Holiday gatherings often center around traditional dishes that bring warmth and nostalgia to the table. One such classic is stuffing, a beloved side that complements any Christmas feast.
But for those embracing a plant-based lifestyle, finding a flavorful, satisfying vegan stuffing can be a delightful challenge. This Christmas vegan stuffing recipe is here to change that!
Bursting with fresh herbs, hearty vegetables, and crunchy nuts, this recipe combines all the festive flavors you crave without any animal products. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to add more plant-based options to your holiday menu, this stuffing is sure to impress your guests and become a new seasonal favorite.
Easy to prepare and adaptable to your taste, this stuffing offers a perfect balance of savory and aromatic notes that will fill your kitchen with the scent of Christmas. Plus, it’s a great dish to make ahead, freeing up your oven space for other festive delights.
Let’s dive into why this recipe stands out and how to create your own unforgettable vegan stuffing this holiday season!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan stuffing is not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients that bring texture and flavor to every bite. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your Christmas table:
- Rich, savory flavors: A blend of fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary infuses the stuffing with classic Christmas aromas.
- Hearty and satisfying: Whole grain bread cubes combined with sautéed vegetables and toasted nuts create a comforting, filling dish.
- Vegan and allergy-friendly: No dairy, eggs, or animal products, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it a day in advance and bake on Christmas Day to save time.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite seasonal vegetables or nuts for a personal touch.
Ingredients
- 10 cups day-old whole grain bread, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted and chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup dried cranberries or chopped apples for a festive twist
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13 inch baking dish or similar casserole dish
- Knife and cutting board
- Aluminum foil (for covering during baking)
Instructions
- Prepare the bread cubes: If your bread isn’t already stale, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until dry but not browned. Set aside to cool.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, carrots, and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add herbs and nuts: Stir in the chopped sage, thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Add the toasted nuts and cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine bread and vegetable mixture: Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture over the bread.
- Add liquid seasoning: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth and soy sauce. Slowly pour this over the bread mixture, stirring gently to combine. The bread should be moist but not soggy. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional additions: If using dried cranberries or chopped apples, fold them in now for a festive, slightly sweet contrast.
- Transfer to baking dish: Lightly grease your casserole dish and spread the stuffing mixture evenly.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
- Serve warm: Let the stuffing cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra crunch, toast the nuts separately before adding them. Feel free to swap out the bread for gluten-free options to accommodate dietary needs!”
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread cubes to keep the recipe accessible.
- Seasonal veggies: Add roasted butternut squash or chestnuts for extra holiday flavor.
- Herb substitutes: Dried herbs can replace fresh if needed; just use about a third of the amount.
- Make ahead: Prepare the stuffing the day before, refrigerate, and bake fresh on the day.
- Moisture control: If your stuffing seems too dry before baking, add a splash more vegetable broth.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 220 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 35 g |
Protein | 6 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sodium | 350 mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
This vegan stuffing pairs beautifully with a variety of holiday mains and sides. For a festive feast, consider serving it alongside:
- Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe – a sweet, roasted squash dish that complements the savory stuffing perfectly.
- Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe – add a tangy, spicy bite to balance the richness of the stuffing.
- Passover Zucchini Kugel Recipe – a light, vegetable-forward side that pairs well with hearty dishes.
For a main course, vegan roasts or nut loaves will complement the stuffing’s flavors beautifully, creating a well-rounded holiday plate.
Conclusion
Creating a memorable Christmas feast doesn’t have to exclude plant-based eaters or those seeking healthier options. This Christmas vegan stuffing recipe brings together the best of holiday flavors in a wholesome, satisfying dish.
Its combination of fresh herbs, vegetables, and crunchy nuts ensures every bite is full of festive cheer. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a cozy family dinner, this stuffing is a perfect addition to your celebration.
Plus, its versatility means you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs, making it a reliable recipe year after year. We hope this recipe inspires you to try something new this holiday season and share the joy of vegan cooking with your loved ones.
Happy holidays and happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Christmas Vegan Stuffing Recipe
Description: A flavorful and hearty vegan stuffing perfect for the holiday season. Made with fresh herbs, vegetables, and crusty bread for a satisfying side dish.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed crusty vegan bread
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, celery, and garlic until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add mushrooms, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper; cook 3 more minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes and sautéed vegetables.
- Pour vegetable broth over mixture and toss to combine.
- Transfer stuffing to a greased baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until top is crispy.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 38 g
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