These festive vegan Christmas recipes will make the most wonderful holiday menu! Find your new favorite main dishes, roasts, side dishes, appetizers, desserts, cookies and drinks that the whole family will LOVE!
What do vegans eat for Christmas dinner?
Good question! You can veganize any and all traditional holiday meals. Here are a few examples of what vegans eat for Christmas:
- Holiday roasts made from seitan, nuts, legumes, tofu…etc. You can buy storebought roasts from vegan meat companies.
- Side dishes made from veggies and legumes, without cheese, butter (and any other animal derived products).
- Vegan desserts and cookies that are dairy-, egg-, and honey-free (and any other animal derived products).
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks made with vegan alcohol (check on Barnivore.com!), fruit juices and syrups. Most fruit juices and syrups are vegan, but always check the ingredients. Some sugar brands are NOT vegan! Be careful.
If you want to plan your menu or get inspired, check out these amazing fully vegan recipes below!
Vegan Christmas Recipes
For more vegan Christmas content, see our Christmas cookies, Christmas desserts, Christmas breakfast, vegan DIY gift ideas, Christmas stocking stuffers, Vegan Gift Baskets, and vegan Thanksgiving recipes roundups.
Classic Vegan Christmas Recipes
1. Vegan Holiday Roast
It’s not the holidays without a gorgeous roast on the table. Carve into this seitan-based beauty and the scent of the steaming sourdough stuffing and will make your guests’ mouths water in anticipation.
2. Vegan Glazed Ham
3. Mashed Potatoes
4. Vegan ‘Beef ‘ Wellington
5. Garlic Green Beans
6. Cranberry Sauce
7. Dinner Rolls
8. Mushroom Gravy
9. Cornbread
10. Wild Rice Stuffing
11. Vegan ‘Meatloaf’
12. Gingerbread Cookies
13. Christmas Pudding
14. Vegan Yule Log
15. Eggnog
16. Mulled Wine
17. Sweet Potato Casserole
18. Rum Balls
Festive fun and deliciousness await! These fluffy coconut snowballs are made with only healthy ingredients but don’t skimp on the taste! They are also alcohol-free (thank you rum extract!), so all ages can enjoy it.
19. Eggnog Bread
Vegan Christmas Main Dishes
20. Beet Wellington
Beet Wellington? That name alone is everything. And OMG, it’s gorgeous! Guarantee, if you put this gem on your holiday table, no one will ever stop talking about it.
21. Holiday Stuffed Butternut Squash
Warm fall flavors, gorgeous colors — this stuffed butternut squash has it all. Serve it as a side or as a main dish and just wait for the compliments.
22. Smoky Southern Vegan Meatloaf
Sometimes you crave those comfort food flavors of childhood. I present, vegan southern-style meatloaf — crafted out of chickpeas, black beans and oats. It’s got all the love without any of the meat!
23. French Onion Soup
Who’s up for a savory bowl of French onion soup? It can’t be vegan, you say? Wrong! Anything is possible with vegan mozzarella and a whole lot of caramelized onions.
24. Vegan Butternut Squash Kale Lasagna with Cashew Ricotta
There’s no better way to feed a crowd, than to whip up a big ole pan of lasagna. This one’s made with butternut squash and kale, so go ahead and have another helping!
25. Vegan Greek-Style Roast
Opa! Smell that garlic, lemon and rosemary? This Greek-style “lamb” roast has all of the old-world flavors but is made modern with healthy vegan ingredients.
26. Little Lentil Loafs with Mushroom
Look at these laudable little lentil loaves! They’re likable legume lovelies that may not be lavish but most likely won’t leave any leftovers to languish in your larder.
27. Creamy Cauliflower, Mushroom, Kale Pasta Bake
Ready for some truth? If there’s a creamy and bubbling baked pasta on the table, one with a breadcrumb topping, it’s about to be everybody’s first choice.
28. Vegan Holiday Burger
What if you could enjoy the flavor of an entire Thanksgiving dinner in a burger? Turn those leftover holiday ingredients into a smart and delicious meal.
29. Vegan Mushroom Wellington
When you cut into the pastry of this gorgeous Mushroom Wellington, the aroma will knock your socks off. Get ready, the meat-eaters at the table will fight you for it.
