52+ Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes

Brittany MullinsUpdated Oct 02, 2024
VGVegetarian

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Here I’m sharing a ton of vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes to inspire you as you plan your Thanksgiving menu this year. From vegetarian mains to sides and desserts!

Thanksgiving is less than a week away!?! That means we have about two weeks to shop for Hanukkah gifts and a little over a month for Christmas. Gah! How did this happen so quickly? I’m baffled, but truth be told I’m also super excited. I LOVE the holidays and I’m totally ready to spend Thanksgiving day with family eating lots of delicious things and then decorating for the holidays all weekend. So ready!

In the meantime I’ve been planning what to make for the big day, pinning like a madwoman and bookmarking some of my favorite healthy, vegetarian Thanksgiving finds.

From vegetarian mains to flavorful sides, celebratory drinks and desserts… I’ve got you covered with lots of ideas. Hopefully it will be a help for all of you who are making your Thanksgiving meal plan and shopping this weekend. I’m quite certain something in this post will strike your fancy.

Let’s get right to the delicious recipes – all 35 of them!!

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Appetizers

All good Thanksgiving meals start with a few tasty hors d’oeuvres. These light bites will keep everyone from getting ravenous before the main event.

A sweet potato bite topped with pomegranate arils, pecans and fresh thyme is in focus, surrounded by other bites that are not in focus.
1

Sweet Potato Bites

4.42 from 17 votes
Easy sweet potato bites made with roasted sweet potato rounds topped with whipped ricotta, pecans, pomegranate and honey. A festive, nutrient-packed appetizer that’s perfect for the holidays.
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A large plate of multiple dates that are stuffed with goat cheese and topped with chopped pecans and fresh thyme.
2

Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates

4.02 from 60 votes
These sweet and savory goat cheese stuffed dates topped with roasted pecans and fresh thyme are a quick and easy appetizer that everyone will love.
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Cute turkey thanksgiving veggies tray. Veggies formed to look like a cute turkey as a veggie tray, with a bowl of guacamole.
3

Thanksgiving Veggie Tray

4 from 2 votes
Need a healthy app to snack on before your Thanksgiving feast? Make a Thanksgiving themed turkey veggie tray. It's super easy to whip up, healthy and so cute!
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Plate with veggies and pita chips. On the plate is a bowl of everything bagel dip and a pita chip is in the dip.
4

Everything Bagel Dip

3.47 from 66 votes
This three ingredient everything bagel dip is the perfect appetizer to serve with fresh veggies, chips or crackers. It only takes about 10 mins to whip up and it can easily be made vegan.
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Almond flour crackers on a plate with hummus.
5

Almond Flour Crackers

4.60 from 223 votes
Homemade almond flour crackers with 4 simple ingredients: almond flour, water, ground flaxseed and sea salt. Rich, buttery, crunchy, gluten-free, vegan and perfect for dipping into hummus!
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Overhead photo of a bowl of beet hummus surrounded by various veggies for dipping.
6

Beet Hummus

4.43 from 14 votes
This bright and creamy beet hummus is made with roasted beet, chickpeas, tahini, garlic and lemon. It's subtly sweet, full of flavor and super easy to whip up. Serve it as a healthy appetizer or snack with veggies, crackers or pita or use it as a sandwich spread.
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A bowl of creamy hummus topped with olive oil, herbs, and spices.
7

Creamy Hummus

3.82 from 38 votes
Here's how to make perfectly smooth and creamy hummus at home! It's super easy to whip up — no peeling of chickpeas required. Serve with fresh veggies and pita for a delicious appetizer or snack.
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Vegetarian Thanksgiving Sides

Vegetarians know that Thanksgiving is all about the sides… so why not do it up and make a ton of delicious, veggie-packed sides for the table!

