1 hour 45 minutes and serves four, using potatoes, flour, egg, salt, butter, olive oil, basil, and Parmesan. The homemade pasta can be tossed with a simple sauce or served with roasted vegetables for a complete holiday meal. It is a good choice for a smaller table where a fresh-made dish feels fitting.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi
Vegan Ratatouille
Colorful vegetables simmer together in Vegan Ratatouille, making it a bright centerpiece beside the heavier casseroles. The recipe takes an hour and serves four, combining eggplant, zucchini, red bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, garlic, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and vegetable broth. Each spoonful brings a mix of vegetables and herbs. Serve it over rice or with crusty bread when guests want a lighter but still substantial main.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille
Sweet Potato Soup
Smooth sweet potatoes and spinach make Sweet Potato Soup a hearty bowl for a casual Thanksgiving meal. It takes 45 minutes and serves four, with onion, garlic, carrots, vegetable stock, half-and-half, sage, nutmeg, and pumpkin seeds in the recipe. The seeds add a crisp topping to the creamy soup. Pair each serving with warm bread for guests who want a bowl instead of a plated roast.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Soup
Vegetable Pasta
Roasted vegetables and penne give Vegetable Pasta a colorful, easy-to-serve main for the holiday table. The recipe takes 35 minutes and serves four, combining zucchini, red onion, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and Italian herbs. The vegetables roast while the pasta cooks, then the sauce brings everything together. Serve warm or at room temperature, with extra Parmesan on the side.
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Mushroom Soup
For a bowl with deep savory flavor, Mushroom Soup combines mushrooms, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, paprika, dill, nutmeg, and sour cream. It takes 40 minutes and serves four, so it works well for a smaller Thanksgiving Thanksgiving meal or a relaxed meal before the holiday feast. The creamy finish makes it substantial alongside crusty bread. Offer it as the main for guests who prefer a warm, simple soup course.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Soup
Vegetable Stew
Chunks of potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, lentils, and mushrooms make Vegetable Stew a sturdy choice for guests who want more than side dishes. The recipe takes 1 hour 14 minutes and serves eight, with tomato paste, onion, celery, garlic, vegetable broth, cumin, bay leaf, and cinnamon in the pot. Set out bowls with bread to soak up the broth for a filling Thanksgiving main.
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Egg Casserole
Slices of Egg Casserole bring a breakfast-style main to a relaxed Thanksgiving Thanksgiving meal. It takes 59 minutes and serves six, with eggs, sour cream, cheddar, green onions, red and green bell peppers, and broccoli. The cheese and eggs make it hearty, while the vegetables add color to each portion. Serve it warm with salad or roasted potatoes for a brunch-inspired holiday plate.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole
Vegetable Soup
A bowl of Vegetable Soup has enough variety to stand as a simple main, thanks to carrots, celery, leeks, cannellini beans, spinach, peas, rosemary, and vegetable broth. It takes 55 minutes and serves four. Parmesan can be added at the table, and a slice of bread makes the broth more substantial. This is a practical choice for guests who want a lighter, warming option among the holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Soup
Elegant Mushroom Wellington
Flaky pastry encloses a savory filling in Elegant Mushroom Wellington, giving the holiday platter a centerpiece with clear slices. The recipe takes 60 minutes and serves four, layering portobello mushrooms with spinach, pecans, red onions, rosemary, and thyme inside vegan puff pastry. Its crisp exterior and tender filling work well with gravy or cranberry sauce. Serve it whole, then cut portions at the table for a special dinner.
Get the Recipe: Elegant Mushroom Wellington
Spanakopita
Crisp layers of phyllo wrap spinach, feta, leek, green onions, dill, mint, and parsley in Spanakopita. It takes 1 hour and serves eight, making it easy to cut into squares for a Thanksgiving spread. The recipe can be served warm or at room temperature, which helps when oven space is limited. Offer a square as a substantial main with a Greek salad or other fresh vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Spanakopita
Cheesy Broccoli Soup
Cheddar, ricotta, and broccoli turn Cheesy Broccoli Soup into a creamy main that can be served by the bowl. The recipe takes 30 minutes and serves four, with garlic, olive oil, vegetable stock, heavy cream, and sourdough croutons rounding it out. Mint adds a fresh note in the recipe card. Serve with crusty bread for a cozy Thanksgiving option when guests would rather skip a roast.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Broccoli Soup
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
A fall-colored sauce gives Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese a seasonal twist on a familiar pasta main. The recipe takes 1 hour 15 minutes, combining butternut squash, macaroni, butter, flour, milk, mustard, and mature cheddar. The squash blends into the creamy cheese sauce, while the pasta makes each serving filling. Put it on the table for guests who want a hearty, approachable alternative to turkey.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese