As I stepped into my kitchen, the aroma of roasted garlic and earthy mushrooms wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to cozy Thanksgiving meals spent with family. It’s hard to resist the charm of Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes with Savory Mushroom Gravy; they’re not just a side dish but a delightful centerpiece that adds warmth to any holiday gathering. Whipping up this crowd-pleaser takes just 35 minutes, making it a perfect choice for both busy weeknights and festive occasions. Plus, with their crisp exterior and creamy interior, paired with rich mushroom gravy, they offer a comforting vegan option that’s as satisfying as it is wholesome. Curious how to bring this deliciousness to your table? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why Choose Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Potatoes?
Irresistible Flavors: The combination of crispy potatoes and savory mushroom gravy is a match made in culinary heaven that everyone will love.
Quick Prep: Ready in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy cooks or last-minute holiday gatherings.
Vegan Delight: A wholesome, plant-based twist that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction, perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike.
Versatile Pairing: These potatoes shine as a side dish with vegan roasts or as a delicious appetizer at any dinner table.
Simple Steps: With straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for beginner cooks wanting to impress guests.
If you like creative, quick, and delicious meals, check out my recipe for Vegan Pumpkin Pasta for another holiday favorite!
Vegan Thanksgiving Ingredients
For the Potatoes
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes – 1 – 1.5 lb bag of The Little Potato Company’s Blushing Belles: Provides a creamy texture and buttery flavor; substitute with any small round potatoes if unavailable.
- Olive Oil – For brushing potatoes: Ensures crispiness and adds flavor; use any vegetable oil if olive oil isn’t available.
- Salt – Enhances flavor: Adjust to taste.
For the Mushroom Gravy
- Canola Oil (or Olive Oil/Vegan Margarine) – 1 ½ tbsp: Fat for sautéing and adds richness.
- White and/or Cremini Mushrooms – 2 ½ cups sliced: Adds umami depth; substitute with other mushrooms for variety.
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced: Provides aromatic flavor to the gravy.
- White Onion – ¼ cup, chopped: Adds sweetness and moisture.
- All-Purpose Flour – 3 tbsp: Thickening agent for gravy; can substitute with gluten-free flour.
- Vegetable Stock – 2 cups: Liquid base for gravy; use homemade or low-sodium for a lighter option.
- Light Soy Sauce – 1 tbsp: Adds depth and saltiness; substitute with tamari for gluten-free.
- White Miso – 1 tsp: Enhances umami flavor; can substitute with additional soy sauce if needed.
Feel the warmth of holiday gatherings with these Vegan Thanksgiving delights! Ready to tackle the cooking? Let’s move on to the instructions!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes with Savory Mushroom Gravy
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving crispy, golden-brown Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes. While the oven heats, gather your baking sheet and prepare other ingredients, ensuring a smooth cooking process ahead.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
In a large pot, place approximately 1 to 1.5 pounds of The Little Potato Company’s Blushing Belles and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer, cooking the potatoes for about 15 minutes until the largest potato is tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes in a colander.
Step 3: Smash the Potatoes
Transfer the drained potatoes back to the pot or a clean surface. Using a flipper or the bottom of a cup, gently smash each potato until it is about ½ inch thick, taking care not to break them apart. This ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the creamy interior intact.
Step 4: Season and Bake
Brush both sides of each smashed potato with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with salt to enhance the flavor. Arrange the potatoes on a baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced apart. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are crisp and golden on the edges, creating a delightful texture for your Vegan Thanksgiving feast.
Step 5: Sauté the Aromatics
While the potatoes are baking, heat 1.5 tablespoons of canola oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add ¼ cup of chopped white onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. This will build a flavorful base for your savory mushroom gravy.
Step 6: Cook the Mushrooms
Next, stir in 2.5 cups of sliced white and/or cremini mushrooms into the sautéed onion and garlic. Cook for around 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and their moisture has evaporated. You’re creating a rich umami flavor that perfectly complements your crispy potatoes.
Step 7: Make the Gravy
Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the cooked mushrooms, stirring continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of vegetable stock, followed by 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of white miso. Let the gravy simmer for about 3 minutes until it thickens slightly; adjust the consistency with more stock if necessary.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the potatoes are crispy and the mushroom gravy is ready, generously drizzle the warm gravy over each smashed potato. For an extra festive touch, top with cranberry sauce, a sprinkle of fresh thyme, and a crack of black pepper. Serve these delightful Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes hot, and watch as they steal the spotlight at your holiday gathering!
Vegan Thanksgiving: Customize Your Feast
Feel free to mix and match these variations and substitutions, turning each bite into a unique experience for your taste buds!
- Different Potatoes: Swap Blushing Belles for any small round potatoes for a different flavor and texture profile.
- Mushroom Mix: Use a mix of shiitake and portobello mushrooms to elevate the umami flavor in your mushroom gravy.
- Cheesy Touch: Top with vegan cheese just before serving for added creaminess and flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or sage to the gravy for an aromatic twist that enhances the holiday spirit.
- Spice it Up: For heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes in the gravy while simmering, giving a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the dish.
