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    Home » Recipes » Christmas Recipes

    Published: Dec 15, 2020 · Modified: Dec 17, 2020 by Melanie McDonald · This post contains affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 2 Comments

    Vegan Christmas Recipes

    Vegan Christmas Recipes

    Here is a collection of my very best vegan Christmas recipes to help make your festive vegan eats fantastic!

    Vegan Christmas Recipes

    My best Vegan Christmas recipes coming in hot, because December is well underway and we'll soon be entering proper festive holiday territory. How does it always sneak up on me like this? 

    I'll take any excuse to cook and eat though, and Christmas gives me the perfect excuse to do even more of both. It is the season for gathering around the table after all, and I'm always in need of manageable, not too complicated recipes that feel Christmas-y and special and festive. 

    And with the special but manageable Christmas theme in mind, I have gathered up my best vegan Christmas recipes, all into one spot so you can scroll through and save the ones that take your fancy. 

    Before you start though if you want your Christmas dinner all planned out in every minute detail by me, then go check out my Vegan Christmas Dinner Menu, Timeline and Shopping List. It's got you well and truly covered. I've done all the planning for your vegan Christmas so you don't have to!

    Jump to:
    • Breakfast/Brunch
    • Salads
    • Appetizers
    • Sides
    • Entrees
    • Desserts
    • After the holidays!
    • Hungry for more?
    • Comments

    Breakfast/Brunch


    Gingerbread Pancakes

    a stack of gingerbread pancakes
    Soft & fluffy Vegan Gingerbread Pancakes. Full of rich, festive gingerbread flavour and melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
    make this recipe

    Vegan French Toast Casserole

    vegan french toast casserole
    Make your brunch dreams come true with this Vegan French Toast Casserole. Cubes of crusty bread are drowned in cinnamon infused custard and baked until crispy & toasty on top & soft and custardy (but not soggy!) underneath. Then comes the drizzle of frosting which takes it over-the-top. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd & can even be prepped the night before if you need to.
    make this recipe

    No Knead Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread

    Frosting dribbling off a spoon onto freshly baked No Knead Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
    No Knead Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread. All the sticky deliciousness of cinnamon rolls but with none (and I really mean none) of the effort! It needs about 10 minutes of hands on time and will totally fit around your schedule. It can be ready in a couple of hours or you can leave it to rest in the fridge overnight & bake it up in the morning. It makes THE perfect brunch! 
    make this recipe

    Vegan French Toast

    a stack of vegan french toast
    Your brunch dreams are about to come true with THE best Vegan French Toast ever. It's soft, sweet, vanilla-scented, golden perfection and it has a texture just like French Toast made with eggs! Made quickly and easily in under 15 minutes!
    make this recipe

    Gingerbread Waffles

    Add some sugar & spice to your life with these deliciously dark, rich & fluffy waffles. Full of warm & comforting gingerbread flavour & surprisingly healthy!
    make this recipe

    Salads


    Vegan Brussels Sprout Salad

    Brussels Sprout Salad
    Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad is fresh & absolutely packed with flavour & interesting textures. It's also hearty & warming thanks to the orangey cinnamon dressing. This vegan Brussels sprout salad is just perfect for all of your fall & winter entertaining!
    make this recipe

    Quinoa Cranberry Salad

    a whote bowl full of quinoa cranberry spinach salad with salad servers in it
    This Quinoa Cranberry Salad is full of fresh, feel good flavours that everyone will love! With nutrient rich spinach, sweet dried cranberries and a zippy lemon dressing, it is able to stand alone as a protein packed, healthy meal, or can be served as a side. It's easy to make ahead of time and is naturally gluten free.
    make this recipe

    Pear Walnut Salad with Maple Cinnamon Dressing

    pear walnut arugula salad
    A fall-inspired Pear Walnut Salad featuring peppery arugula, sweet juicy pears, crunchy candied walnuts and a simple maple cinnamon dressing to bring it all together.
    make this recipe

    Appetizers


    Vegetable Pate

    a tray of vegetable pate, toast, crackers, celery and tomatoes
    This Vegetable Pate is rich and smooth with a delicious nutty crunch. It makes a great spreadable snack to enjoy with crackers, celery, fresh bread, or toast and is naturally vegan.
    make this recipe

    Vegan Ricotta

    Vegan Ricotta in a bowl
    The best vegan ricotta with an authentic ricotta taste and texture and made with just four simple ingredients. It's light, fluffy, mild, creamy and milky and can be enjoyed as it is or used as a non-dairy substitute for ricotta cheese in any recipe.
    make this recipe

