Holiday Vegan Meatloaf Recipe – Easy, Festive & Delicious!

Table of Contents: Holiday Vegan Meatloaf

Holiday Vegan Meatloaf

The Perfect Vegan Holiday Centerpiece You’ll Love!

Looking for a show-stopping vegan main dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for holiday gatherings? This Holiday Vegan Meatloaf is everything you’ve been dreaming of—savory, moist, packed with rich umami flavors, and topped with a sticky-sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or simply craving a comforting meal, this meatloaf delivers all the nostalgia of the classic dish without any animal products.

Fun fact: Did you know that meatloaf dates back to ancient Rome? But don’t worry, this modern vegan version skips the mystery meat and uses wholesome, plant-based ingredients instead. It’s so good, even your non-vegan family members will be asking for seconds!

If you loved my Easy Shepherds Pie Recipe: Comfort Food Perfection, you’ll adore this recipe—it’s just as hearty, but with a holiday twist. Ready to make the ultimate plant-based comfort food? Let’s get cooking!

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What is Holiday Vegan Meatloaf?

Ever wondered how a dish called “meatloaf” can be vegan? Well, let’s just say this version is so convincing, it might fool even the most dedicated carnivores at your table! Instead of ground beef, we use a mix of lentils, walnuts, and mushrooms for a meaty texture, while a blend of spices and a tangy glaze bring all the classic flavors you love.

Why call it “holiday” meatloaf? Because it’s dressed to impress—rich, festive, and perfect for special occasions. As the old saying goes, “The way to a person’s heart is through their stomach,” and this dish is guaranteed to win over everyone at your holiday feast.

So, are you ready to make a vegan masterpiece that’ll steal the spotlight? Let’s dive in!

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Why You’ll Love This Holiday Vegan Meatloaf

1. Incredibly Flavorful & Satisfying – Packed with umami-rich mushrooms, hearty lentils, and crunchy walnuts, this meatloaf has a deep, savory taste that rivals the traditional version. The sweet and tangy glaze adds the perfect finishing touch.

2. Budget-Friendly & Easy to Make – Skip the expensive store-bought vegan meats! This recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

3. Perfect for Holidays & Gatherings – Whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, or a cozy family dinner, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Pair it with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.

Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never miss the meat version. Ready to make magic in the kitchen?

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How to Make Holiday Vegan Meatloaf

Quick Overview

This recipe is surprisingly simple—just mix, shape, bake, and glaze! The texture is firm yet tender, and the flavors deepen as it cooks. Total time? About 1 hour, with minimal hands-on work.

Key Ingredients

– 1 cup cooked lentils (or canned, drained)
– 1 cup walnuts (finely chopped)
– 1 cup mushrooms (minced)
– 1 onion (diced)
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water)
– 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– ½ cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free oats)
– Salt & pepper to taste

For the glaze:
– ¼ cup ketchup
– 2 tbsp maple syrup
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the flax egg – Mix flaxseed and water, set aside for 5 minutes.
2. Sauté veggies – Cook onion, garlic, and mushrooms until soft.
3. Blend the base – Pulse lentils, walnuts, and sautéed veggies in a food processor until chunky.
4. Mix everything – Transfer to a bowl, add flax egg, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.
5. Shape & bake – Press into a loaf pan, bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
6. Glaze & finish – Brush with glaze, bake another 15 minutes until caramelized.

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What to Serve with Holiday Vegan Meatloaf

This meatloaf shines alongside classic holiday sides! Try it with Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy Comfort Made Easy for creamy comfort, or a crisp Simple Fall Green Salad with Apples and Pecans — Healthy & Delicious for freshness. For a full feast, add roasted carrots and a drizzle of gravy.

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Top Tips for Perfecting Holiday Vegan Meatloaf

– Don’t over-process – Keep some texture for a meatier bite.
– Let it rest – Slicing too soon? Disaster! Wait 10 minutes before cutting.
– Glaze generously – The sticky topping is the best part—don’t skip it!

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Storing and Reheating Tips

– Fridge: Keeps for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
– Freezer: Wrap tightly, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
– Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave until hot.

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People Also Ask: Holiday Vegan Meatloaf

What are the main ingredients in holiday vegan meatloaf?

Lentils, walnuts, and mushrooms form the base, while flax eggs and breadcrumbs bind it. Spices like smoked paprika add depth, and a ketchup-maple glaze gives it sweetness.

How do you get a good texture for vegan meatloaf?

Pulse ingredients just enough to keep some chunkiness. Over-blending makes it mushy. Baking firms it up perfectly!

What’s a good glaze for vegan meatloaf?

A mix of ketchup, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar creates a sticky, tangy-sweet finish.

Can holiday vegan meatloaf be frozen?

Absolutely! Wrap slices individually for easy thawing. Reheat in the oven for best results.

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Conclusion

This Holiday Vegan Meatloaf is a must-try—flavorful, easy, and perfect for celebrations. Whether you’re vegan or just looking for a delicious plant-based option, this recipe delivers.

Got leftovers? Make a killer vegan meatloaf sandwich the next day! Now, who’s ready to dig in?

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