Make These Storebought Roasts the Star of Your Plant-Based Thanksgiving (Plus Recipes!)

There was once a time when vegan holiday meals were extremely limited. Years ago, when celebrating amongst a mixed company of eaters, vegans had to scavenge through the few veggie sides that didn’t include butter, cream, or meat drippings.

Now, we might be facing another year without Trader Joe’s Breaded Turkeyless Stuffed Roast, but there are still plenty of vegan Thanksgiving roast options. In fact, they have expanded significantly since the inaugural Tofurky debut in 1995. We’ve tasted them all and even tried our hand at making our own, guided by a few brilliant recipes. 

Yep, we’ve listed several excellent homemade roast recipes further down, but these are generally for the patient and adventurous cook. Those who prefer a stress-free option should look to any one of these fabulous pre-prepared vegan roast options.

Whether you opt for store-bought or don an apron, here is your guide to the vegan holiday roasts everyone will enjoy.

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Tofurky

1Tofurky’s classic roast has been a vegan holiday staple for decades 

Founded in 1979, Tofurky is a veteran in the vegan roast market. The all-natural, plant-based company launched commercial production of its signature Tofurky Holiday Roast in 1995 and built a loyal fanbase throughout the decades. 

The tender, savory roast, filled with wild rice and breadcrumb stuffing, is made of wheat and tofu, giving it a meaty chew and satisfying taste. You can also go one step further and snap up a Plant-Based Holiday Feast, which comes with the roast, stuffing, gravy, and even a vegan brownie for dessert. In addition to the original, Tofurky fans can opt for the seasonal Ham Roast with Amber Ale Glaze. 
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Gardein

2 Serve 8 with Gardein’s stuffed plant-based holiday roast

Like Tofurky, Gardein is another company that helped popularize plant-based meat. And come holiday season, it always offers an outstanding main meal option. In fact, the brand’s traditional Turk’y Roast is large enough to serve eight and includes a cranberry-wild-rice-and-kale stuffing and homestyle gravy.
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Field Roast

3These 3 Field Roast options deserve a place on your holiday table

This cult-favorite brand offers three plant-based roast options, perfect for any vegan Thanksgiving dinner.

The Celebration Roast is crafted with sage, garlic, and bread stuffing, and a savory porcini mushroom gravy ties it all together for one delectable holiday main. The Sage and Garlic roast is made with butternut squash, onions, and lentils, while Field Roast’s Hazelnut and Cranberry Plant-Based Roast features hazelnut-infused vegan meat stuffed with rosemary, candied ginger, and sausage stuffing, all encased in a layer of buttery, flaky puff pastry.

The company’s three options are equally appealing, just with different flavor notes. Can’t decide between all three? Get them all. They freeze well. 
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Vegetarian Plus

4This Vegetarian Plus Vegan Turkey looks remarkably like the real thing

Expect a few double takes from your guests as you set this golden vegan turkey on the table. It’s entirely plant-based, but it looks like a traditional bird right down to the golden crispy skin. Carve it up to reveal its juicy interior and serve with a side of tender stuffing and gravy—both included in the box. This vegan turkey isn’t available from mainstream grocery stores, but you can find it in specialist retailers like Fake Meats and Vegan Essentials.

Big Mountain Foods

5Find Big Mountain Foods’ soy-free vegan roast at Whole Foods

Perfect for those with soy and gluten allergies, Big Mountain Foods’ plant-based roast is made from a blend of soy-free, fava bean tofu and pea protein. Big enough to feed six, the roast comes stuffed with veggies, herbs, and cranberries. Tie it all together with a savory mushroom gravy, which is also included. Find it now in Whole Foods Markets across the country.

Vegan Thanksgiving roast recipes to make

Preparing your own vegan roast is ideal when hosting a potluck—you make the main and ask others to bring the sides. Here are five solid plant-based roast recipes to impress all your guests.

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Simon Smith

6Vegan Stuffed Squash Roast With Cranberry-Orange Sauce

This vegetable-forward main is not a roast in the traditional sense. No one will take a bite and believe it’s meat. However, it’s a stunning and delicious centerpiece, and it’s roasted, so there you go. Playing off the Turducken trend, this more compassionate dish involves a fork-tender butternut squash stuffed with layers of wild rice, sautéed mushrooms, glazed onions, roasted red peppers, and lightly wilted spinach. 
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LIke a Vegan

7Vegan Holiday Roast With Cranberry Walnut Stuffing

If you prefer a meatier roast but don’t want to serve up any animals this Thanksgiving, this impressive vegan roast recipe offers the best of both worlds. Made with a mix of vegan beef grounds and herbs, it’s satisfyingly meaty but 100 percent plant-based.
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8Vegan Garlicky Herb-Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Don’t underestimate the humble cauliflower. When roasted whole in a garlicky, cheesy, herbed oil, there’s no doubt that this former side vegetable will become the star of the Thanksgiving table.
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9Herbed Vegetable Roast With Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Keep things simple this Thanksgiving by swapping out a big centerpiece for a plate of flavorful roasted vegetables, such as red potatoes, baby carrots, portobello mushrooms, and butternut squash. Served with creamy garlic mash, they’re easy to make and bursting with flavor.
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Sara Kiyo Popowa

10Vegan Roasted Sweet Basil Squash

This roasted sweet basil squash might not be a traditional Thanksgiving dish, but when your guests try the buttery, intense, autumnal flavors, they’re guaranteed to be asking for it year after year. Serve with traditional side dishes, or change things up by offering wild rice and salad instead.
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