    Vegan Spinach and Artichoke Dip

    Nothing says the party’s here like a big dish of warm Spinach Artichoke Dip! It’s the perfect crave-worthy appetizer. It’s soft and creamy with loads of flavor and is great eaten warm or at room temperature. Serve it with chips, crackers, baguette slices, vegetable sticks, raw radishes, toast or even garlic bread. I recommend using canned artichokes in brine over the ones you can buy in oil, for the tang they give. It helps cut through the creaminess and adds more depth to the flavor.
    make this recipe

    Vegan Candied Nuts

    Perfectly sweet & spicy, chewy & crunchy vegan candied nuts. Make a double batch because everybody will go nuts for these!
    make this recipe

    Creamy Onion Garlic Dip

    A deliciously cool, creamy & nut-free vegan Onion Garlic Dip. Full of sweet roasted garlic & caramelized onion flavour & perfect for your next party!
    A deliciously cool, creamy & nut-free vegan Onion Garlic Dip. Full of sweet roasted garlic & caramelized onion flavour & perfect for your next party!
    make this recipe

    Black Olive Tapenade with Figs & Rosemary

    This rich, soft Fig and Black Olive Tapenade with Rosemary is my twist on traditional tapenade. Dark, deep & earthy olives are blended with ripe, plump & juicy figs to make an irresistibly delicious spread with a striking balance of sweet & savoury flavours.
    make this recipe

    Sides


    The Best Vegan Cranberry Sauce

    vegan cranberry sauce in a bowl
    The best Vegan Cranberry Sauce! Packed with sweet, tart flavours, it makes the perfect accompaniment to your holiday feast. Make it in only a few minutes using either fresh or frozen cranberries. (Includes stovetop and Instant Pot instructions).
    make this recipe

    Vegan Red Wine Gravy

    gravy on mashed potato
    Not your average Vegan Red Wine Gravy! This one is infused with sweet vegetable & fresh herb flavour and is super tasty, rich & flavoursome. Just perfect for serving with your holiday feast!
    make this recipe

    Best Vegan Sweet Potatoes

    a fork being stuck into a pile of caramelized sweet potatoes
    These amazing Vegan Sweet Potatoes are cooked in plenty of vegan butter and stock so they suck up all that flavour before roasting themselves to golden, sticky perfection. They are a fantastic side dish to serve with your holiday feast or Sunday roast!
    make this recipe

    Vegan Mashed Potatoes

    a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes
    The best vegan mashed potatoes! Mashed with vegan butter, garlic and herb-infused soy milk, they are rich and packed with flavour. Serve these perfect dairy-free mashed potatoes at any time of the year. They are easy enough for weeknight dinners and special enough for the holidays!
    make this recipe

    Roasted Red Cabbage

    red cabbage with apples
    Roasted Red Cabbage adds a splash of colour to any meal! The warm and comforting flavours of red cabbage and sweet apple in this easy vegan side dish are perfect served with all kinds of dinners. With minimal prep and lots of delicious flavours, it's simple enough to make on weeknights and impressive enough for holiday feasting. I've even included instructions for transforming it from a side to a main by adding some vegan sausage while roasting!
    make this recipe

    Vegan Green Bean Casserole

    a skillet full of green bean casserole with a spoon in it
    A made-from-scratch Vegan Green Bean Casserole with tender green beans baked up in a deliciously creamy mushroom sauce, and topped with crispy, golden, buttery breadcrumbs and tangles of caramelized onions. This really is the ultimate way to eat green beans!
    make this recipe

    Perfect Vegan Yorkshire Puddings

    Perfect Vegan Yorkshire Puddings - Tall, crispy, golden sides, soft and slightly gooey bottoms, and a deep hollow just waiting to be filled with tasty gravy! And there's a gluten-free option! 
    make this recipe

    Vegan Mashed Sweet Potato

    vegan mashed sweet potato in a bowl with vegan butter
    This sweet and savoury Vegan Mashed Sweet Potato is incredibly creamy and delicious and just perfect for serving with your holiday meals. The sweet potatoes are first roasted with herbs and garlic to concentrate the flavours, then they are mashed with spices and coconut cream to make them even better!
    make this recipe

    Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes

    a pile of lemon garlic roasted potatoes
    Introducing your new favourite potato recipe …. golden, crispy, herby, Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes! Flavourful, well seasoned, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside & super quick & low effort in your Air Fryer! 
    make this recipe

    Healthy No Oil Crispy Roasted Potatoes

    crispy roasted potatoes
    Golden Crispy Roasted Potatoes without a single drop of oil. Easy, healthy, low calorie and virtually fat-free! 
    make this recipe

