Favorite Plant-Based Holiday Recipes - Golubka Kitchen (2024)

Here comes the annual round-up of our favorite, plant-based holiday recipes. We’ve got you covered on mains and hearty sides, as well as lighter sides, soups, salads, dessert, and drinks. Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season :)

v = vegan, gf = gluten-free, veg = vegetarian, vo = vegan option, gfo = gluten-free option

Mains and Hearty Sides

Our Holiday Ebook!

This ebook is a collection of our favorite, festive, plant-based recipes, developed with the intention of bringing color and joy to your holiday table. All of them – from the fun appetizers to the cozy soups, from the abundant sides to the savory mains – are centered around flavor-packed, whole food ingredients and vibrant, seasonal produce. Click here to check out the ebook. It’s also available in a discount holiday bundle together with our dessert ebook, for $4 off the total price.

Mushroom Bourguignon (v, gfo)

Mushroom Bourguignon is at the peak of deep, earthy, and rich plant-based flavor. Served over some mashed potatoes, it’s the ultimate, elegant comfort food. To make it gluten-free, use oat flour in place of AP.

Baked Latkes(v, gf)

Latkes are our ultimate weakness, but we’ve always dreaded the long and smoky process of frying them. Our love for latkes is so strong though, that we had to come up with an easier path to that crispy, golden potato goodness. These baked latkes are SO much easier to make than the traditional fried kind, since the oven does all the main work for you. The flavor and texture are not compromised one bit, we promise. The recipe also includes a beet salad with an avocado mayo, which is to die for.

Lentil Loaf with Balsamic Glaze (v, gf)

This cute lentil loaf is packed with some of the most savory ingredients of the plant world, and the balsamic glaze takes the flavors over the top. It’s so fun to make and serve! Recipe is in our holiday ebook (also available in the holiday bundle).

Holiday Veggie Roast with Oven Cranberry Sauce (v, gf)

This whole meal comes together in one oven, all at the same time. The veggies are roasted in a mustard-miso sauce for extra savoriness and crispiness, which goes so well with the tart and sweet cranberry sauce.

Orange and Sage Tempeh (v, gf)

This sweet and savory tempeh features brightness from orange zest and juice, and earthiness from fresh sage as its main flavor profile. It’s special enough to serve as a plant-based ‘protein main,’ while being super simple to prepare. Recipe is in our holiday ebook (also available in the holiday bundle).

One Pan Brussels Sprout and Red Lentil Pie with a Root Vegetable Crust (v, gfo)

This beautiful, cozy, one-pan dish can act as a main or hearty side. It’s packed with various root vegetables and Brussels sprouts, making it very easy to fulfill the veggie quota on an otherwise protein-centric holiday table.

Vegan Cauliflower and Leek Pie with Onion Crust (v, gf)

This pie features caramelized cauliflower and leeks, smothered in a ‘cheesy’ potato and carrot sauce, and baked in an incredibly savory onion crust. It could definitely act as the main event, paired with a salad or some vegetable sides, or it could be a side as well, depending on what you’re cooking!

Spaghetti Squash Mung Bean Lasagna(v, gf)

This healthful but hearty lasagna employs spaghetti squash in placelasagna noodles. There’s mushrooms, mung beans, kale, carrots, tomato sauce, and an easy almond ‘cheese’ as well.

Quinoa and Vegetable Pot Pie (v, gf)

This cozy pot pie features a veggie-packed quinoa filling and a perfectly golden, gluten-free crust. Recipe is in our holiday ebook (also available in the holiday bundle).

Braised Leeks with Cauliflower White Bean Mash(v, gf)

If you’ve never tried braising leeks, you are in for a serious surprise. They are amazing, especially served over a hearty cauliflower and white bean mash.If leeks are not your thing,consider making the mash alone and serve it as a side, to up your holiday mash game :)

Beet Shepherd’s Pie with Balsamic, Lentils, and Mushrooms (v, gf)

This cozy vegan shepherd’s pie has some serious borscht vibes, thanks to the combination of beets and potatoes. It’s also got lentils, mushrooms, and has a nice kick from the addition of balsamic vinegar.

Sweet Potato and Brussels Sprout Gratin(v, gf)

I can’t say enough about this gratin comprised of layers of sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, and caramelized onions, showered with spices and coconut milk. It’s easy to make but so beautiful and satisfying at the same time.

Mushroom and Onion Cauliflower Bake (v, gf)

This recipe from Amy Chaplin’s Whole Food Cooking Every Day is as cozy and nourishing as it looks. Make it for a dose of leafy greens, mushrooms, and cruciferous veg in one festive bake.

Warm Salad of Roasted Cauliflower, Grapes, and Black Rice(v, gf)

This will forever be my favorite fall/wintersalad. It’s all about the contrast of flavors: aromatic black rice, nourishing spiced cauliflower, juicy grapes, and a slightly spicy miso dressing full of umami. Sprinkle in some pomegranate seeds for an extra festive look.