30. Loaded Vegan Christmas Plate
Coming up with the ultimate holiday menu is a stress you seriously don’t need. Stop the madness! Here is a whole holiday feast on a single, festive plate. You’re welcome.
31. Roasted Garlic and Leek Soup
Don’t be mislead by the name — there’s more to this soup than garlic and leeks. Think sweet potatoes, tomatoes and spice galore. All create the perfect depth of holiday flavor.
32. Stuffed Seitan Roast in Puff Pastry
Conjuring up a seitan holiday roast could seem intimidating but this recipe makes it easy for even the most inexperienced home cooks. Plus, how good does this thing look?
33. Festive Vegan Butternut Roast
Not only will this stuffed butternut squash roast show your guests you care about their health, it’ll also prove how gosh darn clever you are.
34. Lentil Loaf
It’s a vegan triumph! This hearty lentil loaf is stuffed with healthy ingredients and successfully delivers those childhood memories of family dinners and simpler times.
Vegan Christmas Sides
35. Roasted Garlic Green Beans and Red Bell Pepper
Attention weary holiday cooks! Here’s a festive red and green side dish that takes less than 15 minutes to throw together! Roasted green beans and peppers add a light freshness to any celebration.
36. Vegan Coleslaw
At this point, there’s no excuse for unhealthy coleslaw. It’s cabbage and carrots, for goodness’ sakes, both superfoods! This recipe skips the sugar and adds vegan mayo, sacrificing none of the flavor.
37. Eggless Yorkshire Pudding
Eggless Yorkshire Pudding sounds like an impossibility. These, however, get their eggy lift from baking soda. Up the ante with savory gravy and minty peas, and the great vegan Yorkshire swap-out is complete.
38. Braised Red Cabbage
We should all eat more red cabbage. It’s gorgeous to look at, incredibly healthy and tastes fantastic, especially when braised with red wine and holiday spices.
39. Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes with Mushroom Gravy
Ever order cauliflower mashed potatoes and then discover there’s no potatoes? The lies! This recipe says what it means—mashed potatoes and cauliflower—together—topped with a chunky Portobello mushroom gravy.
40. Spicy Roasted New Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts — often sadly maligned and misunderstood. When combined with potatoes, roasted garlic and pomegranates, however, suddenly everyone can’t get enough of those quirky veggies “from Belgium”.
41. Veggie Croquettes
Who amongst us doesn’t adore a croquette? These little potato and veggie darlings can be baked or fried and make the perfect receptacle for any sauce.
42. Hasselback Potatoes with Kale, Beans & Pesto
Sharpen up that knife, it’s hasselback potato time! These are deceptive — the kind of recipe that looks incredibly impressive on the table but was really easy to make.
43. Spiced-Brandied Cranberry Sauce
After considering this recipe, I’m not sure why all cranberry sauce doesn’t have brandy in it. Or holiday spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Like, what were we all thinking?
44. Garlic and Rosemary Skillet Bread
You know that certain kind of homemade bread that’s fragrant and herby and has a lovely crusty bottom? That’s exactly what this garlic and rosemary skillet bread is like.
45. Creamy Potato Salad
This recipe sticks to the basic tenets of classic potato salad but modernizes it with plant-based mayonnaise. The result is an updated take on a comfort food favorite.
46. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
This is one of those recipes that turns Brussels Sprouts skeptics into believers! Earthy and crispy with a nice tahini tang, its super easy to make and pairs well with anything.
47. Easy Bread Stuffing
This dish is a candidate for the “no one knew it was vegan” award. Plus, it’s got all of the cozy goodness you expect from stuffing.
48. Hasselback Vegetable Tart
This dish is a celebration of how glorious a vegan main can actually be. Make a holiday entrance carrying this colorful puff pastry tart with hasselback heritage carrots and parsnips.
49. Garlic Roasted Potatoes
This dish checks all of the holiday boxes — it’s colorful, flavorful and easy. It’s so user-friendly that it’s destined to become a weekly menu staple.
50. Crockpot Stuffing with Wild Rice and Cranberries
At holiday time, when oven space is at a premium, dust off that crock pot! This rice-based stuffing just cooks away in the corner while the oven is packed with other goodies.
51. Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
Carrots are a go-to holiday veggie but what about the lesser known and under-appreciated parsnip? In this tasty side dish duo, the carrots share their spotlight and the results are delicious.
52. Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
This recipe is so easy, so healthy and so accessible, it should be in everyone’s vegetable side dish rotation. There, I said it. Someone had to.
Vegan Christmas Desserts
53. Vegan Pumpkin Gingerbread Pie
If you make a holiday dessert that contains both pumpkin and gingerbread, you’ve effectively killed two birds with one stone. The filling comes together in a blender—it doesn’t get much easier than that.
54. White Chocolate Cranberry Casserole
The dessert casserole has finally arrived, just in time for the holidays. Rich white chocolate mousse, vanilla cake and tart cranberries make for the perfect ending to a festive meal.
55. Gingerbread Vegan Christmas Trifle
Even if everyone’s patting their middles after the holiday feast, they’ll still snatch up a gingerbread trifle. Gingerbread cake, cinnamon-maple custard and butterscotch sauce — too much yumminess to resist.
56. Baked Eggnog Cheesecake Bites
“But I couldn’t eat another bite!” Oh yeah? How about an eggnog cheesecake bite? Granola and date crust, holiday-spiced filling topped with coconut cream? “On second thought, don’t mind if I do.”
57. Cinnamon Maple Pie
Take three simple ingredients — almonds, coconut and maple syrup. Then, do some simple, behind the scenes culinary magic and you have a dessert everyone will adore.
58. Creme de Menthe Squares
Need something for holiday gift giving? Everyone loves chocolate and mint, and this recipe makes a huge batch that can be easily cut into perfect little squares.
59. Chocolate Hazelnut Tart
What could be more decadent and celebration-worthy than a chocolate and hazelnut tart? Chocolate lovers unite and demand satisfaction — accept nothing less on your dessert plate.
60. Marshmallow Fluff Cake
If someone offered you a piece of marshmallow fluff cake, the only reasonable answer would be a resounding yes. Aquafaba is the secret ingredient that makes this vegan dream come true.
61. Vegan Biscoff Tart (No-bake)
Sometimes, alone at night, I hear the wind whisper…biscoff. This no-bake tart has a biscoff crust and a gooey, biscoff-white chocolate filling. I’m here to say, biscoff cookie fantasies can come true.
62. Chocolate Irish Whiskey Tart
Here’s a riddle — what’s made from chocolate, avocados and Irish whiskey? Only one of the tastiest desserts you’ll ever try and it’s vegan and gluten-free.
63. Mint Cream & Brownie Pie
Ah, the classic flavors of mint and chocolate. This vegan grasshopper pie is a cool and creamy delight and is a snap to make.
64. Apple Bundt Cake
This apple bundt cake has the best of both worlds — homemade applesauce and chunks of apple. Add on that coconut caramel and it’s officially out of this world.
65. White Chocolate Cranberry Tart
This dessert is just too pretty, Y’all. The red cranberry sweetness layered with white chocolate cream, all in crumbly crisp crust. So gorgeous you won’t believe you made it.
66. Chocolate Peppermint Cake
What could be more festive than a fudgy chocolate cake with peppermint frosting? Anyone at the table can enjoy it because it’s vegan AND gluten-free!
67. Eggnog Cheesecake Tart
For the most wonderful time of the year is an equally wonderful treat. With a cinnamon-walnut crust, this eggnog cheesecake tart is so light and creamy, it’s the perfect last bite in a holiday feast.
68. Gingerbread Cupcakes with Eggnog Frosting
The warm spices of the gingerbread cake coupled with the rich creaminess of eggnog frosting make these cupcakes irresistible. Add on some festive sprinkles and you are holiday ready.
69. Gingerbread Cranberry Orange Cheesecake
Orange and cranberries have always been good friends but when orange introduced gingerbread to cranberries, they became an unstoppable trio of flavor. This cheesecake looks great and tastes even better.
…More vegan Christmas desserts
Vegan Christmas Cookies
70. Vegan Gingerbread Man Cookies
Help! I’m running and running as fast as I can but there’s an old lady with oven mitts and an apron yelling something about me being delicious. You’ll save me, right?
71. Vegan Linzer Cookies
No holiday cookie plate is complete without Linzer cookies. That cutout showing off the bright red raspberry jam makes them just too tempting for words.