    Bubble and Squeak

    bubble and squeak in a terracotta dish
    Bubble and Squeak is a simple, versatile recipe that is great for using up leftover cooked vegetables, or make it from scratch with just 4 ingredients. It's really easy and super budget friendly!
    make this recipe

    Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese

    vegan mac and cheese in a bowl with a scattering of fresh parsley
    The ultimate Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese. Cheesy, saucy macaroni topped with an irresistible buttery & golden crispy crumb topping. No dairy, no nuts & easily made gluten-free. Prepare to get saucy! 
    make this recipe

    No Knead Focaccia

    No Knead Focaccia Bread sprinkled with rosemary and sea salt on parchment paper
    Completely foolproof No Knead Focaccia bread! It is so easy! Mix everything up in a bowl with a spoon, leave for a few hours, then bake!
    make this recipe

    Vegan Sweet Potato Biscuits

    vegan sweet potato biscuits in a skillet
    Soft, sweet and buttery homemade Vegan Sweet Potato Biscuits. Quick and easy to make and perfectly tall, flaky and tender. Comfort food at it’s best!
    make this recipe

    Entrees


    Vegan Roast

    Vegan roast sliced on a plate with all the trimmings
    A simple, easy, rustic and hearty Vegan Roast that's sliceable, ultra tender and full of flavour. Just perfect for serving with copious amounts of gravy, roast potatoes and all the trimmings. Leftovers are great in sandwiches too!
    make this recipe

    Vegan Beef

    sliced vegan beef surrounded by roast potatoes and carrots
    Mouthwateringly good vegan beef that's perfectly tender and simple to make. Use this versatile beef seitan recipe to make a classic vegan beef roast with all the trimmings, use as a substitute for beef in your favorite recipes, or slice it like deli-meat for sandwiches.
    make this recipe

    Mushroom Lentil Loaf with Cranberries

    Mushroom Lentil Loaf with Cranberry topping turned out on a slate board and surrounded by scattered cranberries and rosemary
    A fresh take on a Vegan Lentil Loaf for you! It's made with a delicious blend of lentils, mushrooms and walnuts and has a beautifully festive cranberry topping. Those pops of juicy cranberry in every bite are so good, plus they make it look pretty impressive. It would make a great centrepiece on your holiday table! 
    make this recipe

    Gluten-Free Seitan Roast

    a gluten-free and vegan roast dinner
    Now you can make seitan without the gluten! This Gluten-Free Seitan Roast has a deep meaty flavour, a soft, meaty, slightly chewy texture and is just perfect for slicing and serving for holiday dinners or Sunday roasts.
    make this recipe

    Vegan Meatloaf with Gravy

    vegan meatloaf, mashed potato, red cabbage and peas on a plate
    This vegan meatloaf is incredibly easy to make & is sure to please with it's deep & savoury flavour. Serve sliced & smothered in rich, thick gravy for a truly satisfying meal!
    make this recipe

    Vegan Instant Pot Portobello Pot Roast

    The ultimate one pot family meal – Vegan Instant Pot Portobello Pot Roast! We’re talking meaty portobello mushrooms, meltingly tender vegetables and a thick, really rich and flavourful gravy. Plus as well as tasting amazing, it’s super easy, quick and convenient with minimal washing up. A big YES PLEASE on all counts! 
    make this recipe

    Portobello Pot Roast

    The ultimate one-pot family meal - Rich and hearty Vegan Portobello Pot Roast with red wine, herbs & vegetables. They all combine to make a delicious plant-based feast! 
    make this recipe

    Easy Vegan Mushroom Pie

    easy vegan mushroom pies
    Tender, juicy, meaty portobello mushroom, stuffed with sweet caramelized onions, a sprinkling of thyme, all topped with buttery, crisp pastry. This is seriously the easiest Vegan Mushroom Pie you will find & it’s soooo good!!! Perfect for making in advance too! 
    make this recipe

    Vegan Spanakopita

    a slice of vegan spanakopita
    Vegan Spanakopita. My take on the great Greek spinach and feta pie! Featuring shatteringly crisp phyllo pastry, and a soft, salty, feta-cheesy, spinachy filling, all baked up to golden perfection. Comfort food at it's finest.
    make this recipe

    Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

    The ultimate Vegan Lentil Shepherd's Pie featuring rich, flavourful, saucy lentils topped with fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes & baked until deliciously golden brown & crispy. Easy, healthy, comforting and filling!
     
