If you’re hosting a holiday meal and want a hearty vegetarian centerpiece, this Thanksgiving Vegetarian Lentil Loaf is the answer. I remember serving it one Thanksgiving when we had both vegetarians and meat-lovers at the table—everyone went back for seconds. It’s packed with flavor, loaded with herbs, and finished with a tangy glaze that makes it feel as festive as any roast. This loaf is not only satisfying but also makes a beautiful addition to a holiday spread.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked green or brown lentils
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 carrot, grated
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp rosemary
1/2 cup ketchup (for glaze)
2 tbsp brown sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until soft. In a large bowl, combine lentils, sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, oats, nuts, soy sauce, tomato paste, mustard, parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Mix until well combined. Press mixture into a greased loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix ketchup and brown sugar, then spread glaze over loaf. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until firm and golden. Rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Substitutions
Replace walnuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. Swap ketchup glaze with barbecue sauce for a smoky twist. Try red lentils, but note they’ll make the loaf softer.
Equipment
Loaf pan
Mixing bowls
Skillet
Wooden spoon
Sharp knife
Storage
Refrigerator: Store slices in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze the loaf (whole or sliced) for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in oven at 325°F, covered with foil, to keep moist.
Top Tips
Cook lentils until just tender, not mushy. Press mixture firmly into loaf pan for best texture. Don’t skip the glaze—it adds flavor and a festive look. Let loaf rest before slicing to avoid crumbling.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, assemble the loaf and refrigerate overnight before baking.
Is this recipe vegan? Yes, as long as you use vegan breadcrumbs and glaze.
Can I freeze lentil loaf? Absolutely, it reheats well.
What should I serve with it? Mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce make perfect sides.