Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie

If you’re looking for a cozy dish to warm your heart and belly this holiday season, let me introduce you to my beloved Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie. This recipe brings together the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving into a delightful pot pie that’s perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights. With a flaky crust and savory stuffing on top, it’s not just a meal; it’s a hug in a dish!

This Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie is special because it combines the classic comfort of pot pie with the festive flair of Thanksgiving flavors. It’s easy enough for a casual dinner yet impressive enough to serve at your holiday table. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This pot pie comes together in about an hour, making it perfect for those last-minute dinner plans.
• Family-Friendly: With its hearty filling, even picky eaters will enjoy digging into this delicious dish.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the filling and stuffing ahead of time, making your holiday cooking stress-free.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of chick’n, veggies, and spices creates a delightful flavor that will have everyone going back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this mouthwatering Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie! You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store.

For the Filling

• 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)

For the Topping

• 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

Variations

One of the best things about this Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie is its flexibility! Feel free to make it your own with these tasty variations:

• Swap the protein: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chick’n for a different texture.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Spice it up: Add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you enjoy a little heat!
• Herb twist: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage for unique flavor profiles.

How to Make Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie

Step 1: Prepare Your Crust

If using a store-bought crust, you can use it straight from frozen. If you’re making yours at home, ensure it’s well chilled. A good crust is key to achieving that flaky texture we all love!

Step 2: Cook Your Stuffing

Prepare the stuffing according to my recipe or if you’re opting for store-bought, just follow the package instructions. Let it cool before adding it on top of your pot pie. This step makes sure your stuffing stays crispy while baking!

Step 3: Cook the Chick’n

Cook the chick’n pieces separately. I recommend using an air fryer because it gives them that perfect crispy texture. If you want to enhance their flavor further, feel free to season them lightly before setting aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until they are tender; this brings out their natural sweetness and builds depth in flavor.

Step 5: Make the Filling

Sprinkle in flour and stir well—this will help thicken our filling! Gradually pour in vegetable broth while whisking continuously until smooth. Add salt, pepper, thyme leaves, peas, and cooked chick’n pieces along with vegan heavy cream. Stir everything together until it’s bubbly and thickened.

Step 6: Assemble Your Pot Pie

Pour your delicious filling into the prepared crust. Top generously with your cooled stuffing mixture—this is what makes our pot pie so special!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place your assembled pot pie in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 40 minutes or until golden brown. Watching that crust bubble up is pure magic!

Enjoy sharing this hearty Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie with friends and family—it’s bound to become a new favorite tradition!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie

Creating a delicious vegan pot pie can be a delightful experience, especially with a few handy tips!

• Choose the right pie crust – Whether store-bought or homemade, ensure your crust is cold when you work with it. A cold crust creates a flakier texture that holds up beautifully against the filling.

• Season your chick’n – Just because it’s vegan doesn’t mean it should lack flavor! Seasoning the chick’n before adding it to the pot pie ensures every bite is bursting with taste.

• Let your stuffing cool – If you’re using store-bought stuffing, allow it to cool before adding it on top of the pie. This helps maintain its texture and prevents it from becoming soggy during baking.

• Use frozen peas for convenience – Frozen peas are not only easy to use but also add a pop of color and sweetness to your pot pie without requiring any extra prep time.

• Don’t skip the thyme – This herb adds an aromatic touch that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. A little goes a long way in making your pot pie feel festive and comforting.

How to Serve Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie

Serving your Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie can be as fun as making it! Consider these ideas to present this comforting dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley or thyme leaves – A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs brightens up the dish visually and adds a fresh flavor.
• Vegan sour cream – A dollop on top can add creaminess and a tangy contrast that complements each slice perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts – Tossed in olive oil and sea salt, these crispy veggies offer a lovely crunch and earthy flavor that pairs well with the richness of the pot pie.

• Cranberry sauce – The tartness of cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the savory filling, making every bite even more delightful.

• Garlic mashed potatoes – Creamy and buttery (using vegan butter, of course), they create a wonderful comfort food combo with the pot pie.

• Green bean almondine – Sautéed green beans with slivered almonds deliver both color and crunch, rounding out your holiday table beautifully.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with an unforgettable Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie! Enjoy every scrumptious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for those busy holiday weeks. It keeps well in the fridge or freezer, so you can enjoy its comforting flavors long after the cooking is done.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pot pie to cool completely before storing.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the pot pie cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil for extra protection.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake until heated through, about 30-40 minutes. If baking from frozen, add extra time as needed.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I make a Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie without chick’n pieces?

Absolutely! You can substitute chick’n pieces with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or even lentils for added protein and texture.

How do I ensure my Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie has a flaky crust?

For a flaky crust, make sure your vegan butter is cold when you mix it into your dough. Also, avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender!

Can I prepare the Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the filling and store it separately from the crust. Assemble and bake right before serving for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie as much as I do! It’s a wonderful dish that brings comfort and joy to any holiday table. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it as leftovers, this recipe is sure to warm your heart. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with love and delicious aromas!