Vegan Meatloaf is a delicious and hearty dish that brings a cozy comfort to any holiday gathering. This savory recipe is designed to wow your guests with its rich flavors and satisfying texture. Packed with nutritious ingredients and perfect for those following a plant-based diet, it serves as a delightful centerpiece for your table. Let’s dive into the details!
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Meatloaf
This Vegan Meatloaf is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors! Here are six reasons you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Rich and savory flavor profile that mimics traditional meatloaf.
- Nutritious ingredients packed with healthy fats and proteins.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, impressing friends and family alike.
- Easy to make with simple steps, ideal for weeknight dinners.
- A great option for those looking for plant-based alternatives.
- Can be prepared in advance, making meal prep a breeze.
With its Vegan and wholesome ingredients, this dish fits perfectly into any plant-based diet while being classified as a Main Dish.
Ingredients for Vegan Meatloaf
Gather these items:
- 1.25 cups Nuts (mixed cashews, walnuts, pecans)
- 0.25 cup Sunflower Seeds (Can substitute with pumpkin seeds)
- 2 tsp Oil or Broth (For sautéing vegetables)
- 1 cup Onion, chopped (Shallots can be used for a milder taste)
- 4 cloves Garlic, chopped (Garlic powder can be used instead)
- 1 cup Mushrooms, chopped (Cremini or white mushrooms recommended)
- 1 cup Butternut Squash, cubed (Substitute sweet potato if preferred)
- 2 tsp Italian Herbs (Combine thyme, sage, rosemary, and oregano)
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 0.75 tsp Poultry Seasoning (Can replace with more thyme or sage)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (For seasoning)
- 0.25 tsp Cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp Nutmeg
- 0.5 tsp Onion Powder
- 0.5 to 0.75 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce or Tamari (Coconut aminos can be used for soy-free)
- 2 Flax Eggs (Mix 2 tbsp flaxseed meal with 5 tbsp water)
- 0.67 cup Breadcrumbs (Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
- 0.25 cup Ketchup
- 1.5 tbsp Soy Sauce or Tamari (Same as above for soy-free)
- 1 tbsp Maple Syrup
- 2 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Sriracha (Optional)
How to Make Vegan Meatloaf Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Step 2: Toast cashews and sunflower seeds at 325°F (160°C) for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Pulse nuts and seeds in a food processor until coarse meal consistency.
- Step 4: Sauté onion and garlic in oil or broth for 2 minutes, then add mushrooms.
- Step 5: Combine butternut squash with the sautéed mixture and mash.
- Step 6: Mix in spices, soy sauce, flax egg mixture, and breadcrumbs.
- Step 7: Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined pan and shape. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Step 8: Prepare the glaze by mixing ingredients while the loaf bakes.
- Step 9: Spread the glaze over the loaf after initial baking and return to the oven.
- Step 10: Bake for an additional 20-30 minutes.
- Step 11: Cool for 15 minutes before slicing.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Vegan Meatloaf
Keep these in mind:
- Use raw or roasted nuts as per your preference.
- Substitute sweet potato for butternut squash if desired.
- Adjust salt to taste.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
Best Ways to Serve Vegan Meatloaf
Here are some great serving ideas:
- Pair with mashed potatoes and gravy for a classic meal.
- Serve with a side of green beans for a colorful plate.
- Top with additional ketchup or a spicy sriracha glaze for extra flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Vegan Meatloaf
To store, wrap leftovers in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to a week. For reheating, simply slice and warm in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This makes meal prep easy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Meatloaf
What’s the secret to perfect Vegan Meatloaf?
The key to a perfect Vegan Meatloaf lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Ensure you mash the butternut squash well and don’t over-process the nuts for a great texture. Adding spices enhances the overall flavor, making it comforting and delicious.
Can I make Vegan Meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Vegan Meatloaf in advance. Just follow the recipe until baking, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it as directed for a delicious meal without the last-minute hassle.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Vegan Meatloaf?
To avoid common mistakes, be mindful of ingredient measurements, particularly salt and spices. Also, ensure the loaf is baked until firm but not dry. Using the right type of breadcrumbs can also make a difference in texture.
Variations of Vegan Meatloaf You Can Try
Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Try adding lentils for extra protein and fiber.
- Incorporate chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition.
- Experiment with different spices like chili powder for a kick.
With these variations, you can customize your Vegan Meatloaf to suit your tastes and dietary needs!
For more delicious recipes, check out our Mediterranean Chickpea Salad or Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil.
For more information on the health benefits of plant-based diets, visit Healthline.
Print
Savory Vegan Meatloaf Recipe That Will Wow Guests
- Total Time: 95 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Savory Vegan Meatloaf That Will Wow Your Holiday Guests
Ingredients
- 1.25 cups Nuts (mixed cashews, walnuts, pecans)
- 0.25 cup Sunflower Seeds
- 2 tsp Oil or Broth
- 1 cup Onion, chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, chopped
- 1 cup Mushrooms, chopped
- 1 cup Butternut Squash, cubed
- 2 tsp Italian Herbs
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 0.75 tsp Poultry Seasoning
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
- 0.25 tsp Cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp Nutmeg
- 0.5 tsp Onion Powder
- 0.5 to 0.75 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce or Tamari
- 2 Flax Eggs
- 0.67 cup Breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup Ketchup
- 1.5 tbsp Soy Sauce or Tamari
- 1 tbsp Maple Syrup
- 2 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Sriracha (Optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Toast cashews and sunflower seeds at 325°F (160°C) for 5 minutes.
- Pulse nuts and seeds in a food processor until coarse meal consistency.
- Sauté onion and garlic in oil or broth for 2 minutes, then add mushrooms.
- Combine butternut squash with the sautéed mixture and mash.
- Mix in spices, soy sauce, flax egg mixture, and breadcrumbs.
- Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined pan and shape. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Prepare the glaze by mixing ingredients while the loaf bakes.
- Spread the glaze over the loaf after initial baking and return to the oven.
- Bake for an additional 20-30 minutes.
- Cool for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use raw or roasted nuts as per your preference.
- Substitute sweet potato for butternut squash if desired.
- Adjust salt to taste.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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