There’s something truly comforting about a well-made holiday centerpiece, and this Vegan Turkey Roast with Stuffing Recipe brings all those cozy festive vibes without any animal products. It’s packed with savory herbs, a deliciously hearty stuffing, and that perfect golden glaze that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’m genuinely excited to share this vegan turkey roast because it’s one of those recipes that nails the flavor and texture you want during the holidays—without any compromise. It feels special, is surprisingly straightforward, and tastes incredible.
- Rich Umami Flavor: Thanks to the white beans, miso, and nutritional yeast, this roast is deep and savory, not bland like some vegan options.
- Perfectly Herby Stuffing: The combination of rosemary, sage, and poultry seasoning gives it that classic holiday essence that reminds me of traditional roasts.
- Simple Prep with a Big Impact: Using vital wheat gluten lets you create that meaty, chewy texture without complicated steps.
- Versatile Serving Options: You can customize the stuffing or glaze to suit your tastes, making it ideal for any celebration or cozy dinner.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays a purposeful role here, combining to replicate the hearty, comforting qualities of traditional turkey roast—but plant-based. I find shopping for fresh herbs and quality vital wheat gluten makes a world of difference.
- White beans: Creamy and mild, they form the base to hold everything together while adding protein.
- Vegetable bouillon or broth: Infuses the mixture with savory depth you don’t want to skip.
- Nutritional yeast: Brings cheesy, umami richness that amplifies the flavor.
- Garlic powder: For that warm, aromatic punch.
- White miso paste: Adds fermented tang and complexity.
- Fresh rosemary and sage: Classic herb combo tied to holiday meals, fresh is best here.
- Salt & vegan chicken bouillon cube: Helps balance and enhance all the savory notes.
- Vital wheat gluten flour: This is the magic—it gives the roast that firm, chewy texture beloved in seitan-style dishes.
- Vegan stuffing: A cozy core filled with flavor, you can customize yours with your favorite bread and spices.
- Poultry seasoning: Sprinkled on top for that unmistakable warm, festive aroma.
- For the glaze (vegan butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika): A beautiful golden crust with a subtle sweet-smoky finish.
Make It Your Way
I love playing around with the stuffing—sometimes I add cranberries or chopped nuts for a festive twist. You can also skip the stuffing if you want a simpler roast that's just pure seitan flavor, still incredibly delicious!
- Variation: One year, I swapped poultry seasoning for a blend of sage, thyme, and smoked paprika for a slightly different herbal profile that impressed all my guests.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: While this recipe relies on vital wheat gluten for texture, you could experiment with mashed beans and binders for a softer roast, though the texture will differ.
- Seasonal Stuffing: Use seasonal veggies or dried fruits in your stuffing to make it uniquely yours every time.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Turkey Roast with Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Base
Start by combining the white beans (with liquid), vegetable bouillon or broth, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, miso paste, fresh rosemary, sage, salt, and vegan chicken bouillon cube in your food processor. Pulse for about a minute until you get a smooth, creamy mixture—think thick batter consistency. This step is key because it ensures all those flavors blend beautifully and gives a great base for the wheat gluten.
Step 2: Add Vital Wheat Gluten
Dump in the vital wheat gluten flour, then pulse again, about a minute or so, until the dough just comes together. You’ll notice it getting elastic and slightly firm—this is that meaty texture forming! Be sure not to overwork it or it could become too dense.
Step 3: Shape and Stuff
Turn the dough out onto your work surface and roll it into a sausage shape about 1 ½ inches thick. I like to fold this roll in half and twist it like a rope—that gives a nice texture. Then, gently stretch it into a thin rectangle (about 1 inch thick). Spoon your vegan stuffing as a log right in the center, fold the dough around it, and pinch the edges closed to form a sealed roast shape.
Step 4: Season and Wrap
Rub the entire roast evenly with a tablespoon of poultry seasoning—that’s going to infuse it with that classic holiday aroma. Wrap your roast tightly in aluminum foil and use kitchen twine to secure it, making sure the sides are sealed so the steam stays inside.
Step 5: Steam to Perfection
Steam your foil-wrapped roast for 45 minutes. If you don’t have an electric steamer, no worries! Use a pot with a steamer basket or even a wire rack positioned above simmering water. Keep the heat low and add water if it runs low before cooking finishes. This steaming step is crucial—it cooks the dough through and keeps it moist.
Step 6: Glaze and Bake
While steaming, mix together melted vegan butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika for your glaze. After steaming, carefully unwrap the roast, transfer it to a baking pan, and brush generously with half the glaze. Pop it into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 20 minutes, brushing with more glaze at 10 and 15 minute marks until you get that gorgeous sticky coating and slight caramelization.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Allow it to cool just a bit so the stuffing sets nicely, then slice and serve. This roast pairs wonderfully with gravy, mashed potatoes, or your favorite seasonal veggies.
Top Tip
Making this Vegan Turkey Roast with Stuffing Recipe was a game-changer for me, especially after a few trial runs. The steaming time and proper wrapping are key to getting that juicy texture without drying out your roast, and glazing as it bakes creates that irresistible shiny crust.
