The best vegetarian and vegan Christmas recipe ideas

Christmas menu sorted.

Roasted tofu and miso sweet potato with vegan gravy (p105)

Tradition may dictate that roast turkey, glazed ham and seafood dishes are classic mainstays on the Christmas table – and yet, many families are turning over a new leaf (spinach, probably) when it comes to Christmas menu planning. 

I’m here to propose that you can absolutely have a vegetarian Christmas spread that’s just as satisfying as any meatier menu  (and even an entirely vegan-friendly festive feast). Don’t panic – you don’t have to miss out on dessert, either.  

What’s the biggest food trend for Christmas 2024?

Our community’s recipe searches tell us that you’re as hungry for plant-powered recipes as I am. ‘Vegetarian dinner recipes’ is the top rising search on taste.com.au.

So, it stands to reason that vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes (and vegetarian Christmas lunch recipes!) will be huge this year. Plus, with more of us looking for ways to reduce the cost of our celebrations this year, skipping the seafood, trading out the turkey, and handing back the ham might just be the way to go. No meat? No worries. 

Here’s how to have a meat-free Christmas (without sacrificing flavour or festive flair)

My family has been opting to eat a Christmas lunch made up of vegan and vegetarian festive dishes for many years now – and, believe me when I tell you, none of us have ever ended the day feeling peckish.

Once you’ve perused my favourite plant-based Christmas table toppers below, you’ll be hitting those high notes and singing: ‘All I want for Christmas is tofuuu, baby.’ Possibly not, but I think you’ll love these vegetarian and vegan Christmas dishes that range from the substantial to the refreshing – each of them brimming with flavour and Christmas cheer.

Vegan sweet treats for Christmas snacking 

These classic Christmas sweets have been given a plant-based, vegan-friendly spin (and we swear your most carnivorous rellies won’t even know it). 

• Gingerbread: vegans need not miss out on the joy of these ginger-spiked biccies. Here’s our vegan gingerbread recipe that’s as good as the ‘real’ deal.
• Fudge: while vegetarians can indulge in the distinct pleasure that is a toothsome piece of fudge, vegans often miss out on this dairy-based treat. Not this year! Try our vegan coconut caramel fudge and watch eyes light up as it arrives on the dessert table.

• Cheesecake: while we have plenty of vegan ‘cheesecake’ recipes on taste.com.au, these bite-sized cheesecakes use your ice-cube tray (meaning they free up space in your fridge) and make great finger food on a balmy day. You can make these ahead of time, too.
• Gingerbread doughnuts: these vegan gingerbread doughnuts are ideal for the health-conscious guests at your Christmas parties, and were developed by our (aptly named) nutritionist, Chrissy. 

Vegetarian and vegan Christmas lunch and dinner recipes

Aside from a bevy of delicious sides – think fresh salads, garlicky green beans, roast potatoes and honeyed carrots – there are plenty of recipes that put veggies in the spotlight. No longer an afterthought, these plant-based dishes are a main event. Step aside, Christmas ham. Here are the kind of vegetarian and vegan recipes you’ll see on my Christmas table this year.

• Vegan stuffed roast pumpkin recipe: two words = show stopper. This stuffed roasted pumpkin is as decorative as it is delicious. No one is missing out when this vibrant dish arrives on the table. Similarly, our veganducken (you read that right) is a robustly flavoured, full-bodied meal for the meat-averse at your Christmas lunch.

• Vegetarian haloumi Christmas quiche: one for the vegos, this festive quiche is cheesy, hearty and has a satisfyingly flaky crust. It never disappoints. 

• Vegan pesto gnocchi: if you, like me, enjoy a theme, this Christmas-coloured pesto gnocchi dish is a thematic and flavourful addition to your spread.

• Roasted tofu with miso sweet potato and vegan gravy: this well-rounded umami-rich tofu dish puts a spin on tradition with tofu as the MVP. And don’t get me started on that silky gravy. It would make Paul Kelly proud.

• Vegan vegetable tarts: filo, roasted pumpkin, sage and fennel tartlets with walnuts and rocket pesto are fuller than Santa’s sack of gifts and brimming with flavour.
• Whole roasted cauliflower: also known as the vegan dream dish, the whole roasted cauliflower with hummus and green herb dressing is a centrepiece that’ll disappear quickly.

Vegan desserts for Christmas celebrations

Dairy-free, egg-free desserts need not be flavour or fun free – and thes plant-based desserts are out to prove it. Here are the summer desserts vegans will be delighted to see on your sweets table this festive season.

• Vegan choc ripple cake: it’s hard to believe this ultra-creamy ripple cake is plant-based, but thanks to vegan-friendly cream and accidentally vegan chocolate ripple biscuits, this cake is a winner.
• Vegan lemon cheesecake: ‘cheese’ may not be a word you associate with a vegan lifestyle – and yet, this incredible cashew-based cake tastes – dare we say — just as good as a cream-cheese based lemon cheesecake. Trust us and try it.
• Vegan pavlova: is it even Christmas time if you haven’t bitten into a crispy pavlova meringue with a soft, sweet centre? We think not. Here’s an ingenious way to make vegan pavlova.

Egg-free mini berry pavlovas

• Lemon and lime vegan tarts: fruity and tart, uh, tarts, our vegan lemon and lime desserts are zesty and (might we suggest) a lovely pairing for a mojito or a pina colada on a warm summer’s day.

Originally published as The best vegetarian and vegan Christmas recipe ideas