Maple Glazed Vegan Ham

This Maple Glazed Vegan Ham is so easy to make and perfect for your holiday meal or Sunday dinner. It’s smoky, sweet, savory, meaty, and makes the best vegan ham sandwiches!

I don’t know if you should sit or stand for this recipe. Sitting is good if you think you might faint. But, standing is good for jumping up and down. Either way, the end result will be sheer joy and your holiday is going to be a whole lot brighter.

We were never big turkey eaters during the holidays. But, we loved our ham…maple-glazed to be exact. So, I took it upon myself to see if I could recreate something close to what I remember. And, to say I’m pleased would be an understatement.

Don’t believe for one second that you have to give up your favorite holiday foods just because you’re vegan or plant-based. You just have to be a little creative and figure out ways to make them ethical, healthy, and plant-based. And, that’s why I work so hard. My goal is to make your life easier and healthier.

This maple glazed vegan ham is every bit as good as it looks. And, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, let’s get cooking.

🧾 Ingredients

You’ll need:

• Vital Wheat Gluten: This is essential to making this vegan ham. Unfortunately, there is no substitute for wheat gluten.
• Chickpeas: use low-sodium or no salt added if possible.
• Vegetable Broth: you can use water if you like. But, I like the flavor of the veggie broth.
• Vegetable Bouillon: this is my own DIY recipe. It’s much lower in sodium than store-bought brands and adds savoriness to this recipe.
• Tomato Paste, Maple Syrup, & Liquid Smoke: a wonderful combination of acid, sweet, and smoky. It’s not only in the seitan ham but is also the ingredients used to make the wonderful glaze.
• Ground Cloves: This is the most important ingredient in this recipe. It is the “ham essence” if you will.

🔪 Instructions

This Maple Glazed Vegan Ham is the perfect plant-based centerpiece for your table this holiday season. A deliciously meaty, smoky, sweet, and savory roast even the pickiest eaters will love.

1. To a large mixing bowl add the vital wheat gluten and set aside. Then, add the chickpeas, low-sodium vegetable broth, vegetable bouillon, tomato paste, maple syrup, ground cloves, and liquid smoke to a food processor or blender. Process until everything is well combined and smooth. 
2. Pour the blended mixture into the bowl with the vital wheat gluten and begin to mix with a spatula or wooden spoon. Use your hands to finish combining the dough until it all comes together. 
3. Lightly sprinkle a clean surface with the wheat gluten, place the dough on the surface, and knead for 30 seconds. Then, shape the dough into a small loaf and prepare to steam.
4. Instant Pot Steaming Instructions: Add a cup of water or veggie broth to your pressure cooker and insert the steaming basket. Place the loaf onto the steaming basket, close the lid, set the pressure valve to “sealing”, choose the “steam” function, and set the timer for 45 minutes. Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release to relieve any remaining pressure.
5. Stove Top Steaming Instructions: Place a steaming basket or steamer pot on your stove with about 2-3 cups of water or veggie broth. Place a lid on the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat so it’s simmering, and steam for 1 hour. Add more broth if it evaporates, but you should be fine.
6. Remove the loaf from the pot or Instant Pot and let it cool for a few minutes.

Preheat the oven to 425˚F, prepare the maple glaze by whisking all the ingredients together and set it aside.

Use a knife to cut diagonal lines in the vegan ham and make the crisscross pattern and insert whole cloves into the center of the diamonds, if you wish, for decorative purposes.

Spread half of the glaze on the bottom of an 8×8 baking dish and place the vegan ham on top. Pour the remaining glaze over the ham, add the pineapple rings if using, and roast in the oven for 30 minutes. Baste the ham every 10-15 minutes until it’s finished.

Remove from the oven and baste once more with any leftover glaze. Let the ham cool for 10 minutes, remove the cloves, slice, and enjoy!

Can I Make Vegan Ham Ahead Of Time

Absolutely! You can make it up to 3 days ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to roast it in the oven. Simply mix up the dough, steam it, wrap it in foil, and store it in the fridge. Then, glaze and bake once you’re ready.

Storing and Freezing

Refrigerator

Place any leftovers in a sealed container or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezer

If you wish to freeze the vegan ham wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and place it inside a large freezer bag or freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.  Allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Maple Glazed Vegan Ham FAQ

Does It Taste Just Like Ham?

No. Why? Because it’s not real ham! It is savory, smoky, sweet, meaty and a close second if you ask me. It might not fool anyone. But, it’s not going to disappoint them either.

How many will it serve?

Depending on how thick or thin you slice it, there should be no problem serving up to at least 8 people.

Do I have to use vital wheat gluten?

Yes. Unfortunately, there no substitutes and this recipe can not be made gluten-free.

What is seitan?

Seitan is often referred to as “wheat meat”. It’s made using vital wheat gluten combined with liquid, spices, and then cooked. It’s a delicious and healthy alternative to animal protein. You can read more about seitan HERE.

What To Serve With Vegan Ham

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Vegan Mashed Potatoes
• Vegan Baked Mac and Cheese
• The Best Vegan Baked Beans
• Vegan Sweet Potato Pie

This vegan ham recipe is healthy, full of protein, low-fat, oil-free, and delicious!

More Vegan Holiday Dishes

• Vegan Chickpea Meatloaf
• Vegan Holiday Loaf
• Jumbo Vegan Stuffed Shells
• Crispy Blackened Tofu

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