Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie

A delicious Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table! This comforting dish combines a flaky crust with a rich, savory filling, topped with flavorful stuffing. It’s not just for Thanksgiving; enjoy it year-round for family dinners or cozy gatherings. This pot pie is sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike, thanks to its hearty texture and delightful flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Hearty: This Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie offers a warm and satisfying meal that feels indulgent without compromising on health.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe makes cooking enjoyable even for beginners.
• Versatile: Perfect for holidays or any day of the week, this pot pie can be customized with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
• Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of chick’n pieces, vegetables, and stuffing creates a dish that everyone will love at the dinner table.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the pot pie when you’re ready to bake it.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother and more efficient. With just a few essential items, you’ll be on your way to creating a delightful Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin (if making crust)
• Baking dish (9-10 inch)
• Frying pan or air fryer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: This is essential for combining your filling ingredients evenly.
• Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish ensures even cooking for your pot pie.
• Frying pan or air fryer: These are great for achieving crispy chick’n pieces before adding them to the filling.

Ingredients

A delicious vegan version of pot pie topped with savory stuffing!

Ingredients:
– 1 9-10” vegan pie crust, store bought or homemade
– 2 cups vegan chick’n pieces, cooked and set aside
– 2 medium sized carrots, sliced in half and sliced into semi-circles or diced
– 1/2 cup sliced celery
– 1/2 medium to large onion, chopped medium sized dice
– 1 teaspoon minced garlic
– 6 tablespoons vegan butter
– 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
– 1 1/2 cups vegan vegetable broth
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 2/3 cup vegan heavy cream (see notes)
– 2-3 cups vegan stuffing, homemade (my recipe here) or packaged and prepared, but do not bake as it will bake on top of the pie

How to Make Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

If using a store-bought crust, remove it from the freezer. If you’re making your own, ensure it is well chilled before rolling out.

Step 2: Make the Stuffing

Prepare the stuffing according to my recipe. If using store-bought stuffing, follow package instructions but allow it to cool before adding it on top of the pie.

Step 3: Cook Chick’n Pieces

Cook the chick’n pieces separately. You can use an air fryer or pan fry them until they’re golden brown. Season them if desired. Set aside once cooked.

Step 4: Prepare Filling Mixture

In a frying pan over medium heat, melt vegan butter. Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme leaves, and sauté until softened. Stir in flour gradually until combined.

Step 5: Add Liquid Ingredients

Slowly pour in vegan vegetable broth while stirring continuously until thickened. Mix in frozen peas and vegan heavy cream until well combined.

Step 6: Assemble the Pie

Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Top with vegan stuffing evenly over the mixture.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes or until golden brown on top. Allow cooling slightly before serving.

Enjoy your hearty Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie with loved ones!

How to Serve Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie

Serving Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday. This dish pairs well with various sides and can be presented in an appealing manner to impress your guests.

With Fresh Green Salad

• A light green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the pot pie.

With Cranberry Sauce

• Homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tart flavor contrast that enhances each bite of the pot pie.

Accompanied by Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted seasonal vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes bring vibrant colors and flavors to your table.

Topped with Extra Stuffing

• Adding a scoop of extra stuffing on top of each slice elevates the dish, giving it a heartier texture and flavor profile.

How to Perfect Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie

Achieving the perfect Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your pot pie is a hit:

• Use chilled ingredients – Chilling your pie crust and vegan butter helps create a flaky crust when baked.
• Season well – Don’t shy away from seasoning your filling; taste as you go to ensure balanced flavors.
• Pre-cook chick’n – Cook the vegan chick’n pieces separately for optimal texture rather than letting them cook in the filling.
• Avoid overfilling – Keep an eye on how much filling you add; too much can cause overflow during baking.
• Let it rest – Allowing the pot pie to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking helps set the filling, making it easier to slice.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie

Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie enhances the overall dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting side that complements the hearty pot pie.

2. Maple-Glazed Carrots
   Sweet, tender carrots drizzled with maple syrup add a beautiful glaze and enhance the overall meal’s sweetness.

3. Sautéed Green Beans
   Crisp-tender green beans tossed in olive oil and garlic offer freshness alongside the rich flavors of the pot pie.

4. Quinoa Salad
   A refreshing quinoa salad loaded with veggies brings a nutritious element that balances out richer dishes.

5. Stuffed Acorn Squash
   Roasted acorn squash filled with grains and nuts makes for an elegant seasonal side dish that pairs beautifully.

6. Vegan Coleslaw
   Crunchy coleslaw dressed in a light vinaigrette provides a tangy contrast, brightening up every bite of pot pie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

• Not Prepping Ingredients Properly: Failing to chop your vegetables evenly can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure all ingredients are cut into similar sizes for consistent results.
• Overcooking the Filling: Cooking the filling too long before placing it in the pie crust can cause it to become mushy. Cook just until everything is tender and combined.
• Using a Warm Pie Crust: A warm crust can make your pot pie soggy. Always ensure your pie crust is chilled to help maintain its texture.
• Skipping Seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to a bland dish. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings as you go along.
• Not Letting Stuffing Cool: Adding hot stuffing directly onto the pie could create steam, making the crust soggy. Allow it to cool before using it as a topping.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It lasts up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 25-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes or until hot, checking regularly.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, gently reheat slices for about 5-10 minutes, ensuring they do not burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie.

Can I use other plant-based proteins?

Yes, you can substitute vegan chick’n pieces with tofu, tempeh, or any preferred vegan protein.

How do I customize the filling of my Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms or green beans for extra flavor and nutrition!

What if I don’t have vegan heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream or a blend of plant-based milk and cornstarch as an alternative.

How long does the Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie take to cook?

Total time from prep to serving is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie is a delightful centerpiece that brings comfort and flavors together beautifully. Its versatility allows for various fillings and toppings based on what you enjoy most. Try this recipe for your next holiday gathering or cozy dinner!