Best vegan Christmas dinner recipes

A meat alternative so tasty it’d blow the boots off Wellington himself. This vegan version of the classic pastry dish, from Tasty, switches out beef for cremini mushrooms, spinach and potatoes. Pair it with the vegan gravy recipe below and your favourite cranberry sauce.

Add some festive colouring and continental culture with the addition of this vegan borscht to kick things off. This beetroot- and cabbage-based soup from Connoisseurus Veg features a hearty batch of veggies and is served with vegan sour cream or cashew cream. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a proper festive feel.

Many veggies or vegans will tell you, it’s not the meat they miss, but the gravy. There’s really nothing like Christmas dinner gravy. There’s a reason it comes in a receptacle called a boat. However, this easy, one-pot recipe from Aine Carlin is a great alternative and it uses… wait for it…. Marmite! Carnivores, you don’t have to skip your meat juices-based Christmas dinner gravy, making this one for your vegan guests takes just minutes.

The traditional prawn cocktail, cheese array and pigs in blankets are going to leave your vegan guests hungry before you start serving actual dinner, and they can’t just eat nuts! The Vegan Larder has some lovely ideas including these quinoa crackers, roasted sweet potato slices and grilled courgette. Topping ideas include olive tapenade, tomato relish, hummus, and avocado (that’s how you really get in vegan hearts) puree.

Some ethical vegetarians and vegans may miss the texture of a meat dish, while also requiring a suitable protein source. A meatless meatloaf is a tasty substitute in both respects. The Minimalist Baker has a great recipe containing protein-heavy lentils, walnuts, and pecans. Skip the ketchup glaze and serve with vegan gravy, or cranberry sauce topping.

No, we’re serious! Some finely-sliced (use a peeler) carrot steamed, coated with liquid smoke, lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper and then lightly baked will impress your plant-based guests, especially if served with some vegan cream cheese on a bagel (vegan friendly of course). Hat tip to Delightful Vegans for the inspiration

Why should the carnivores be only ones to enjoy a good old roast? Make your vegan guests feel part of things with this whole roasted cauliflower perfectly seasoned with everyone’s favourite Christmas flavours. This recipe, from our old mate Jamie Oliver, might even surprise you! Plus it looks beautiful.

All vegetables are vegan friendly, right? Well not if they’re prepared with pints of butter and milk, as is often tradition at this time of year. Thankfully all our favourite Christmas sides can be made vegan without anyone noticing. For mashed vegetables, substitute butter or milk for dairy-free alternatives like oat or almond milk, or a non-dairy spread. For roasted veggies, use your normal oil. If you’re making a glaze, be aware that many vegans don’t eat honey, so agave syrup would be a good substitute. We love these roasted veggies recipes from Bosh.

It’s not Christmas dinner without sprouts and we have a recipe that means you won’t have to force them down. Roasting Brussels sprouts can make them delicious and crispy rather than plain and crunchy. This recipe from Bosh uses olive oil, a balsamic glaze and adds flavour with roasted chestnuts and caramelised shallots. You’ll never hear anyone complain about sprouts again.

Who wants a good stuffing for Christmas? Ok, enough of the Rik Mayall festive jokes and more of the vegan Christmas recipes. These nut- and lentil-based stuffing balls from BBC Good Food include sage, red onion and breadcrumbs (check to ensure they’re suitable for vegans, if store bought).

Mint and chocolate go together like a miserable episode of Eastenders and Christmas Day, and
everyone loves brownies right? And we’re of the opinion that isn’t just because of the eggs and butter usually used to make them. Unconvinced? Give these vegan peppermint brownies from The Minimalist Baker a trial run before Christmas. It uses black beans to add texture but you’ll never notice.

Nothing makes your vegan guests more anxious than thinking they’ve forced change upon hosts. There’s no need to drop the traditional boozy, moist and fruity Christmas cake – which everyone will enjoy. This recipe from the Domestic Gothess, made with dairy-free margarine will win the day. And, as with all good Christmas cakes, it’ll stay moist well beyond the festive season.