Remember when smartphones weren’t a thing and you didn’t feel the need to constantly tap into your social networks? Isn’t it crazy how there is a new generation of people who *don’t* remember a time before all that? If you’re a young mom, your kids are probably part of that generation. It should be no surprise that here at Brit + Co, we love tech, but we also love to unplug and be present with the people around us. As moms, it’s tough teaching your kids how to keep their digital consumption at healthy levels. One of the best ways to do this is by having tech-free family dinners.
When it's cold outside and all you want to do is curl up in front of the fire pit, nothing hits the spot like comfort food. Sometimes though, cozy meals can be quite heavy. Luckily, comfort food doesn't *have* to weigh you down.
If you're in the mood to make a recipe that will make you feel more at ease, these are the meals for you. These 38 comfort food recipes have all the flavors you crave, but include healthier ingredients so you can have the best of both worlds!
Chelsea’s Messy Apron
Lighter Chicken, Bacon, and Broccoli Alfredo
This Alfredo has all of the flavors you love, but relies on some healthier substitutes. Low-fat milk and chicken broth take the place of heavy cream, pork bacon is swapped for turkey, and nutrient-rich broccoli is thrown in the mix for an added healthy boost.
Brit + Co
Chili Mac n' Cheese
When two of the best comfort foods come together, they form this tasty Chili Mac n' Cheese. It's a breeze to whip up on a weekday – add some more veggies in the mix if you want to make it healthier.
Just a Taste
Baked Turkey Meatballs with Quinoa
Meatballs and pasta are delicious, but are best saved for special occasions. These baked turkey meatballs with quinoa, full of lean protein and whole grains, are a lighter version that you can enjoy on a more regular basis.
Cozy Cravings
Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Mac n' Cheese
A classic comfort food recipe (like broccoli cheddar soup) offers yet another layer of cheesy goodness when you swap the soupy part for a creamy mac and cheese. Try sneaking some shredded carrots into the dish for some extra veggies.
Cilantro Parsley
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
This instant pot recipe makes for a super easy, flavorful, and delicious fall dish. Add all your favorite veggies for some extra nutrients, and to make it taste like a taco in a bowl!
Abbey’s Kitchen
Gluten-Free Tuna Noodle Casserole
Crispy root veggie chips save the day in this gluten-free tuna noodle casserole. They add just the right amount of crunch on top, without having to rely on bread crumbs.
Brit + Co
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Every ingredient gets so nice and tender in this instant pot beef stew. With plenty of veggies and a good balance between broth, this recipe is a must-make for warming up this fall and winter.
Brit + Co
Pastina
Pastina is the ultimate comfort food recipe because it's chockfull of broth, butter, and cheese. It'll soothe your head cold, or your upset stomach. If you aren't sick, pastina is still a great dish to maximize coziness!
Brit + Co
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
This classic childhood chicken noodle soup is upgraded when you make it in your slow cooker. This recipe in particular is great for busy days, because you can have it cook during the day then enjoy the rich flavors after you get off work.
The Petite Cook
Sweet Potato Chicken Cottage Pie
Chicken takes the place of red meat, and sweet potato takes the place of white, for a hearty, healthy meal.
Brit + Co
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
This Whole 30-approved loaded baked potato soup recipe is delicious and is a healthy comfort food that you won't be able to turn down. Add all your favorite baked potato garnishes right on top and you're in store for a delicious meal that goes with rainy days *and* chilly evenings.
Brit + Co
Mushroom Risotto
This easy mushroom risotto recipe will take your kitchen by storm. Once you've made it, you'll already be planning your next risotto dinner.
Brit + Co
Meatloaf
Meatloaf immediately takes us back to our mom's kitchen, eating hot meatloaf at dinner and a cold meatloaf sandwich for lunch the next day. It's already hiding some carrots, but feel free to mix in any other veggies you'd like to.
Vikalinka/Brit + Co
Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Sauce
Comfort foods like this chicken with garlic mushroom sauce recipe are a definite way to create cozyvibes at mealtime.
Cook's Hideout
Cauliflower Risotto
Risotto is delicious, but it can be a pain to make. This cauliflower version isn’t just healthier — it’s easier to cook, too.
Whole Food Bellies
Whipped Feta and Cauliflower Mash
Skip the mashed potatoes in favor of mashed cauliflower. It’s a creamy, rich-tasting side dish that’s lower in carbs, flavored with feta and herbs so you’re left feeling satisfied.
