There’s something truly comforting about holiday classics, and this Vegan Turkey Roast with Stuffing Recipe nails that sense of tradition without any fuss. Imagine tender, savory bites wrapped around cozy stuffing, all made plant-based yet still packed with flavor and texture that’ll wow everyone at the table.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
When I first tried making a vegan turkey roast, I was blown away by how rich and satisfying it tasted. This isn’t just a dish for vegans – it’s for anyone who enjoys comfort food with an impressive flair. The blend of herbs and the golden glaze bring it all together perfectly.
- Deliciously hearty: This roast has that meaty, chewable texture thanks to vital wheat gluten, which means you won’t miss traditional turkey.
- Stuffing baked right inside: The surprise center oozes classic holiday vibes and keeps every slice flavorful and moist.
- Easy to customize: From herbs to stuffing, you can tweak this recipe to your tastes or dietary needs—super flexible!
- Perfect centerpiece: It looks impressive on the table and draws everyone in—trust me, I learned this from hosting friends who now ask for this every year.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Vegan Turkey Roast with Stuffing Recipe lies in how the ingredients come together to mimic that hearty, savory “turkey” experience without any actual meat. A few pantry staples and fresh herbs combine to make something really special.
- White beans: They provide moisture and protein, plus they help bind the roast without overpowering flavor.
- Vegetable bouillon or broth: Adds depth and a savory base that lifts all the other notes.
- Nutritional yeast: Brings in a subtle cheesy, umami punch that’s crucial for that savory feel.
- Garlic powder: Classic flavor enhancer that plays well with herbs.
- White miso paste: Adds complexity and a savory richness with just a touch of fermenty goodness.
- Fresh rosemary & sage: These herbs are key for that classic holiday aroma and flavor.
- Vital wheat gluten flour: The superstar ingredient giving the roast its chewy, “meaty” texture that holds it all together.
- Vegan stuffing: Rich in texture and flavor, it transforms the roast into a festive showstopper.
- Poultry seasoning: A blend that ties everything firmly into those comforting “turkey” vibes.
- Glaze ingredients (vegan butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika): These make a beautiful caramelized finish that seals in flavor and adds a glossy, irresistible look.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Vegan Turkey Roast with Stuffing Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often swap the stuffing with different vegan bread mixtures or add nuts and cranberries for a bit of texture and sweetness. Feel free to play around and make it truly your own!
- Variation: One time, I left out the stuffing and simply rolled the dough—it still steamed and glazed beautifully, making a perfect, sliceable roast for smaller gatherings.
- Herb swapping: Try thyme or marjoram instead of rosemary for a slightly different take that’s still festive.
- Stuffing upgrades: Vegan sausage crumbles or mushrooms in your stuffing can boost that savory punch.
- Gluten-free option: If you can’t do vital wheat gluten, consider a seitan-free nut loaf with similar seasonings, though texture will shift.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Turkey Roast with Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Base Aural Magic
Start by dumping the white beans, vegetable broth or bouillon, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, miso paste, fresh herbs, salt, and the vegan chicken bouillon cube into your food processor. Blend for about a minute until everything becomes a creamy, aromatic paste. This is your flavor foundation, so don’t rush it—make sure those herbs get fully incorporated for that classic taste!
Step 2: Add Vital Wheat Gluten and Form the Dough
Next, sprinkle in the vital wheat gluten flour and pulse again until it all starts coming together — it’ll look like a stretchy dough. Be patient: this step gives your roast structure and texture. Once combined, turn the dough out onto your work surface. Shape it into a long, 1½ inch diameter roll, then fold and twist it like a rope. This technique helps create chewiness while keeping it light inside.
Step 3: Roll Out, Stuff, and Seal Your Roast
Carefully stretch or roll the dough into a rectangle about an inch thick. Place your prepared vegan stuffing in a roll shape right in the middle, then fold the dough over to encase the stuffing completely. Pinch the edges tightly so nothing escapes during cooking. Then, rub the whole thing evenly with poultry seasoning—you want that flavor shining through every bite.
Step 4: Wrap and Steam to Perfection
Wrap the roast tightly with aluminum foil, folding the ends underneath to seal, and tie it securely with kitchen string. Now, steam it for 45 minutes. If you don’t have a steamer, place the wrapped roast into a steamer basket or a wire rack inside a pot with a few inches of simmering water. Keep the heat low and cover—check halfway through to add more water if needed. This gentle steaming ensures it cooks through without drying out.
Step 5: Glaze and Bake for That Golden Finish
While the roast steams, whisk together the glaze ingredients—vegan butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika. Let it sit so the sugar dissolves nicely. Once steaming is done, carefully unwrap and transfer your roast to a baking pan. Brush on half the glaze then pop it in a 400°F (200°C) oven. Bake for 20 minutes, taking it out at 10 and 15 minutes to brush on more glaze layers. That glaze caramelizes into a stunning, shiny crust that brings this roast to life.
Step 6: Slice and Serve with Your Favorite Sides
Rest your roast a few minutes before slicing. Serve it warm with gravy, roasted veggies, or cranberry sauce to complete that holiday feast feeling. Each slice reveals a hearty, flavorful filling surrounded by tender, seasoned dough—pure comfort on a plate.
