This time of year, I’m reminded how grateful I am for a lot of things. I’m sure, like many people, my family comes in on the top of that list every damn year. We’re a crazy, goofy, rowdy bunch but the love and support is unreal.
Their support of my vegetarianism has meant so much to me. One year 12-year-old Georgie realized there was a word for not eating meat and she wanted in. Rather than tell me I couldn’t, or belittle my choice, my family supported and empowered me by teaching me to cook. My mom bought me my first vegetarian cookbook – shoutout to the kale and garlic breadcrumb tortellini recipe, a personal fav back in the day. We used that cookbook so much it started falling apart.
Big family dinners are another perfect example. When my family knew I was coming over they’d buy me fish (because technically I’m a pescatarian) or ensure there were plenty of delicious sides to choose from.
Recently, to try and return the favor, I’ve attempted to contribute more to holiday meals. Last year, I shared 4 Thanksgiving dishes for a vegetarian-friendly thanksgiving all of which the fam enjoyed.
This year I want to share another delicious, meat-free way to celebrate thanksgiving. I’ve collaborated with Gardein again, one of my favorite plant-based protein brands to share some of their new holiday meals and how to create a quick and easy vegetarian thanksgiving menu.
Even if you’re not vegetarian yourself, these products are great for any of your guests who aren’t eating meat.
The savory stuffed turk’y is an excellent choice because it combines crispy, breaded, fo-turk’y, with vegetarian stuffing and cranberries. Each bite is bursting with savory seasonings. The package comes with two little savory stuffed turk’ys which will be great for me and my sister since we’re both veggies.
This year, I’m so excited to bring this dish because it really takes the stress and guesswork out of the equation. I can focus on helping prepare my favorite sides: the veggies and my favorite pumpkin pie recipe without adding extra work to my family’s plate.
In addition to the Gardien options, I also wanted to share with you some ideas for different sides you can make to go along with the stuffed turkey.
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Roasted Delicata Squash:
To make:
- Preheat oven to 450ºF
- Cut squash in half, width wise then length wise (4 pieces in all).
- Scoop out seeds so you have 4 hollowed out squash pieces.
- Turn squash over so flesh side is facing the cutting board.
- Slice into 1/2″ pieces (they’ll look like “C” shapes).
- In a bowl, toss squash pieces with 1-2 tbsp of olive oil and your favorite seasoning (I love Trader Joe’s Garlic Salt mix)
- Grease your baking tray with olive oil.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then flip pieces onto their other side and bake for another 15-20 minutes so both sides are golden/light brown.
3 Ingredient Cranberry Sauce
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
Cherry Pecan Brussels Sprouts
Dairy Free Pumpkin Pie
If you’re looking for more ideas, definitely check out Gardein’s website, they have tons of holiday recipes. The sweet potato biscuits and butternut squash and quinoa salad are calling my name.
Thank you Gardein, for sponsoring this post. While I was compensated for this post, all of the opinions are my own. I appreciate your support of the brands that help support In it 4 the Long Run.
I LOVE garden products and am stoked to see all of their new options!
Aren’t they so yummy! I love the texture and flavors.
Most of my dad’s family is vegetarian and there are only 8 (of 20) who eat meat. I’m not a huge Thanksgiving food person in general but it’s my favorite holiday because I love being together as a family and watching football. All of these options look delicious!
I feel ya, the main course isn’t my faaavorite but any excuse to eat 3 types of pie and I’m in!
Whoaaaaa that’s awesome. This looks absolutely delicious and the perfect vegetarian main dish. Love it.
Thanks Erin!
I’m a pesca-poultry-tarian (if that is a thing!) since I eat only fish and chicken and turkey, no red meat. I do love my Thanksgiving turkey but I’ve really gotten into the Gardein gluten-free crumbles especially in egg dishes and spaghetti squash pasta! Since I am allergic to wheat and nuts, I think going totally veggie would be really tough (I’m also allergic to avocadoes, pineapples, oranges, and peppers) but I do make an effort to eat sustainably and vegetable sides can be SO delicious and filing. Plus, love the cranberry sauce always!