Cook Nourish Bliss
Sweet Potato and Kale Brown Rice Casserole
Many of us grew up on cheesy rice casseroles, and this recipe offers up a healthier take. It’s made with nutritional powerhouses like sweet potato, kale, and brown rice.
Brit + Co
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
The slow cooker beef strroganoff makes this comfort food recipe worlds easier. Not to mention, this dish is *so* full of flavor. Add even more vegetables to get in that healthy kick you're seeking.
Half Baked Harvest
Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Craving a spicy kick to your chicken tortilla soup? Add jalapenos, cumin and red enchilada sauce for a flavor you won't forget.
Kirbie's Cravings
Cauliflower Gnocchi
Cauliflower gnocchi isn’t just a lighter version of the classic comfort food recipe – it’s a praise-worthy dish on its own, especially when it's topped with colorful kale pesto.
Vodka and Biscuits
Whole30 Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie gets a lil' bit of a lighter makeover in this comfort food recipe. It’s a dairy-free take on the classic that opts for grass-fed meat instead of the usual.
Well Plated
Spaghetti Squash Boats with Chicken
Spaghetti squash replaces pasta while chicken and bacon add some big flavors to the mealtime mix for a cozy dish that’s healthy, but truly satisfying.
Wry Toast
Skillet Chicken Parmesan
Lighten things up by baking the chicken instead of frying it, and serving it on a bed of greens instead of pasta for a healthy comfort meal.
Emilie Eats
Sweet Potato Spaghetti with Lentil Sauce
Spiralized noodles are all the rage when it comes to healthy food, and they come in real handy in this dish. Topped with a chunky lentil-based Bolognese, this a cozy meal full of essential nutrients.
Killing Thyme
Vegetarian Italian Wedding Soup
A cozy bowl of soup is the perfect meal on chilly days. This Italian wedding soup is comforting, but not heavy — it uses vegetarian meatballs instead of red meat.
Healthy Seasonal Recipes
Healthy Sloppy Joes
These sloppy Joes don’t come from a can – they’re made from scratch, without any added sugars.
Baker by Nature
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Sometimes you just need a hands-off meal, but don’t want to rely on getting takeout. This slow cooker turkey chili is just the thing — loaded with veggies, beans, and lean ground turkey to keep you full and satisfied.
The Sassy Life
High Protein Mac n' Cheese
Sometimes our favorite comfort foods just need a little nutritional boost. This mac n' cheese uses protein-enriched pasta, then makes a cheesy sauce from light shredded cheese and fat-free cottage cheese, so you get a ton of protein and flavor, with less fat and calories.
Ambitious Kitchen
Lightened Up Chicken Pot Pie
It’s easier than you might think to remake this classic comfort food recipe. It’s made with a whole wheat crust and non-dairy milk, plus the same veggies and lean protein that make the original so tasty.
Brit + Co
Ginger Butternut Squash Soup
Aside from the fact that this ginger butternut squash soup is colorful and only has 110 calories, it also only requires five ingredients and 30 minutes. Talk about a win-win.
Reclaiming Yesterday
Fried Quinoa with Chicken
Lighten up the go-to takeout meal with quinoa and extra veggies. If you want some extra flavor with less salt, add a drizzle of low-sodium soy sauce on top.
Nyssa's Kitchen
Gluten-Free Smothered Pork Chops
Served with herb whipped parsnips and kale, you’ll rave over these smothered pork chops. In addition to healthy vegetable sides, they’re made with a dairy-free caramelized onion sauce, which makes it a healthier take on the comfort food classic.
Averie Cooks
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
You may not associate salmon as a comfort meal but after you try this recipe, you'll rely on it time and time again.
Kathryn's Kitchen Blog
Pumpkin French Toast
Comfort food doesn't have to begin and end with dinner. You can easily recreate this pumpkin French toast recipe so you can have a comforting option for breakfast.
Pink Owl Kitchen
Skillet Peach Cobbler
We're willing to argue that this skillet peach cobbler recipe is one of the delicious comfort foods you can make. Sure, it's more of a dessert than an actual meal but you can keep the cozy vibes going with a warm, peach slice of this recipe.
Vanilla and Bean
Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Soup
Any time you have roasted flavors in a soup, you're bound to have a delicious and savory meal.
