35 Vegan Christmas Dinner Ideas Everyone Will Enjoy in 2025
With plant-based eating exploding in popularity, vegan Christmas dinners have evolved far beyond simple roasted vegetables and nut roasts. Instead, vegans can now indulge in a host of festive fare, from flavorful canapés and appetizers to delightful mains and scrumptious desserts that all your guests will be tempted to try.
Whether you're hosting long-time vegans or simply want to add something different to the classic round-up of holiday dishes, this collection of vegan Christmas dinner ideas perfectly showcases the versatility and creativity of cooking without animal products. Best of all, these vegan Christmas recipes are easy to prepare on top of being decadently delicious.
Ready to explore all that plant-based festive cooking has to offer? Then dive into our list of vegan Christmas recipes that will make your holiday feast a true celebration for everyone!
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The 35 Best Vegan Christmas Recipes
1. Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts shine during the holiday season and there are many ways to prepare these vibrant green vegetables other than simply steaming or boiling them. One excellent option is sautéed Brussels sprouts with vegan butter used in place of regular butter, making the dish enjoyable for everyone.
This vegan Christmas dinner recipe sees the sprouts sautéed with garlic, black pepper, vegetable stock and soy sauce. Bright and fresh pomegranate seeds are sprinkled as a final touch to add a fruity pop of flavor and make the dish look extra appealing as part of your vegan Christmas dinner spread.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes
2. Vegan Pot Pie
A vegan pot pie combines comfort and flavor, making it a perfect vegan Christmas dinner centerpiece that even meat eaters will want a slice of. This warming dish includes a variety of vegetables and chickpeas cooked in a creamy coconut sauce.
This tasty filling is packed inside a flaky and golden pastry crust. Best of all, with minimal hands-on cooking needed, this dish allows you to focus on enjoying fun Christmas activities with your guests while it cooks.
Recipe Steps: 9
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
3. Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes are a holiday essential and you or your guests don’t have to miss out on this classic due to eating plant-based. Made with vegan butter and a good amount of salt and black pepper, vegan mashed potatoes are lusciously creamy and can be garnished with a range of additional ingredients, such as chives or green onions. Feel free to stir in a little plant-based milk as well for an extra hit of creaminess.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes
4. Roasted Kabocha Squash
If you’re looking for potluck ideas, roasted kabocha squash is a unique addition to bring to any holiday event. This sweet and nutty vegan Christmas dinner recipe is tasty, visually stunning and works well alongside an array of main dishes.
The squash is seasoned with a delicious blend of maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, garlic and soy sauce, resulting in a caramelized exterior and soft and creamy interior. This crowd-pleasing dish perfectly highlights the simplicity and complex flavors that can be achieved with vegan Christmas dishes.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 40 minutes
5. Vegan Cookies
When planning a vegan Christmas dinner menu, you can’t forget desserts! While somewhat simple, vegan cookies make a wonderful addition to any holiday spread and can be enjoyed by all your guests.
Some great options for your vegan Christmas dinner dessert table include vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and vegan sugar cookies which can be decorated with all kinds of fun and festive designs. These recipes also work great for other holiday events where you may need vegan options, such as a cookie exchange or a Christmas cookie decorating party.
Recipe Steps: Varies based on recipe
Total Recipe Time: 20+ minutes
6. Vegan Meatloaf
This hearty vegan Christmas dinner dish is a fantastic substitute for a traditional roast. Made with plant-based ground meat (which could be switched for a whole food option like lentils), vegan meatloaf retains much of the taste and texture of a traditional meatloaf.
Other delicious ingredients include various spices, such as chile powder, onion powder and oregano, plus vegetables like onions and bell peppers. The result is a wonderfully flavorful vegan Christmas dinner dish that goes perfectly with other classic vegan dishes for Xmas, including plant-based versions of mashed potatoes and gravy.