72. Gingerbread Biscotti
Pour a steaming cup of coffee and grab a piece of gingerbread biscotti. Ah, it smells like holiday joy, with the cinnamon, allspice and cloves.
73. Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies
Invited to a holiday cookie swap but you’re at a loss as to what to bring? These are a great option. Festive, colorful and they pack a surprising peppermint punch.
74. Vegan Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies — they’re a back-to-the-basics treat that must be in your repertoire. Easy to make with that old fashioned taste. Don’t ever change, Shortbread. We love you just the way you are.
75. Linzer Cookies with Citrus Curd
Talk about unique! Linzer cookies with the refreshing citrus flavors of lemon and grapefruit. They’re gluten-free — so come one come all, cookie lovers, and enjoy.
76. Mini Pumpkin Spice Cookies
The dangerous thing about these pumpkin spice chocolate chip bite-sized cookies is that you before you know it, you’ve downed several handfuls. Aww, but are so adorable and tasty, who’d even notice?
77. Vegan Chocolate Red Velvet Cookies
These chocolate-dipped red velvet cookies are pillow-soft like cupcakes but are much easier to eat. So easy to eat, in fact, that you might need to make two batches!
78. Vanilla Crescents
Much has been written about the dangers of cookie addiction. There’s no question that these delightfully simple vanilla crescents are a gateway cookie, one that will surely lead down a path to more baking.
79. Speculaas Cookies
Talk about a Dutch treat! Speculaas cookies are sweet and spicy and taste like the holidays. They’re perfect for gift giving, if you manage not to eat them all yourself.
80. Peanut Butter Madeleines
Delicate, dainty and delicious, these chocolate and peanut butter madeleines are lovely to behold and will tempt any holiday guest — so make a bunch!
81. Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
This recipe takes a yummy shortbread cookie and gussies it up by adding orange, cranberry and crunchy almonds. Voila! A shortbread triumph fit for your next holiday gathering.
82. White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Cookies
Got a vegan and gluten-free pal coming over? In less than 20 minutes, you can have a batch of white chocolate, cranberry and pistachio cookies hot from the oven, ready to serve.
83. White Chocolate Macademia Cookies
Has the world gone mad? How can something that’s gluten-free, oil-free, refined sugar-free and vegan be so doggone good? These white chocolate macadamia nut cookies do so much with so little.
…More vegan Christmas cookies
Vegan Christmas Appetizers
84. Vegan Cheesy Garlic Star Bread
Want jaws to drop this holiday season? Present your guests with a show-stopping homemade herbed star bread. It’s a riff on a Swedish celebratory bread and is all about tearing and sharing.
85. Vegan Christmas Fruit Salad
Colorful, festive and healthy; this Christmas fruit salad can be a great starter to your menu. There’s no need to fill up your guests’ bellies too much before the main meal! It also works great as a light dessert.
86. Carrots in a Blanket
For an adorable holiday hors d’oeuvre, swap out the pigs and make carrots in a blanket. You’ll be so glad those little piggies stayed home.
87. Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushrooms…what can’t they do? In this recipe they’re the earthy vessel filled with a delectable herby cheese stuffing. So easy to make and great as an appetizer.
88. Roasted Sweet Potato Bites with Guacamole (gluten-free)
Need an attractive and simple appetizer for your Thanksgiving feast? These little sweet potato guacamole bites are a flavor combination you never knew you needed.
89. Vegan Holiday Wreath Appetizer
Don’t be modest. Even though this wreath appetizer looks complicated, you’ll know deep down it was actually really easy to make. What your guests don’t know won’t hurt them!
Vegan Christmas Drinks
90. Cranberry Mimosa
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage, Cranberry Mimosa! She’s a tart little number, bubbly and sweet, and will help ensure everyone has a most merry holiday.
91. Iced Cinnamon Whiskey Chai
If someone told you that a drink existed with cinnamon, whiskey and chai, you’d search high and low for it. Here it is and it’s just as good as you knew it would be.
92. Vegan Almond Joy Martini
One of the best things about adulthood is being able to turn candy bars into mixed drinks. This Almond Joy Martini is dairy-free and grownup approved.
