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Tips for a Vegan Holiday & Gardein Holiday Roast

December 19, 2016 //  by Di Hickman//  56 Comments

As the holiday season approaches, people start asking me questions. The conversation typically going something like this: “Hey Di, so you’re vegan right? My (insider family member) is coming home for the holiday. But, they are bringing their vegan partner! What do I cook? Help”. Well, thankfully, there are a ton of options now for Vegan Holiday eating. So, here are my tops tips for veganizing a holiday meal along with a review of the Gardein Holiday Roast.

Vegan turkey. 7 tips to a meat-free thanksgiving

Links in this post may be affiliate links.

Gone are the days of having to deal with soggy stuffed pepper, or bland nut cutlets. No need for a sad vegan holiday meal now because now we have “mock-meats”. Products that look, and often taste, like meat. But, without the cruelty. I’ve personally been vegan since 2013. And, prior to that, I was vegetarian for 20 years. That is to say that I’ve had a lot of different meatless holidays meals. Trust me when I say that things are WAY better now with these new products from brands like Tofurky and Gardein.

7 Tips for a Vegan Holiday Dinner

When we think of hosting a vegan at the holidays we may think that all we need to do is simply omit the meat. However, there are some hidden culprits lurking in our holiday dinner that we make not think of that won’t be suitable for vegans. So whether you’re cooking for yourself as a new vegan, or for a guest, here are a few other things to consider.

Find a meat alternative

Meat-free: Obviously the first thing to omit is the animal flesh. You can get vegan cutlets that resemble a chicken breast, or drumstick. Something that resembles a stuffed roast. Note: If purchasing a product, ensure that it is vegan. There are a tone of products that claim to be “meatless” or “veggie” may contain a dairy product called Casein, milk or eggs. Annoying? Confusing? Yes, very! Look for the word “VEGAN” on the box. 

slicing a gardein holiday roast

Marketers are even ruining the word “plant-based” now by labeling a product with “plant based protein” but it also contains milk or eggs. It’s a mine field out there for vegans! Also, if you are thinking of buying one of these processed products make sure the person in question actually eats mock-meats. Just like some people don’t eat Brussels, there are some vegans that eat mock meats, and some that don’t. Personally, we LOVE these cruelty-free alternatives.

Cruelty Free Mashed Potatoes

So traditionally, here in the States, mashed potatoes have milk, cream or butter in them. Sometimes, all three! If you have a vegan guest to your table, I suggest taking out a serving of potatoes before adding any dairy products. Set these aside for your vegans to eat cruelty free. If you want to get fancy, get some vegan butter like Earth Balance. Or, for fat free mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer. Because, less calories from potatoes, means more dessert.

Roasting & Baking Veggies

If you’re roasting vegetables for your vegan company, don’t use lard. Opt instead for a plant based product like olive oil. Also, definitely don’t use the fat from the meat you’re roasting! It’s often popular to shove the veggies into the same tray as your meat, but that means it’s no longer vegan. This is easily fixed. Set aside a small pan in the oven only for the vegan veggies.

  • Bonus Tip: Also try to put the vegan items on the shelf above the meat products in the oven so that no meat juices escape into the vegan items.

Mac’n’cheese

This is definitely an American thing. Coming from the UK it was weird to see this as a tradition here in the USA. But, I’ve seen it on Americans plates at Thanksgiving and Christmas so I just wanted to address it with one word: DAIYA! If you can get Daiya Mac’n’cheese get it. Highly recommend, you can read my review. This stuff is the bomb-diggitty!

Green bean casserole

Another American dish which, honestly, just seems really weird and out of place to me. But, traditions are different Worldwide. Personally, I’ve never had it. But, I believe uses cream of mushroom soup. Which typically, in the USA, is NOT vegan. If you really want to accommodate your vegan in this dish then search around for a vegan soup, and use plant based milks like soy or almond milk. Honestly I’d just skip this cholesterol and fat laden dish and set aside a serving of green beans ‘as is’.

  • While we’re on the subject of ‘as-is’, don’t put butter all over the top of boiled or steamed veggies. Again use plant based alternatives like Earth Balance.

Gravy

You can buy vegan gravy powder packets making vegan gravy super easy. You just add water! However, if you buy a Gardein Holiday Roast (below) gravy is included. So, problem solved! Tofurky includes gravy in their larger “dinner packages”. But, they also sell their mushroom gravy separately too. As an aside: if you’re American and accommodating a British guest, please don’t limit the gravy! Seriously Americans use very little. And British people drown their dinners. More cultural differences!