    make this recipe

    Desserts


    Vegan Christmas Cake

    a slice of vegan christmas cake being pulled out of the cake
    The ultimate Vegan Christmas Cake! This classic rich, dark vegan fruit cake is jam-packed with dried fruit and booze (although still delicious made alcohol-free) and can be made the day before, or up to 1 year ahead. Keep the decorations simple and rustic, or cover it in marzipan and fondant icing. Perfect for enjoying at Christmas but also makes a fantastic vegan wedding cake!
    make this recipe

    Vegan Trifle

    a vegan trifle in a large glass trifle bowl
    Incredible Vegan Trifle! This British favourite has layers upon layers of vegan sponge cake, mixed berry compote, vegan custard, vegan whipped cream and fresh fruit. Dessert doesn't get better than this!
    make this recipe

    The Ultimate Vegan Christmas Pudding

    vegan christmas pudding
    The Ultimate Vegan Christmas Pudding. It's dark, rich, fruity, moist & boozy & so much lighter than the dense, heavy puddings you might have tried in the past! 
    make this recipe

    Vegan Gingerbread Cake

    a slice of vegan gingerbread cake
    A festive, heavily spiced, deeply dark, slightly sticky & delicious Vegan Gingerbread Cake, smothered in rivers of orange glaze!
    make this recipe

    Cranberry Apple Pear Crumble

    Overhead shot of Cranberry Apple Pear Vegan Crumble served up in a bowl with casserole full of crumble next to it
    It's hard to beat a good crumble, and this Cranberry Apple Pear Crumble is really something special! We're talking tart cranberries & Granny Smith apples,  sweet, soft pear & a crumbly, nutty, buttery topping, all baked to golden perfection. It's an absolute crowd pleaser & so easy to make! 
    make this recipe

    Vegan Custard

    a piece of cake being drizzled with vegan custard
    Silky smooth, rich and creamy homemade vegan custard. It's dairy and egg-free, quick and easy to make and just perfect for pouring all over your favorite desserts!
    make this recipe

    Vegan Mincemeat

    vegan mincemeat
    Festive, rich & fruity Christmas Vegan Mincemeat steeped in boozy deliciousness! If you're looking for a mincemeat without suet recipe then I've got you covered! This is a Christmas staple that is really easy to make & can be used in all of your festive baking. It's also perfect for gifting.
    make this recipe

    Vegan Butter Tarts

    a muffin pan full of vegan butter tarts
    The holidays aren’t complete without Vegan Butter Tarts! Pie pastry is moulded into a muffin pan and then filled with raisins, nuts and a gooey and sweet buttery, maple filling. These little tarts are a Canadian tradition & make a great holiday or Canada Day dessert!
    make this recipe

    Vegan Mince Pies

    vegan mince pies piled on a plate
    These homemade Vegan Mince Pies hold the very essence of Christmas in their delicious pastry crusts. Nothing can beat one warm from the oven!
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    Vegan Brandy Butter

    My Vegan Brandy Butter is a hard sauce which, on contact with something warm, becomes a drippy, rich & boozy sauce. It is absolutely perfect when slathered over hot mince pies or Christmas pudding!
    make this recipe

    Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake

    a slice of vegan chocolate cheesecake on a blue plate
    The BEST Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake featuring crunchy, buttery, cookie crust with rich, creamy, velvety smooth and super chocolatey cheesecake filling. This easy no bake vegan cheesecake is quick to make and keeps for ages so you can prepare it well ahead. Directions for a scaled down smaller version also included for those not feeding a crowd.
    make this recipe

    Vegan Molasses Cookies

    12 vegan molasses cookies
    Crackly and chewy Vegan Molasses Cookies made from start to finish in under 25 minutes. These classic vegan holiday cookies are perfectly spiced and dressed up for the festive season with a sparkly coating of granulated sugar!
    make this recipe

    Raw Christmas Fruit Cake

    Festive fruit & nut flavours combine in this deliciously rich & moist Raw Vegan Fruit Cake. A fabulous alternative to traditional baked Christmas cake & so easy to make!
    make this recipe

    Festive Mincemeat Tart

    Crisp pastry, rich mincemeat, delicate spice infused sponge & brilliant white, sweet frosting come together to create a taste & texture explosion. This Festive Mincemeat Tart is indulgent, rich & just perfect for the holidays!
    make this recipe

    Christmas Shortbread

    sliced Christmas shortbread on a cutting board
    Christmas Shortbread made simple! Quick, no fuss, no cookie cutters required. Just perfectly short and crumbly, buttery, vegan shortbread bars with a layer of festive mincemeat sandwiched effortlessly through the middle. 
     