93. Caramel Apple Mocktail
Festive, fun and appropriate for all ages, these caramel apple mocktails taste like heaven in a glass and will liven up any gathering of merry-makers.
94. Bourbon Spiked Hot Apple Cider
If you want your whole house to smell like the holidays, put a batch of mulled apple cider on the stove. Spike some with bourbon, pour it in a glass and get the party started.
95. Vegan Christmas Punch
In my holiday finest, whilst under the mistletoe, casually sipping my Christmas punch, twinkling lights all aglow. Six ounces of rum provides the fun but whoops that was for 10, not only one.
96. Pumpkin Pie Martini
You don’t need to wait until after the meal to have this version of pumpkin pie. In five minutes you can be toasting the holidays while the feast is still in the oven.
97. Cranberry Hot Toddy
This’ll cure what ails you. It’s like mulled wine, only with cranberry juice. Warm winter spices and a splash of bourbon make this a perfect brew for sipping in front of the holiday fire.
98. Gingerbread Martini
Being dairy-free doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun holiday cocktail. This gingerbread martini tastes like the most wonderful time of the year and is incredibly easy to make.
99. Vegan White Russian
This vegan version of the classic White Russian is nothing but fun. Coconut milk works great and the chocolate rim with crushed candy canes is genius.
100. Spiced Orange Coquito
By swapping out the raw eggs and dairy, it’s easy to make a vegan Coquito, that luscious Puerto Rican eggnog. This version is fragrant and light, perfect for a holiday celebration.
101. Vegan Butterbeer
Put your wands away, you won’t need them to conjure this vegan version of butterbeer! It can be made with or without whisky, in case any littler wizards want a sip.
102. Gingerbread Hot Cocoa
The perfect way to end a perfect day. Before bed, treat yourself to this wonderfully festive hot cocoa. Sweet dreams; see you next year.
…More vegan Christmas drinks
Vegan Christmas FAQ
Vegans can choose to eat meat and dairy-free versions of traditional Christmas dinners like roasts, casseroles, potatoes, and roasted vegetables. Try veganizing your family’s Christmas recipes using plant-based ingredients in place of meat, dairy, and eggs.
For vegans looking for a traditional main dish centerpiece for Christmas, homemade seitan or roast, vegan Wellington, or a store-bought vegan roast (like Tofurky) are great alternatives to turkey. For a more vegetable-forward dish, try a veggie casserole, lentil loaf, or whole-roasted cauliflower.
Serving 12 meatless dishes on Christmas Eve is a Ukrainian tradition to symbolize the 12 Apostles. Families fast during the day, then after sundown partake in small portions of each of the 12 dishes like borscht, cabbage buns, mushrooms, gravy, and pudding.
Not many traditional Christmas dishes and desserts are vegan, but vegans can enjoy meat, dairy, and egg-free versions of these dishes made with vegan recipes, order ready-made meals from vegan restaurants, or purchase store-bought treats like Christmas cookies and chocolates.
Some good vegan Christmas side dishes include mashed potatoes made with plant milk and vegan butter, roasted winter vegetables like squash and onions, and vegan versions of your favorite family recipes. Christmas dishes vary by location and cultural background too.
What are your favorite Vegan Christmas Dinner Recipes?
Let me know in the comments!
80+ Divine Vegan Christmas Dinner Recipes - Full Menu
Ingredients
- mushroom seitan roast
- roasted Brussels sprouts
- Christmas fruit salad
- gingerbread pumpkin pie
- coconut rum snowballs
Instructions
- Choose your favorite vegan Christmas meals from the list.
- Click on the name to get to the recipe.
- Happy cooking and Merry Christmas!
can’t wait to make these for my meat-eater in-laws 😛
Awesome collection.
Thank you Ipsa! 🙂
YUMM
Thank you so much!!!!
What an amazing list of delicious recipes. If only I could make them all
Thank you
Thank you.It’s hard to choose. I’m the one in charge of Christmas dinner this year and will definitely make some of these!
I’ve been looking for a vegan French onion soup recipe for so long, super glad I’ve finally found one! Can’t wait to give it a try once I have some time for cooking. 🙂
delicious looking excited I will try over Christmas!!
thank you
I wish I could make all these meals for Christmas, everything looks amazing!