Dessert

Traditional desserts like pecan pie, and Christmas pudding aren’t traditionally vegan. But there are a ton of vegan options and recipes available. From vegan ice cream, to Daiya vegan cheesecake. Again, there is even a vegan “dinner in a box”, which includes meat substitute, gravy and dessert! All vegan. Talk about easy.

Boxed gardein holiday roast package

Looking for recipes? Check out Peta who have a whole post on vegan Christmas eats. Even Jamie Oliver is getting in on the vegan movement. With a whole host of Vegan Christmas recipes including gravy, stuffing and an epic vegan chocolate cake! Gardein also has a great website with recipes too. Plus, as always, google is your friend. Plus you will get a ton of results., because plant based meals and veganism are trending.

Gardein Holiday Roast

Honestly, at this time of year we eat a LOT of turkey free products. Like, the Gardein Holiday Roast. Mostly because they are seasonal items. And, this is the prime time we can get them, and hoard store them. Plus, the cooler weather means we tend to crave more warm home-cooked meals. Honestly, brands like Gardein and Tofurky make catering for a Vegan at a holiday dinner super easy.

gardein holiday roast sliced with stuffing

Found in the frozen section of supermarkets the Gardein Holiday Roast serves 8 people. Each serving has 13g of non-gmo plant based protein, with just 140 calories per serving.

Cooking Instructions

DO NOT DEFROST. Again, do not defrost. Preheat oven to 425°F. Remove wrapper, and place on a rack in a roasting pan. Cover with foil and bake for 60-70 minutes. Remove foil, and bake at 450°F for another 10-15 minutes, until the roast is golden brown.

unboxing gardein holiday roast
cooked gardein holiday roast in pan

While waiting for the roast to cook prepare the gravy. Place sachets into a bowl of hot water for 3 minutes to defrost. Once thawed, open and pour into microwave safe dish. Then, microwave for 1 minute. Stir, and cook for another 30 seconds. Or, you could place thawed gravy in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until hot.

gardein holiday roast gravy defrosting

Once the roast is cooked it’ll be a golden brown, and will smell delicious! Be careful. If you try moving it when it’s too hot the coating falls off. It needs some ‘chillout time’ after coming out the oven before slicing!

slicing a gardein holiday roast

Slice that sucker up, and lure your Vegans (and non-vegans) to the table to indulge! The Gardein holiday roast stuffing has all kinds of goodies including onions, cranberries and rice. With the succulent turk’y style roll wrapped around it. And, finished with the crispy coating. It’s delicious!

Cool, slice and serve

We serve ours with mashed potatoes, roast potatoes, yorkshire puddings (UK tradition!), veggies, and pigs in blankets. We make a vegan version of pigs in blankets with benevolent bacon wrapped around field roast apple & sage sausage. All topped with the Gardein gravy and condiments.

Cutting and serving  gardein holiday roast
gardein holiday roast on a plate with vegetables

I hope that helps any of you that are either new to veganism this holiday or have a vegan holiday guest! If you have any questions please let me know in the comments or email me.

Questions?

  • What family or cultural food traditions do you have at the holidays?
  • Have you catered for a vegan at the holidays?
  • How much gravy do you put on your holiday dinner?
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kathy Jaems

    February 22, 2022 at 12:29 pm

    I find the 450 degrees too hot. The roast gets too crispy on the outside. any suggestions?

    Reply
  2. Nancy Cochran

    November 25, 2021 at 12:11 am

    Do you have a recipe for vegan Yorkshire puddings?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      January 8, 2022 at 10:51 am

      I have yet to perfect vegan yorkshire puddings. I’ve also tried many recipes online with little success.

      Reply
  3. Skip

    November 24, 2021 at 7:05 am

    I am cooking half of a Gardein Turk’y Roast. Instructions say cook at 450 deg 2 hours, remove foil and bake for another 20-30 min, cool, slice and serve.
    How should I adjust this for just half the roast?
    THANKS!

    Reply
  4. Timothy J. Verret

    November 18, 2021 at 7:05 am

    Hi! My name is Timothy J. Verret, and I am a member of Creation Care Church (https://www.facebook.com/CreationCareChurch) that preaches veganism. I wanted to use this blog post for a showcased content we have coming up this Monday, 11/22. Would it be okay to use this blog post for that content? Please let me know. God bless.