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 2 hours
7. BBQ Jackfruit
BBQ jackfruit is a smoky, tangy addition to your vegan Christmas dinner feast. Often used as a meat substitute, jackfruit mimics the texture of pulled pork, making it a crowd-pleaser even among meat eaters.
This vegan Christmas dinner dish is also relatively easy to prepare and goes well with many side dishes, including classic Christmas dinner sides and Southern sides like plant-based versions of cornbread, biscuits or macaroni and cheese.
Recipe Steps: 12
Total Recipe Time: 45 minutes
8. Vegan Mushroom Gravy
Rich and umami-packed, vegan mushroom gravy is the ultimate topping for other vegan Christmas dinner favorites like mashed potatoes, stuffing or roasted vegetables. Made with sautéed mushrooms, shallots, white miso paste and vegetable broth, plus flavorful thyme, this gravy adds comforting depth to any meal.
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes
9. Pepper Salad
Brighten up your holiday table with a colorful pepper salad. This unique vegan Christmas dinner side dish features red, orange and yellow bell peppers which have been cooked down with aromatic sage, oregano and fresh basil. The dish is then sprinkled with roasted pine nuts to add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes
10. Firecracker Meatballs
Bring some heat to your holiday table with firecracker meatballs. These flavor-filled vegan appetizers include high-protein red beans (although most beans will work in this recipe) combined with onion, garlic, oregano and crushed red chile pepper. They can be served as is or coated with a sauce of your choice, such as marinara sauce or a sweet, salty and spicy Korean barbecue sauce.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 45 minutes
11. Lemon Curd Tart
Add a bright, citrusy finish to your meal by serving a lemon curd tart. This vegan Christmas dinner recipe features a fresh lemon curd made with coconut cream and cornstarch instead of eggs and butter.
The curd is all nestled in a buttery and sweet vegan shortbread crust and can be served as is or topped with berries. This dessert is visually sophisticated and has a light and tangy flavor that’s the perfect complement to heavier vegan Christmas dinner dishes.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 50 minutes
12. Brown Sugar Sweet Potatoes
Sweet and caramelized, brown sugar sweet potatoes are spiced with cinnamon and sweetened with both brown sugar and maple syrup, resulting in a classic holiday side everyone can indulge in.
The addition of vegan butter and a sprinkling of salt adds a savory touch that perfectly balances out the sugary flavor profile. Best of all, this vegan Christmas dinner recipe is quick and easy to prepare, with your oven doing most of the work.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 50 minutes
13. Vegan Mushroom Soup
While the main course is often at the forefront of planning a Christmas menu, delicious appetizers shouldn’t be overlooked. For a warming option that will appeal to vegans and non-vegans alike, opt for a creamy vegan mushroom soup.
You can add your favorite type of mushrooms, with this recipe using cremini mushrooms, which will be cooked down with shallots, garlic and thyme. Vegetable stock and coconut milk are then added along with nutritional yeast and liquid aminos to create a savory and umami flavor profile. Thickened with chickpea flour, this comforting soup is also gluten-free.
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 40 minutes
14. Harvest Salad
Not all Christmas dishes need to be overly heavy. When looking for lighter vegan Christmas dinner menu options, a fresh dish like a harvest salad can be the perfect choice. This particular recipe sees crisp and fruity pears, ideally Asian or Bartlett varieties, Honeycrisp apples, tart pomegranate seeds and fuyu persimmon served on a bed of arugula.
It’s all coated in a classic dressing of balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard and fresh garlic. This vegan Christmas dinner recipe will not only appeal to all of your guests but is also easily customizable, with the option to switch out the fruits or dressing ingredients with personal favorites.
Recipe Steps: 14
Total Recipe Time: 15 minutes
15. Lemon Kale Salad
Zesty and crunchy, a lemon kale salad is another excellent vegan Christmas dinner option if you’re looking to put a twist on the classic holiday menu. Fresh kale is coated in a lemon, Dijon mustard and olive oil dressing and is finished with a sprinkling of toasted pine nuts and finely diced hot peppers, if desired, plus vegan Parmesan or a touch of nutritional yeast.
