The Ultimate Vegan Christmas Dinner Menu (With Easy Recipes & Printable Shopping List)

Planning a vegan Christmas dinner menu that feels festive, satisfying, and stress-free? Whether you’re hosting a fully plant-based celebration or adding vegan options to the table, this guide will help you craft a delicious, cozy holiday meal—from starters to dessert—plus a printable shopping list to simplify your prep.

This post includes everything you need to plan the perfect plant-based Christmas dinner with easy, crowd-pleasing recipes. Let’s build a holiday menu that even non-vegans will rave about.

What Makes the Perfect Vegan Christmas Dinner?

The ideal vegan Christmas dinner menu should feel comforting, abundant, and a little indulgent. Think cozy flavors, seasonal produce, and dishes that look beautiful on your holiday table. A well-balanced menu typically includes:

• A flavorful appetizer or soup
• A stunning vegan Christmas main dish
• A couple of hearty sides
• A festive dessert
• Warm drinks or a holiday mocktail

All made 100% dairy-free, egg-free, and meat-free—without sacrificing the magic of Christmas dinner.

Your Complete Vegan Christmas Dinner Menu

Course	Dish	Highlights
Starter	Creamy Butternut Squash Soup	Silky, cozy, and elegant—perfect warm-up to the main meal
Main Dish	Stuffed Lentil Loaf with Cranberry Glaze	Hearty, sliceable centerpiece with a festive sweet-savory glaze
Side Dish #1	Garlic Mashed Potatoes (No Butter Needed)	Fluffy, garlicky comfort made with olive oil and plant milk
Side Dish #2	Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts	Crispy, caramelized, and slightly sweet with a balsamic kick
Side Dish #3	Vegan Stuffing with Mushrooms and Herbs	Herby, savory, and perfectly toasted—classic holiday vibes
Dessert	Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cake	Rich, moist chocolate cake with a refreshing peppermint glaze
Bonus Idea	Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail / Hot Apple Cider (DIY)	Add a festive drink to elevate the whole dining experience

Starter: Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

Smooth, rich, and full of holiday flavor. Add a swirl of coconut cream and fresh thyme for an elegant touch.

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• Salt, pepper, thyme

Roast the squash until caramelized, then blend everything until velvety smooth.

Vegan Christmas Main Dish: Stuffed Lentil Loaf with Cranberry Glaze

This hearty loaf is packed with lentils, veggies, and oats, then topped with a tangy cranberry glaze that screams holiday.

Why it’s perfect: It slices beautifully, pairs well with all the sides, and makes a gorgeous centerpiece for your vegan Christmas dinner menu.

Ingredients:

For the loaf:

• 1 cup green or brown lentils (dry)
• 2 ½ cups water or veggie broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup oats (quick or rolled)
• ¼ cup ground flaxseed + ½ cup water (flax egg)

For the cranberry glaze:

• ½ cup cranberry sauce
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment.
2. Cook lentils in water or broth until soft (about 25 mins). Drain if needed.
3. In a skillet, sauté onion, garlic, mushrooms, carrot, and celery in olive oil until soft (about 5–7 mins).
4. In a large bowl, mash half the lentils. Add veggies, oats, seasonings, soy sauce, remaining lentils, and flax egg. Mix well.
5. Press mixture into the loaf pan. Mix glaze ingredients and spread on top.
6. Bake for 40–45 mins, until firm. Let rest 10 mins before slicing.

Sides That Steal the Show

Garlic Mashed Potatoes (No Butter Needed)

Creamy, fluffy, and made with plant milk and olive oil for a dairy-free twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (1 kg) potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• ½–¾ cup unsweetened plant milk (like oat or almond)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped chives or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes and garlic together in salted water until very tender (15–20 mins).
2. Drain and return to pot. Add plant milk, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Mash until smooth and fluffy. Add more milk as needed.
4. Garnish with herbs and serve warm.

Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Tossed with balsamic and maple syrup, then roasted until crispy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 ½ tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with oil, maple syrup, balsamic, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a lined baking sheet, cut side down.
4. Roast 25–30 mins, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy on the edges.

Vegan Stuffing with Mushrooms and Herbs

Savory and fragrant, with toasted sourdough cubes, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh rosemary.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups cubed day-old bread (sourdough or whole wheat)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups chopped mushrooms
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh sage (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 ½–2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish.
2. Sauté onion, garlic, mushrooms, and celery in oil until soft (8–10 mins).
3. In a large bowl, combine sautéed veggies, bread cubes, herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Gradually add broth until bread is moist but not soggy.
5. Transfer to baking dish and cover with foil.
6. Bake 30 mins covered, then uncover and bake another 15–20 mins until golden on top.

Dessert: Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cake

A rich, moist chocolate cake topped with a peppermint glaze and crushed candy canes. Festive, indulgent, and dairy-free!

Quick alternative: Don’t want to bake? Serve spiced vegan ginger cookies with hot cocoa instead.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup plant milk (soy, oat, or almond)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ¾ cup coconut sugar or cane sugar
• ⅓ cup neutral oil (like avocado or sunflower)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp peppermint extract

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp plant milk
• ¼ tsp peppermint extract
• Crushed vegan candy canes (optional topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan or loaf pan.
2. In a small bowl, mix plant milk and vinegar. Set aside (this is your vegan “buttermilk”).
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add sugar, oil, vanilla, peppermint, and the buttermilk. Mix until smooth.
5. Pour into pan and bake 30–35 mins or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely. Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled cake. Top with crushed candy canes if desired.

Free Printable Vegan Christmas Shopping List

To make your prep easier, here’s a printable shopping list with everything you’ll need for your vegan Christmas dinner menu. Download it, check off ingredients, and avoid those last-minute grocery store runs.

👉 [Click here to GRAB your free PDF shopping list]

Extra Tips for a Stress-Free Plant-Based Christmas Dinner

• Cook in advance: Soups, stuffing, and desserts can be made a day or two ahead.
• Get others involved: Let guests bring a dish (just provide the recipes).
• Serve family-style: It creates a cozy, inclusive vibe that guests love.
• Add a signature drink: A sparkling cranberry mocktail or mulled cider elevates the whole experience.

Bonus: Vegan Holiday Appetizer Ideas

Looking to add something extra to your plant-based Christmas dinner? Try:

• Vegan cheese board with crackers, olives, and fruit
• Mini lentil “meatballs” with cranberry dipping sauce
• Roasted red pepper hummus with pita chips

These small bites will impress guests and keep everyone happy while the main meal finishes cooking.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need meat, eggs, or dairy to create a memorable and delicious holiday meal. With the right recipes and a little planning, your vegan Christmas dinner menu can be the highlight of the season—whether you’re serving two people or a table full of guests.

Let this post guide you to a holiday that feels joyful, delicious, and entirely plant-based.

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