Although the traditional Thanksgiving menu isn't the most vegetarian-friendly, there are plenty of delicious meat-free options to eat instead of a Thanksgiving turkey. My family stopped eating turkey a long time ago, and we've tried many vegetarian Thanksgiving centerpieces that leave nothing to be desired in our Thanksgiving feast. Whether you prefer to buy a meatless turkey or make your own veggie substitute, you can have a scrumptious holiday feast without missing out. Here are 10 yummy vegetarian Thanksgiving turkey alternatives.
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Pre-made Vegan Turkey Alternatives
1. Tofurky Vegan Turkey
Tofurky is renowned as one of the best vegan turkeys to eat for Thanksgiving dinner. Although they have many fake meat products, their roasts and hams are especially popular this time of year. The Tofurky plant-based Holiday Feast is a great option for your entree, with directions for vegetarian gravy on the box. They also offer a Roast, which is filled with wild rice and bread crumb stuffing.
Find the Tofurky vegan turkey here.
2. Gardein Turk'y
Another popular substitute for a real Thanksgiving turkey is Gardein. This meatless roast is made with soy, and is also gluten-free. The Plant-Based Turk'y Roast is a fake turkey roll full of cranberry rice stuffing, and it comes with vegetarian gravy. You can also go for the Holiday Roast for bigger portions. You'll be as satisfied with your Thanksgiving table as any meat-eater!
Find the Gardein turk'ys here.
3. Trader Joe's Breaded Turkey-Less Stuffed Roast With Gravy
Another vegan roast to add to the Thanksgiving menu is Trader Joe's Stuffed Roast. This layered bread roast is made mostly from wheat gluten and is stuffed with wild rice, cranberries, celery and onions. It's then breaded in a yummy breading full of herbs and red pepper flakes. Serve it with the gravy and you're all set for a mouthwatering vegetarian feast!
Find Trader Joe's Stuffed Roast here.
4. Field Roast Celebration Roast
Field Roast is my personal favorite meat alternative. Its savory taste is comparable to a pot roast cooked with veggies, and is made of grain meat, butternut squash, mushrooms, and Granny Smith apples. This main course comes with porcini mushroom gravy that adds even more flavor to the meal. Enjoy with cranberry sauce for a meal just like traditional Thanksgiving.
Find the Field Roast Celebration Roast here.
Vegetarian Recipes to Replace Thanksgiving Turkey
1. Holiday Tofu Roast
For those looking to cook their own Thanksgiving main dish, a tofu roast is the perfect vegetarian replacement for a Thanksgiving turkey. This holiday roast is slow-roasted and marinated in a smoky sauce made with maple syrup, soy sauce, olive oil, liquid smoke, and herbs. It's then flavored with a spicy orange glaze. This succulent vegan roast will make your Thanksgiving meal as flavorful and delectable as can be.
Get the recipe here.
2. Jackfruit Pot Roast
Jackfruit has always been a popular meat substitute, as it's one of the best options for vegetarians looking for a similar texture to meat. This jackfruit pot roast is tasty and easy to make, and it involves a delicious vegan gravy full of veggies to go along with it. Plus, this vegan Thanksgiving recipe goes great with traditional Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and Brussels sprouts.
Get the recipe here.
3. Mushroom Wellington with Rosemary and Pecans
Mushroom Wellington is the veggie version of beef Wellington, and it's truly delectable whether you're a meat-eater or vegetarian. This recipe includes lots of flavor, from sherry wine to balsamic vinegar to garlic. You can also add cheese if you like to have a melty, cheesy element to your Thanksgiving feast. This mushroom Wellington with rosemary and pecans makes for a classy and tasty dinner.
Get the recipe here.
4. Lentil Shepherd's Pie with Potato Mash
Shepherd's pie is the perfect comfort food, and it also makes a great vegan substitute for a Thanksgiving turkey. This shepherd's pie is full of veggies and herbs, and the lentils satisfy the need for protein. Topped with mashed potatoes and parsnips, it's a tasty vegan Thanksgiving dinner in one dish.
Get the recipe here.
5. Tofu Turkey
This veg-friendly option is ideal if you want a fancy presentation along with a tasty meatless Thanksgiving meal. Rather than simply making a block of tofu, you can create your own "tofu turkey," which is shaped into dome and filled with a delectable vegan stuffing. The stuffing of this tofu turkey is made with sautéed veggies and herbs like sage, thyme, garlic and rosemary. It also has a tangy sauce made with sesame oil, Tamara, miso, orange juice and mustard. For a classy, delicious dairy free feast, this tofu turkey is the way to go.
Get the recipe here.
6. Whole Roasted Cauliflower With Almond-Herb Sauce
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My mother recently discovered the concept of a whole roasted cauliflower, and she whips it out at every family gathering. (I'm definitely not mad about it.) Although veggies have often been delegated to the category of appetizers and side dishes, this whole roasted cauliflower is worthy of a main course. The recipe is relatively simple, with flavors like garlic, wine vinegar, herbs, and red pepper flakes. You can make it vegan by taking out the anchovies and butter. This will make for the ultimate Thanksgiving feast!
Get the recipe here.