This is notably an easy recipe to please all guests as you can prepare the base salad and then serve two variations: one with regular Parmesan and one with a vegan alternative. Adding some crunchy roasted chickpeas is also recommended as a customization to the initial recipe.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 40 minutes
16. Vegan Potato Soup
Creamy vegan potato soup is a cozy and satisfying vegan Christmas dinner appetizer that’s simple to prepare and can be enjoyed by all guests. Loaded with potatoes and other hearty vegetables like carrots, celery and onions, it’s all cooked down in savory vegetable stock and creamy coconut milk along with fresh pepper, oregano, bay leaves and garlic powder. Once cooked, simply blend and serve with croutons or crusty bread.
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 35 minutes
17. Maple-Glazed Carrots
Give traditional sides a delightful twist by serving up maple-glazed carrots. Another of many vegan Christmas dinner recipes that will appeal to all guests, this simple yet flavor-packed dish includes carrots that are roasted to perfection with maple syrup, garlic and vegan butter.
Garnished with crunchy pecans, this is not only an easy-to-prepare vegan Christmas recipe but also an elegant addition to your holiday table.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 20 minutes
18. Vegan Stuffing
For many, stuffing is an integral part of Christmas dinner and you or your guests don’t have to miss out on account of eating plant-based. While you can easily adapt most stuffing recipes, such as classic sage and onion stuffing, by simply swapping butter for vegan butter, whipping up a vegan stuffing is a great idea if you want a vegan Christmas dinner side dish that’s a little unique.
This twist on traditional stuffing features sourdough bread combined with various roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots and mushrooms. It’s briefly cooked down with vegetable broth before baking and is enhanced by a selection of herbs, including rosemary, thyme and tarragon.
Dried cranberries can also be stirred in for added color and festive flavor. The ingredients and cooking method result in a delicious vegan Christmas dinner dish that’s moist inside and golden and crispy on top.
Recipe Steps: 9
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
19. Baked Candied Sweet Potatoes
Candied sweet potatoes are a holiday classic and are easy to transform into a vegan Christmas dinner dish with just a few ingredient switches. Tossed with brown sugar, cinnamon and plant-based butter in place of dairy butter, the sweet potatoes are baked until caramelized and tender.
Depending on your taste preferences, you can also add dried cranberries, pecans or walnuts to this vegan Christmas recipe for additional sweetness and crunch.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 55 minutes
20. Vegan Artichoke and Spinach Dip
Dips are always excellent party foods and are the ideal dish to put out for people to graze while you work on the main Christmas meal. To ensure your plant-based guests have something to snack on, whip up a vegan artichoke and spinach dip.
The star ingredients of baby spinach and marinated artichokes are complemented by shallots, garlic, lemon juice and a dash of nutritional yeast. Crushed red pepper flakes add a touch of heat while vegan cream cheese (which could be switched for cashew cream or silken tofu) creates spinach dip’s signature creamy texture. Serve with crackers or bread for an irresistible vegan Christmas appetizer that will be eaten up in no time!
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 35 minutes
21. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Seasoned and grilled to perfection, cauliflower steaks are an impressive and healthy vegan Christmas dinner main dish. The neutral flavor profile of the cauliflower is enhanced by a vibrant chermoula sauce which includes cumin, cilantro, lemon juice and garlic among other fragrant ingredients. This vegan Christmas dinner idea pairs well with light and fresh sides like salads or rice dishes.
Recipe Steps: 9
Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes
22. Apple Cranberry Sauce
The perfect accompaniment for many vegan Christmas dishes, this sweet and tangy sauce combines fresh apples and tart cranberries with cinnamon and brown sugar. Apple cranberry sauce is also a great dish to prepare ahead of time if you’re looking to get as many dishes ready as possible before the main event.
