A lot of times when people find out you’re vegetarian, you get questions like, “So, um, what do you eat?” “Well do you at least eat chicken? Fish?” as well as the always funny jokes about only eating lettuce. And when it comes to the holidays, it can be tricky navigating the buffet table when the main focus of holiday get togethers is food, and often times, they’re meat-based.
Last year I made it easy on myself (read: I was lazy) since it was my first Thanksgiving as an official vegetarian, and I opted to only eat the side dishes. This was easy, because like many, the side dishes are my favorite part. I had stuffing (made with veggie sausage), green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, maple glazed Brussels sprouts, corn and peas, mashed turnips, creamed pearl onions, and cranberry sauce. That’s obviously a lot of food, and I was more than satisfied without having a “main” on my plate. This will likely continue to be my approach for holiday events at a friend or family member’s house, but I’ve decided to get a little more creative this year.
When dreaming up my Thanksgiving menu, I decided it was time to try a turkey alternative. No, I’m not talking about a tofurkey – I wanted to make something homemade! While I’ve opted to have a “main dish” this year, that doesn’t mean I plan to skimp on the sides; they are my favorite part! And since meal planning is something I really enjoy doing, I figured I would share with you all what I plan on serving for my Vegetarian Thanksgiving! That way, if you’re scrounging around for a last minute side dish idea maybe one of these will spark your interest, or, you can always save them for next year.
2013 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu
Seitan Roast – recipe found here
Brussels Sprout Mac ‘n Cheese – recipe found here
Veggie Stuffing – my recipe found here
Peas & Corn
Mashed Potatoes
Apple & Cranberry Crumble
I’m going to be so full, and I’ll have leftovers for days. It’s going to rule.
What’s your favorite side dish?
Foodosaurus Rex 
I had issues this year because we’re cooking for my non-vegan parents. But they are adventurous and we told them they can bring a little meat to warm up if they want. However, this is the menu I’ve planned out: Vegan Thanksgiving
I’m tired of eating sides too! I’m really hoping they like what I’ve put together so they aren’t eating just the sides at my house! 🙂
LikeLike
Yum – your menu looks great!!
LikeLike
I was a vegetarian for two years and holidays were definitely a challenge! My mom was great about making my own separate stuffing, and I definitely enjoyed my fair share of veggie sides.
LikeLike
I’m so glad I can use veggie sausage to sub in for the stuffing my mom makes, because it’s SO good!
LikeLike
For some reason I am reading this to the tune of “what does the fox say”. Don’t ask.
The Brussels sproutmac and cheese sounds really good. Stuffing is my favorite part too…I could easily just that the entire meal.
LikeLike
You know I approve of any “What Does the Fox Say” reference!
LikeLike
I’m not a vegetarian, but I legit love all food! So…I’m coming over! 🙂 That all sounds delicious. Hope you have a fantastic Thanksgiving, Danielle!
LikeLike
I’ll allow it! 😉 Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!
LikeLike
I am a big fan of anything with sweet potatoes, but the plain ol jellied cranberry sauce is a thanksgiving staple to me. I usually get a tofurkey roast for my main dish – it’s actually very good!!
LikeLike
Admittedly I’ve never tried tofurkey – I guess I should before I write it off!
LikeLike
Hi Danielle! We are doing some vegetarian dishes as well. I found a vegetarian gravy recipe that I’m going to try for the first time. http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/caramelized-shallot-gravy/. Gotta have it with the mashed potatoes!
LikeLike
Oh yum! I didn’t even think about gravy – I’ll probably use this recipe too! Thanks!
LikeLike
Hmmm. Brussel Sprouts Mac N Cheese sounds yummy! 🙂
LikeLike
Hopefully it is! Though, I can’t imagine it being bad – cheese, Brussels… what more do you need?
LikeLike
My favorite side is Bourbon Vanilla Cranberry Sauce. For some reason Brad doesn’t like the idea of whole cranberries and prefers the one out of the can (?!) so I get to eat the entire dish myself. Um, twist my arm.
I’m not a fan of brussel sprouts but I AM a fan of anything maple-glazed, so I might need to give those a shot!
LikeLike
Melissa, I HATED Brussels Sprouts until about a month ago. I buy the organic from Whole Foods (out of season now) and split them in half, then roast them at 375 for about 15 minutes with pepitas. Toss them in a bowl with EVOO and S&P and a little rosemary. I thought my wife was going to freak out they were so good!
I grew up with my mom boiling frozen Brussels Sprouts. It completely turned me off until I tried roasting them.
LikeLike
Ummm that cranberry sauce sounds AMAZING!
LikeLike
Love this post! I’m not a vegetarian, but I usually only end up eating the sides on Thanksgiving because they are the best part of the meal. I’ll have to try your recipe for Brussels sprout mac & cheese – looks delicious!
LikeLike
I could eat stuffing all day every day.
LikeLike