    Love and blessings,
    Timothy

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      January 8, 2022 at 10:50 am

      Hi Timothy, thanks for the messages. How did things go?

      Reply
  5. Stephanie

    December 28, 2016 at 6:13 am

    Ok that seriously looks like an actual meat roast! I can imagine how much the vegan/vegetarian options have improved over the years. And i definitely love to cover my plate in gravy!

    Reply
  6. Amber Nelson

    December 22, 2016 at 12:31 pm

    My daughter is Vegan and I don’t think she has seen these yet. I bet she will love to try them!

    Reply
  7. Nikki

    December 22, 2016 at 5:33 am

    Very nice!! My sister in law has been trying to stay vegan and the holidays have been really difficult for her. I will have to pass this along for her!

    Reply
  8. Jazz

    December 21, 2016 at 7:48 pm

    I’m referring my vegan friends to this exact post because I’m typically at a loss for recipe suggestions they can use over the holidays!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      December 21, 2016 at 8:10 pm

      oh this makes things super easy!

      Reply
      • Anita S

        December 23, 2021 at 8:32 am

        Hello! I cooked this a day early like you suggest. Can you advise what temp and how long to reheat it? Thank you!!

        Reply
  9. Debbie-jean Lemonte

    December 21, 2016 at 7:35 pm

    It looks delicious. I’m glad I’m able to find vegan options for the holidays. I have friends who are vegans and it’s been quite a hassle trying to figure things out.

    Thank you

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      December 21, 2016 at 8:10 pm

      you’re welcome! always handy to have on hand for surprise guests

      Reply
  10. Breyona Sharpnack

    December 21, 2016 at 4:19 pm

    I know a lot of my vegan friends have trouble finding things that they can eat that mimic real things without sacrificing taste. Everything look delicious!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      December 21, 2016 at 8:09 pm

      Oh there are a ton of options now! Especially if you have a whole foods or sprouts nearby

      Reply
  11. Sara

    December 21, 2016 at 12:33 pm

    Oh that looks delicious, I never would’ve thought it was vegan.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      December 21, 2016 at 8:09 pm

      oh it’s crazy the vegan food now! There is a burger that “bleeds”, little too realistic for my taste

      Reply
  12. Krystel @ Planning The Magic

    December 21, 2016 at 10:11 am

    Anyone would love these foods. When you’re not a vegetarian or vegan it’s hard to think outside the box so this definitely helps!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      December 21, 2016 at 8:08 pm

      yep, and the vegan stuff is ‘usually’ healthier!

      Reply
  13. Krystle Cook

    December 21, 2016 at 5:48 am

    I never would have known that this was a vegan dish. Looks incredible and so yummy!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      December 21, 2016 at 8:08 pm

      Oh girl you should see the new vegan stuff, some of it looks TOO real!

      Reply
  14. Robin Rue

    December 21, 2016 at 5:47 am

    This looks really delicious! What a great alternative for the holidays for get togethers.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      December 21, 2016 at 8:07 pm

      yes! Much better than stuffed peppers for sure!

      Reply
  15. Vaishnavi

    December 21, 2016 at 4:27 am

    Love this. Awesome alternatives to a completely vegan cuisine for this holiday. Makes a lovely treat to vegans among friends and family!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      December 21, 2016 at 8:07 pm

      yep for sure vegan products have stepped their game up!

      Reply
  16. Erica Nicole

    December 20, 2016 at 7:52 pm

    This is an awesome post! I used to eat these in college and during my vegetarian years! I love it.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      December 21, 2016 at 8:07 pm

      leftovers for days!

      Reply
  17. Debra @ Traveling Well For Less

    December 20, 2016 at 12:00 pm

    Yum, this looks delicious and I never would have guessed it was vegan. We have a lot of gravy during the holidays. Gotta dunk those mashed potatoes into something. 🙂

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      December 21, 2016 at 8:07 pm

      exactly!!!! lashings of gravy!

      Reply
  18. Suzanne Spiegoski

    December 20, 2016 at 11:36 am

    Wow this looks so delicious! Who would think it’s vegan?! How does it taste, my dear?

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      December 21, 2016 at 8:06 pm

      hahahah can’t beleive I didn’t mention that. I like it, hubby likes it. Pretty much anyone who tried it liked it. I can’t comment as to how it compares to turkey as I haven’t eaten it for 20 years lol!

