Vegan Turkey Roast Recipe for a Delicious Holiday Feast

Looking for a delightful centerpiece that brings all the warmth and comfort of a traditional holiday turkey roast but without any animal products? Our vegan turkey roast recipe is the perfect solution!

This plant-based roast is packed with savory flavors, hearty textures, and a beautiful golden crust that will impress even the most dedicated meat-eaters at your table. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply want a special Sunday dinner, this recipe combines wholesome ingredients like vital wheat gluten, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs to create a truly satisfying dish.

Not only is this roast cruelty-free, but it’s also made from pantry staples and easy-to-find ingredients. Plus, it stores well, making it ideal for meal prep or festive occasions.

Prepare to wow your guests with a vegan dish that’s both nourishing and indulgent. And when you’re ready to explore more vibrant plant-based meals, be sure to check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.

Let’s get roasting!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan turkey roast offers all the festive charm of a traditional roast with none of the fuss or ethical concerns. It’s rich in umami thanks to sautéed mushrooms and nutritional yeast, which add depth and a savory bite.

The texture is wonderfully firm but tender, mimicking the mouthfeel of real turkey through the use of vital wheat gluten, which also makes it high in protein.

It’s incredibly versatile, too—you can customize the herbs and spices to suit your taste or occasion. With a beautiful golden-brown crust and juicy interior, this roast is perfect for slicing and serving alongside your favorite vegan sides.

Plus, it’s a great recipe for those new to plant-based cooking, as it uses familiar ingredients and straightforward steps. If you enjoy this, you might also want to explore our Slow Cooker Recipes Vegan Easy Meals for Busy Weeknight for more hassle-free cooking ideas.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups vital wheat gluten (for the protein base and chewy texture)
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast (adds cheesy, savory flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried sage (classic herb for turkey flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds subtle smoky depth)
• 1 cup vegetable broth (keeps the roast moist)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for umami)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing and richness)
• 1 cup finely chopped cremini mushrooms (adds moisture and earthiness)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water (flax egg to bind)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish and aroma)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Baking sheet or roasting pan
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper
• Food processor (optional, for finer mushroom texture)
• Instant-read thermometer (optional, but helpful)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a roasting pan.
2. Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, whisk together the ground flaxseed and water. Set aside for 5–10 minutes to thicken.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the mushrooms: Stir in the finely chopped cremini mushrooms and cook until the moisture evaporates and mushrooms are golden, about 7–10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, dried sage, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate container, whisk together the vegetable broth, soy sauce, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, and the prepared flax egg.
7. Form the dough: Add the wet mixture and sautéed vegetables to the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon until a dough forms, then knead by hand for 2–3 minutes until elastic and firm.
8. Shape the roast: Form the dough into a log shape resembling a turkey roast. Place it on the prepared baking sheet or roasting pan.
9. Wrap the roast: Wrap the roast tightly in aluminum foil, twisting the ends to seal. This helps it steam and stay moist during baking.
10. Bake: Place the wrapped roast in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. After 1 hour, carefully unwrap the foil and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes uncovered to brown the crust.
11. Check doneness: The roast should feel firm and springy. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read about 165°F (74°C).
12. Rest before slicing: Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
13. Garnish and serve: Slice the roast and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs. Serve with your favorite sides and vegan gravy for a festive meal.

Tips & Variations

“Don’t rush the kneading process — it’s key to developing the perfect texture for your roast!”

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of liquid smoke or a teaspoon of tamari to the vegetable broth mixture. This will enhance the smoky, savory notes that mimic traditional turkey.

If you want to make this gluten-free, consider experimenting with a seitan alternative like jackfruit or a lentil loaf, though the texture will differ.

Feel free to stuff the center of your roast with sautéed spinach, cranberries, or chopped nuts for a festive surprise. To mix things up, swap cremini mushrooms with shiitake or portobello for a deeper flavor profile.

For a beautiful glaze, brush the roast with a mixture of maple syrup and Dijon mustard during the last 15 minutes of baking. This adds a lovely caramelized finish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan turkey roast pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and roasted root vegetables. Consider serving it alongside vegan gravy—our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes can be adapted into a savory gravy base.

For a lighter option, serve thin slices over a bed of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette. Leftovers make excellent sandwiches with vegan mayo, lettuce, and tomato.

To round out your festive table, explore additional vegan recipes such as Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert, or try our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to bake fresh bread for your meal.

Conclusion

This vegan turkey roast is a celebration-worthy dish that brings together texture, flavor, and wholesome ingredients to create a memorable meal. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to reduce meat consumption, this roast offers a satisfying and protein-rich centerpiece that’s easy to prepare and delicious to eat.

From its savory mushroom-infused interior to the golden crust, this recipe proves that plant-based cooking can shine during the holidays or any special occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize the herbs or spices to make it your own signature dish.

We hope you enjoy making and sharing this vegan turkey roast with your loved ones as much as we do!

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