A large bowl of mashed potatoes garnished with fresh chives and a metal spoon in the mashed potatoes.
8

Healthy Mashed Potatoes

5 from 8 votes
These healthy mashed potatoes are made lighter with Greek yogurt and almond milk. They're still super creamy, flavorful and make for the perfect side dish for the holidays or any meal.
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A bowl of mashed cauliflower topped with chives. A serving spoon rests inside the bowl.
9

Mashed Cauliflower

4.60 from 20 votes
Swap potatoes for cauliflower with this healthy mashed cauliflower recipe! It's the perfect side dish and comes together quickly with only 6 ingredients. It's just as creamy and delicious as mashed potatoes, but has half the calories and one-third of the carbs.
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Sourdough stuffing in a serving dish with a serving spoon.
10

Sourdough Stuffing

5 from 4 votes
Easy sourdough stuffing recipe made with fresh herbs, vegetables, and golden sourdough bread cubes. A flavorful vegan side dish for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering.
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Wild rice stuffing in a serving bowl.
11

Wild Rice Stuffing

4.75 from 8 votes
This wild rice stuffing is packed with butternut squash, dried cherries and fresh herbs. It's a delicious gluten-free and vegan alternative to traditional stuffing and is the perfect addition to your holiday table.
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A serving dish containing cranberry sauce. A spoon rests at the top of the bowl and there are whole cranberries scattered around the bowl.
12

Healthy Cranberry Sauce

3.86 from 76 votes
This healthy cranberry sauce comes together in under 20 minutes with just a few simple ingredients. It’s bright, tangy, and so much better than anything store-bought.
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Cauliflower gratin in a baking dish with a serving spoon.
13

Cauliflower Gratin

4.78 from 18 votes
This cauliflower gratin bakes tender florets in a rich cheese sauce with a crisp topping. A vegetarian, low-carb side that works for weeknights or holidays.
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A spoonful of vegan mac and cheese being held overtop of a bowl filled with vegan mac and cheese.
14

Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe

4.31 from 23 votes
Creamy vegan mac and cheese made with a blended sauce of steamed potatoes, carrots, cashews and nutritional yeast. No dairy, no store-bought vegan cheese and no roux. It's easy to make, kid-approved and endlessly comforting.
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A baking dish containing healthy baked mac and cheese, some portions have been removed.
15

Healthy Baked Mac and Cheese

5 from 17 votes
This baked mac and cheese is made lighter with a combo of almond milk and vegetable broth and almond meal instead of breadcrumbs. It's creamy, cheesy, comforting and sure to become a new family favorite!
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A serving dish containing baked cauliflower mac and cheese.
16

Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

5 from 6 votes
Swap noodles for cooked cauliflower with this baked cauliflower mac and cheese! It’s low-carb and gluten-free while still being cheesy and delicious.
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A bowl of vegan butternut squash mac and cheese topped with fresh pepper and chives. A fork rests in the bowl.
17

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

5 from 15 votes
This butternut squash mac and cheese comes together in just 30 minutes. It's so creamy and delicious, no one will ever guess it's packed with veggies!
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A serving spoon resting in a white baking dish containing sweet potato casserole.
18

Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole

4.32 from 154 votes
This healthy sweet potato casserole is vegan, gluten-free, lower in sugar and made with a crunchy oatmeal pecan topping. It's the perfect side dish for your holiday meal.
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Sweet potato casserole in a square baking dish with a portion missing in the corner where a metal spoon is.
19

Classic Sweet Potato Casserole

4.55 from 11 votes
This classic sweet potato casserole is topped with mini marshmallows and made with only 6 ingredients. It's creamy, delicious and the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving.
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An overhead photo of a serving dish holding green beans almondine. A serving fork and spoon lay across the green beans..
20

Green Beans Almondine

4.41 from 20 votes
This recipe for green beans almondine combines tender crisp green beans with caramelized shallots, toasted almonds and fresh parsley. It's a delicious side dish simple enough for a weeknight dinner, but fancy enough for a holiday meal!
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A large serving of roasted brussels sprouts and red onion on a white plate with a metal spoon to the side.
21

Apple Cider Vinegar Brussels Sprouts

3.76 from 53 votes
These apple cider vinegar brussels sprouts are the perfect side dish for just about any occasion. You'll love the savory, sweet apple cider vinegar sauce that the sprouts are roasted in! 
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Roasted root vegetables in a bowl.
22

Roasted Root Vegetables

4.44 from 32 votes
These roasted root vegetables are such an easy and healthy side dish for any meal. Sweet potatoes, carrots and onion are tossed with oil and herbs and roasted until tender and caramelized.
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Roasted balsamic Brussels sprouts on a large plate.
23

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

5 from 2 votes
Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts tossed in a balsamic maple glaze. This simple recipe makes the perfect healthy side dish for weeknights or holidays.
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Bowl and wooden spoon with quinoa stuffing made with cranberries and butternut squash.
24

Quinoa Stuffing

4.73 from 11 votes
This quinoa stuffing is loaded with butternut squash, mushrooms and herbs. It’s a healthy, savory gluten-free side dish to add to your Thanksgiving table.
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Vegetarian Thanksgiving Soups

Want to start your Thanksgiving meal with a cozy soup? These fall-inspired soups are sure to satisfy.

