Starting your day with a hearty and flavorful breakfast can set the tone for success, energy, and happiness. For those embracing a plant-based lifestyle or simply looking to reduce their meat consumption, finding a satisfying vegan alternative to traditional breakfast sausage can be a bit of a challenge.
But worry no more! This vegan breakfast sausage recipe offers a delicious, homemade option that’s packed with spices, texture, and all the savory goodness you’d expect from your morning favorite.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or craving a weekend brunch treat, these sausages are easy to make, versatile, and sure to impress even the most devoted carnivores.
Made with wholesome ingredients like vital wheat gluten, chickpeas, and a masterful blend of herbs and spices, these sausages deliver a perfect balance of flavor and protein without any animal products.
Plus, they’re freezer-friendly and adaptable to your taste preferences. Let’s dive into making your mornings more delicious and compassionate!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan breakfast sausage recipe stands out because it manages to nail the classic sausage flavor and texture using only plant-based ingredients. It’s:
- Richly flavored: A blend of sage, thyme, garlic, and smoked paprika mimics traditional sausage spices perfectly.
- Protein-packed: Thanks to vital wheat gluten and chickpeas, these sausages keep you full and energized.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust spices or add your favorite herbs to suit your taste buds.
- Freezer-friendly: Make a batch ahead and store for quick breakfasts anytime.
- Easy to make: No fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients needed.
Whether you’re serving these with a classic tofu scramble, vegan pancakes, or as part of a breakfast sandwich, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup vital wheat gluten (the base for the sausage texture)
- 1/4 cup chickpea flour (for binding and protein)
- 1/4 cup cooked chickpeas (adds moisture and texture)
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth (warm)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for umami flavor)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (adds depth and saltiness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (moisture and richness)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (subtle sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried sage (classic sausage herb)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground fennel seeds (optional but authentic)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water (flax egg to bind)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Food processor or blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Plastic wrap or parchment paper
- Steamer pot or large saucepan with a steaming rack
- Spatula or tongs
Instructions
- Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens to a gel-like consistency.
- Process cooked chickpeas: In a food processor or blender, pulse the cooked chickpeas until roughly mashed but not pureed. You want some texture to mimic ground meat.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried sage, thyme, black pepper, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm vegetable broth, soy sauce, olive oil, maple syrup, and the prepared flax egg.
- Make the dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Add the mashed chickpeas as well. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough in the bowl for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes elastic and slightly firm.
- Shape the sausages: Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a sausage shape about 4 inches long. Wrap each sausage tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper, twisting the ends to seal.
- Steam the sausages: Bring water to a boil in a steamer pot or large saucepan with a steaming rack. Place the wrapped sausages in the steamer basket in batches if needed. Steam for 30-35 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Cool and unwrap: Once steamed, remove sausages carefully and let them cool slightly. Unwrap from plastic or parchment. They should be firm and springy to the touch.
- Cook before serving: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Fry the sausages for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and crispy on the outside.
- Serve and enjoy: Use these vegan sausages in breakfast plates, sandwiches, or crumble them into your favorite dishes.
Tips & Variations
“For even more flavor, try adding a splash of liquid smoke to the wet ingredients or experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or marjoram.”
- Gluten-free option: Substitute vital wheat gluten with a mix of gluten-free flours and extra chickpea flour, but note the texture will differ.
- Make it spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Batch prep: These sausages freeze beautifully. Wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Smokier flavor: Incorporate smoked sea salt or smoked paprika for a deeper smoky aroma.
- Use other beans: Try black beans or lentils in place of chickpeas for a different but delicious base.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Sausage (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 110 kcal |
Protein | 9 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Carbohydrates | 8 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sugar | 1 g |
Sodium | 280 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan breakfast sausages pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Try them alongside crispy hash browns and sautéed spinach for a wholesome breakfast plate.
They also make a delicious addition to a tofu scramble or vegan shakshuka.
For sandwiches, slice the sausages and layer them with avocado, tomato, and vegan mayo on toasted English muffins or bagels. They also work great crumbled over breakfast pizzas or mixed into vegan breakfast burritos with beans, rice, and salsa.
If you want to explore more flavorful plant-based breakfast ideas, check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet breakfast treat.
For a savory bread side, try our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
Conclusion
Creating your own vegan breakfast sausages at home is not only rewarding but also a fantastic way to enjoy a protein-packed, flavorful start to your day. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between texture and taste, making it a versatile staple for any vegan or plant-based kitchen.
It’s easy to customize, freezer-friendly, and uses simple ingredients that you can find in most grocery stores.
With this recipe, you can enjoy a classic breakfast comfort without compromising your dietary choices or ethics. Whether you’re serving it up for a weekend brunch or meal prepping for busy mornings, these sausages will quickly become a beloved favorite.
Don’t forget to experiment with the herbs and spices to make it uniquely yours. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Breakfast Sausage
Description: A flavorful and hearty vegan breakfast sausage made with vital wheat gluten and spices. Perfect for a plant-based morning meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup vital wheat gluten
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 3/4 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, flaxseed, and spices.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together vegetable broth, soy sauce, olive oil, and maple syrup.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes until elastic.
- Divide dough into 6 equal pieces and shape each into a sausage.
- Wrap each sausage tightly in aluminum foil.
- Bake sausages for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and cook sausages in a skillet over medium heat until browned, about 3 minutes per side.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 12g | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 10g
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