Whole and Heavenly Oven
Apple Cider Chicken Thighs with Root Vegetables
Sheet pan meals deserve all the awards they can receive because they're easy to make and contain juicy flavor that
Woman Scribbles
Beef Teriyaki with Mushrooms and Broccoli
This yummy protein-filled bowl is a top notch comfort food. You'll fall in love with the savory glaze that covers the beef and may want to use it for future meals!
Follow us on Pinterest for more healthy comfort food recipes!
This post has been updated.
The countdown to the holidays will be here before you know it, which is why we're gearing up to treat ourselves all December long with the best advent calendars for 2024. Whether you're looking to unbox a lil' somethin'-somethin' for yourself or gift the goodness to a friend or family member, these 14 advent calendars span across food, beauty, and pop culture – ensuring you find the perfect fit.
Amazon
Gilmore Girls: The Official Advent Calendar
This Rory- and Lorelai-approved advent calendar is packed to the brim with 25 Stars Hollow-themed trinkets, from keychains, and buttons to magnets and stickers so you can flaunt your Gilmore Girls fandom all year long.
Alo
Alo Advent Calendar
This pick by Alo is packed to the brim with 24 days of beauty, wellness, movement, and style must-haves which will give you or anyone you gift it to the ultimate health reset.
Uncommon Goods
Advent Shower Steamer Set
This advent calendar features 24 different shower steamers for a wholesome 'treat yourself' moment as the holidays draw near.
Glamnetic
Glamnetic Nail Lover's Gift Set
This advent calendar is filled with a week's worth of press-on nails, one of which is a limited-edition, never-seen-before design! This is the ideal gift for the beauty lover in your life.
Godiva
Godiva 2024 Holiday Classic Chocolate Advent Calendar
Because chocolate always makes the best gift! This Godiva advent calendar comes complete with 24 assorted chocolates that range from milk, dark, and white. Kick off the most delicious time of year by gifting this indulgent set to your local chocolate lover, or yourself – just try not to sneak all the chocolates in one sitting!
Sephora
Sephora Collection Advent Calendar
We'd gladly take a Sephora-themed advent calendar year-round, but this beauty-centric one makes the holidays feel a bit more special. Never say "no" to a treat-yourself moment! With this set, you'll unveil 24 different makeup, skincare, and bath goodies, accessories, plus an advent-exclusive inclusion.
Kylie Cosmetics
Kylie Cosmetics Holiday Advent Calendar
This 12-day advent calendar from none other than Kylie Jenner herself features all her favorite makeup and skincare products that can help you (or your giftee) create versatile looks, from day to night.
Nordstrom
MAC Cosmetics 24K Holiday Advent Calendar
Unwrap your glowiest glow with this luxurious MAC advent calendar! For 24 whole days (ideally leading up to Christmas, but we understand where you're coming from, early openers), you'll find only the best lip, base, eyes, and skin picks from the beloved brand. Sitting at an original value of $480, you can snag this baby for more than half-off for the holidays!
Typology
Typology Advent Calendar
Typology's 2023 advent calendar sold out in less than 48 hours last year, and it's already waitlisted for 2024 – but it's not to be missed, especially if you're gifting the design- and sustainability-forward beauty-lover in your life. This cal contains 15 full-size and 9 mini-size skincare products for the face, eyes, lips, and hands. It's super sleek yet unique, plus, it's constructed from FSC-certified paper to not only optimize space, but reduce its carbon footprint during transport. Get your name on the waitlist with the link here!
Nordstrom
Sugarfina 24 Tastes Of Christmas Candy Advent Calendar
The holidays are the time to assume the character of Buddy the Elf and go all in on all the Christmas candies. This 24-day advent calendar features everything from creamy chocolates to fruity gummies to satisfy that sweet tooth and bring some very sugary Christmas cheer to the season. P.S. Sharing is caring!
Craftspring
Craftspring Linen Ornaments Advent Calendar
Your Christmas tree will be left looking utterly lush once you've made it through this adorable advent calendar. It's loaded with a mini ornament for every day, each one made from sustainably-harvested merino-blended wool. The hand-embroidered calendar base will truly last a lifetime, so you can use it every year, loading it with candies, teas, and beauty goodies – whatever you please!
Nordstrom
L'Occitane 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar
This treasure chest of goodies for your skin, body, hair, and hands is well-worth the investment (a $115 value for just $84) considering you can get some good year-round use out of it. The contents will come in particularly handy for all your dry skin woes once winter is, well, wintering. The best part about this cal is you can keep what you want, then gift more minis to the skincare-obsessed in your life!