Pumpkin curry soup in a white serving bowl, topped with a coconut milk swirl, black pepper, and pumpkin seeds.
25

Pumpkin Curry Soup

4.45 from 20 votes
A creamy pumpkin curry soup made with coconut milk, pumpkin purée and white beans. It has the richest texture and tastes even better the next day.
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Butternut squash soup in a large pot garnished with coconut milk, pumpkin seeds, and fresh sage.
26

Butternut Squash Soup

4.93 from 27 votes
This butternut squash soup is super creamy and easy to make! It combines butternut squash with coconut milk, carrots, fresh ginger and sage for a delicious and comforting fall meal.
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Two bowls of carrot parsnip soup garnished with scallions and shredded gruyere cheese.
27

Carrot Parsnip Soup

4.53 from 17 votes
This carrot parsnip soup is creamy, flavorful and has a good amount of protein thanks to the quinoa! It's such a satisfying and delicious vegetarian soup. 
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An overhead photo of a spoon ladling out some soup from a bowl.
28

Sweet Potato Soup

3.71 from 34 votes
Vegan sweet potato soup made with coconut milk and spices for a velvety smooth, dairy-free broth. Cozy, nourishing, and so simple to make in one pot.
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Vegetarian Thanksgiving Salads

I personally love having something green on the table during our Thanksgiving meal and all of these salads are family-approved. I make the kale and brussels sprout salad every year!

Oval serving tray with kale and butternut salad. Wood salad tongs are beside the plate.
29

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

3.87 from 36 votes
This roasted butternut squash salad is loaded with kale, cranberries, walnuts and a tangy balsamic dressing. Naturally vegan, hearty and perfect for fall or holiday meals.
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Kale and brussels sprout salad in a bowl with serving spoons.
30

Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad

4.30 from 87 votes
This kale and Brussels sprout salad is filled with shredded kale and sprouts, cranberries, marinated onions, almonds and pecorino cheese. It's simple, fresh, and sure to be a family favorite!
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A serving of fig salad with arugula, figs, apple, goat cheese, and pecans.
31

Fig Salad

4.58 from 7 votes
An easy fig salad with arugula, chopped apples, dried cranberries, pecans and goat cheese topped with a delicious balsamic dressing. Perfect as a light lunch, side salad or topped with protein for a meal sized salad.
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An overhead photo of a bowl of kale topped with 3 slices of roasted kabocha squash and scattered with dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds and feta. A fork rests in the bowl.
32

Harvest Fall Salad

4.41 from 15 votes
This cozy fall salad combines baby kale, roasted kabocha squash, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds and feta all tossed in a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing.
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Overhead close up of vegan broccoli salad in a white bowl.
33

Vegan Broccoli Salad

4.69 from 16 votes
Vegan broccoli salad with a rich and creamy cashew dressing instead of mayo. This salad is crunchy, sweet and absolutely delicious, perfect for summer parties.
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A white plate with a serving of the Brussels sprout chopped salad.
34

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

4.73 from 11 votes
This shaved brussels sprout salad is made with hard boiled eggs, creamy goat cheese, dried cranberries and walnuts all tossed in a tangy dressing.
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Farro salad with arugula, beans, tomatoes and mozzarella in a serving bowl.
35

Farro Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

4.41 from 91 votes
This amazing farro salad features cannellini beans, fresh mozzarella, arugula and sun-dried tomatoes all tossed in a bright and delicious basil vinaigrette!
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An overhead photo looking down onto a serving dish containing green bean salad topped with fried shallots. A fork is resting next to the serving dish, as well as a blue linen dishcloth.
36

Green Bean Salad

3.75 from 28 votes
This light and refreshing green bean salad combines fresh green beans, dried cranberries, toasted nuts and fried shallots all tossed in an apple cider vinegar dressing. It comes together quickly and is such a tasty side dish!
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A serving of quinoa salad in a bowl with feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and spinach.
37

