Stuffing is a beloved holiday classic that many of us look forward to each year, but traditional recipes often rely on butter, eggs, and sometimes meat-based broths, making them less suitable for vegan diets.
If you’re craving that cozy, savory side dish without compromising your plant-based lifestyle, this vegan bread stuffing recipe is here to delight your taste buds and satisfy your comfort food cravings.
Loaded with aromatic herbs, sautéed veggies, and perfectly toasted bread cubes, this stuffing brings all the flavors of fall to your table without any animal products. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a hearty, flavorful side, this recipe is simple, delicious, and easily adaptable.
In this post, I’ll guide you through every step to make the perfect vegan stuffing that’s moist, flavorful, and full of texture. Plus, I’ll share tips, variations, and serving suggestions to make this dish your new holiday favorite.
Ready to impress your guests or just treat yourself? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan bread stuffing is a true crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile — you can customize it with your favorite veggies and nuts, or keep it classic with sage and thyme.
It’s also made entirely from plant-based ingredients, making it perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking to eat a little lighter.
The use of toasted artisan bread ensures a wonderful texture that’s both crispy and soft where it counts. Plus, the combination of sautéed onions, celery, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a savory depth of flavor that rivals any traditional stuffing.
And the best part? It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, so you can focus on the main dishes while your stuffing bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 10 cups cubed day-old artisan bread (sourdough or French bread works great)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional, for extra umami)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, adds a cheesy flavor)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Baking dish (9×13 inch or similar)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil (optional, for covering)
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the cubed bread evenly on a baking sheet and toast for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through until the bread is dry and slightly golden. This step helps the bread absorb the broth without becoming mushy.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and mushrooms (if using) and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until fragrant and tender.
- Add herbs and seasoning: Stir in the chopped parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the herbs release their flavors. If using nutritional yeast, add it now and mix well.
- Combine bread and veggies: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Toss gently to distribute everything evenly.
- Add liquids: Pour the vegetable broth and plant-based milk over the bread mixture a little at a time, tossing gently after each addition. You want the bread to be moist but not soggy. Adjust the amount of broth if needed.
- Mix in nuts: If using walnuts or pecans, fold them into the stuffing now for added texture and flavor.
- Transfer to baking dish: Lightly grease your baking dish with a bit of olive oil or non-stick spray. Spread the stuffing mixture evenly in the dish, pressing down gently to compact slightly.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the stuffing to set and makes serving easier.
Tips & Variations
“For a richer flavor, use homemade vegetable broth infused with roasted vegetables and herbs. You can also add dried cranberries or chopped apples for a sweet twist!”
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread cubes and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
- Add sausage flavor: Add vegan sausage crumbles sautéed with the vegetables for a heartier stuffing.
- Use fresh herbs: Whenever possible, fresh herbs will give your stuffing a brighter flavor than dried.
- Make ahead: Prepare the stuffing up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake just before serving.
- For extra moisture: Add a splash more vegetable broth or plant milk if the stuffing seems dry before baking.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cup) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 |
Carbohydrates | 28g |
Protein | 5g |
Fat | 6g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sodium | 350mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan bread stuffing pairs wonderfully with many holiday mains and sides. Serve it alongside a hearty lentil loaf or mashed potatoes for a traditional feast.
You can also enjoy it with roasted Brussels sprouts, green bean casserole, or a fresh winter salad for a lighter spread.
Looking to elevate your meal? Try pairing this stuffing with a rich vegan gravy or a flavorful Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for an indulgent plant-based twist.
For dessert, don’t miss out on the creamy goodness of the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe, or treat yourself with a slice of the decadent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe.
Conclusion
This vegan bread stuffing recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food that fits perfectly into a plant-based lifestyle. With its blend of fresh herbs, savory vegetables, and crunchy nuts, it offers a satisfying texture and rich flavor that everyone will love.
Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this stuffing is easy to make, adaptable, and sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Don’t be intimidated by making stuffing from scratch — this recipe is straightforward and forgiving, perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to showcase the natural flavors of fresh ingredients, all while keeping it vegan and wholesome.
Give it a try this season and enjoy the warm, festive vibes it brings to your table!
📖 Recipe Card: Bread Stuffing Recipe Vegan
Description: A flavorful and comforting vegan bread stuffing perfect for holiday meals. Made with fresh herbs, vegetables, and toasted bread cubes for a delicious side dish.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 cups day-old bread cubes (whole wheat or white)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toast bread cubes on a baking sheet for 10 minutes until lightly browned.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, celery, and garlic until soft, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine toasted bread, sautéed vegetables, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour vegetable broth over mixture and stir until evenly moistened.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until top is golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 25 g
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