Recipe Steps: 4
Total Recipe Time: 15 minutes
23. Vegan Apple Crisp
Another delicious dessert to add to your vegan Christmas dinner menu is a comforting vegan apple crisp. This seasonal sweet treat includes Golden Delicious apples that are cooked down in vegan butter, cinnamon and brown sugar. Apple cider is also added for an extra hit of apple flavor.
Once the filling is ready, it’s covered in a crispy streusel topping which includes pecans and walnuts that pair perfectly with the sweet, cinnamon apple mixture. Simply cook until golden and bubbling and serve with plant-based vanilla ice cream for a warming vegan Christmas dinner dessert everyone will want a taste of.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
24. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
There are many hearty vegan Christmas dinner recipes to choose from, with a comforting vegan shepherd’s pie being another top option. This indulgent and warming recipe features a savory filling of lentils and various vegetables mixed with umami miso paste, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast and lots of fragrant herbs.
It's topped with garlic cauliflower mash which can easily be switched for a classic potato mash. Once prepared, simply bake until golden, serve and wait for your guests to request a copy of this delightful vegan Christmas recipe!
Recipe Steps: 15
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
25. Fried Oyster Mushrooms
Crispy and flavorful, fried oyster mushrooms are a fun and unique appetizer that all your guests will be tempted to try. This fan-favorite Christmas party food comprises meaty oyster mushrooms covered in a delicious coating of ingredients like vegan bouillon powder, smoked paprika and crunchy panko. Simply coat the mushrooms, fry and serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as vegan chipotle mayonnaise.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes
26. Sweet Potato Gnocchi With Mushroom Pesto Sauce
If you’re looking for sophisticated dinner party ideas that are also vegan, sweet potato gnocchi with mushroom pesto sauce is the vegan Christmas dinner recipe for you. Perfect for gatherings throughout the festive season, including your Christmas day meal, this delicious recipe features pillowy homemade sweet potato gnocchi coated in a vegan pesto sauce and white wine mushroom topping complete with fresh and fragrant thyme.
Recipe Steps: 15
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour
27. Rosemary Potatoes
While mashed potatoes are the most popular preparation of potatoes during the holidays in the U.S., roast potatoes are a delicious option if you’re looking to slightly steer away from the classics. Roasted with oil and then coated with fresh, fragrant rosemary, a touch of lemon zest and a sprinkling of salt, rosemary potatoes are crispy and aromatic, making them a versatile side for any vegan Christmas dinner main dish.
Variations include frying the potatoes in oil on the stove instead of roasting them in the oven and smashing the potatoes once parboiled instead of simply chopping and roasting, creating extra crispy edges once cooked.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 40 minutes
28. Vegan Gumbo
Featuring all the warming flavors of the classic recipe, this Creole-inspired vegan Christmas dinner dish is rich in flavor and healthy ingredients. Delicious vegetables like okra and celery are paired with red beans and jackfruit in a smoky and flavorful tomato sauce packed with spices, including cayenne pepper, smoked paprika and cumin.
Once ready, serve over fluffy white rice and garnish with scallions. Along with being a great vegan Christmas dinner recipe for your main meal, vegan gumbo is a comforting option for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day supper.
Recipe Steps: 12
Total Recipe Time: 2 hours
29. Tomato Confit
Whether you’re looking for vegan Christmas dinner appetizers or delicious and elegant snacks to put out at a Christmas cocktail party, tomato confit is an ideal choice that’s 100% plant-based. Fresh tomatoes are slow-roasted down with olive oil, salt and garlic to create a delectable bruschetta-style topping.
