31 Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes Doubling as Sides When Thanksgiving Arrives

Thanksgiving cooking gets crowded when every dish needs the oven or a last-minute step. These vegetarian recipes include make-ahead soups, casseroles, grains, and hearty bakes that can cover regular meal prep and fill out the holiday table. Choose from familiar sides, freezer-friendly meals, and a few brunch dishes for the days around the feast.

A metal spatula lifts a serving of baked stuffing topped with chopped parsley from a white casserole dish. — Cornbread Stuffing. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Stuffed Acorn Squash

A roasted acorn squash half filled with a stuffing of couscous, apples, nuts, raisins, and fresh herbs sits on a plate. — Stuffed Acorn Squash. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Holiday plates gain color from caramelized edges and a cranberry-studded filling. Stuffed Acorn Squash takes about 1 hour 5 minutes and serves two, with quinoa, apple, dried cranberries, and pecans tucked inside. The portions work as a side or a smaller plant-based main, and the filling can be prepared ahead to ease the day’s cooking. Set a half beside roasted vegetables or other holiday favorites.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash

Red Lentil Soup

A bowl of lentil curry garnished with chopped cilantro and a swirl of cream, with a spoon in the bowl. — Red Lentil Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Cold-weather lunches benefit from a gently spiced bowl during the holiday rush. Red Lentil Soup takes 40 minutes and serves four, combining red lentils, tomatoes, coconut milk, curry, and lime. It cooks in one pot and keeps well for reheating, so a batch can cover lunches before Thanksgiving. Serve smaller bowls as a first course when the main table already has plenty of rich sides.
Get the Recipe: Red Lentil Soup

Baked Feta Pasta

Baked bow-tie pasta with cherry tomatoes, creamy sauce, basil leaves, and red pepper flakes in a white dish. — Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Tangy, creamy flavor and softened tomatoes make a comforting pasta bake. Baked Feta Pasta takes about 45 minutes and serves four, with cherry tomatoes, feta, garlic, short pasta, and fresh basil. It can be portioned for lunches in advance, then offered in smaller scoops as a hearty side when guests want another vegetarian option. A covered dish also makes it easy to bring along to a holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Vegetarian Meatballs

A white bowl filled with meatballs topped with creamy sauce and garnished with chopped fresh herbs. — Vegetarian Meatballs. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crisp edges and a tender center make these an easy party bite or side. Vegetarian Meatballs take about 40 minutes and serve four, using bulgur wheat and shiitake mushrooms with a creamy Dijon gravy. Their compact portions suit meal prep containers, while the savory flavor fits a holiday buffet beside potatoes or vegetables. Make a batch ahead, then warm the gravy gently before serving.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Meatballs

Egg Fried Rice

Oval dish filled with fried rice garnished with chopped green onions. — Egg Fried Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Weeknight meals get an easy upgrade from a quick stovetop side with distinct grains. Egg Fried Rice takes about 25 minutes and serves four, with jasmine rice, eggs, green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil. It can be prepared ahead and reheated for weekday meals, then set out alongside other Thanksgiving dishes for guests who want a familiar grain option. The one-pan method also keeps cleanup manageable.
Get the Recipe: Egg Fried Rice

Copycat Chipotle Sofritas

A plate of chickpea salad with chopped red onion, roasted red peppers, capers, almonds, and fresh herbs, served with a spoon. — Copycat Chipotle Sofritas. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Smoky flavor gives this batch a bold filling for bowls, tacos, or a holiday spread. Copycat Chipotle Sofritas takes about 1 hour and serves four, blending roasted garlic, tomato, chipotle, and cumin into the tofu. It is easy to portion for lunches and can sit beside rice or roasted vegetables as a protein-rich side. Prepare it in advance and reheat gently when the meal is ready.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Sofritas

Marry Me Chickpea Soup

A bowl of pasta soup with chickpeas, spinach, tomatoes, and herbs in a creamy broth. — Marry Me Chickpea Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Comforting bowls of tomato broth and pasta make this a filling make-ahead meal. Marry Me Chickpea Soup takes about 35 minutes and serves six, with chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, macaroni, and Parmesan. It stores and reheats well, which helps cover a few lunches during Thanksgiving week. Smaller portions can also start the holiday meal before guests move on to the casseroles and other sides.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chickpea Soup

Sweet Potato Tacos

Two tacos on a plate with a sauce. — Sweet Potato Tacos. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Colorful toppings and a crisp filling bring variety to a simple taco night. Sweet Potato Tacos take about 45 minutes and serve four, pairing spiced potatoes with cabbage and fresh toppings in tortillas. Prep the filling ahead for easy weekday meals, or offer it as a build-your-own option when the Thanksgiving crowd includes vegetarian guests. Keep tortillas and toppings separate until serving so everything stays fresh.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Tacos

Vegetable Frittata

Weekend brunch is easier with a frittata that slices cleanly and packs well. Vegetable Frittata takes about 40 minutes and serves four, folding mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan into baked eggs. It can be made ahead, sliced, and packed for several meals, or cut into smaller wedges as a brunch side during the holiday weekend. Serve it warm or at room temperature with a simple salad.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Frittata

