Just because you or much of your brood passes on the meat doesn't mean that Thanksgiving has to be a letdown. And it doesn't mean that you have to center your meal around a stuffed Tofurkey, either. (Although, we will say it's not half bad [1].) Instead, dish out this feast of sophisticated sides, pies, and appetizers, all revolving around a showstopping baked pumpkin tian. We promise you won't miss the turkey one bit.
Rosemary-Sesame Pecans
Skip stressing out over preparing an elaborate spread of appetizers; keep things simple and set out a bowl of these addictive rosemary-sesame pecans [2] instead. If that feels too spartan, spiced olives [3] are a lovely companion that's also easy to prepare.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy
Five ingredients (including salt and pepper) are all it takes to make exceptionally creamy mashed potatoes [4].
Wild Rice and Mushroom Dressing
Let's be real: dressing, stuffing, or whatever you want to call it [5] is the real star of Thanksgiving. For something a bit unexpected, try this wild rice and mushroom stuffing [6], or if you prefer a more-traditional option, swap vegetable or mushroom stock for the chicken broth in this bread-based version [7].
Green Beans With Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions transform green beans from workaday to wow-worthy in this elegantly simple take on green bean casserole [8].
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
If your family squabbles over anything this holiday, it'll be who gets the last bite of these crisp-edged twice-baked sweet potatoes [9].
Pumpkin Tian
Sure, you could easily make a meal out of the exceptional sides included in this menu, but for a true showstopper that rivals a holiday ham or Thanksgiving turkey on the presentation front, try this savory custard that's served inside a hollowed-out pumpkin [10].
Cranberry-Orange Sauce and Vegan Mushroom Gravy
Tart cranberry sauce [11] is a nonnegotiable. And you didn't think we'd forget gravy, right? Vegan mushroom gravy [12] is thick, satisfying, and umami-rich.
Apple Pie and Bourbon Pecan Pie
Finish off the meal with not one but two pies. The first: classic apple pie [13]. The second: bourbon pecan pie [14]. Plus gobs of whipped cream [15] (obviously).
