Description
This Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage is a delicious and hearty plant-based side dish perfect for holiday meals or any comforting dinner. It combines crunchy toasted bread cubes with savory vegan sausage, aromatic fresh herbs, and a flavorful vegetable broth, all baked until golden and crispy on top. Easy to prepare and full of classic stuffing flavors without any animal products.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf (about 10 cups) day-old crusty bread, cubed
Sauté Mix
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz vegan sausage (crumbled or sliced)
Herbs and Seasoning
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 1/2–2 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium)
- 2 tbsp vegan butter or more olive oil (optional, for richness)
Instructions
- Toast the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed bread evenly on a baking sheet and toast for 10–15 minutes until the cubes are golden and dry. This step ensures the bread absorbs the broth without becoming soggy. Set aside once toasted.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery, sautéing for 5–6 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Cook Vegan Sausage: Add the crumbled or sliced vegan sausage to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon and allowing it to brown slightly for deeper flavor.
- Add Herbs and Seasoning: Stir in fresh sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly, then remove the skillet from heat to keep the herbs vibrant.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sausage and vegetable mixture. Pour 1 1/2 cups of vegetable broth over the mixture and toss gently to coat evenly. Add more broth as needed until the mixture is moist but not soggy to achieve the perfect texture.
- Prepare to Bake: Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If desired, dot the top with vegan butter or drizzle with additional olive oil to enhance richness and browning.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This helps the stuffing steam and soften while cooking through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes to allow the top to become golden and crisp for a delightful texture contrast.
- Serve: Allow the stuffing to cool slightly before serving. This hearty side dish pairs perfectly with your favorite holiday mains or as a comforting meal on its own.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the bread with gluten-free bread cubes.
- You can prepare the stuffing a day ahead and refrigerate; bake as directed before serving.
- Adjust the amount of vegetable broth to get your preferred stuffing moisture level.
- Using fresh herbs enhances flavor but dried can be used in smaller amounts.
- Vegan sausage brands vary; choose your favorite for best taste.
- Optional vegan butter or olive oil on top adds richness and helps browning but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