Sweet Potato and Caramelized Onion Casserole (v, gf)

This sweet potato casserole is crowned with a topping of caramelized onions and maple-rosemary pecans, for an updated take on the classic favorite. Recipe is in our holiday ebook (also available in the holiday bundle).

Potato, Dill, and Broccoli Cakes with Spicy Cashew Sauce (v, gf)

Something totally magical happens when mashed potatoes are roasted and get nice and crispy on the outside, while staying soft and fluffy inside. The spicy cashew sauce has sour cream vibes and goes so well with the potatoes and dill.

Soups and Sides

Lemon-Dill, White Bean and Potato Soup (v, gf)

This soup is one of our most popular recipes, and it makes for an especially cozy start to any meal, during the holidays and beyond.

No-Recipe Creamy Soup (v, gf)

There’s a general formula for making really great, pureed soups, and this post lays it out for you. You might even have all the ingredients on hand for a stunning, creamy soup right now, since these soups tend to magically come together with odds and ends from the crisper.

Creamy Butternut Squash, Pear and Cranberry Soup with Crispy Kale(v, gf)

This is butternut squash soup elevated. The addition of cranberries and pear is as delicious as it is unexpected. There’s a special ingredient that will help aid digestion during a big meal, too.

Winter Root and Fennel Soup with Greens and Caramelized Cauliflower(v, gf)

A soup that’s both grounding and fortifying, and good enough to serve as an unexpected, colorful starter at the holiday table.

Pink Soup with Roasted Onion and Broccoli(v, gf)

Another stunning, colorful soup option.

Limey Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Delicata Squash (v, gf)

This is such a simple but stunning side. The brightness of the lime cuts right through the dense and grounding nature of the roasted squash and potatoes, making for the most heavenly flavor combination. Some crunch from pistachios, and a green, herbal hit from cilantro (always so good with lime) perfectly complete the dish.

Stuffed Mushrooms with Smoky Quinoa and Cashew ‘Parm’ (v, gf)

Smoky quinoa seamlessly replaces breadcrumbs in these stuffed mushrooms, and a salty, cheesy cashew ‘parm’ takes the flavors to the next level. Recipe is in our holiday ebook (also available in the holiday bundle).

Next Level Lemon Miso Potatoes (v, gf)

These potatoes are one of our most popular recipes from 2019! They are extra in every way. They take extra ingredients, extra work, and come out extra flavorful as a result.

Celeriac Parsnip Mash with Crispy Sage(v, gf)

We love mashed potatoes, but we also lovepairing a bowl of mashed potatoes with another, more interesting mash made with underutilized root vegetables. Both celeriac and parsnips are so uniquely flavored and healthful, it’s no wonder that they make for some delicious mash. Serve it with the Braised Holiday Cauliflower for the ultimate plant-based holiday meal.

Vegan Miso Kale Scalloped Potatoes (v, gf)

In this recipe, thinly mandolined potatoes get layered with silky kale, then baked in a miso-pine nut sauce, until golden and crispy on top and soft and creamy inside. The result is pure coziness.

Roasted Potato and Split Pea Salad with Miso Vinaigrette (v, gf)

This salad is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. You can never go wrong with roasted potatoes and a super savory miso vinaigrette.

Fried Potatoes with Mushrooms and Onions (v, gf)

And here’s one more potato side, since you can never have too many! These fried potatoes are perfectly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Combining them with mushrooms and onions makes this dish taste like a walk in the woods.

Versatile Fennel Salad (v, gf)

This simple salad is surprisingly flavorful and shows off fennel in the best light: thinly shaved, dressed with a punchy dressing, and dusted with a cheesy cashew sprinkle.

Kale Salad with Marinated Beets, Lentils and Almond Cheese(v, gf)

This salad is simple but effective: visually stunning, healthful and delicious. Plus, you’ll want to sprinkle that almond cheese on everything!

Roasted Parsnip and Pomelo Salad(v, gf)

Earthy, nourishing parsnips go so well with juicy, bittersweet citrus. The combination is especially irresistible when sprinkled with spiced and toasted walnuts and raisins. Use grapefruit if you can’t find pomelo.

Desserts

Apple Pecan Pie with Salted Pumpkin Caramel(v)

This is three favorite Thanksgiving pies in one: apple, pecan and pumpkin. It’s decadent and impressive, and a definite crowd-pleaser. (Also pictured in slice form at the beginning of this post). Click here to watch a full video breakdown of the recipe.

Apple Galette (v)

Don’t feel like making pie? Try making its lower-maintenance cousin, the galette. The filling of this apple galette includes pine nuts, which elevate the flavor with their buttery richness. You can use any other nuts if you don’t have/like pine nuts.

Upside Down Orange Polenta Cake (v, gf)

This cake looks so impressive and cheerful, but it’s actually incredibly easy to put together. The slight bitterness of the orange peel and the aromatic orange flavor go so well with the fluffy polenta cake. Recipe is in our dessert ebook (also available in the holiday bundle).