Compartés
Compartés Winter Foxes Chocolate Advent Calendar
By far the coolest, most intricate chocolates we've tried, Compartés' offerings make the best holiday gifts. Opt for this 24 day-long advent calendar inspired by a mystical fox named Samson. Like Samson, you'll be able to cleverly venture out on a world of bite-sized chocolate treasures from the likes of Creme Brûlée, Campfire S'mores, and Blackberry Crumble. How yummy.
Lush
Lush Advent Calendar
Holiday prep can be stressful. Wind down and relax a bit each day with each of Lush's advent calendar surprises! From colorful bath bombs and home fragrances to beloved beauty picks from years past, this 24-day box is a total banger. Plus, if you don't see yourself using up each day's offering, you'll have some absolutely delightful gifts on-hand to give to your friends and fam.
Subscribe to our newsletter for more gift ideas!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Therise Edwards, founder/CEO of Teshley Solutions, an education consultancy firm that helps students and families navigate the complexities of the education system K through 12.
What is an unexpected business challenge that you faced and how did you overcome it?
I wouldn't call myself a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) expert, but I ended up having to know a lot more about it than I ever anticipated. FAFSA is what administers Pell Grants, which is what a lot of colleges base their financial aid on. I knew about the application changes, and some were excellent, but they made a series of critical errors and a lot of parents were scrambling. It was not my intent to have this as my area of focus; it just became a necessity.
What's a recent small win for your business?
Recent small wins are my collaborations. I formed partnerships with one organization that focuses on students with special needs. I hosted a webinar with the executive director of that organization. I formed a partnership with members from an insurance company on planning and paying for college. That was my first corporate sponsorship. And I've got a series of events coming out because others actually reached out to me. One of them I met through another networking platform, but I got to that platform from one of the sessions that I did with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program.
How did you start to collaborate with external partners?
Just changing my strategies and my approach, and just being more secure and more emphatic in making connections. It ends up being this continual cycle.
Is there a woman in business that you admire or that you look up to?
I have two. Leontyne Anglin, who runs a nonprofit called Beyond Expectations. She works with a small pool of students, but she just gives them enormous exposure and opportunity. She's brilliant with collaborating with individuals and businesses and really bringing the students what they need. And then the other on a bigger scale is Cate Luzio, founder and CEO of Luminary, who taught her Business Plan Bootcamp through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. She is just a dynamo. She is just so supportive of women entrepreneurs. She's awesome.
How did the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program help propel your business forward?
All of the collaborations and partnerships with the exception of one all came from joining the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. I’ve taken all of the free classes and the one on projections and pricing, something every entrepreneur struggles with, was very helpful. There have been so many of them. Sometimes you're completely ignorant in a category so you take the class and it's like, okay, that's good to have. But then sometimes you sign up for it and it's like, oh, yeah, I did know 90 percent of that, but this other 10 percent is going to be very, very helpful.
Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Teshley Solutions.
Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces
Black Friday will be here before you know it, with thousands of retailers flaunting their best deals of the year. We're shoppers at heart, so you know we're already scoping out 2024's offerings! Given that the list of stores and brands hosting Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales this year is essentially endless, we're weeding out only the best deals from the places you love to spend (and save). From beauty faves like Dieux and Kiehl's to home goods from Amazon and Walmart, these are the Black Friday deals you simply can't miss.
What is Black Friday?
Kaboompics / PEXELS
Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving that typically signifies the start of holiday shopping season, though many retailers have started to launch their Black Friday deals earlier year over year. A lot of the deals that stores and brands offer during Black Friday outpace their other sales events (such as Memorial Day and Labor Day) in terms of savings.
What is Cyber Monday?
Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS
Cyber Monday is the Monday after Thanksgiving that highlights savings and deals online as opposed to in-store offers. It's one of the busiest times of year for online shopping.
When's the best time to shop for holiday gifts?
Vlada Karpovich / PEXELS
We're big believers that it's never too early to start shopping for holiday gifts. The sooner you shop, the better, so you can check everyone off your list ahead of the busy holiday season and have some peace of mind once the real festivities start! Plus, if you're shopping online, starting early gives you ample time to wait for items to be shipped and delivered to your door. If deals and savings are what you're looking for, Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer some really great opportunities.