The addition of thyme in this particular vegan Christmas dinner recipe adds a unique twist to more classic pairings like tomato and basil. Serve the tomato confit alongside grilled bread that has been rubbed with a little extra garlic before toasting for a delicious snack that goes perfectly with a cold glass of white wine.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (most of which is roasting time)
30. Vegan Stew
Looking for another hearty vegan Christmas dinner main dish? If so, you’ll want to add vegan stew to your recipe repertoire. Loaded with vegetables, chickpeas and tempeh, this vegan Christmas dinner recipe is perfect for a warming meal.
You can also add a little extra heat to this recipe by stirring in diced jalapeños and it’s highly customizable, allowing you to switch out the vegetables or plant-based proteins with your preferred choices.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour
31. Pumpkin Curry Soup
For a vegan Christmas dinner appetizer that you can serve to all your guests, whip up a pumpkin curry soup. In this comforting recipe, pumpkin is cooked down with vegetable stock, curry powder and coconut milk to create a creamy and fragrant soup. To ensure the recipe is plant-based, use oil over butter or ghee and finish with some coconut cream instead of dairy cream.
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes
32. Vegan Eggplant Parmesan
Add an Italian-inspired twist to your vegan Christmas dinner menu by serving vegan eggplant Parmesan. Panko-crusted eggplant, which is crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, is coated in a rich and flavorful homemade marinara sauce before being sprinkled generously with melty vegan cheese. The result is an indulgent vegan Christmas dinner comfort food that will leave your plant-based guests full and satisfied.
Recipe Steps: 9
Total Recipe Time: 55 minutes
33. Vegan Paella
Another great internationally-inspired vegan Christmas dinner dish to consider is a vegan paella. Like the traditional dish, it features perfectly cooked rice that is flavored with paprika, saffron and broth (in this case, vegetable broth). Vibrant vegetables like piquillo peppers and green beans are also added and it's served with lemon wedges and a drizzle of Spanish olive oil.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 40 minutes
34. Instant Pot Artichokes
Keep your vegan Christmas dinner menu simple yet delicious with a quick dish like Instant Pot artichokes. Ideal as a starter or a main on your vegan Christmas dinner table, this easy-to-prepare plant-based option sees artichokes trimmed of stems and larger leaves before being placed in an Instant Pot to steam until tender. Once ready, serve with lemon, melted vegan butter or a vegan garlic mayonnaise or aioli.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 13 minutes
35. Christmas Cocktails
All these tasty vegan Christmas dinner dishes also need some delicious and festive beverages to accompany them. Whether you’re hosting a large group or celebrating with a few close loved ones, having a fun Christmas cocktail menu is sure to make your event even merrier!
From cute and quirky Grinch punch spiked with vodka to sophisticated pomegranate martinis or warming whiskey-based Irish mules, the options are endless. Offering a few simple beverages like a classic prosecco mimosa or elegant but easy cotton candy champagne will keep all your guests happy.
Just remember to check that all the alcohol you use is vegan — yes, that’s a thing! — before serving up to strict plant-based guests.
Recipe Steps: Varies
Total Recipe Time: 5 minutes+
Elevate Your Christmas Meal With Culinary Experiences
Preparing a holiday meal can be stressful, especially if you’re cooking new things like vegan Christmas dinner dishes. To make your holiday feast easy to prepare and memorable to eat, consider taking some online vegan cooking classes before the main event to brush up on your plant-based cooking skills and learn new tips, tricks and recipes.
If you’d prefer to learn with a professional chef in person, you can find many plant-based and holiday-themed cooking classes near you that will teach you how to cook a range of delightful recipes. Alternatively, leave the cooking to the pros by hiring a private chef near you who can whip up a tasty, multi-course vegan Christmas dinner without you needing to lift a finger.
These days, plant-based eaters don’t have to miss out on the delicious festive food the holiday season is loved for. This extensive list of the best vegan Christmas dinner recipes should have shown you just how many options there are, from impressive appetizers to warming mains and decadent desserts.
Whether you’re indulging in these vegan Christmas dinner dishes yourself or serving them up to your guests, they’re sure to impress — just don’t forget the festive cocktails to accompany them!
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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