Nothing quite brings the festive spirit to the table like a beautiful roast that everyone can enjoy. This Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe is a showstopper, packed with savory herbs and that irresistible glossy glaze that makes every slice worth savoring. It’s the perfect centerpiece for your holiday or any special meal when you want flavor and heartiness without the traditional turkey fuss.

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

This vegan roast has become one of my favorite recipes to bring out whenever I want something comforting but a little lighter than the traditional bird. I love how the texture holds up—thanks to the vital wheat gluten—and the glaze adds that perfect balance of sweet and smoky, making every bite delightful.

Savory, Herby Flavor: Fresh rosemary and sage combined with miso paste give it that authentic savory depth.
Great Texture: The vital wheat gluten helps create a meaty chew that even non-vegans rave about.
Glazed to Perfection: The soy sauce and brown sugar glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven for that golden finish.
Customizable Stuffing: You can tuck in your favorite stuffing or leave it plain for a simpler roast.

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

Each ingredient in this vegan turkey roast plays a thoughtfully chosen role to replicate the flavors and texture of traditional turkey without using any animal products. When picking your ingredients, aim for fresh herbs and quality miso for the best depth.

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 are the base, providing moisture and creamy texture that bind the roast.
Vegetable bouillon or broth: Adds richness and the umami background to elevate the beans.
Nutritional yeast: For that subtle cheesy, nutty flavor that deepens the roast's savoriness.
Garlic powder: A classic aromatic that boosts overall taste without overwhelming.
White miso paste: This is a game-changer, giving a complex, fermented umami punch.
Fresh rosemary and sage: Must-have herbs that bring that comforting, woodsy note you expect from a holiday turkey.
Salt and vegan chicken bouillon cube: Essential seasoning to layer flavor and mimic poultry stock.
Vital wheat gluten flour: Our magic binder that develops the “meaty” chew everyone will love.
Vegan stuffing: Optional but highly recommended for an added surprise center with familiar holiday flavors.
Poultry seasoning: Sprinkled on the outside, it enhances the aromatics and finish.
Vegan butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika (for glaze): Together, these make a luscious glaze that caramelizes to golden perfection just like a traditional roast.

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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

One of the things I adore about this Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily swap herbs, experiment with stuffing flavors, or even leave the stuffing out altogether depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.

Variation: I sometimes trade the fresh herbs for dried when I'm in a pinch, but fresh rosemary and sage really do make the biggest flavor difference, so I try not to skip them.
Stuffing Swap: Try a wild rice or mushroom stuffing for a twist when you want to shake things up.
Glaze Adjustment: Adjust the brown sugar amount to make it sweeter or more savory according to your glaze preference—just keep an eye on it while baking.
For Gluten-Free: Though vital wheat gluten is key here, you could try a seitan-free version using mashed beans and chickpea flour but expect a different texture.

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

Step 1: Blend the Bean Base

Start by adding the white beans with their liquid, vegetable bouillon (or broth), nutritional yeast, garlic powder, white miso paste, fresh rosemary, fresh sage, salt, and a vegan chicken bouillon cube into your food processor. Pulse and blend everything for about a minute until it’s smooth and creamy. This smooth base sets the stage for your roast’s flavor and moisture.

Step 2: Add Vital Wheat Gluten & Shape

Next, add the vital wheat gluten flour to the food processor and pulse until it’s combined—about a minute. The dough will start coming together and become elastic thanks to the gluten. Turn it out onto a surface and roll it into a log about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Then fold the log in half and twist like a rope for extra texture. Stretch this out into a rectangle about an inch thick.

Step 3: Fill, Fold, and Season

Place your vegan stuffing rolled into a log along the center of your rectangle. Fold the dough over the stuffing, sealing the edges well to form your roast. Don’t worry if it’s a little rustic—that charm is part of the fun! Then, rub the outside evenly with the poultry seasoning to get those festive flavors shining through.

Step 4: Wrap & Steam Gently

Wrap your roast tightly in foil, folding the sides toward the bottom, and secure it with kitchen string or rope. Set it in a steamer and steam for 45 minutes. If you don't have a steamer, use a pot with a steamer basket or a wire rack placed above simmering water—just cover and keep the water from evaporating by topping it up as needed. Patience here pays off with a perfect texture.

Step 5: Glaze & Bake to Golden Perfection

While the roast steams, mix melted vegan butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika for your glaze. After steaming, let the roast cool a little, unwrap, and place it on a baking tray. Brush it with half of the glaze, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes. Keep brushing with the glaze every 5 minutes or so, making sure it builds a lovely caramelized layer. When it’s golden and smells amazing, it’s ready to slice!

Top Tip

Having made this Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe more times than I can count, a few little tricks make all the difference. Don’t rush the steaming step—it ensures the gluten has time to develop so the roast stays moist yet firm. Also, don’t skip the glaze layers while baking; that sticky, shiny finish is what makes it so irresistible.

Don’t Skip the Rest After Steaming: Let the roast cool slightly before flashing it under the oven glaze—this helps it hold together better.
Use Fresh Herbs When Possible: They brighten the flavor and make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Glaze in Layers: Applying multiple coats while baking builds that perfect balance of caramelized sweetness and savory soy.
Secure the Foil Well: Prevent steam from escaping during cooking so the roast cooks evenly and stays moist.

How to Serve Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I love slicing the roast and garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of green and fresh aroma. A few lemon wedges on the side also add a lovely brightness that cuts through the richness of the glaze and stuffing.

Side Dishes

Pair this roast with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, or a crisp cranberry sauce. It also pairs beautifully with vegan gravy to keep things cozy and traditional.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve presented this roast on a large wooden board surrounded by fresh herb sprigs, cranberries, and roasted nuts to really dress up the table. Cutting the roast into thick slices beforehand makes it easy for guests to serve themselves and keeps things casual but elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover slices tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to three days and actually taste great cold, which makes them perfect for sandwiches the next day.

Freezing

This vegan roast freezes beautifully for up to four months. I freeze it sliced and wrapped well in plastic wrap plus foil, then thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To keep it moist when reheating, I cover leftover slices with foil and heat them in a 350ºF oven for about 15 minutes. You can also reheat gently in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the top to avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Vegan Turkey Roast without stuffing?

Yes! This Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe works beautifully without stuffing. Just shape and steam the dough as usual, then glaze and bake. It will still be delicious, with a lovely texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have a steamer basket?

No worries! You can use a metal rack or even an inverted heat-proof colander inside a pot with simmering water, just make sure the roast doesn’t touch the water. Keep the pot covered and add water as needed to prevent drying out.

Can I prepare this roast ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can make the roast up until steaming the day before, keeping it wrapped in the fridge. Just steam and continue with the glaze and baking steps when you’re ready to serve.

Is this recipe nut-free?

Yes, this Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe is naturally nut-free, making it a great choice for those with nut allergies. Just double-check your stuffing ingredients if you’re including it to confirm there are no nuts.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Turkey Roast with Glaze Recipe has been a heartwarming addition to my holiday table and a source of joy when serving friends who appreciate something different yet comforting. It’s approachable, flavorful, and flexible, so I really hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own. Trust me, your guests will ask for seconds, and you’ll feel proud having brought a delicious plant-based centerpiece to your celebration.