Easy Quinoa Salad

4.44 from 221 votes
This easy quinoa salad is packed with spinach, tomatoes, red onion, avocado and feta with a simple lemon dressing. It’s the perfect healthy side dish!
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A serving bowl containing raw collard greens salad with salad servers.
38

Raw Collard Greens Salad

4.77 from 34 votes
This simple raw collard green salad is made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, onion and garlic. It comes together quickly and is the perfect side salad for fall and winter.
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Thanksgiving Breads and Spreads

You can’t go wrong with fresh baked bread to round out your Thanksgiving meal. I love making a sweet cornbread or enjoying my mother-in-law’s fresh sourdough.

A closeup photo of two pieces of vegan cornbread stacked on top of each other drizzled with maple syrup and topped with a pat of vegan butter.
39

Vegan Cornbread

4.09 from 24 votes
This vegan cornbread is fluffy, moist and has just the right amount of sweetness. It comes together quickly and is the perfect comforting side to a big bowl of soup or chili.
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Healthy pumpkin cornbread muffin sliced and laying on a muffin liner and spread with ghee.
40

Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins

4.62 from 18 votes
These pumpkin cornbread muffins are slightly sweet and moist from the pumpkin! They're the perfect side to a big bowl of cozy soup or chili. Dairy-free, egg-free, refined sugar free and made with whole grains. 
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A loaf of sourdough bread on a wooden cutting board with a second loaf that has been cut in a half angled and resting on top of the other loaf. There is a bread knife to the left of the loaves on the cutting board.
41

How to Make Sourdough Bread

3.36 from 64 votes
A beginner's guide to making artisan sourdough bread at home! This simple, no-knead recipe is easy to make with your sourdough starter. Just let the dough rise overnight and bake in the morning!
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Apple butter in a jar with a twine bow tied around the jar.
42

Healthy Apple Butter

4.78 from 49 votes
This healthy homemade apple butter is made in the slow cooker without any added sugar. Enjoy as a spread on toast or stir into a warm bowl of oatmeal.
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A glass jar full of pumpkin butter with a spoon inside.
43

Pumpkin Butter

4.73 from 18 votes
This quick and easy pumpkin butter is creamy, naturally sweetened and packed with fall flavor. Use it as a spread, topping or stir it into your oatmeal or yogurt.
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Vegetarian Thanksgiving Mains

Move over Turkey! Here are some ideas for a vegetarian main dish that will look amazing as a centerpiece on your holiday table. All of these options are delish, but my top pick would be the lentil loaf!

A vegan lentil loaf on a wooden cutting board with a knife nearby and three slices from the loaf are cut.
44

Vegan Lentil Loaf

4.53 from 219 votes
This hearty vegan lentil loaf is packed with flavor, loaded with plant-based protein and makes for a delicious vegetarian entree for a holiday meal.
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Marinated tempeh finished cooking in a large skillet.
45

Easy Marinated Tempeh

4.94 from 47 votes
This easy marinated tempeh is my favorite way to cook tempeh. The maple balsamic sauce gives the tempeh so much flavor!
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A baking dish with eggplant parmesan and cut into pieces.
46

Healthy Eggplant Parm Recipe

4.66 from 160 votes
Make a healthy baked eggplant parmesan with crispy almond flour-coated eggplant slices that are baked – no frying or bread crumbs needed!
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Sweet potato quinoa cakes on a wire rack.
47

Sweet Potato Quinoa Cakes

4.42 from 12 votes
These sweet potato quinoa cakes are made with wild rice and studded with dried cranberries. They are great for meal prep and taste delicious served hot or cold.
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A cast iron skilled containing vegetarian shepherd's pie. There is a bowl with a serving next to the cast iron skillet.
48

Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie – Saucy mushrooms, carrots, and peas topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Real food meets comfort food!
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Vegetarian Thanksgiving Desserts

One of my favorite parts about Thanksgiving is the desserts and I have so many good dessert recipes to choose from!

