When it comes to your holiday feast, you don’t have to stray away from tradition. You can still serve a hearty and exceptionally tasty roast—no animals harmed in the making. If you’re looking to keep your holiday spread cruelty-free this year, we’ve got you covered! Keep reading for a complete guide on some of the best vegan roasts to serve this season.
What Are Vegan Roasts Made Of?
The vegan food market has exploded in recent years. From pumpkin pies to potato salad—you can now find everything you need to round out your holiday vegan feast.
And what’s a delicious holiday spread without a hearty roast? Thankfully for all bellies involved, you can get that vegan, too. Companies are churning out turkey and ham roasts that look, cook, and taste similar to their animal-derived counterparts.
In lieu of animals, they’re made with plant-based ingredients like seitan, tofu, wheat, vegetables, and legumes. And you can’t forget about the seasoning. Vegan turkey and ham can have a similar texture
Vegan Turkey Ingredients
As aforementioned, seitan—made from wheat gluten—is one of the most popular choices for vegan turkey. However, tofu is another popular option. You could also use textured soybean protein. To get the right flavor, it’s all about the seasoning. Consider adding garlic, pepper, onion powder, and a variety of herbs, including thyme and parsley.
5 Vegan Brands Offering Turkey Feasts
1. Tofurky
Tofurky’s holiday roasts are a popular choice at many vegan holiday gatherings. The plant-based meat company carries a number of mouthwatering seasonal roasts that are sure to please both vegans and non-vegans alike come Thanksgiving.
Founded more than 35 years ago, Tofurky makes a variety of roasts, including a Ham Roast with Glaze and an Everyday Ham Roast. Its most popular is its plain turkey-like roast, made with a blend of wheat and tofu. You can opt for a few different versions, including one stuffed with wild rice, and one served with traditional gravy.
2. Field Roast
Field Roast offers a Celebration Roast With Traditional Bread Stuffing & Mushroom Gravy. It’s seasoned with sage, garlic, and lemon juice. The brand also offers a Hazelnut Cranberry Roast En Croute. The tasty roast features a rosemary, candied ginger, and sausage stuffing. You can also snag Field Roast’s Smokey Forager’s Roast or Celebration Roast.
3. Trader Joe’s
All deliciousness, no turkey. Trader Joe’s Vegan Turkey-less Stuffed Roast is all your holiday dinner needs. The breaded roast is stuffed with cranberry-studded wild rice and includes a meatless gravy. It won’t disappoint.
Check it out here.
4. Whole Foods
Make a pit stop at Whole Foods to snag a 365 Meatless Plant-Based Roast. Packed with 13 grams of protein per serving, the cholesterol-free breaded roast features a creamy gravy that is sure to leave you savoring every last bite. Whole Foods is also offering a vegan Thanksgiving feast for two this year to make holiday planning even easier.
5. Gardein
Gardein also carries a hearty holiday roast. The meatless turkey roast features a cranberry and wild rice stuffing. And if you don’t fancy a full roast, Gardein offers Meatless Turk’y Cutlets. They’re “crispy on the outside, tender on the inside” and perfect with gravy.
5 Vegan Holiday Roast Recipes
Try your hand in the kitchen by making a delectable holiday roast at home. Elevate your cooking game with one of these tasty vegan roast recipes.
1. Seitan Roast
Seitan is a popular vegan meat substitute that is made from vital wheat gluten. Serve this seitan roast for your holiday supper. In addition to vital wheat gluten, the high-protein, meaty roast features artichoke hearts as well as a variety of tasty seasonings like sage, rosemary, thyme, garlic, and pepper. Serve with creamy green bean casserole and a dairy-free roll for a hunger-satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Get the recipe here.
2. Sourdough Bread Stuffed Roast
This delicious roast recipe is also seitan-based. However, it features a sourdough bread stuffing. The smoky roast also includes a blended glaze of barbecue and teriyaki sauce.
Get the recipe here.
3. Vegan Turkey Style Roast With Crispy Skin
This vegan turkey roast looks and tastes similar to a traditional roast! The jackfruit- and vital wheat gluten-based roast features a crispy “skin” made from rice paper. Serve alongside a delicious serving of mashed potatoes and vegan gravy for a Thanksgiving to remember.
Get the recipe here.
4. Nut Roast
This roast recipe features layers upon layers of nutritious plant-based ingredients. Chestnuts, onions, sweet potato, butternut squash, apricots, breadcrumbs, and cranberry sauce come together to make the ultimate holiday nut roast.
Get the recipe here.
5. Lentil Roast With Balsamic Onion Gravy
This lentil roast recipe is so good, you’ll want to make it all year round. Slathered with savory balsamic onion gravy, serve this dish with a hearty side of mashed potatoes and cranberry dressing. Just make sure you save some room for dessert.
Get the recipe here.