      Reply
  19. Allison

    December 20, 2016 at 10:13 am

    Ok this looks delicious! I’m not vegan but I would for sure eat this, it sounds amazing and perfect for the holidays!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      December 21, 2016 at 8:05 pm

      It is, the cranberry stuffing is so good!

      Reply
  20. Courteney Noonan

    December 20, 2016 at 9:46 am

    This is really interesting! I’m not a vegan myself so I’ve always wondered what a vegan would eat for Christmas dinner – seeing a lot of the dinner seems to require meat and dairy. It looks like you still have a really yummy roast! 🙂 x

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      December 21, 2016 at 8:05 pm

      yes! Years ago it was nut roasts. Which I still enjoy but it’s nice to have things “look” like a traditional dinner too.

      Reply
  21. Faith Roxas

    December 20, 2016 at 9:10 am

    Everything you listed sound so good that I’m getting hungry now! LOL
    This is definitely helpful for my Vegan friends. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      December 21, 2016 at 8:04 pm

      hahahah always the way when you read about food! Instagram and pinterest are worst though!

      Reply
  22. Brittany

    December 20, 2016 at 8:32 am

    Oh yum! This looks so good! My whole entire family is coming for the holidays and I’ve been trying to think of some easy and healthy meal options. this looks perfect!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      December 21, 2016 at 8:03 pm

      Yes! Even if you aren’t vegan it’s a good idea to reduce the meat content. Meatless monday is a great program!

      Reply
  23. karen

    December 20, 2016 at 7:15 am

    Really helpful tips to know about for making sure everyone feels welcome at a holiday or event. I have a few vegan friends and never know what to prepare.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      December 21, 2016 at 8:03 pm

      glad I could help Karen! Now you know what to look for 🙂

      Reply
  24. Rachel Catherine

    December 20, 2016 at 6:40 am

    I’m sure this is helpful for vegans. No one in my family is but hopefully we would have enough vegetables for them to enjoy.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      December 21, 2016 at 8:03 pm

      I always load up on the veggies!

      Reply
  25. Debra

    December 19, 2016 at 9:08 pm

    What a nice looking dinner – I wonder does it taste good? Sometimes those things look good but don’t always taste the best.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      December 21, 2016 at 8:02 pm

      It’s delicious! Moist, and tender. Texture is reminiscent of turkey but I can’t really comment truly on that as it’s been 20+ year since I ate meat 😉

      Reply
  26. Kecia

    December 19, 2016 at 8:00 pm

    That roast looks really good! It’s nice that vegans have more choices now when it comes to holiday dinners and such.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      December 21, 2016 at 8:01 pm

      Oh this vegan is super thankful for the new options!

      Reply
  27. Brittany

    December 19, 2016 at 7:59 pm

    I love to cook but can honestly say I’ve never made any vegan dishes, intentionally. I think it would be fun to try out some of these tips one night for dinner and see if my family notices. Happy Holidays!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      December 21, 2016 at 8:01 pm

      hehehe there is a vegan burger now that has more protein than meat and has fooled all the meat eaters! Beyond Burger!

      Reply
  28. Heather

    December 19, 2016 at 7:10 pm

    That roast looks delicious! I love this list! I’m not vegan, but I’m heading in that direction and love swapping out for meatless meals!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      December 21, 2016 at 8:00 pm

      Yep More meatless monday posts coming in the new year!!!

      Reply
  29. Reesa Lewandowski

    December 19, 2016 at 5:56 pm

    I am glad to read this! My brother is vegetarian and I was thinking of picking one of these up for him on Christmas!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      December 21, 2016 at 8:00 pm

      Yes definitely try it, or the turky cutlets

      Reply
  30. Angela Tolsma

    December 19, 2016 at 3:19 pm

    I keep seeing this gardein holiday roast and I think I want to try it. It sounds good. I am not vegan and won’t be cooking for any vegans anytime soon, but I think a lot of these tips are so useful. I don’t want my meat to drip on anything, that’s just plan gross. Having better and healthier mashed potatoes is better. And honestly choosing vegan options overally is better for my health. I had green bean casserole for the first time this year, it is so yummy!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      December 21, 2016 at 7:59 pm

      yeah healthier mashed potatoes for us both!!!

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Di. A yoga teacher with over 20 years experience in the health and wellness industry. My mission is to give you information so you can be fitter, healthier, stress-free and happier (no, seriously).

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