Print

Savory Vegan Stuffing Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 128 reviews

This Savory Vegan Stuffing recipe transforms day-old bread into a deliciously herb-infused side dish perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners. Featuring a medley of sautéed aromatics, fresh herbs, toasted nuts, and a touch of sweetness from dried fruit, this stuffing is moist yet crispy, bursting with umami from nutritional yeast and the warmth of sage and thyme. It’s a vibrant, plant-based twist on a classic comfort food that pairs beautifully with any main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

  • 6 cups day-old rustic or sourdough bread cubes (about 1-inch pieces)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 cup finely chopped celery
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Optional: 1 cup chopped mushrooms
  • ½ cup grated carrots or diced bell peppers
  • 1 jalapeño, diced or ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (for spice)

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

Liquids and Fats

  • 1 ½ cups warmed vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter

Add-Ins

  • ½ cup toasted pecans, walnuts, or chestnuts
  • ½ cup dried cranberries or chopped apples

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread Cubes: Cube your day-old rustic or sourdough bread into approximately 1-inch pieces. Spread these cubes evenly on a baking sheet to prepare for toasting.
  2. Toast the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking sheet with bread cubes into the oven and toast for about 15 minutes. Remember to turn the bread cubes halfway through the baking time to ensure they become evenly golden and crunchy, creating the perfect base texture for your stuffing.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: While the bread is toasting, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegan butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic (along with optional chopped mushrooms and grated carrots or bell peppers if using). Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This step builds the flavor foundation for your stuffing.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Once the bread cubes are toasted and the aromatics are sautéed, transfer both to a large mixing bowl. Stir in fresh chopped sage, thyme, and parsley. Add salt, black pepper, and nutritional yeast to enhance the savory, umami notes of the mixture.
  5. Add Broth and Mix: Gradually pour in the warmed vegetable broth, stirring gently to evenly moisten the bread cubes without making them soggy. This ensures the stuffing will be tender yet cohesive after baking.
  6. Mix in Add-Ins: Fold in the toasted nuts (pecans, walnuts, or chestnuts), dried cranberries or chopped apples, and diced jalapeño or chili flakes to introduce a delightful crunch, sweetness, and controlled spiciness to your stuffing.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish and cover it tightly with foil. Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. Serve warm and enjoy this flavorful vegan stuffing as a comforting side dish.

Notes

  • Using day-old bread prevents the stuffing from becoming mushy and helps absorb the broth evenly.
  • Feel free to swap nuts for seeds if preferred or to make the recipe nut-free.
  • Adjust the level of spice by omitting the jalapeño or chili flakes if desired.
  • Vegetable broth can be homemade or store-bought; warm it before adding to ensure better absorption.
  • Ensure the stuffing is not overly soaked with broth to maintain a good texture after baking.
  • This stuffing can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving.

Keywords: vegan stuffing, savory stuffing, holiday side dish, herb stuffing, bread stuffing, plant-based stuffing, gluten free alternative (if gluten free bread is used), vegan holiday recipe

Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/savory-vegan-stuffing-recipe/