What's the best thing to shop for during Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Kaboompics / PEXELS
The best thing to shop for during Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday promotions really depends on what your needs are as well as the items you're scoping out to treat yourself (or the people you're gifting for the holidays). Typically, big-ticket items like home appliances, tech products like earbuds, laptops, TVs, and tablets, and luxury self-care tools are heavily discounted during this time.
Beauty Sales
Amazon
Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Brightening Serum
Bliss
When: November 20-December 17
What: 20-30% off select products
Ulta
Perricone MD High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Hydrating Serum
Ulta
When: Now-November 23
What: Weekly deals on skincare, makeup, hair care, and fragrance.
IT Cosmetics
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full-Coverage Foundation with SPF 50+
IT Cosmetics
When: November 23-December 3
What: 30% off sitewide (loyalty members get 35% off)
Amazon
Kiehl's
When: November 21-December 2
What: 30% off site-wide and 50% off select items on November 26 only
Moroccanoil
Moroccanoil Original Treatment
Moroccanoil
When: November 25-December 3 (rewards members will have early access to the sale on December 2)
What: 25% off sitewide
NOYZ
NOYZ
When: November 28-30 and December 1-2
What: 25% off sitewide and a free baseball cap on purchases over $55 on November 28-30, 25% off sitewide and a free candle on purchases over $55 on December 1-2
Dieux
Dieux
When: November 29-December 2
What: 30% off original price items, 20% off single items, and a free Mini Slugging Kit on orders over $30
ILIA
ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick
ILIA
When: November 25-December 2, VIP members get early access November 24
What: 20% off sitewide, 25% off orders over $125, and 25% off plus a free full-size product for orders over $150
Ogee
Ogee
When: November 1-December 3
What: 20% off sitewide with code 'GIFTGLOW20' and receive free deluxe samples with purchases over $200 (November 28-December 3 only)
Amazon
Youth To The People Superfood Facial Cleanser
Youth To The People
When: November 23-December 3 on YTTP.com, November 21-December 2 on Amazon, and December 2 at Sephora
What:
- YTTP: 30% off sitewide plus a free 3-piece gift with purchases over $85
- Amazon: 20% off select products through November 27, 30% off select products starting November 28
- Sephora: 30% off all products in-store and online
Fashion Sales
Amazon
Dream Pairs Genuine Suede Classic Platform Boots
Dream Pairs
When: November 21-December 2
What: 20-40% off select styles on the Dream Pairs site and Amazon
Madewell
Madewell The Essential Bucket Tote
Madewell
When: November 21-27
What: 30% off your purchase, including new arrivals
H&M
H&M
When: November 28-December 1
What: 30% off online only (November 28), 30% off online and in-store (November 29-30), and up to 50% off (November 30-December 1)
Old Navy
Old Navy
When: November 1-December 2
What: 50% off select products online and in-store (November 1-6), 50% off everything online and in-store (November 7-10), and 50% off everything online only and 50% off select products in-store (November 27-December 2)
Land's End
Land's End Medium Canvas Tote Bag
Land's End
When: November 29-December 3
What: 50% off, including customizable canvas totes, sheets, towels, accessories and more.
Showpo
Showpo
When: November 22-December 3
What:
- Black Friday early access (November 22-24): 25% off sitewide
- Black Friday (November 27-29): 25% off sitewide
- Cyber Weekend (November 30-December 1): 25% off almost everything and 40% off bestsellers
- Cyber Monday (December 2-3): 25% off almost everything and 40% off bestsellers
Franco Sarto
Franco Sarto Jaxon Mid Calf Boot
Franco Sarto
When: November 23-December 3
What: Up to 70% off + free shipping
Oomiay
Oomiay
When: November 28-December 2
What: Free exclusive jewelry pieces (up to 5) with every item purchased on November 28-December 1 and up to 50% off your entire order on December 2 only
Barefoot Dreams
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Solid Robe
Barefoot Dreams
When: November 27-December 1 (Black Friday VIP access starts November 25) and December 2-3 (for Cyber Monday)
What: 20% off 2 items, 25% off 3 items, and 30% off 4 or more items for Black Friday. The CozyChic Checks & Stripes Sock Set will be just $9.98 (was $45) on Cyber Monday only.
