Vegan Thanksgiving Lentil Stromboli: A Cozy Holiday Favorite
I still remember the first Thanksgiving I decided to skip the turkey and surprise my family with a vegan lentil stromboli. The house smelled like rosemary, garlic, and warm bread as it baked, and when I sliced into the golden crust, everyone’s eyes lit up. The savory lentil filling, paired with gooey vegan cheese, was hearty enough to satisfy even the meat-eaters at the table. That was the year I realized that plant-based comfort food could steal the spotlight at a holiday feast.
This stromboli has since become my go-to dish for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, and cozy autumn dinners. It’s hearty, festive, and absolutely delicious when served fresh from the oven. Let’s break it down step by step so you can bring this holiday showstopper to your table too.
Vegan Thanksgiving Lentil Stromboli
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pan. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, pepper, soy sauce, and tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Add lentils, broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 40–50 minutes until lentils are tender and liquid is absorbed. Discard bay leaf.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface into a 10×15-inch rectangle.
- Brush rolled dough with 1 tbsp olive oil. Sprinkle breadcrumbs, then spoon lentil filling along one long side. Top with vegan cheese slices.
- Fold dough over filling, pinch edges to seal, and cut slits on top for steam to escape. Brush with remaining olive oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Notes
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Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Thanksgiving Lentil Stromboli
- Perfect centerpiece for vegan or vegetarian Thanksgiving.
- Packed with protein-rich lentils and seasonal herbs.
- Golden, flaky crust with a cozy, savory filling.
- Easy to prepare ahead of time — just bake before serving.
- Crowd-pleaser for vegans and non-vegans alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need (and Easy Swaps)
Here’s everything you’ll need for this recipe, along with substitution ideas.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Substitution / Tip |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp total | Use avocado oil or vegan butter |
| Yellow onion | ½, diced | Use shallots for sweeter flavor |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced | Garlic powder (½ tsp) if needed |
| Carrots | ½ cup, shredded | Can use parsnips or sweet potato |
| Celery | ½ cup, diced | Use fennel for a deeper flavor |
| Thyme | ½ tsp, dried | Fresh thyme works beautifully |
| Rosemary | ½ tsp, dried | Swap for Italian seasoning |
| Sage | ¼ tsp, dried | Use fresh sage leaves if on hand |
| Salt & pepper | ¼ tsp each | Adjust to taste |
| Soy sauce | 1 tbsp | Tamari or coconut aminos |
| Tomato paste | 1 tbsp | Ketchup in a pinch |
| Brown lentils | 1 cup | Green lentils work too |
| Veggie broth | 3 cups | Water + bouillon cube |
| Bay leaf | 1 | Optional, but adds depth |
| Pizza dough | 1 lb, room temp | Homemade or store-bought |
| Breadcrumbs | ¼ cup | Panko for extra crunch |
| Vegan provolone | 4 slices | Any vegan mozzarella or cheddar |
How to Make Vegan Thanksgiving Lentil Stromboli Step by Step
- Cook the filling: Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until fragrant and soft.
- Season it up: Stir in thyme, rosemary, sage, pepper, salt, soy sauce, and tomato paste. Cook until well combined.
- Add lentils: Pour in lentils, broth, and a bay leaf. Simmer for 40–50 minutes until lentils are tender and broth absorbed. Remove bay leaf.
- Roll the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 10×15-inch rectangle.
- Assemble: Brush with olive oil, sprinkle breadcrumbs, then spoon the lentil filling onto one side. Top with vegan cheese slices.
- Seal it up: Fold dough over filling, pinch edges, and cut slits on top to vent steam. Brush with olive oil.
- Bake: Place in a 400°F oven for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool & slice: Let rest 5 minutes before cutting into slices.
How to Serve Vegan Lentil Stromboli
- Slice into thick wedges and serve warm on a platter.
- Pair with a fresh cranberry chutney for a seasonal holiday twist.
- Add a side of roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, or vegan gravy for a complete Thanksgiving plate.
- For an elegant touch, sprinkle fresh parsley on top just before serving.
How to Perfect Your Vegan Stromboli
- Always let your pizza dough rest at room temperature for easier rolling.
- Brushing the dough with olive oil before baking creates a golden, glossy crust.
- Breadcrumbs prevent sogginess and add texture.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle garlic powder and Italian herbs over the top before baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Too much liquid in the filling: Make sure the lentils are thick, not soupy. Drain excess broth if needed.
- Overstuffing the stromboli: Leave enough space to seal the dough so it doesn’t burst.
- Skipping slits on top: Steam needs to escape or the dough will puff unevenly.
- Cutting too soon: Let it rest a few minutes so the filling holds together when sliced.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
| Storage Method | How to Store | How to Reheat |
| Fridge | Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days | Reheat at 350°F in the oven for 10 minutes |
| Freezer | Wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months | Bake directly from frozen at 350°F for 20–25 minutes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stromboli ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use a different filling?
Absolutely. Try mushrooms, spinach, or even vegan sausage for variety.
What’s the best vegan cheese for stromboli?
Provolone melts beautifully, but mozzarella or cheddar also work.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes — just use a gluten-free pizza dough and check that breadcrumbs are GF.
Conclusion
This vegan Thanksgiving lentil stromboli is the ultimate holiday centerpiece — golden, savory, and packed with flavor. It’s hearty enough to replace the turkey and festive enough to wow your guests. Save this recipe for your holiday table, or share it with friends who love plant-based comfort food. One bite, and it’ll become a new seasonal tradition.