I’ll have to try those gluten-free crumbles they sound great! Oh man, I had no idea you had those allergies, I can imagine that must be tough to find dishes that work, but yeah you can’t go wrong with some simple veggies and cranberry sauce <3
I’ve never tried Gardein products but I might just have to pick some up! I’ve yet to buy a delicata squash from Trader Joe’s and I honestly don’t know what’s wrong with me……I need to get on the squash train!
The squash train is a beatiful beautiful train
I kind of want to reach into the screen and grab a BIG slice of that pumpkin pie and smother it with vanilla ice cream….JUST SAYING!
Guuuurl, I like the way you think
Love these ideas! That stuffed squash sounds so good!!
Thanks Liz! Love me some squash in pretty much any form
I think it’s so awesome that your family is so supportive of your veggie lifestyle! Gotta love our crazy and rowdy families 🙂 And I’d actually take roasted sweet potatoes over sweet potato casserole any day- is that crazy?
Not at all! I’ve never been a sweet potato casserole fan but roasted taters are my jam
I’m starting to plan my Thanksgiving meals and this gives me so many ideas!!! Loving anything simple so I’m not running around like a crazy person!
Haha simple recipes are my middle name 😉
These are great ideas!! My sister-in-law is a veggie, and one of my cousins is as well. I love love love finding delicious vegetarian main dishes to bring so they don’t feel left out. I feel like everyone’s first instinct is to make sure their plate has meat on it, and a lot of it. And while I still eat meat, my mindset has definitely shifted to “How many plants can I fit on my plate before I go for the turkey…”
That’s great to hear! I’ve never felt like I’m missing out because there are usually so many great side dishes.
Whooooa this all sounds so good. I’ve never tried Gardien but maybe this will be the year to try!
I was really pleasantly surprised with how much I liked the Gardein products!
I’m usually a tofurky girl but I’ll have to check Gardein out this year!
I’ve never tried tofurkey but I’ve been loving these Gardein turkey substitutes.
Looks so delicious!! I’m not a vegetarian.. but I’d happy join you in that field if it meant you’d cook amazing meals like this for everyday 🙂
Haha come on over so some veggie shenanigans!
I am seriously dying right now because I want to make that pie and my damn oven is still broken. I’m no vegetarian but I could get down wth any and all of these recipes!!
:'( RIP oven.
Mmmmmm those squash look so good!!! This almost makes me want to be a vegetarian. But I like meat. So maybe just eating more vegetables?
Haha nothin wrong with some extra sides <3
This looks delicious! I have pinned the Cherry Pecan Brussels Sprouts – want to add this to my menu for Thanksgiving!
Thanks Kristi! Those sprouts are a family favorite
This looks amazing!! My parents are both vegan and would absolutely love this for Thanksgiving. I’m going to pass it onto them – thank you for sharing!
Oh awesome! Thanks so much for passing along
The squash and sweet potatoes both look like things I need to add to our menu. They look amazing!
Even better? They’re both super simple!
Will definitely be trying out the roasted delicata squash – YUM!! Gardein makes some of my favorite veggie-protein options, along with Quorn (their stuffed chicken breasts are to die for!).
Aren’t they good!? I only recently started eating them and I’m a huge fan.
I’m coming to your house for Thanksgiving!!! Your menu looks amazing, especially that pumpkin pie (it’s my fav). Gotta love supportive family. I don’t know what I’d do without mine!
Yeeesss – pumpkin pie is definitely one of my favs!
Thanksgiving always makes me reflect on how amazing & crazy my family is! It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without them, and of course, without delicious food! These recipes all look delectable! The Cherry Pecan Brussel Sprouts made me start drooling at first sight – pinned & cannot wait to make them!
So true. There’s nothing more powerful than a solid family support system. Love those sprouts!