9 Crowd-Pleasing Recipes for the Ultimate Vegetarian Holiday Menu
Simple and festive recipes that everyone will love.
While gifts can often be the centre of attention during the holiday season, as far as we’re concerned food comes a very close second. And regardless of how your festive celebrations might look this year, if you’ve been asked to bring a plate, or you’re taking on the responsibility of playing host, there’s no need to panic - because we’ve got all your recipe bases covered.
But instead of whipping out the same repertoire of dishes you use every year, why not spruce things up a bit? From delicious starters to memorable desserts, keep reading for the recipes your guests won't forget this festive season.
Starters
Homemade Focaccia With Leeks, Ricotta and Honey
When it comes to cooking for the masses, the key is to focus on tried and tested well-loved hits. And, what hits both stomachs – and hearts – better than homemade bread? Sian Redgrave’s focaccia to be exact.
While the end result of this recipe may look seriously impressive, we promise it’s actually super simple. Something even the most novice of cooks – or nervous of – will be able to execute with ease.
Potato, Thyme, Honey, and Provolone Pizza
Pizza is unquestionably one of the most loved foods there is. The flavour combinations are endless and it's the perfect meal to cook when entertaining! Perfectly balanced with robust olive oil and fresh aromatic thyme which help the creamy potatoes and cheese shine, while the honey adds the perfect touch of sweetness – we guarantee your guests will be going in for seconds and asking for the recipe.
Grilled Broccolini, Lemon and Lentil Salad With Crunchy Breadcrumbs
When you want to serve a salad for your guests, it's often thought of as an add-on; a healthy must-have, a way to freshen your palate, and sometimes even a bore. But not all salads are created equal, as Julia Busuttil Nishimura's grilled broccolini, lemon, and lentil salad will have you know.
Mains
Risotto Verde With Peas, Spinach, and Parsley
In this recipe, Rey Vakili utilises Arborio rice, butter, and Parmigiano-Reggiano combined with fresh peas, spinach, and parsley. The result? A risotto verde that embraces the creaminess we love and that is brought to life with greenery that adds vibrancy and freshness. It's most delicious when the broth is high-quality and the rice has a good bite.
Cheesy Eggplant Parmigiana With Tomato and Basil
There are only three main components to this recipe; the eggplant, the layers, and the tomato sauce, all of which can be pre-prepared so that when guests arrive all you need to do is assemble it and pop it in the oven.
Generous amounts of parmesan and fresh buffalo mozzarella are used to make this dish extra tasty and creamy, and panko breadcrumbs bring a beautiful crispy texture to the recipe. The overall richness is sure to impress even meat lovers.
Fennel and Rainbow Chard Pita Pie
The humble pie is adored for many reasons. The filling possibilities are endless and the flaky pastry exterior makes for a delightfully indulgent treat. Helena and Vikki Moursellas' village-style fennel and rainbow chard pita pie is a savoury Greek pie that's wrapped in a crispy pastry and one recipe we think you'll want to add to your rotation.
Dessert
Crème Caramel
If you're partial to creamy desserts, this delightful dessert will not disappoint. Crème caramel has won a special place in the hearts of food lovers around the world. With its delightfully silky texture, and delicate balance of sweetness cut with rich cream, this French dessert classic brings an understated sense of sophistication to any spread.
It’s a stress-free dessert for entertaining as you can make it in advance, it's fuss-free to whip up, and it tastes heavenly.
Pavlova With Crème Fraiche, Plums and Almond Flakes
Pavlova is a true summer classic that Australians and New Zealanders love to indulge in on Christmas day. The fragile crunch of meringue and its fluffy insides, layered with soft cream and juicy fruit, is really an experience all of its own. Treat your guests to a beautifully assembled pavlova and they'll savour the memory forever.
Lemon Yoghurt Cake With Pressed Flowers
Citrus-flavoured desserts are perfect for those who want a sweet treat that isn't too sickly and rich. The perfect example of this is dessert queen Therese Lum's recipe for a preserved lemon yoghurt cake.
This baked delight is expertly balanced and delivers a sophisticated flavour thanks to the lemon cutting through the sweetness. Topped with an irresistible cream cheese icing and dressed in edible flowers, it not only tastes divine, but looks the part too.
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