17 Vegan Ham Alternatives For Christmas Dinner That Aren’t Just Tofu

Holiday time for vegans can be complicated, but finding the perfect animal-product-free entree is not impossible. In fact, there are plenty of vegan Christmas ham alternatives that are just as filling, just as festive, and just as tasty as its meat-filled counterpart. Not to mention, there are so many vegan recipes out there that good enough for meat eaters to enjoy. No, you don't need a ham to have a proper Christmas dinner.

And, a vegan Christmas does not mean a salad Christmas, despite what your non-vegan diners might assume. It's easy to put together a combination of dishes that will rival the meatiest of holiday dinners. Roasted veggies, grains, fruits and sweets will surely send your guests home full, satisfied and impressed with the fact that they had an excellent, kind, and green dinner that didn't involve a single animal product. It feels good to eat clean, no matter what your dietary restrictions are, or aren't.

Here I've put together a few trusty recipes for replacing that ham centerpiece with a vegan option that's equally dazzling and delicious. No one at the table is going to miss the meat, in fact, there's a good change your dinner guests won't ever want to go back to a non-vegan Christmas again. Well, at the very least, they'll enjoy it!

Stuffed Pumpkin

Pumpkin season is not over until you make this dish for your Christmas dinner. This stuffed pumpkin is the epitome of culinary festivity, and it's bound to win over your guests that aren't totally sold on the vegan holiday dinner. Check out the recipe on Green Kitchen Stories.

Grilled Portobello Mushrooms

These mushrooms are marinated in a garlic sauce and topped with a vegan gravy. They looks and taste similar to steak — but they are are entirely veggie. Check out the recipe on Vegan Richa.

Pot Pies

If you're cooking for a smaller group, individual vegan pot pies can be a great way to ensure everyone gets enough food. They make the perfect main dish, and you can load them up as much or as little as you please to complement the sides you prepare. Check out the recipe on My Darling Vegan.

Mongolian Seitan

This is probably the closest you can get to a beef-flavored dish while still remaining entirely vegan. This dish is perfect for an entree, and goes well with holiday-themed sides. Check out the recipe on Yup It's Vegan.

Lentil Loaf

This meat-like vegan loaf gets topped with a balsamic onion gravy that's every bit holiday tasting, and entirely vegan. Check out the recipe on Wallflower Kitchen.

Paella

This vegan paella packs all the heat you're used to with the dish, but comes through with some intense roasted veggie flavors that are really balancing. Serve as an entree, or a side. Check out the recipe on Cookie and Kate.

"Cheesy" Lentil Bolognese Casserole

It's not real cheese, but it looks like it, it tastes like it, and it's totally just as delicious as the real thing. This hearty dish will make a great Christmas centerpiece. Check out the recipe on Oh She Glows.

Roasted Butternut Squash Casserole

Don't be fooled, this roasted veggie casserole is not a side. It's filling, delicious, and totally holds its own as a main dish. Check out the recipe on Oh She Glows.

Butternut & Cabbage Stew

This one-pot vegan dish is easy to make, warm, hearty, and incredibly healthy. You'll be happy to have some leftovers for lunch, because it's the perfect winter dish. Check out the recipe on Green Kitchen Stories.

Rice-Free Risotto With Chard

There are so many ways to make risotto, and this super healthy,creative and rich recipe by Green Kitchen Stories is perfect for Christmas dinner.

Hasselback Potatoes

You probably don't normally think of potatoes as a main course, but these come fully loaded and decked out with kale, and are certainly hearty enough to stand on their own. Check out the recipe on Green Kitchen Stories.

Cranberry, Apricot, And Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf

This holiday dish is colorful, festive, and totally yum. Check out the recipe on Oh She Glows.

Sweet Potato Crumble Casserole

It's sweet, it's hearty, it's the perfect holiday treat that's suitable for the Christmas dinner table. Check out the recipe on Oh She Glows.

Lentil Mushroom Walnut Balls

They're kind of like meatballs, but entirely vegan and deeply flavorful. This recipe from Oh She Glows includes a cranberry pear sauce that's so perfect for Christmas dinner.

Zucchini Fettuccine

This pasta lovers dish is a butternut cream dream come true. Check out the very green recipe on The Veggie Girl.

Shepard's Pie

This dish is not only tasty and vegan, but it's gluten-free. So if you've got some grain-free diners, this is going to be gold on the Christmas dinner table. Check out the recipe on The Veggie Girl.

Vegan Stuffing

Who says stuffing can't be the main dish? If it's loaded with nutrients, flavors and filling ingredients, it's just as good as a Christmas ham, but better, because it's entirely vegan. Check out the recipe on Earth Balance.