4 Show-Stopping Turkey Alternatives for the Holidays

We know that side dishes for the holidays are just so good, whether it be mashed or roast potatoes, green bean casserole, Brussel sprouts, stuffing and corn.  All these things can easily be veganised, but what about replacing the traditional centerpiece: the turkey?   

Sure, there are plenty of alternative products found at the supermarket, such as the classic Tofurkey or Field Roast’s Celebration Roast.  We’ve enjoyed them both (drowned in gravy!) but what if you want something homemade and a bit more special?  Or perhaps you want enough leftovers for bubble or that famous Thanksgiving sandwich?   Or, for our British friends, how about a squeak (a British dish made from cooked potatoes and left-over vegetables, mixed together, then fried and eaten for breakfast)? 

Below you’ll find 4 of our favorite recipes, all brought to you bysome of the most amazing chefs have got you covered.

Unturkey, by Miyoko Schinner

I have tried this recipe once and it was absolutely EPIC!  It’s a huge lump of flavorful seitan that has stuffing inside and is covered with a yuba skin to mimic the skin of the turkey.  All of this is then roasted in the oven while being basted by a deliciously sauce.  This is the roast to make for when you have a lot of family joining you for dinner.  Yes, it does have a lot of stages, but you can do a lot of it ahead of time.

Cashew Nut and Mushroom Layered Nut Roast

Nut roasts are very much underrated, but we can promise you that this one is absolutely delicious!   I was first introduced to a vegetarian version of this dish when I was only 9 years old.  It was quite easy to veganize, and we highly recommend this recipe.  Once served with this gravy, you’ll have a definite winner of a dinner!  

Both these recipes have yeast extract. You can use any type (marmite, Vegemite, Promite) and it will give an umami flavour to die for.

Stuffed Squash recipe, by Avant Garde Vegan

Gaz from Avant Garde Vegan could probably be crowned the most prolific creator of Christmas and Thanksgiving roasts, with so many on his Youtube Channel.  He also has a whole book dedicated to Christmas recipes.

This recipe is perfect for our friends with gluten sensitivities and those that like to have a vegetable-rich main dish. Filled with butternut squash, chestnuts, mushroom and caramelized onions, this one is perfect for those that don’t like vegan meats.

Vegan Thanksgiving Roast by Hot For Food

We have not covered a thanksgiving roast covered in pastry yet so here’s one now!  Lauren, from Hot For Food, sure does comfort food right.  Indeed, she has a whole cookbook dedicated to the topic.

This recipe is perfect as it has nearly all the components of Thanksgiving in one loaf: layers of mushroom and lentil stew, sweet potato mash and apple cranberry sauce, all gloriously surrounded by delicious flaky puff pastry.

And if you’re looking for yet more inspiration then check out this list of our favorite vegan cookbooks specifically aimed at the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday period right here!

Let’s Discuss!

Now, we’d love to hear from you!  Do you have any questions?  Ideas?  Do you agree?  Do you have a favorite recipe or cookbook you’d like to share with the community?  We might include in a future article update!

Let’s have a discussion in the comments below.  We’d love to hear from you!