Name: Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 15 ounce can white beans, undrained (425g); ¼ cup vegetable bouillon 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; 3 tablespoons vegan butter, melted; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe is one of those dishes that surprises everyone at the table. It’s hearty, flavorful, and dressed with a luscious glaze that just makes you want to dig in. I’m excited to share this recipe because it’s perfect for special occasions or anytime you want a comforting centerpiece without any animal products.

A shiny brown meatloaf with a crispy crust is sliced at one end to show a tan inner layer filled with crumbly stuffing in light brown and orange colors. It sits on a white plate surrounded by dark purple grapes, bright red cranberries, and green rosemary sprigs. The plate is on a wooden board with a white marbled background. In the corner, a lemon wedge is visible near the board, and in the back, there are white bowls with roasted yellow and orange vegetables and green beans. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

What makes this Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe a keeper? For one, it’s packed with savory herbs and protein-rich white beans that give it a satisfying texture. I remember making this the first time and how even my non-vegan family kept asking for seconds!

Rich Umami Flavors: Thanks to miso, nutritional yeast, and vegetable broth, it tastes like a real roast.
Perfect Texture: Using vital wheat gluten flour creates that firm yet tender chew that mimics turkey.
Glaze Magic: The sweet and smoky glaze caramelizes beautifully, adding just the right amount of punch.
Customizable Stuffing: You can stuff it or keep it simple depending on your mood or party size!

On a white plate, there are two thick slices of a rolled stuffing dish in the front, with a golden-brown outside and a mixed textured, slightly crumbly inside that shows bits of vegetables and bread. Light brown gravy is being poured over the slices from a ladle held by a woman's hand above. Behind the slices, there are roasted carrot and yellow potato wedges, both nicely browned and speckled with herbs. To the right of the plate, bright green cooked edamame pods are placed next to the vegetables. A sprig of fresh rosemary rests near the bottom left side of the stuffing slices. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth nearby. In the blurred background, a white bowl full of more green edamame pods is visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe serves a purpose to balance flavor, texture, and moisture. Knowing why you’re using each can help you get the best result and even tweak it to your taste.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy white beans in their natural liquid, a second small white bowl holding golden melted vegan butter, another small white bowl with dark glossy soy sauce, a third small white bowl showcasing rich brown sugar crystals, fresh green sprigs of chopped rosemary and sage neatly placed beside a mound of pale yellow nutritional yeast flakes, a pile of light beige vital wheat gluten flour, a clean uncracked brown vegan chicken bouillon cube, a small heap of beige garlic powder, a tiny pile of fine salt, a sprinkle of deep red smoked paprika powder, a mound of earthy poultry seasoning, a smooth dollop of white miso paste on a white ceramic plate, and a compact pile of packed vegan stuffing, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

White Beans: These provide creaminess and protein, making the roast moist and hearty.
Vegetable Bouillon or Broth: Adds savory depth and a rich base to the flavors.
Nutritional Yeast: For that cheesy, umami kick that’s essential in vegan savory dishes.
Garlic Powder: A simple spice that amps up the aroma and taste.
White Miso Paste: Brings a fermented tang that enhances overall umami.
Fresh Rosemary and Sage: Classic herbs that evoke that traditional turkey flavor.
Salt and Vegan Chicken Bouillon Cube: Layer in extra savory notes, ensuring your roast shines.
Vital Wheat Gluten Flour: The secret behind the perfect chewy texture—think seitan magic.
Vegan Stuffing: Optional, but adds extra flavor and texture inside the roast.
Poultry Seasoning: To season the outside, making the roast irresistible.
Vegan Butter, Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Smoked Paprika (for glaze): These come together to form a sweet, smoky glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to switch things up depending on the season and who I’m cooking for. This Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe is forgiving and easy to customize, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.

Variation: When I’m making it for a big family meal, I stuff mine with the vegan stuffing mix, but sometimes I prefer it plain to highlight the glaze and herbs more.
Herbs: Feel free to add thyme or marjoram if you have them on hand—it complements the rosemary and sage nicely.
Glaze Swap: I’ve also tried a maple-mustard glaze which adds a lovely sweet tang for a twist.
Allergy-Friendly: Use gluten-free substitutions for the vital wheat gluten if needed, though the texture will differ.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Base

Start by adding the white beans (keep them undrained!), vegetable bouillon, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, miso, rosemary, sage, salt, and vegan chicken bouillon cube to your food processor. Blend for about one minute until you get a smooth mixture. This step builds a rich, umami-packed foundation for your roast.

