Growing up, Thanksgiving was always my favorite holiday. There’s just something so special about gathering with loved ones, sharing delicious food, and creating cherished memories. And at the heart of it all was my grandma’s famous Thanksgiving pot pie. Now, as a vegan, I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to enjoy that same comforting, flaky goodness again. That is, until I discovered this incredible Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie recipe.
Why This Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie
The key to this Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie is in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The buttery, flaky crust perfectly complements the hearty filling of roasted vegetables, savory herbs, and a rich, creamy sauce. But the real secret is in the technique – by sautéing the vegetables and then creating a roux-based sauce, you end up with a pot pie filling that’s incredibly thick and satisfying, without relying on any dairy products.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a closer look at the star ingredients in this Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie:
- 1 pre-made vegan pie crust: This is the foundation for our pot pie, providing that irresistible, buttery texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables, this oil adds richness and helps them caramelize for maximum flavor.
- 1 onion, diced: Onions are the flavor base, adding sweetness and aroma to the filling.
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced: Carrots provide a pop of color, texture, and natural sweetness.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Celery lends a subtle crunch and savory notes to the filling.
- 2 cups cubed butternut squash: Creamy, starchy butternut squash gives the filling a luxurious, velvety texture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must-have for any savory dish, adding depth and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy, fragrant thyme complements the other herbs perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried sage: Sage brings a warm, slightly peppery flavor that’s quintessential to Thanksgiving.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: The flour is key for creating a rich, thick sauce that binds the filling together.
- 2 cups vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds moisture and amplifies the savory flavors.
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk: Almond milk provides creaminess without any dairy.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
Step-by-Step Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie Instructions
Preparing Your Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 40 minutes, this Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie comes together in a total of 55 minutes. You’ll need a large skillet or Dutch oven, a rolling pin, and a 9-inch pie dish to get started.
1- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and butternut squash. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and starting to caramelize.
2- Next, add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried sage to the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the herbs are fragrant and the garlic is golden brown.
3- Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flour to toast and eliminate any raw flour taste.
4- Slowly pour in the 2 cups of vegetable broth and 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken for 5-7 minutes, until it reaches a creamy, gravy-like consistency.
5- Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture to a 9-inch pie dish.
6- Unroll your pre-made vegan pie crust and gently place it over the filling, crimping the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Bake the Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie for 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Pro Tips for Success
- For a flakier crust, brush the top with a bit of unsweetened almond milk before baking.
- Roast the butternut squash in advance for an even deeper, more caramelized flavor.
- Swap out the almond milk for your favorite non-dairy milk if you prefer a different flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste – add more thyme, sage, or a pinch of poultry seasoning for a more traditional Thanksgiving flavor profile.
Serving and Storing Your Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie
Perfect Pairings for Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie
This Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie serves 6 generously, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday feast. Serve it alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, and a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Don’t forget to pour everyone a glass of your favorite autumn-inspired beverage, like spiced apple cider or a rich, creamy pumpkin spice latte.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, this Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie is just as delicious the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place a slice on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the baked pot pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 375°F for 45-60 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
You can even make this Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie a day or two in advance. Prepare the filling, assemble the pie, and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled filling.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie
Creative Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie Variations
While this classic Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie is already a showstopper, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try swapping the butternut squash for sweet potatoes or a mix of root vegetables. Add a layer of cooked plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu for extra protein. You could even experiment with different herbs and spices, like rosemage, poultry seasoning, or a dash of nutmeg.
Making Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, this Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie can easily be adapted. To make it gluten-free, simply use a pre-made gluten-free pie crust and substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. For a low-carb version, replace the butternut squash with cauliflower florets and use a keto-friendly pie crust. And if you’re soy-free, just be sure to use a soy-free vegetable broth and dairy-free milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a homemade vegan pie crust instead of a pre-made one?
A: Absolutely! A homemade vegan pie crust would be a delicious swap. Just be sure to account for the extra prep time, as making the crust from scratch will add about 30 minutes to the total time.
Q: How long does this Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie take to make?
A: This Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie has a total time of 55 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cook time.
Q: Can I make this Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make this pot pie in advance. Prepare the filling and assemble the pie, then refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled filling.
Q: How many servings does this Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie make?
A: This recipe yields 6 generous servings of Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie. It’s the perfect size for a holiday gathering or to enjoy as leftovers throughout the week.
Q: What if my pot pie filling is too thin or too thick?
A: If your filling seems too thin, simply let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken up. If it’s too thick, stir in a bit more vegetable broth or almond milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie
- Total Time: 55
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Indulge in the ultimate vegan comfort food with this delicious and easy-to-make Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie. Packed with tender vegetables and a flaky, golden-brown crust, it’s the perfect plant-based centerpiece for your holiday feast.
Ingredients
– 1 pre-made vegan pie crust
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 carrots, peeled and diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 2 cups cubed butternut squash
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and butternut squash. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
– Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried sage. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, until fragrant.
– Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetable mixture and stir to coat. Gradually pour in the vegetable broth and almond milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
– Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.
– Unroll the pre-made vegan pie crust and press it into a 9-inch pie dish. Spoon the vegetable filling into the pie crust.
– Top the filling with the remaining pie crust, crimp the edges, and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
– Bake the Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie for 35-40 minutes, until the crust is golden-brown.
– Let the pot pie cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a flakier crust, you can brush the top with a bit of plant-based milk before baking. You can also customize the filling with your favorite vegetables, such as potatoes, peas, or green beans.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie is the ultimate cozy, comforting dish for the holiday season. With its flaky, golden crust and hearty, flavor-packed filling, it’s sure to become a new tradition in your household. The best part is, it’s completely plant-based, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy. So gather your loved ones, serve up this delicious Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie, and create some cherished memories around the table. Bon appétit!