- Don’t Skip the Steam: Steaming cooks the gluten gently, giving you that tender interior you want.
- Tight Foil Wrap: Wrap well and tie securely to trap steam inside—this prevents a dry roast.
- Glaze Frequently: Applying glaze multiple times during baking builds layers of flavor and color.
- Let it Rest: Give your roast some rest before slicing to let the stuffing set, making neat slices easier.
How to Serve Vegan Turkey Roast with Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding fresh rosemary sprigs and a drizzle of vegan gravy on top—it brightens up the plate and amps the aroma. Sometimes a handful of toasted pecans sprinkled over the sliced roast adds a wonderful nutty crunch that guests always appreciate.
Side Dishes
This roast pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or creamy parsnip puree, roasted Brussels sprouts, and classic cranberry sauce. For a lighter approach, steamed green beans or a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balance the richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners, I’ve served slices on a chilled platter nestled on a bed of fresh kale leaves with pomegranate seeds sprinkled around—it looks festive and inviting. You can also slice and place on dinner rolls for hearty vegan sliders. Trust me, they vanish fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll keep well for up to 3 days. I usually slice what I need and keep the rest wrapped tightly to maintain moisture. Leftover slices are perfect cold in sandwiches or reheated gently.
Freezing
This roast freezes beautifully too—wrap it tightly before placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it keeps up to 4 months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently to preserve texture.
Reheating
I like reheating slices in a pan with a splash of vegetable broth or water over medium heat, covered, to keep them moist. You can also microwave on medium power, but beware of drying out. A quick glaze refresher helps bring back that fresh-baked taste!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can shape the dough into a roast without the stuffing and follow all the same cooking instructions. It’ll be a bit simpler but still deliciously flavorful and moist.
Steaming for the full 45 minutes inside a tight foil wrap helps keep the moisture locked in. Also, applying the glaze multiple times during the bake seals in juiciness and adds flavor.
Yes, you can prepare and steam the roast a day in advance, then glaze and bake it just before serving. This makes holiday prep much easier and stress-free.
Vital wheat gluten is essential for the chewy, firm texture that mimics turkey here. Without it, you’d need to try a very different recipe—possibly a lentil loaf or nut roast—as this one depends on gluten for structure.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Turkey Roast with Stuffing Recipe has truly become a staple in my kitchen whenever I want to impress at the holidays or a cozy family meal. The texture, flavors, and beautiful presentation bring such warmth to the table. I honestly can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—you’ll get those “wow” moments without the fuss or animal ingredients.
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Vegan Turkey Roast with Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Steaming and Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delicious and savory vegan turkey roast made with white beans, vital wheat gluten, and flavorful herbs and spices, perfect for holiday meals or special occasions. It features a savory stuffing, a flavorful glaze, and is steamed before being baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 15 ounce can white beans, undrained (425g)
- ¼ cup vegetable bouillon (broth) or water (55g)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon white miso paste
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 vegan chicken bouillon cube
- 1 ½ cup + 2 tablespoons vital wheat gluten flour (240g)
Stuffing
- 2 packed cups vegan stuffing
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
Glaze
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Place white beans, vegetable bouillon, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, miso paste, chopped rosemary and sage, salt, and vegan chicken bouillon cube into the bowl of a food processor. Process for about one minute until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: Add the vital wheat gluten flour and pulse until combined, which will take about one minute.
- Shape the dough: Invert the dough onto a table or working board and shape into a long roll about 1 ½ inch in diameter. Fold the roll in two and twist it like a rope.
- Prepare the stuffing: Stretch the dough into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Shape the vegan stuffing into a roll in the middle of the dough rectangle, then fold and close the dough around it forming the turkey roast.
- Season and wrap: Evenly rub the roast with 1 tablespoon of poultry seasoning. Wrap the roast tightly with aluminum foil, folding the sides inward toward the bottom and secure with a rope.
- Steam the roast: Steam the wrapped roast for 45 minutes. If you don't have an electric steamer, fill a medium pot with 3 inches of water, place a steamer basket inside, cover, and bring to a simmer over high heat. Turn heat to low and place the wrapped turkey on the basket. Steam for 45 minutes, adding water as needed to avoid drying out.
- Prepare the glaze: While steaming, combine melted vegan butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika in a bowl. Stir and let it sit to allow the sugar to dissolve.
- Glaze and bake: After steaming, let the turkey cool slightly, remove the foil, and transfer it to a baking pan. Brush the roast with half of the glaze. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20 minutes, removing at 10 and 15 minutes to brush on additional glaze layers.
- Serve: Once baked, slice the vegan turkey and serve hot with gravy or vegetables.
- Optional: You can also shape the dough into a roll without stuffing and follow the same steaming and glazing instructions.
Notes
- Store the vegan turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can be eaten cold or reheated in a microwave or 350°F oven until warmed through.
- Nutrition facts include the standard stuffing. Without stuffing, each serving contains approximately 27 g carbohydrates and 299 calories.
- To freeze, store the vegan turkey in an airtight container for up to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Ensure to add water if steaming over the stovetop and the water level drops before cooking is complete to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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