Local Eclectic
Local Eclectic Whimsical Charm Necklace
Local Eclectic
When: November 25-December 2
What: 20% off sitewide
Quince
Quince Italian Wool Classic Single-Breasted Coat
Quince
When: November 27-December 2
What: 40% off select products
Home Sales
Revival Rugs
Revival Rugs
When: November 14-December 2
What: Scaled discounts automatically applied at checkout:
- 15% off $250-500
- 20% off $500-999
- 25% off $1,000-1,999
- 30% off $2000+
Walmart
Samsung 55” Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV
Walmart
When: November 11-December 1
What: Walmart is breaking up their Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals into two events.
- Event 1 deals begin online on November 11 at 12 p.m. ET exclusively for paid Walmart+ members and 5 p.m. ET for all customers.
- Event 1 deals begin in stores on November 15 at 6 a.m. local time.
- Event 2 deals begin online on November 25 at 12 p.m. ET exclusively for paid Walmart+ members and 5 p.m. ET for all customers.
- Event 2 deals begin in stores November 29 at 6 a.m. local time.
- Cyber Monday deals start online on December 1 at 5 p.m. ET exclusively for paid Walmart+ members and 8 p.m. ET for all customers.
Amazon
TheraGun Sense Percussion Massage Gun
Amazon
When: November 29 and December 2 (tentative)
What: Amazon will feature "tons of great deals across all different categories."
Ruggable
Morris & Co. Strawberry Thief Sage & Rose Tufted Rug
Ruggable
When: Starting November 26
What: 25% off sitewide (exclusions apply) with code 'BF24'
Brümate
Brümate
When: November 26-December 2
What: 20% off coolers and 25% off drinkware with code 'HOLIDAY25'
sproos!
sproos! Lookin Good Handheld Shower System
sproos!
When: November 27-December 2
What: 30% off of the Lookin' Good Bundle on sproos.co and Amazon
Great Jones
Great Jones
When: November 4-December 2 on Great Jones site and November 21-December on Amazon
What: up to 50% off sitewide and 20-33% off select items on Amazon
Food + Supplement Sales
Cure
Cure Electrolyte Drink Mix Starter Kit
Cure
When: November 26-December 3
What: 25% off sitewide on all Electrolyte Drink Mixes, Cure Kids, Energy Teas and merch with code 'HELPYOURSELF25'
More Sales
Petco
Native Pet Omega 3 Fish Oil For Dog Skin & Coat
Petco
When: November 23-30
What: 50% off select items
Subscribe to our newsletter to shop even more Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
Thanksgiving seems centered around turkey. From the hearty stuffing to the thick ‘n’ juicy gravy, almost everything is made with or around the turkey and its drippings. So, how do vegetarians get by? Easily! Meatless lasagnas make for a great main, stuffing can be made delicious without the bird, and those perfectly cooked vegetarian sides can be hella filling. See for yourself with these 29 tempting vegetarian-friendly holiday recipes.
Turk'y Wellington with Mushroom Stuffing
Farm Sanctuary
With an oyster mushroom stuffing, you won't miss the turkey in this delicious and savory main meal by Farm Sanctuary Cafe Chef Gail Patak. Try the mashed potatoes and gravy recipes included too!
Vegan Meatloaf
Jessica in the Kitchen
Loaded with chickpeas and lentils, this hearty cheatloaf makes for a perfect main to go alongside all of those tasty sides.
Green Beans With Brown Butter, Crispy Shallots, and Hazelnuts
Two Peas and Their Pod
This recipe kicks your regular ol’ green beans up a few notches by adding crispy fried shallots, crunchy hazelnuts, and browned butter.
Roasted Squash, Pecan, and Pomegranate Salad
Minimalist Baker
With minimal prep, this mouthwatering squash and sweet potato salad is the perfect addition to your holiday spread with sugared pecans and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses dressing.
Kabocha Squash Lasagna
Umami Girl
Not into “tofurky?” Don’t worry, because this veggie-layered lasagna is delicious, filling, and meets all the requirements of being a Thanksgiving main with its autumnal flavors and comforting textures.
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup with Fried Sage and Halloumi
Floating Kitchen
Throughout the cooler months, a starter soup is the way to go — especially if it’s a silky butternut squash soup slightly sweetened by apples.
Veggie Pot Pies with Crispy Potatoes
Evergreen Kitchen
These vegan and GF pot pies are brimming with robust mushrooms, carrots, and wholesome greens, then topped with crispy potatoes.