Step 2: Add Vital Wheat Gluten and Shape

Next, toss in the vital wheat gluten flour and pulse until everything combines—about a minute. When it comes out, it’ll look like a dough ball. Invert it onto your work surface and shape it into a long roll roughly 1½ inches in diameter. Then fold it in half and twist it a bit like you’re making a rope. Stretch it out into a rectangle, around 1 inch thick, ready for stuffing.

Step 3: Add the Stuffing & Season

Place your vegan stuffing mix rolled into a log in the middle of the rectangle dough. Fold the dough over, enclosing the stuffing fully, and pinch the edges closed to form your 'turkey roast.' Evenly rub the outside with poultry seasoning for that classic roast flavor.

Step 4: Steam to Perfection

Wrap your roast carefully in aluminum foil, folding sides inward and tying securely with kitchen twine. Steam it for 45 minutes — you can use an electric steamer, or a pot with a steamer basket. Keep an eye on the water to make sure it doesn't evaporate and add more as needed. Steaming gently cooks the roast through without drying it out.

Step 5: Glaze and Bake

While steaming, mix the glaze ingredients: melted vegan butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika. Once steamed, let the roast cool slightly before removing the foil. Transfer it to a baking pan and brush with half the glaze. Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 20 minutes, basting with glaze every 5-7 minutes. This creates that glossy, caramelized finish that everyone loves.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

When baked to perfection, your roast is ready to slice. Serve it up warm with some savory gravy or your favorite veggies on the side. The slices hold together nicely, making it great for a centerpiece or leftovers later!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe truly shine. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and get the best flavor and texture every time.

Don’t Skip the Miso: It adds a depth that plain broth can’t match and really elevates the umami.
Wrap It Tight: Wrapping your roast tightly with foil keeps moisture in during steaming and avoids drying out.
Glaze in Layers: Applying the glaze multiple times during baking creates a sticky and irresistible crust that’s worth the extra effort.
Let It Cool Briefly: After steaming, cooling makes it easier to slice cleanly without it crumbling.

How to Serve Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I like to garnish the roast with fresh rosemary sprigs and a sprinkle of chopped sage for a rustic, fragrant touch. Sometimes, a few cranberries scattered around add a lovely festive look and a pop of color.

Side Dishes

This vegan roast pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp green salad. I also love serving it with vegan gravy and some homemade cranberry sauce for that classic holiday vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged slices of the roast on a large platter lined with greens, garnished with nuts and pomegranate seeds for a festive flair. It turns a simple meal into a showstopper with minimal fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Vegan Turkey Roast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually slice what I want to eat right away and keep the rest chilled—it reheats nicely and stays moist.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this roast a couple of times with great success. Just wrap it tightly and place in a freezer-safe container. It’ll last up to 4 months. Thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight for best texture.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer a 350°F (175°C) oven wrapped lightly in foil to warm through gently without drying. A quick microwave zap works too but can change the texture slightly. Be sure to baste with leftover glaze or a splash of broth to keep it moist!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Vegan Turkey Roast without stuffing?

Absolutely! You can shape the dough into a roll, steam and glaze it the same way. The roast will still be delicious, just simpler in texture.

What is the purpose of vital wheat gluten in this recipe?

Vital wheat gluten is the key to giving this roast its chewy, turkey-like texture. It acts like a meat substitute binder and provides firmness when cooked.

Can I prepare this Vegan Turkey Roast ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and steam the roast a day ahead, then glaze and bake just before serving to keep it fresh and flavorful.

How do I keep the roast moist during baking?

Basting it several times with the glaze during baking seals in moisture and creates a beautiful caramelized crust, preventing it from drying out. Also, avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe is a real favorite in my kitchen for holidays and family dinners. It’s satisfying, flavorful, and comforting in a way that makes you forget it’s plant-based. I hope you try it out and make it your own — it has a way of bringing everyone together at the table, just like a traditional roast but kinder and full of love.