How to Cook a Perfect Gardein Turkey Roast for the Holidays

The holidays are a time for comfort food, family gatherings, and often, a showstopping turkey as the centerpiece of the meal. But if you want to enjoy a turkey roast without harming any animals, Gardein’s vegan turkey roast is a fantastic cruelty-free alternative. This plant-based turkey roast has a remarkably similar look, taste, and texture to traditional turkey, but is made entirely from vegetables and grains.

If you’re new to Gardein or preparing vegan roasts, have no fear. With a few simple tips, you can cook this turkey roast to tender, juicy perfection.

Ingredients

The main ingredients in Gardein’s turkey roast are:

• Wheat and vital wheat gluten
• Water
• Soy protein
• Vegetable oil
• Natural flavors
• Potato starch
• Yeast extract
• Salt
• Onion powder
• White pepper
• Sage
• Rosemary

It’s wrapped in a crispy wheat flour coating for an authentic, golden turkey skin appearance when cooked.

Helpful Tools

To cook your Gardein turkey roast you’ll need

• A roasting pan or baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• A meat thermometer (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F. You’ll cook the roast at this temperature for most of the cooking time.

2. Place roast in pan and cover with foil

Remove the packaging from the frozen roast. Place it directly on a roasting pan or baking sheet. Make sure the roast is centered on the pan. Tent it completely with aluminum foil.

3. Bake covered for 60-70 minutes

Bake the covered roast at 425°F for 60-70 minutes. This extended time is needed to fully cook the center while keeping the exterior from overbrowning.

4. Remove foil and increase oven temperature

Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 450°F.

5. Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes

Bake uncovered at 450°F for 10-15 additional minutes. This helps the exterior get crispy and browned.

6. Check internal temperature (optional)

Using a meat thermometer, check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. If not, return to the oven for 5 more minutes.

7. Let rest before slicing

Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute so your slices don’t dry out.

8. Slice and serve

Carefully slice into the rested roast. Serve drizzled with gravy or cranberry sauce.

Cooking Tips

• For best results, cook directly from frozen. Do not thaw before roasting.

• Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked meat.Aim for an internal temp of 165°F.

• Let the roast rest before slicing to prevent dryness.

• For crispier skin, baste with oil or vegan butter halfway through roasting.

• If the exterior browns too quickly, tent with foil and reduce oven temp 25 degrees.

• For moistness, baste with broth or wine during the uncovered baking time.

• Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Gravy and Side Dishes

No turkey dinner is complete without luxurious gravy! Gardein’s roasts come with packets of vegan gravy mix. For homemade gravy, try an easy mushroom or onion gravy seasoned with thyme and garlic.

Ideal side dishes include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, stuffing, dinner rolls, and cranberry sauce.

Make it a Feast!

Part of the fun of the holidays is pulling out all the stops on a lavish, multi-course menu. Turn your Gardein turkey roast dinner into a full-blown feast by rounding out the menu with:

• Appetizers: stuffed mushrooms, roasted chestnuts, crudités

• Soup course: butternut squash or potato leek soup

• Salad: arugula or spinach salad with pears, walnuts, and pomegranate seeds

• Dessert: pumpkin pie, apple crumble, chocolate mousse

With minimal effort, you can transform basic turkey roast sides into a elegant, multi-course holiday meal perfect for impressing your guests.

So don’t be afraid to try out a vegan turkey this year. With proper roasting, resting, and slicing, Gardein’s turkey roast will look and taste just like the real thing. Your family and guests are sure to be impressed with your lavish, compassionate holiday spread.