A healthy apple crisp topped with three scoops of ice cream.
49

Healthy Apple Crisp

4.75 from 116 votes
This healthy apple crisp is naturally sweetened with maple syrup and features a crunchy oatmeal pecan topping. It's gluten-free, vegan, easy to make and the perfect healthy fall dessert!
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Pumpkin pie bar with a bite taken out of it on a white plate.
50

No Bake Pumpkin Pie Bars

4 from 29 votes
These decadent no bake pumpkin pie bars pair a crunchy granola crust with a creamy, thick pumpkin filling with coconut oil and cashew butter. Vegan & gluten-free.
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Pecan pie brownies on a table surrounded by pecans.
51

Pecan Pie Brownies

4.07 from 58 votes
Combine two amazing desserts into one with these fudgy pecan pie brownies! They’re made with almond flour so they’re gluten-free, grain-free and absolutely delicious.
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Slice of sweet potato pie topped with whipped cream. A bite is taken out of the pie.
52

Healthy Sweet Potato Pie

4.77 from 21 votes
This easy and healthy sweet potato pie is made with coconut sugar, coconut cream and fresh sweet potatoes. It’s dairy-free, vegan and can easily be made gluten-free as well.
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Brownie bites on a white plate.
53

Sweet Potato Brownie Bites

3.50 from 16 votes
Sneak some veggies into your brownies with these vegan + gluten-free sweet potato brownie bites. No one has to know the secret ingredient!
Slice of vegan pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream.
54

Vegan Tofu Pumpkin Pie

4.41 from 49 votes
Creamy, flavorful vegan pumpkin pie made with silken tofu and a nutty pecan oat crust. A simple, dairy-free twist on the classic pumpkin dessert that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
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Hand holding an apple crumble bar.
55

Healthy Apple Crumble Bars

4.41 from 40 votes
These healthy apple crumble bars are vegan, gluten-free, and made with wholesome ingredients and fresh apples. You’ll love the cinnamon apple filling paired with the oatmeal crumble crust and topping!
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A baked apple in a bowl with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel.
56

Baked Apples

3.69 from 47 votes
These cozy baked apples are filled with a buttery cinnamon sugar oat crumble and super easy to make. Enjoy warm with ice cream and a drizzle of date caramel sauce for the ultimate fall dessert!
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Thanksgiving Cocktails

These Festive drinks are perfect to sip while enjoying apps and mingling with family.

A large pot containing mulled wine with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves and star anise floating in the wine.
57

Mulled Wine

4 from 5 votes
A simple recipe for mulled wine that is loaded with notes of citrus and warming spices and can be made in your slow cooker or on the stove top. It's cozy, festive and perfect for the holiday season!
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Two tall glasses of mimosas with a cinnamon sugar rim and an apple slice for garnish.
58

Apple Cider Mimosas

5 from 3 votes
These easy apple cider mimosas are made with just two simple ingredients. They are bubbly, festive and perfect for the holiday season.
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Two glasses filled with vodka cranberry over ice. Each has been topped with a slice of lime and a few whole cranberries.
59

Vodka Cranberry

4.05 from 61 votes
A light holiday cocktail made with vodka, cranberry juice, lime and fizzy sparkling water. Toss a few cranberries on top for a festive drink you’ll want to enjoy all season.
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About Brittany

Hey there, I’m Brittany, the creator of Eating Bird Food, cookbook author, health coach and mama of two littles. Here you’ll find quick and easy recipes that make healthy fun and enjoyable for you and your family!

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10 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I can’t wait to make this! This will be my first turkey and I’m a little nervous. What should I use instead of black truffle salt, kosher or table salt? Would it be the same amount?

    Reply

  2. This is such a great round up! The worst part is choosing what to serve… thanks for making it harder 😉 Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply

  3. Holy bologna I want all of these dishes/drinks on my table. I’ve seen a few of these floating around “that internet thing” (as my dad calls it) but not ALL of these beautiful yummies! Great round up!

    Reply

  6. Thank you for ALL the AMAZING recipes you post, especially this recent post about healthy, vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes! As a vegetarian it is difficult during this time of year, so thank you!

    I saw in your post that you still need holiday gifts! Well I am here to help! I am a stylist with Stella & Dot, and we have a TON of great gift ideas! Contact me for ideas and to receive 10% off your purchase! All items are shipped directly to you in 3-5 days in gift-ready packaging! Shop here: http://www.stelladot.com/amiecuellar

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  8. How beautiful are these!? I’m still totally dreaming of that lentil loaf- a must make! Thanks so much for including me with these gorgeous recipes! <3 xoxo

    Reply