Vegan cooking at Christmas no longer means compromise. Think wildly savoury stuffings loaded with herbs, earthy vegetables wrapped in crisp filo, and show-stopping centrepieces that carve as impressively as any roast. From creamy lentil-filled squash to whole spiced cauliflower, these dishes bring generosity and theatre to the table – without relying on any dairy or meat. And when it comes to pudding, plant-based cooks have truly raised the bar: glossy chocolate tarts, zingy fruit-filled cheesecakes and elegant baked pears offer all the indulgence of the season, just with a lighter touch.
Whether you’re planning the full feast or simply want a dish or two to add sparkle to the sides, these vegan Christmas recipes promise flavour, ease and a welcome freshness amid the richness of December. And for those hungry for more, we’ve rounded up five brilliant vegan Christmas cookbooks to see you through the season in delicious style.
Vegan Wild Mushroom Stuffing
Rainbow Plant Life
Super savoury and soft yet with a little crunch. The perfect traditional stuffing with an earthy twist.
Creamy Lentil Stuffed Butternut Squash
Rainbow Plant Life
A hearty main, topped with a creamy tahini dressing – perfect to satisfy plant-based guests.
Salted Vegan Chocolate Tart
Rainbow Plant Life
A rich brownie base and a creamy salted chocolate filling. And with zero baking and wholesome ingredients (no refined sugar to see here), it’s an easy dessert to whip up with no fuss.
Whole Roast Cauliflower
Jamie Oliver
This spiced whole roast cauliflower upgrades it from a side to the main event. Carved into steaks, it’s the perfect centrepiece for a plant-based feast.
Christmas Veg Laksa
Jamie Oliver
A great boxing day option to use up the leftover veg lurking in the fridge. The fragrant heat of the light soup will also make a welcome change from the richness of Christmas Day fare.
Sweet Potato Parcel
BBC Good Food
The crisp filo parcel filled with moreish sweet potato and festive flavours of sage and chestnut. A great alternative to a traditional Boxing Day pie.
Vegan Chocolate, Cherry and Honeycomb Parfait
Jamie Oliver
A crowd-pleaser for all guests, vegan or otherwise, this rich, sweet dessert is easy to make ahead of time, ticking one dish off your list.
Roast Pear with Walnut and Ginger Filling
Jamie Oliver
A delicate alternative to heavy puddings and creamy trifles, these roast pears with nuts and spices feels light yet festive.
Baked Vegan Cheesecake with Raspberries and Clementine
BBC Good Food
A riff on a traditional baked Basque cheesecake, we love the creaminess married here with the tart fruits and sweet, nutty pistachios. Add a sprinkle of edible gold leaf for extra Christmas cheer.
