Your Guide to a Stunning Vegetarian Thanksgiving Spread
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.) 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 instead. If that feels too spartan, spiced olives 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.
Wild Rice and Mushroom Dressing
Let's be real: dressing, stuffing, or whatever you want to call it is the real star of Thanksgiving. For something a bit unexpected, try this wild rice and mushroom stuffing, or if you prefer a more-traditional option, swap vegetable or mushroom stock for the chicken broth in this bread-based version.
Green Beans With Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions transform green beans from workaday to wow-worthy in this elegantly simple take on green bean casserole.
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.
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.
Cranberry-Orange Sauce and Vegan Mushroom Gravy
Tart cranberry sauce is a nonnegotiable. And you didn't think we'd forget gravy, right? Vegan mushroom gravy 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. The second: bourbon pecan pie. Plus gobs of whipped cream (obviously).