Vegan Caramel Apple Galette
Farm Sanctuary
Here are four vegan desserts from Farm Sanctuary Chef Patak, including Pumpkin Bread, Pumpkin Bread pudding, Sweet Ricotta and Pine Nut Tart, and this delightful Caramel Apple Galette to satisfy all the sweet cravings.
Vegan Spiral Thanksgiving Tart
The Colorful Kitchen
Impress your fam and friends with this jaw-dropping tart filled with mashed potatoes, eggplant, carrots, cabbage, earthy rosemary, and your favorite plant-based gravy.
Caramelized Onion Gravy
This Wife Cooks
This savory gravy pairs well with a number of other Thanksgiving dishes. Its rich flavor is a show-stopper and its made with vegan butter instead of the typical kind.
Porcini Mushroom, Greens, And Forbidden Rice Gratin
Vanilla and Bean
This comfort food is so flavorful and is made with black rice, mushrooms, greens, and rice gratin. It is good for you and can also be made gluten-free!
Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
Vanilla and Bean
This moist and tender cornbread is the perfect mix of sweet and savory. It's so easy to whip up and can be stored in the freezer for future indulgence!
Tempeh Sausage-Stuffed Squash
Hummusapien
Replace the iconic stuffed turkey by packing a flavor-filled tempeh sausage stuffing into soft roasted acorn squash boats.
Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots
Crowded Kitchen
These carrots are expertly coated in a sweet and sticky glaze that is seriously so delicious. The pomegranate seed garnish adds an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color.
Mashed Potatoes
Gastro Plant
These vegan mashed potatoes are oh-so-creamy and savory. They're the ultimate Thanksgiving staple!
Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
Image via Joy Food Sunshine
This crave-worthy side tops a velvety sweet potato and apple sauce blend with crunchy pecans for a fall-inspired dish.
Curry-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
The Missing Lokness
Roasted to a golden crisp, these Brussels sprouts bring warming spices and a hint of sweetness to your plate with curry powder and dried cranberries, and it.is.awesome.
Nut Roast
Two Spoons
This meat-free dish is savory and satiating. It's made with wholesome ingredients, including mushrooms, nuts, brown rice, and fresh herbs.
Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Earthly Provisions
This stovetop mac and cheese is the ultimate Thanksgiving comfort food. It utilizes raw cashews instead of cheese, which may sound questionable, but trust me it's so good.
Butternut Squash Dal
Cook with Manali
Stock up on naan, because you’ll want to dig into this vegan and GF dal all evening with its combination of lentils, onions, tomato, cumin, and curry leaves.
Wellington
Crowded Kitchen
This delicious recipe swaps out the classic beef tenderloin for a savory mushroom filling. It's packed with flavor and equally as yummy as the original!
Cranberry Sauce
A Virtual Vegan
This vegan cranberry sauce is loaded up with flavor. It has orange juice, orange zest, rosemary, cinnamon, and a splash of booze (but that last one can be swapped out for orange juice)!
Cheesy Scalloped Hannah Sweet Potatoes
No Eggs or Ham
Thinly sliced sweet potatoes in a thick, cheesy, and sweet white pepper sauce? Sign me up!
Vegan Dinner Rolls
Veggie Society
It's not Thanksgiving without a basket of fresh, light, and fluffy biscuits. These Italian-style ones are mouth-watering and are sure to be a hit.
Simple Cornbread Sage Stuffing
The Full Helping
This recipe puts a vegan spin on a Thanksgiving fave so that *everyone* can enjoy it. Made with vegan cornbread, it’s packed with all the right flavors.
Holiday Festive Falafels
Two Spoons
These yummy falafels are a must-have for your Thanksgiving spread. They're cozy, crispy, vegan, and gluten-free.
Thanksgiving Mushrooms and Potatoes
Veggie Society
These vegan and gluten-free mushrooms and potatoes are made with chanterelles, caramelized onions, and crispy sage. They're seriously flavorful and something the entire group will enjoy.
Pecan Pie
The Edgy Veg
This easy recipe tastes just like the traditional pecan pie recipe, just with vegan ingredients that allows the entire group to dig in! (via The Edgy Veg)
Bread Pudding
Crowded Kitchen
If you're looking for a warm and comforting dessert to enjoy after your scrumptious Thanksgiving meal, this vegan bread pudding is a winner. It has dried fruit, bourbon, cinnamon, and vegan custard.
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This post has been updated.