Top Tip
This recipe shines when you give attention to your steaming setup and glazing technique. I learned the hard way that under-steaming can leave the roast doughy, and over-baking without glaze can dry it out—so these little details really make a difference!
- Steamer Setup: If you don’t have a steamer basket, a wire rack inside a pot works great—just make sure water doesn’t touch the foil-wrapped roast.
- Glaze Layers: Don’t skip multiple glaze coats while baking—it creates that irresistible caramelized crust.
- Herb Freshness: Fresh rosemary and sage make a world of difference for aroma and authentic flavor.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let your roast cool slightly after baking to retain those juicy textures when cutting.
How to Serve Vegan Turkey Roast with Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley right before serving to add a pop of color and a fresh, clean note that balances the richness. Sometimes I add a few roasted sage leaves on top for that extra aroma—totally optional but feels special for a festive touch.
Side Dishes
The first sides that come to mind are roasted Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze, creamy mashed potatoes, and a zingy cranberry sauce. Green beans with toasted almonds also make a fantastic accompaniment. These sides keep the plate colorful and let the roast shine as the star.
Creative Ways to Present
One time I sliced the roast and layered it on a large platter surrounded by mini roasted root vegetables and fresh herbs for a rustic, farm-to-table vibe. Another fun idea is serving slices on individual plates with a drizzle of mushroom gravy and microgreens for a dinner party look that everyone loved.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I recommend storing the leftover roast tightly covered in an airtight container in your fridge. It keeps well for about 3 days. I love that you can serve it cold in sandwiches or gently reheat it with a splash of vegetable broth to keep it moist.
Freezing
Freezing works wonderfully if you want to prep ahead. Wrap your roast snugly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It’s best used within 4 months for peak flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, I pop slices into a baking dish, add a little broth or vegan gravy, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until heated through. Microwaving works too but can dry it out, so a gentle oven reheat is my go-to for keeping texture intact.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Since vital wheat gluten is the main structural component giving the roast its texture, it’s not suitable for gluten-free diets. However, you can try a nut loaf or a lentil-based roast as alternatives, but the texture and flavor will be different.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep it moist when reheating, warm it gently in the oven with a bit of broth or cover it with foil.
Absolutely! You can assemble the roast and keep it refrigerated before steaming. It also freezes well after cooking, so making it ahead is a real time saver for busy holiday cooking.
The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F covered with foil and a splash of broth or vegan gravy to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving for long periods to prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Turkey Roast with Stuffing Recipe is close to my heart because it proves you can recreate classic dishes in thoughtful, delicious ways that bring everyone to the table. If you want a centerpiece that’s both beautiful and comforting, this roast is it. Give it a try for your next celebration — I promise, it’s going to be a new favorite.
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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
This vegan turkey recipe offers a delicious plant-based alternative to traditional holiday roasts, combining white beans, vital wheat gluten, and herbs to create a savory and satisfying centerpiece. Steamed and baked to perfection with a flavorful glaze, it's perfect for festive meals and pairs wonderfully with gravy and vegetables.
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
- 2 packed cups vegan stuffing
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
For the Glaze
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the bean mixture: Place white beans, vegetable bouillon (broth), nutritional yeast, garlic powder, white miso paste, chopped rosemary and sage, salt, and vegan chicken bouillon cube into the bowl of a food processor.
- Process until smooth: Process the mixture for about one minute until smooth and well combined.
- Add vital wheat gluten: Add the vital wheat gluten flour and pulse in the processor until combined, about one minute.
- Shape the dough: Invert the dough onto a work surface and shape it into a long roll about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Fold the roll in two and twist it like a rope to develop texture.
- Roll out the dough: Stretch the twisted dough into a rectangle about 1 inch thick.
- Add stuffing: Shape the vegan stuffing into a roll and place it in the center of the dough rectangle.
- Form the roast: Fold the dough over the stuffing and seal to form a turkey roast shape. Rub the outside evenly with 1 tablespoon of poultry seasoning.
- Wrap and steam: Wrap the roast tightly in aluminum foil, folding the sides inward and securing with kitchen twine. Steam in a steamer basket over simmering water for 45 minutes. Keep water topped up if necessary.
- Prepare the glaze: While steaming, combine melted vegan butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika in a bowl and stir until sugar dissolves.
- Glaze and bake: Remove the roast from the steamer and let it cool slightly. Remove foil and transfer 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, brushing with remaining glaze at 10 and 15 minutes during baking.
- Serve: Slice the vegan turkey roast and serve with gravy and vegetables as desired.
- Optional variation: The roast can be made without stuffing by shaping it into a roll, steaming, and glazing using the same instructions.
Notes
- Store the vegan turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be eaten cold or reheated in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Calorie and carbohydrate counts include the stuffing; without stuffing, the roast has approximately 299 calories and 27g carbohydrates per serving.
- Freeze the vegan turkey roast for up to 4 months in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating following the instructions above.
- Ensure the water in the steamer does not completely evaporate during steaming; add additional hot water as needed.
- Use fresh herbs for best flavor, or substitute with 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary and sage if fresh is unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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