Simple Vegan Stuffing

INTRODUCTION

Thanksgiving and family gatherings often bring up the memories of shared meals and flavors that comfort us. One dish that many look forward to is stuffing. However, for those who choose a vegan lifestyle, traditional stuffing recipes filled with butter and animal products may be off-limits. That’s where Simple Vegan Stuffing comes in. It is a lovely, plant-based alternative that is packed with flavor and can easily become a favorite. This stuffing is not only tasty but also easy to prepare. You can serve it at your holiday table and share with loved ones, knowing it suits everyone’s dietary needs.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This Simple Vegan Stuffing is full of texture and taste. Made with wholesome ingredients, it brings out the rich flavors of herbs and vegetables. The sourdough bread adds a delightful chewiness, while the vegetables add a freshness that brightens the dish. Plus, it is very versatile. You can adapt it to your taste by adding different herbs or vegetables. This stuffing is also easy to make, even for those who are new to cooking. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious, vegan side dish ready to go.

Additionally, it is comforting and warming, making it perfect for cooler weather and festive occasions. This dish can satisfy both traditionalists who love stuffing and those who want a modern, plant-based twist.

HOW TO MAKE Simple Vegan Stuffing

Making Simple Vegan Stuffing is straightforward and rewarding. Let’s break down the steps so that you can create this delightful dish in your kitchen without any fuss.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Large baking tray
• Casserole dish (2-quart dish recommended)
• Large bowl
• Large skillet
• Cooking spray
• Spatula for mixing

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound of sourdough bread (cut into ½ – 1 inch cubes)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 3 stalks of celery (thinly sliced)
• 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt
• ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper + more to taste
• 3 tablespoons of parsley (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons of fresh sage (minced; could also use rosemary, thyme, or a mix)
• 2 tablespoons of vegan butter
• 4 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 ¼ cups of broth

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your casserole dish with cooking spray. A 2-quart dish will create a stuffing with a softer middle, while a larger dish (around 12 x 8 inches) will give a crisper texture at the edges.

2. Spread the bread cubes out on a large baking tray and lightly spray them with cooking spray. Bake in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until you see them starting to turn crispy but not rock hard. You want them to be firm enough to hold their shape without becoming croutons. After baking, transfer the toasted bread cubes to a large bowl.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Let it heat up for a moment, then toss in the chopped onion, sliced celery, salt, black pepper, parsley, and sage. Sauté this mixture for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.

4. Mix in the minced garlic and vegan butter, stirring for another 3 minutes. When the garlic becomes fragrant, your veggie mixture is ready.

5. Carefully add the vegetable mix into the bowl with the toasted bread. Toss everything lightly to combine. Then, pour in the lemon juice and broth. Mix gently until the bread is evenly damp but not soaked.

6. Transfer the stuffing mixture into your prepared baking dish. Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes. At the 30-minute mark, check that the top isn’t too dark. If it is, cover it with tin foil to allow it to continue baking without burning (I rarely find this necessary, but it is good to keep an eye on it).

HOW TO SERVE Simple Vegan Stuffing

This Simple Vegan Stuffing is delicious as is, but it can also be served alongside a range of dishes. It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, lentils, or a hearty vegan stew. You can serve it family-style right out of the baking dish or portion it onto individual plates. For added flair, sprinkle some extra herbs on top as a garnish right before serving.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Simple Vegan Stuffing

If you have leftovers or want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can store the stuffing easily. Let it cool down completely after baking. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

If you would like to freeze it, put the cooled stuffing in freezer-safe bags or containers. It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until heated through.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

There are many ways to serve this Simple Vegan Stuffing. Here are a few ideas:

• Complement it with a simple green salad for a light meal.
• Serve it alongside vegan roasted marinated tofu or seitan for extra protein.
• Pair it with cranberry sauce for a sweet and savory experience.

Feel free to think outside the box and create your own meal combos!

VARIATIONS

This recipe is quite flexible! Here are some tasty variations to try:

• Different Bread: Instead of sourdough, try using whole wheat or gluten-free bread.
• Add Nuts or Dried Fruits: Incorporate walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries for added texture and sweetness.
• Spice it Up: For some kick, you could add red pepper flakes or jalapeño pieces.
• Combine Herbs: Mix different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill to change up the flavor profile.

Feel free to experiment and make this stuffing your own!

FAQs

1. Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffing a day ahead and bake it right before serving. Just follow the instructions up until baking, cover it in the fridge, and then bake it when needed.

2. Is this stuffing gluten-free?

Not as written, since it relies on sourdough bread. However, you can substitute gluten-free bread for a delicious gluten-free version.

3. What can I do if I don’t have broth?

If you don’t have broth, you can use water with a bit of added salt or a store-bought vegan broth substitute.

4. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to include mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers to enhance the veggie profile of your stuffing.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Simple Vegan Stuffing

If you want a hassle-free holiday cooking experience, consider these tips:

1. Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Chop the onions, celery, and herbs the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
2. Toast Bread Ahead of Time: You can toast the bread cubes a day or two in advance. Keep them in a sealed container and add them to the mixture when ready to bake.
3. Store Broth: If you’re using homemade broth, make it ahead and store it in the fridge until you need it.

With these tips, your Simple Vegan Stuffing will be a breeze to put together and will become a cherished addition to any festive table!

Print