- Nutty Twist: Incorporate a tablespoon of nutritional yeast into the gravy for a cheesy, nutty flavor that complements the mushrooms.
- Creamy Variation: For an even creamier gravy, stir in a splash of coconut milk or vegan sour cream just before serving.
- Savory Sausage: Adding cooked vegan sausage crumbles to the mushroom gravy makes it heartier and perfect for a filling holiday meal.
For a delightful variation, check out my recipe for Vegan Pumpkin Pasta and see how you can introduce festive flavors into another dish! Remember, cooking is about being creative and making it your own, so have fun!
Storage Tips for Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Potatoes
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Fridge: Store leftover potatoes and mushroom gravy separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their flavors and textures.
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Freezer: If you need to store leftover smashed potatoes, place them in a sturdy freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months; allow to thaw in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: To reheat potatoes and maintain their crispiness, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–15 minutes. Reheat gravy on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable stock if needed for smoothness.
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Serving Suggestions: Reheat and serve with a fresh sprinkle of thyme and cranberry sauce for a delightful vegan Thanksgiving treat!
What to Serve with Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes with Savory Mushroom Gravy
Looking to create a delightful spread that elevates your Vegan Thanksgiving experience?
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Crispy Brussels Sprouts: These add a nutty flavor and the perfect crunch to your meal, complementing the softness of the potatoes.
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Herby Stuffing: A fragrant stuffing packed with herbs and vegetables resonates beautifully with the flavors in the savory mushroom gravy.
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Tangy Cranberry Sauce: Bright, sweet cranberries cut through the richness of the gravy, enhancing each mouthful with a burst of freshness.
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Sautéed Green Beans: Vibrant green beans add a snap and a pop of color, making your plate visually appealing and texturally balanced.
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Roasted Carrots: Sweet, caramelized carrots bring an earthiness that perfectly pairs with the umami-packed gravy.
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Mixed Leaf Salad: A refreshing salad with a citrus vinaigrette offers a light contrast, cleansing the palate between the rich bites.
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Chilled White Wine: Serve a crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc that complements the entire meal’s flavors wonderfully.
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Pumpkin Pie: End your feast with a slice of velvety pumpkin pie, bringing a warm, spiced sweetness to finish off the holiday notes on your table.
Make Ahead Options
These Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes with Savory Mushroom Gravy are perfect for busy home cooks looking to simplify meal prep! You can boil and smash the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance; just store them in an airtight container in the fridge to prevent browning. The mushroom gravy can also be prepared ahead of time and stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat the potatoes in the oven to restore their crispiness while warming the gravy on the stove. This way, you’ll have a delicious, homemade meal ready to serve with minimal effort—just as satisfying as fresh!
Tips for the Best Vegan Thanksgiving Potatoes
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Perfectly Cooked Potatoes: Ensure the potatoes are completely tender before smashing; undercooked potatoes won’t crush well and result in uneven textures.
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Crispy Finish: For extra crispiness, brush the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt on both sides before baking, achieving that coveted golden-brown exterior.
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Gravy Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, gradually whisk in more vegetable stock until you reach the desired smoothness, especially crucial when serving it over the Vegan Thanksgiving potatoes.
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Mushroom Variety: Experiment with different mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello, to enhance the umami flavor in the gravy and create delightful variations on this classic dish.
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Storage Tips: Store leftover potatoes and gravy in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days, ensuring the potatoes maintain their crispness when reheated.
Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes with Savory Mushroom Gravy Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Absolutely! I recommend using The Little Potato Company’s Blushing Belles for their creamy texture and buttery flavor. If you can’t find them, any small round potatoes will work wonderfully. Just look for the ones that are firm and free of dark spots for the best results.
How should I store leftover potatoes and gravy?
To keep your Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes delicious, store the leftovers separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop the potatoes in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–15 minutes to maintain that crispy texture.
Can I freeze the smashed potatoes and gravy?
Yes! To freeze, place the cooled smashed potatoes in a sturdy freezer bag or container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. For the mushroom gravy, you can also freeze it in an airtight container but be sure to let it cool completely first. When ready to enjoy, thaw both in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of vegetable stock if needed for smoothness.
What if my gravy is too thick?
No worries at all! If you find your mushroom gravy has thickened too much after cooking, simply whisk in more vegetable stock a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. This step will keep the gravy silky and smooth, perfect for draping over those crispy potatoes!
Are there any common allergies in this recipe?
Great question! This recipe is naturally vegan and free from dairy, but keep in mind the soy sauce might contain gluten unless you opt for a gluten-free tamari. Always double-check labels if you’re catering to specific allergies. If you’re concerned about mushrooms, you can substitute with another veggie like zucchini or eggplant to create a different flavor profile.
Vegan Thanksgiving Comfort: Smashed Potatoes & Mushroom Gravy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- In a large pot, boil 1 to 1.5 pounds of potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Gently smash each potato to about ½ inch thick.
- Brush with olive oil and season with salt, then bake for 20 minutes until crisp.
- Sauté onion and garlic in canola oil until fragrant.
- Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over mushrooms, then add vegetable stock, soy sauce, and miso to make the gravy.
- Serve warm gravy over the crispy potatoes with optional toppings like cranberry sauce and thyme.
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