Vegan Ham Recipe That Tastes Just Like The Real Thing

If you’ve ever missed the savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor of traditional ham but follow a vegan lifestyle, this vegan ham recipe is here to delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. Crafted with wholesome plant-based ingredients, this recipe mimics the texture and flavor of classic ham without any animal products.

Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just a comforting meal, this vegan ham is both delicious and nutritious.

Using a blend of vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, and a medley of spices, this recipe bakes into a beautiful roast that can be sliced thinly or served thick. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to explore plant-based alternatives, this recipe offers a wonderful balance of texture, flavor, and visual appeal.

Plus, it’s customizable, so you can adjust the spices and glaze to suit your palate.

Ready to impress your friends and family with a vegan centerpiece? Let’s dive into making a flavorful, juicy vegan ham that’s sure to become a favorite at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan ham is a game-changer for anyone who misses the rich and savory taste of traditional ham. It’s packed with protein, thanks to the vital wheat gluten and chickpea flour, giving it a meaty texture that holds up well in sandwiches, salads, or as a main dish.

The glaze, made from maple syrup, soy sauce, and smoked paprika, delivers a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and umami flavors that caramelize beautifully during baking.

Not only is this recipe cruelty-free and healthier than its meat counterpart, but it’s also customizable to your liking. You can make it gluten-free by substituting vital wheat gluten with a mix of gluten-free flours (though texture will differ).

Plus, it’s a fantastic conversation starter at holiday dinners or potlucks, showing how plant-based cooking can be creative and comforting.

For more plant-based inspiration, check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or try your hand at our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to complement your meal perfectly.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten (for protein and texture)
• 1/2 cup chickpea flour (for binding and flavor)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for a cheesy, umami flavor)
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (for smoky depth)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup vegetable broth (warm)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for saltiness and color)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a subtle tang)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, for smoky flavor)
• Glaze:
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Plastic wrap or cheesecloth
• Baking dish or loaf pan
• Oven
• Brush for glazing
• Steamer or large pot with lid (optional for steaming)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: warm vegetable broth, soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and liquid smoke (if using).
4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon until a dough starts to form, then knead the mixture in the bowl (or on a clean surface) for about 3-5 minutes. The dough should be elastic and slightly firm.
5. Shape the dough into a log or ham-like shape. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or cheesecloth, twisting the ends to seal.
6. Optional steaming step: For a firmer texture, steam the wrapped dough for 45 minutes. If you prefer to bake directly, place the wrapped dough in the prepared baking dish.
7. Bake the vegan ham: If steamed, unwrap and place the dough in the baking dish. Mix ingredients for the glaze in a small bowl. Brush the glaze generously over the entire surface of the vegan ham.
8. Bake for 40-50 minutes, brushing with more glaze every 15 minutes to build up a rich, sticky coating. The ham should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Slice and serve warm or cold.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra smoky flavor, increase the smoked paprika and add more liquid smoke. If you want a gluten-free version, try using a combination of chickpea flour, arrowroot starch, and xanthan gum, though the texture will be softer.”

• Make it nutty: Add 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
• Sweet or savory glaze: Swap maple syrup in the glaze for agave nectar or brown sugar for different sweetness levels. Add mustard seeds or crushed black pepper for a spicy kick.
• Roast with veggies: Surround your vegan ham with root vegetables like carrots and potatoes in the baking dish for a one-pan meal.
• Storage: Store leftovers wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze slices for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan ham is incredibly versatile. Serve it thinly sliced on a vegan sandwich with mustard, lettuce, and pickles for a savory lunch.

Alternatively, use thick slices as the centerpiece for your holiday table, accompanied by mashed potatoes, steamed greens, and a tangy cranberry sauce.

It also works beautifully in stir-fries, fried rice, or diced into vegan pasta dishes for a smoky protein boost. For a cozy meal, try pairing it with our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating or enjoy alongside freshly baked bread from our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

Conclusion

Creating your own vegan ham at home is a rewarding and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a traditional roast without compromising your plant-based lifestyle. This recipe brings together hearty ingredients and bold seasonings to craft a satisfying, protein-packed centerpiece suitable for any occasion.

Whether you’re preparing a festive holiday feast or a comforting weeknight dinner, this vegan ham adds a special touch that everyone can enjoy.

With its customizable glaze and adaptable texture, you can tailor this recipe to your preferences and dietary needs. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter that showcases how vegan cooking can be both creative and indulgent.

Don’t forget to explore other exciting recipes on our site like the Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals to round out your plant-based culinary journey.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Ham Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A savory and smoky vegan ham made from seitan, perfect for holiday meals or sandwiches. This plant-based alternative is flavorful and easy to prepare.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT1H”, “totalTime”: “PT1H20M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten”, “1/4 cup nutritional yeast”, “1/2 cup chickpea flour”, “1 cup vegetable broth”, “1/4 cup soy sauce”, “2 tablespoons maple syrup”, “1 tablespoon smoked paprika”, “1 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1 teaspoon onion powder”, “1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper”, “1/4 cup tomato paste”, “1 tablespoon liquid smoke”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, combine vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, and chickpea flour.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a separate bowl, mix vegetable broth, soy sauce, maple syrup, tomato paste, and liquid smoke.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until dough forms.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Knead dough for 3-5 minutes until elastic.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Shape dough into a loaf and wrap tightly in foil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 1 hour, turning halfway through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cool before slicing and serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180”, “proteinContent”: “20g”, “fatContent”: “3g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “15g”}}