     
    make this recipe

    Pine Needle Shortbread Cookies

    pine needle cookies
    Melt in your mouth Pine Needle Shortbread Cookies. A twist on an old favourite with just a hint of piney, citrusy flavour. Delicate, delicious & sure to impress!
    make this recipe

    Vegan New York Cheesecake

    a slice of vegan cheesecake
    It’s only a baked Vegan New York Cheesecake..♡...It is ultra-rich, decadently creamy, dessert perfection & you absolutely need it in your life…..
    make this recipe

    No-Bake Espresso Chocolate Fudge Cake

    Simple to make with only 8 ingredients (plus salt), this No-Bake Espresso Chocolate Fudge Cake is here to rock your dessert world.  It's intensely rich and fudgy chocolate perfection, that needs no baking and is gluten-free with a nut-free option too. Where's my fork?
    Simple to make with only 8 ingredients (plus salt), this No-Bake Espresso Chocolate Fudge Cake is here to rock your dessert world.  It's intensely rich and fudgy chocolate perfection, that needs no baking and is gluten-free with a nut-free option too. Where's my fork?
    make this recipe

    Salted Maple Pecan Vegan Fudge

    a square of Salted Maple Pecan Vegan Fudge topped with pecans and sea salt flakes
    The easiest, most fool-proof, rich, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth Salted Maple Pecan Vegan Fudge. Punctuated with crunchy pecan pieces and a smattering of sea salt crystals, it’s like salty, sweet perfection!  
    make this recipe

    Sticky Banana Date Pudding with Rum Caramel

    Moist & flavourful Sticky Banana Date Pudding with a spoon-licking, boozy, rum caramel sauce. Rich, delicious & truly indulgent! Made individually, these little puddings are baked in the oven & are no more difficult to make than muffins. Plus they can be made in advance & freeze perfectly. Great for making ahead!
    make this recipe

    White Chocolate Peppermint Vegan Pudding

    Creamy, sweet & indulgently rich White Chocolate Peppermint Pudding. Quick & easy to make but seriously impressive & easily made festive with the addition of some crushed candy canes!
    make this recipe

    Vegan Candy Cane White Chocolate Truffles

    These festive Vegan Candy Cane White Chocolate Truffles are meltingly rich, sweet, creamy & indulgent. Total and utter decadence with minimal effort. A chocoholics dream!
    make this recipe

    Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies with Cranberries & Rosemary

    Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies made festive with the addition of dried cranberries and rosemary! Soft, sweet, chewy, with a lovely subtle woodsy, herbal fragrance. Santa will thank you if you leave him a few of these with his glass of plant milk on Christmas Eve! 
    Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies made festive with the addition of dried cranberries and rosemary! Soft, sweet, chewy, with a lovely subtle woodsy, herbal fragrance. Santa will thank you if you leave him a few of these with his glass of plant milk on Christmas Eve! 
    make this recipe

    After the holidays!

    To use up those random cranberries in the fridge and help you get back on track!


    Cranberry Smoothie

    a pink smoothie on a plate
    This creamy Cranberry Smoothie made with no banana, is perfect for using up excess fresh or frozen cranberries. It's healthy, full of fiber, and will really hit the spot with its fruity & gently spiced flavors.
    make this recipe


    I hope these vegan Christmas recipes give you some inspiration for different recipe combinations you might like to try over the holidays. If you need some gifting inspiration too be sure to check out my vegan gift guide and my vegan kitchenware essentials.

    Merry Christmas and happy feasting! - Mel x


    Hungry for more?


    « Vegan Molasses Cookies
    Roasted Red Cabbage »
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    Comments

    1. Jacqui says

      December 16, 2020 at 9:32 am

      The strawberry New York cheesecake can I add fresh strawberries to make it flavoured?
      Kind Regards
      Jacqui

      Reply
      • A Virtual Vegan says

        December 16, 2020 at 12:32 pm

        I'm not sure that fresh strawberries in the batter would work out well. They might get a bit wet and tasteless by the time they were baked up in it. You'd be much better off just baking it as it is then adding a strawberry topping. These roasted strawberries are amazing with it and end up saucy once cool. I'd double the recipe so you have plenty. If you have any roasted strawberries leftover once the cheesecake is gone they are great with ice cream, oatmeal, pancakes etc. https://avirtualvegan.com/vanilla-roasted-strawberries/
        Hope that helps!

        Reply

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    Melanie McDonald

    I'm Melanie McDonald (but you can call me Mel), best-selling cookbook author and creator of A Virtual Vegan. I share well-tested, flavour-packed vegan recipes with clear, step-by-step instructions. My goal is to give you the confidence to cook amazing vegan food from scratch.

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