That didnt change when I became vegan about seven years ago, if anything, Ive only spent more time in the kitchen since.
Side dishes are easy enough to adapt to a plant-based diet if you swap in non-dairy butter and nut milk. But if youre a new vegan, plant-curious, or hosting someone who doesnt eat meat, you might be stuck on what to do for a centerpiece.
Fortunately, many companies make vegan turkey-like or ham-like roasts for the fall and winter holidays. Its a nod to tradition, but these roasts arent just a sad stand-in for meat — some of them are seriously good. Advertisement
For the sake of culinary science, I tried eight different vegan holiday roasts and compared them side-by-side.
Savor the Plant-Based Feast with Field Roast’s Vegan Turkey Roasts
For many families, a juicy roasted turkey is the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving table. But more people are exploring cruelty-free, healthier meat alternatives like Field Roast’s ingenious vegan turkey roasts. These innovative plant-based products capture the savory flavor and satisfying texture of turkey without harming animals or your health. Let’s examine why Field Roast vegan turkey is an excellent choice for your holiday spread or anytime plant-based meal.
Field Roast’s Story – Creating Plant-Based Meats
Field Roast was founded in 1997 in Seattle by chef David Lee. A vegetarian himself Lee wanted to create hearty meatless products that mimicked the taste and texture of meat. He began making wheat-and-veggie-based deli slices sausages, roasts and loaves sold at his restaurant. The Field Roast brand was born. Its early vegan roasts, like the Lentil Sage Roast, won a loyal fan base.
In 2005, Field Roast launched the Celebration Roast, stuffed with vegetables and bread cubes to evoke a turkey dinner. More creative vegan roasts followed, including Chao Cheese en Croute, Hazelnut Cranberry Roast en Croute and Smoked Tomato Roast. Field Roast was acquired by Canadian plant-based company Maple Leaf Foods in 2017. But it still makes small-batch, hand-crafted artisanal vegan meats in Seattle.
Why Choose Field Roast’s Vegan Turkey?
Field Roast offers several vegan turkey roasts like the Celebration Roast, Hazelnut Roast and Smoked Tomato Roast that are tasty alternatives to turkey. They have the following benefits:
- Plant-based protein from wheat gluten, grain meat and legumes
- No cholesterol, antibiotics or foodborne illnesses
- Excellent source of fiber for digestive health
- Lower in saturated fat than turkey
- Environmentally sustainable – uses less land, water and energy
- Free of cruelty and slaughter
- Captures the savory umami flavor of meat
Field Roast Vegan Turkey Roast Options
Let’s look at some of the Field Roast vegan turkey roasts that will grace your holiday table with goodness.
Celebration Roast with Mushroom Gravy
Field Roast’s signature vegan turkey roast features their custom grain meat stuffed with butternut squash, dried cranberries, nuts and herbs. It’s hand-rolled and tied to resemble a whole roast turkey. Just heat and serve this tasty centerpiece with the included rich Mushroom Gravy.
Hazelnut Cranberry Roast en Croute
For an elegant presentation, Field Roast’s Hazelnut Cranberry Roast en Croute is coated in flaky puff pastry. The wheat protein and vegetable-based roast is studded with crunchy hazelnuts, tangy cranberries and savory mushrooms. The contrasting flavors and textures make this roast extra special.
Smoked Tomato Roast en Croute
If you want a vegan roast with vibrant color and sweet, smoky flavor, try the Smoked Tomato Roast en Croute. Field Roast’s grain meat roast has a brilliant red hue from whole smoked tomatoes and tangy balsamic vinegar mixed throughout. It’s wrapped in crisp puff pastry for a dramatic unveiling.
Other Field Roast Products to Complete Your Feast
In addition to its vegan roasts, Field Roast offers an array of plant-based holiday side dishes like Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Country Sage Stuffing, and Pumpkin Tartlets with Candied Pecans to delight your guests. Italian Sausage Rolls, Apple Maple Breakfast Sausages and Deli Slices like Smoked Tomato and Smoked Garlic also add appetizing protein and flair to the table. With Field Roast’s products, you can create an unforgettable vegan Thanksgiving or holiday spread from start to finish.
Creative Ways to Use Field Roast’s Vegan Turkey Roasts
Field Roast’s vegan turkey roasts aren’t just for special occasions. You can enjoy them year-round prepared different ways:
- Sliced thin for sandwiches or wrap fillings
- Diced in salads, soups, tacos, casseroles
- Served over rice, quinoa or roasted veggies
- Topped with gravy or cranberry sauce
- Added to stuffing or shepherd’s pie
- Paired with vegan bacon, plant cheese for sliders
- Baked into enchiladas or pot pies
With their meaty texture and savory flavor, Field Roast’s roasts work well in endless dishes. Let your imagination run wild!
Join the Vegan Turkey Revolution
Field Roast founder David Lee aimed to redefine plant-based meat, and he succeeded brilliantly. As more Americans reject turkey in favor of delicious, healthy and humane vegan roasts, Lee’s vision to transform holiday feasts and everyday dining continues.
Field Roast’s grain meats and handcrafted artisanal techniques raised vegan cuisine to new heights. Their mouthwateringCelebration, Hazelnut and Smoked Tomato Roasts can convert even devoted meat eaters. This Thanksgiving, start a new tradition with Field Roast’s knockout vegan turkey roasts. Your family and the planet will thank you.
Vegetarian Plus has a vegan turkey roll and ham roll, which were very different from the rest
The 16-ounce turkey roll cost me $23.99 at Sprouts, making it one of the most expensive options on this list. It also included a sizable packet of cinnaberry glaze.
This turkey-esque roast cooks similarly to the others: Set on a lightly oiled sheet and bake for 45 minutes covered with aluminum foil, then another 10 minutes without. Advertisement
It needs to be thawed first, but you can do so by placing the still-wrapped loaf in a hot water bath if youre short on time. The outside is encrusted with spices, so basting isnt necessary.
The instructions recommend heating the cinnaberry glaze on the stovetop, but microwaving it in a glass container worked just fine.
Take note: Within the plastic wrapping, the roll itself is covered with netting and clips that arent mentioned in the instructions. I didnt see them amidst the pepper crust until after cooking, so be sure to remove those before serving.
I wasnt a fan of this roast because the spice rub on the outside was too aggressively black peppery for my taste, although if you like pepper, it might be right up your alley. The flavor of the inside of the roll was pretty good, if mild. Advertisement
It was the same kind of soft wheat and soy meat that Ive encountered in casual vegan restaurants before, and I dont mind it, but my roommates didnt care much for it.
The cinnaberry glaze, as you might expect, is a very cinnamony cranberry sauce and I really liked it both on the “turkey” and on its own.
The Tofurky ham was new to me, and a strong contender
Ive had the original Tofurky roast many times, but I had never tried its beer-glazed ham-style roast. The 19-ounce ham-style roast cost $13.99 at Sprouts and was even easier to cook.
The package also includes an amber-ale glaze to drizzle over the roast when you uncover it. Advertisement
This roast doesnt need to be thawed, making it an even better option for low-stress holidays and spontaneous feasts.
The “ham,” which is also made of a soy and seitan mix, looks fairly similar to the original Tofurky roast but in a deeper pink color. It also comes with a net around it.
If you thaw the roast first, as I did, it cooks in a total of an hour and a half. Like the original, its baked covered with foil in the oven for an hour and 15 minutes, then uncovered for 15 more.
This glaze was delicious — sweet, tangy, and rich, dripping over a moist and flavorful vegan “ham.” This roast was a hit with my roommates and Id gladly eat it again — maybe even for a regular weekday dinner. Advertisement