Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food this holiday season, you’ve landed in the right place! This Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie is a delightful twist on the classic dish, perfect for cozy family gatherings or busy weeknights when you want something hearty without the fuss. Imagine tender chick’n pieces and vibrant veggies enveloped in a creamy filling, all encased in a flaky crust and topped with savory stuffing. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate!

This recipe has become a cherished favorite in my home because it brings everyone together around the table. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time, so you can enjoy more moments with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: Each bite is packed with comforting flavors that remind you of home.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Even non-vegans will love this hearty pot pie!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Simple Ingredients: You probably have many of these wholesome ingredients on hand already.
• Versatile Dish: Great for holidays or any night when you crave something cozy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that will come together beautifully in this Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie!

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 my favorite things about this Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using mushrooms or lentils instead of chick’n for a different texture.
• Change up the veggies: Feel free to add in your favorites like green beans, corn, or potatoes.
• Herb alternatives: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or sage for unique flavors.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pie crust and swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.

How to Make Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Stuffing

If you’re using a store-bought crust, there’s no need to thaw if frozen; just take it straight from the freezer. If you’re making your own crust, make sure it’s well chilled before rolling out. Meanwhile, prepare your stuffing according to my recipe or follow package instructions if you’re using store-bought. Let it cool while you work on the filling.

Step 2: Cook the Chick’n Pieces

Cook your vegan chick’n pieces separately from the filling. This step is important because cooking them directly in the pot pie mixture can make them too mushy. I love using an air fryer for this—it’s quick and gives them a nice texture—but pan frying works beautifully too! Once cooked, set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté Veggies

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the vegan butter. Add your chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent—this brings out their natural sweetness. Next, toss in the garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking until they soften up nicely. This creates a flavorful base for your pot pie.

Step 4: Create the Filling

Sprinkle flour over your sautéed veggies and stir well to coat them evenly. Gradually pour in your vegetable broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add salt, pepper, thyme leaves, peas, and vegan heavy cream into the mix. Stir everything together until it’s creamy and heated through—it should smell heavenly!

Step 5: Assemble Your Pie

Now comes the fun part! Pour your delicious filling into your prepared pie crust. Then generously spoon your cooled stuffing on top—it adds wonderful texture and flavor.

Step 6: Bake It Up!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your assembled pot pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for about 40 minutes until golden brown and bubbling at the edges. Enjoy that wonderful aroma wafting through your home!

And there you have it—your very own Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie that’s sure to impress everyone at your table!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie

Creating the perfect Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie is a delightful experience that will make your holiday meal unforgettable!

• Use a chilled crust: A well-chilled crust helps maintain its structure, ensuring a flaky and tender pie. If you opt for a store-bought version, keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
• Sauté your vegetables: Lightly sautéing the carrots, celery, and onions before adding them to the filling not only enhances their flavor but also helps them retain some texture during baking.
• Season your chick’n pieces: Don’t skip seasoning your chick’n! Adding spices or herbs can make a world of difference in flavor and elevate your pot pie from good to extraordinary.
• Let the stuffing cool: Allowing your stuffing to cool before adding it on top of the pot pie keeps it from becoming soggy. This ensures a deliciously crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
• Cover edges with foil: If you notice that the edges of your crust are browning too quickly while baking, cover them with aluminum foil. This prevents burning while allowing the center to cook thoroughly.

How to Serve Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie

Presenting your Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to make your dish stand out at the table.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Cracked black pepper: A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper not only adds visual appeal but also enhances flavor.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes made with vegan butter and garlic complement the pot pie perfectly, creating a comforting holiday experience.
• Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with maple syrup provide a sweet contrast to the savory pie and add festive color to your plate.
• Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce adds acidity that balances out the rich flavors of the pot pie, making each bite even more delightful.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: A mix of roasted carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes brings warmth and natural sweetness, rounding out your holiday feast beautifully.

Now you’re all set to create an enchanting Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie experience that will leave everyone at your table smiling! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it ahead of time, making your holiday cooking even easier. Here’s how to store any leftovers or make the pie in advance.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pot pie to cool completely before storing.
• Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Prepare the pot pie but do not bake it.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover the pot pie with foil and place it in the oven for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to crisp up the top.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious dish!

Can I use store-bought ingredients for Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie?

Absolutely! Many store-bought vegan chick’n pieces and stuffing options are available that can save you time without compromising on flavor.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie?

You can enhance flavors by seasoning your chick’n pieces before adding them to the filling. Additionally, fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary will add a lovely aroma!

Is Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a comforting meal throughout your week without any hassle.

Can I make Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble it a day or two in advance and simply bake it when you’re ready.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie brings warmth and joy to your holiday table! It’s a comforting dish that celebrates all the flavors of Thanksgiving without any animal products. Enjoy making this special recipe, and don’t hesitate to share your experience! Happy cooking!