Mushroom Gravy

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with mushroom and onion gravy, garnished with rosemary. — Mushroom Gravy. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Savory depth makes this gravy a useful partner for mashed potatoes, stuffing, and other Thanksgiving staples. Mushroom Gravy takes about 40 minutes and makes eight servings, simmering mushrooms, shallots, garlic, vegetable broth, and soy sauce into a smooth sauce. It can be prepared the day before, then warmed gently before the meal. Keep extra on hand for weekday leftovers, where it adds moisture and flavor to grains or roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy

Wild Rice Casserole

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese. — Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Nutty, earthy notes make this casserole substantial enough for meal prep or a holiday side. Wild Rice Casserole takes about 1 hour 10 minutes and serves six, with wild rice, mushrooms, caramelized onions, mozzarella, and crispy shallots. It can be made ahead and reheated, leaving less to assemble on Thanksgiving day. Bring it to the table in its baking dish so guests can take a warm scoop beside the main course.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A lasagna being dished up. — Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crowd-sized squares make this lasagna easy to portion for dinner and later meal prep. Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna brings together spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, marinara, and toasted pine nuts in a crowd-friendly bake. The recipe is designed to be made ahead, and leftovers hold well for another meal. Cut modest squares for a Thanksgiving buffet where guests want a vegetarian choice alongside the traditional dishes.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

A plate with a slice of Egg & Potato Breakfast Casserole and a fork. — Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Busy holiday mornings are easier with a casserole that can be assembled in advance. Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole takes about 1 hour 5 minutes and serves six, with hash browns, bell peppers, and cheddar folded through the eggs. Assemble it ahead for breakfast during Thanksgiving week, then save smaller squares for brunch the next day. Its hearty texture also fits a casual buffet when family members are eating at different times.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

Vegetable Pasta Bake

Baked pasta casserole with rotini noodles, tomato sauce, melted cheese, and chopped parsley in a white dish. — Vegetable Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bubbling cheese and tender vegetables make this pasta bake easy to portion for several meals. Vegetable Pasta Bake takes about 35 minutes and serves six, pairing pasta with zucchini, spinach, creamy tomato sauce, and melted cheese. It keeps well for leftovers and can be brought to a gathering as a substantial side for vegetarian guests. Bake it ahead, then reheat covered so the top stays from drying out.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Pasta Bake

French Toast Casserole

Make-ahead mornings get easier with a custardy bake and crisp pecan topping. French Toast Casserole takes about 55 minutes and serves eight, with cinnamon, brown sugar, cream, and pecans. It can be assembled the night before, then baked when the morning gets busy. Cut it into small squares for brunch or an overnight-guest spread around Thanksgiving, when a sweet dish can round out the menu.
Get the Recipe: French Toast Casserole

Rice Pilaf

Colorful grains and gentle crunch give this side a holiday-ready look. Rice Pilaf takes about 35 minutes and serves six, cooking long-grain rice in vegetable broth with onion, garlic, toasted almonds, and dried cranberries. It works as a Thanksgiving side and can be prepared ahead for meals during the week. Fluff it before serving and scatter the green onions over the top for a little color on the table.
Get the Recipe: Rice Pilaf

Potato Casserole

Busy ovens are easier to manage when a familiar side can be assembled the night before. Potato Casserole takes about 1 hour, with diced potatoes folded into cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and sharp cheddar. The make-ahead method frees up time when Thanksgiving cooking begins, and leftovers work for easy meals through the week. Bake it in a covered dish and uncover near the end so the top turns golden.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Vegetarian Meatloaf

A sliced loaf topped with a red sauce, showing a dense filling of vegetables and legumes, served on a wooden cutting board and garnished with chopped herbs. — Vegetarian Meatloaf. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Savory slices and a maple-ketchup glaze make this loaf easy to portion for make-ahead meals. Vegetarian Meatloaf takes about 1 hour 20 minutes and serves six, using chickpeas, flaxseed, soy sauce, and liquid smoke for a savory base. It reheats well and travels in a covered dish, so smaller slices can join a holiday buffet as a hearty plant-based option. Pair it with gravy, potatoes, or green vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Meatloaf

Pancake Casserole

A baked French toast casserole topped with powdered sugar, sliced strawberries, and blueberries in a white dish. — Pancake Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Brunch feels more relaxed when a sweet casserole can be assembled before the family gathers. Pancake Casserole takes about 1 hour and serves eight, combining pancakes with eggs, half-and-half, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. It can be assembled ahead and baked when the family gathers in the morning. Cut smaller portions for brunch alongside fruit, then store leftovers for an easy breakfast later in the week.
Get the Recipe: Pancake Casserole

Veggie Burger

Plant-based patties give meal prep a useful option when the holiday menu needs a vegetarian main. Veggie Burger takes about 35 minutes and serves four, built from black beans, lentils, mushrooms, onion, garlic, and herbs. Cook the patties ahead and reheat them for quick lunches, or serve smaller pieces as a savory side with Thanksgiving vegetables. The mix can be shaped before cooking, which makes later prep simple.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Burger

Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Casserole dish with Brussels sprouts, crispy onions, cheese, and herbs, mixed with a spoon. — Brussels Sprouts Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Roasting first brings out a nutty edge before the creamy sauce and crisp onion topping go on. Brussels Sprouts Casserole takes about 50 minutes and serves six, folding Brussels sprouts into a butter, flour, and milk sauce. Roast the sprouts a day ahead, then assemble and bake when the rest of the meal is underway. Its savory vegetables and crunchy finish fit neatly beside the Thanksgiving main course.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese

A close-up of a spoon lifting creamy, melted cheese sauce with macaroni from a pot. — Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Hands-off cooking helps when the oven and stovetop are already busy. Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese takes about 3 hours 10 minutes and serves eight, cooking macaroni directly with cheddar, mozzarella, whole milk, and evaporated milk. The slow cooker keeps the pasta warm for serving and makes this a useful holiday side. Prepare it while other dishes are in the oven, then stir before setting it out for the meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese

Cauliflower Casserole

Golden crumbs add crunch to this creamy vegetable casserole. Cauliflower Casserole takes about 45 minutes, pairing cauliflower with a milk-based cheese sauce, Parmesan, and panko breadcrumbs. The baked dish works as a holiday side and can be portioned for lunches through the week. Prepare the sauce and florets before the busy day, then finish the topping and bake so it reaches the table with a crisp surface.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Casserole

Potatoes Au Gratin

A close-up of creamy, baked scalloped potatoes with melted cheese, garnished with chopped parsley, in a white baking dish with a serving spoon. — Potatoes Au Gratin. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Golden edges and a tender center make this a memorable holiday side. Potatoes Au Gratin takes about 1 hour 45 minutes and serves eight, with russet potatoes, Gruyère cream, and sweet onion. It is built for holiday meals and can be prepared ahead, then baked before serving. The generous pan makes it easy to feed a crowd, while leftovers pair well with lunch or dinner the next day.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes Au Gratin

Corn Casserole

Simple spoonfuls of this lightly sweet bake fit right into a crowded holiday table. Corn Casserole takes about 1 hour and serves eight, mixing canned corn, sour cream, butter, corn muffin mix, and cheddar in one bowl. It needs little hands-on assembly and can be made ahead for Thanksgiving. Serve it warm beside vegetables or stuffing, then refrigerate leftovers for a quick side with meals later in the week.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Marry Me Tortellini

A bowl of creamy tortellini pasta with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and a basil garnish. — Marry Me Tortellini. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

One-pan cooking makes this creamy dish easy to portion ahead. Marry Me Tortellini takes about 20 minutes and serves four, with cheese tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and Parmesan. It stores well and can be reheated with a splash of broth or cream. Offer smaller servings as a hearty side at a vegetarian-friendly gathering or save containers for quick lunches before Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Tortellini

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Sweetness meets savory herbs in this colorful holiday side. Mashed Sweet Potatoes take about 55 minutes and serve eight, finished with caramelized onions and Parmesan. The mash can be prepared in advance, stored chilled, and reheated for Thanksgiving dinner or a week of meals. Its smooth texture works well beside stuffing and gravy, while the savory topping gives the dish a little more character than a plain mash.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Eggplant Casserole

A slice of cheesy eggplant lasagna with tomato sauce is being lifted from a pan, showing stretchy melted cheese. A bowl is blurred in the background. — Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Distinct layers keep this casserole from turning watery. Eggplant Casserole takes about 45 minutes and serves six, with eggplant, marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan baked until bubbling. It reheats well, so the dish can cover meal prep and a smaller holiday side portion. Salt and dry the eggplant before assembling, then bring the pan to the table beside other vegetables or pasta for a filling vegetarian spread.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Sourdough Stuffing

A close-up of a serving of bread stuffing with chopped herbs, lifted from a baking dish. — Sourdough Stuffing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Thanksgiving plates feel familiar with crisp-topped stuffing and fresh herbs. Sourdough Stuffing takes about 1 hour and serves eight, with sourdough, celery, onion, thyme, sage, and rosemary moistened with broth. It can be prepped a day ahead and baked for Thanksgiving, with leftovers ready to pair with meals later. Set it beside gravy and roasted vegetables for a familiar holiday plate.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing

Hashbrown Casserole

Potluck tables welcome a cheesy potato bake that also reheats for breakfast or lunch. Hashbrown Casserole takes about 1 hour 10 minutes and serves eight, combining frozen hash browns, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, onion, and cheddar. The ingredients stir together in one bowl before baking, making it easy to prep ahead. Bring it to a potluck or save portions for quick meals during Thanksgiving week.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Cornbread Stuffing

Golden crust and tender pieces make this stuffing a familiar holiday side. Cornbread Stuffing takes about 1 hour 20 minutes and serves 12, mixing cornbread with celery, onion, garlic, sage, rosemary, and vegetable broth. The large batch suits a full Thanksgiving table, while extra portions can be refrigerated or frozen for later meals. Bake until the top is golden and serve with gravy or roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Stuffing