Olive Oil Loaf with Hibiscus Beet Icing (v)

In this recipe, a delicious, spelt flour olive oil loaf is topped with a stunning, electric pink icing that’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s a great, fuss-free dessert for post-holiday meal coffee/tea time.

Pumpkin Pie (v, gf)

This not-too-sweet pumpkin pie with a gluten-free crust is the stuff of our dreams. Recipe is in our dessert ebook (also available in the holiday bundle).

Concord Grape Fruit and Nut Cake(v, gf)

Slices of thisfruit and nut cakemake for a greataccompaniment to a cheese plate, as well as an awesomegift basket component.

Chocolate Fudge with Fresh Sage and Goji Berries(v, gf)

The super-festive appearance of this decadent, frozen fudge basically speaks for itself.

Banana Cream Pie (v, gf)

Even if you’re not a fan of bananas on their own (like us!), you will still most likely love this pie. The bananas present themselves in a totally new and unexpected light when combined with cream, chocolate, and a buttery crust. Recipe is in our dessert ebook (also available in the holiday bundle).

Rum and Raisin Bundt with Orange and Miso Glaze(v)

The universally loved combination of rum and raisins is elevated by a sweet and subtly salty orange and miso glaze in this vegan bundt recipe we developed for Food & Wine.

Quick Sweet Potato Chocolate Pudding(v, gf)

This is a great, chocolatey option for those looking to keep dessert time as easy and low-key as possible.Theadaptogenic mushroom powders can be added for an additional boost, but they can also be left out completely.

Sweet Potato Caramel Nougat(v, gf)

Oh man, this nougat! Not as sticky or sweet astraditionalnougat, this onehas a caramel-like complexity from our trademark sweet potato caramel. There is a studding of toasted nuts and cookie crumble throughout each slice, too. Great for homemade gifts or party platters.

Pecan Pie (v, gf)

Toasted pecans are baked in a gooey coconut caramel in this recipe, and the result is so delicious. Recipe is in our dessert ebook (also available in the holiday bundle).

Chocolate Beet Layer Cake with Pink Frosting and Chocolate Ganache(v, gf)

If you are looking for a grand and fun cake project, but still want something wholesome and not too sugary, look no further than this stunner of a cake.

Chunky Monkey Cookies (v, gf)

If chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, and banana bread all (somehow?) had a love child, these gluten-free, vegan, and date-sweetened Chunky Monkey Cookies would be it. They are as healthful as cookies can be, but also so SO satisfying.

Hibiscus Orange Blossom Turkish Delight

In this recipe, we’ve updated the old school treat with the use of healthful ingredients, and the beautiful, floral flavors of hibiscus and orange blossom. Serve these Turkish delights alongside tiny tongs at a holiday party for the ultimate, fancy dessert experience :)

Seeded Pumpkin Bread with Apple Butter (v)

This beautiful pumpkin bread is a great thing to bring to a holiday potluck, serve as dessert after holiday dinner, or to eat for breakfast one cozy fall or winter morning. The accompanying apple butter is the perfect thing to spread on this bread, or gift a jar of it as a thoughtful, homemade present. Recipe is in our holiday ebook (also available in the holiday bundle).

Honey-Roasted Pears with Vanilla Cashew Cream(veg, gf)

All the components of this dessert can be made ahead of time, and assembled later. The cashew cream is not your average cashew cream, either – it’s extra-fluffy with the help of aspecial ingredient.

Miso Caramel Popcorn(v, gf)

It’s entirely possible to make really good caramel popcorn at home! This popcorn is sweet, salty, and incredibly addicting – you’ve been warned :)

Poppyseed Dukkah-Stuffed Baked Apples with Coconut Caramel (v, gf)

Baked apples might seem like a boring holiday dessert option, but these are not – they are stuffed with a sweet, poppyseed dukkah and topped with dreamy coconut caramel.

Salted Caramel Tart (v, gf)

Drinks

Rosemary Hot White Chocolate(v, gf)

This hot white chocolate is both cozy and decadent, with unexpected, warming notes from rosemary and a perfectly smooth, frothy consistency.

Quick Persimmon Eggnog(v, gf)

This is eggnog for both the adventurous and the health-conscious. Much lighter than the original, but still perfectly creamy and satisfying.

Spiced Kombucha Moscow Mules(v, gf)

This is the perfect winter co*cktail for those of us who don’t drink alcohol, but still want to participate in the celebratory ritual of clinking glasses andtoasting with something special and delicious.

Pear Cranberry Chai(v, gf)

This cozy chai is brewed with the addition of pears and cranberries, which takes the flavor to the next level. Simply put, it’s the best chai we’ve ever had.

Tahini Hot Chocolate (v, gf)

This hot chocolate is probably the most comforting drink you can make this holiday season, and it comes together in a flash.