Foolproof Vegan Holiday Stuffing

This Vegan Stuffing recipe is more than just a holiday side dish; it’s a culinary triumph that will redefine your festive table. Imagine sinking your fork into a masterpiece with exquisitely crispy, golden-brown edges giving way to a wonderfully soft, moist, and utterly flavorful interior – a texture dream without a hint of mushiness! This plant-based marvel is not just a replacement for traditional stuffing; it’s an enhancement, brimming with savory, aromatic herbs that capture the very essence of holiday comfort. Whether you’re hosting an elaborate Thanksgiving dinner, a cozy Christmas gathering, or simply craving a taste of seasonal delight, this easy-to-make vegan stuffing is destined to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Prepare to impress everyone at the table with this irresistible and wholesome creation.

Deliciously crispy and soft vegan stuffing in a casserole dish, adorned with fresh herbs, ready to be served at a festive holiday meal.

Experience the Magic of Classic Stuffing, Made Wholly Vegan!

Chef Brita Britnell, creator of Food with Feeling, offers a warm smile.

As a passionate advocate for delicious and accessible plant-based cooking, I’ve dedicated myself to perfecting vegan versions of beloved dishes. A few years ago, while curating my popular roundup of over 20 incredible Vegan Thanksgiving side dishes, I realized there was a crucial missing piece: a truly easy, flavorful, and reliable vegan stuffing recipe. Many recipes fell short, either too dry, too bland, or overly complicated, leaving a void for that essential holiday comfort food.

This realization sparked a mission. I spent considerable time in the kitchen, meticulously developing and perfecting this recipe. My goal was clear: to create a stuffing that was wonderfully moist, bursting with savory flavors, and completely free of eggs and sausage, yet reminiscent of the classic, hearty versions we all grew up loving. The result is a plant-based stuffing that not only meets but exceeds expectations, packed with all the comforting, aromatic notes that define holiday cuisine. It’s designed to bring warmth and joy to your table, proving that vegan alternatives can be every bit as delicious and satisfying.

Here’s an in-depth look at why this particular vegan stuffing recipe will undoubtedly become a treasured favorite:

  • Unmistakably Classic Holiday Flavor: Prepare for a sensory journey back to your fondest holiday memories. This stuffing is meticulously crafted to deliver all the cozy, herbaceous, and deeply savory notes of traditional stuffing, but without any dairy or eggs. The thoughtful blend of fresh herbs and rich vegan butter creates an aromatic profile that is both familiar and profoundly comforting, making it a true taste of the season.
  • Remarkably Customizable to Your Liking: This recipe offers a fantastic foundation for your culinary creativity. The beauty of this stuffing lies in its adaptability. You can effortlessly switch out the bread—while sourdough adds incredible depth, French bread, ciabatta, or even good quality gluten-free bread work wonderfully. Experiment with different fresh herb combinations like rosemary or thyme to tailor the aromatic experience. For extra flair, consider folding in delicious additions such as earthy sautéed mushrooms, tart dried cranberries, or crunchy toasted pecans to truly make it your own.
  • Designed for Stress-Free Make-Ahead Preparation: Alleviate the hustle and bustle of holiday cooking! This vegan stuffing is a dream for meal preppers, as it can be fully assembled and refrigerated overnight. This crucial step not only frees up valuable time on the big day but also allows the rich flavors to meld and deepen, often resulting in an even more delicious and cohesive dish. Simply prepare it the day before, cover, and bake when you’re ready to serve.
  • An Absolute Crowd-Pleaser for All Diets: Don’t just take my word for it—this stuffing is a guaranteed hit! Its rich flavor, satisfying texture, and aromatic appeal are so universal that even your non-vegan guests won’t miss the traditional version. It’s robust, comforting, and utterly delicious, making it the perfect inclusive dish that everyone at your holiday table will rave about. Prepare for rave reviews and empty casserole dishes!

What You’ll Discover in This Comprehensive Guide…

  • Essential Ingredients for Your Vegan Stuffing
  • Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Perfect Vegan Stuffing
  • Chef’s Secrets: Expert Tips for the Best Stuffing
  • Customization and Creative Variations
  • Delicious Serving Suggestions
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Irresistible Vegan Holiday Side Dishes
  • Watch the Recipe Video
  • Full Vegan Stuffing Recipe Card
Close-up of baked vegan stuffing in a casserole dish, showcasing its golden-brown, crispy top and tender, moist interior, garnished with fresh herbs.

Essential Ingredients for Your Unforgettable Vegan Stuffing

The foundation of an exceptional vegan stuffing lies in selecting quality ingredients that work harmoniously to create layers of flavor and the perfect comforting texture. This recipe utilizes accessible staples, each playing a crucial role in delivering that authentic holiday taste:

  • Sourdough Bread: The undisputed star for stuffing! Sourdough’s distinct tangy profile introduces a wonderful depth and complexity, elevating the entire dish beyond ordinary. Day-old or slightly stale bread cubes are paramount; they are porous enough to absorb the flavorful broth without turning into a soggy mess. If sourdough isn’t readily available, a robust white bread like a good French baguette, Italian loaf, or even a wholesome whole wheat bread, cut into substantial cubes, will also yield excellent results. Just ensure it’s firm and not overly fresh.
  • Onion & Celery: These two vegetables form the classic aromatic base—the “holy trinity” of flavors in many savory dishes, especially stuffing. Sautéing them slowly until translucent coaxes out their natural sweetness and savory notes, building the essential foundation for our stuffing. While I favor yellow onions for their balanced sweetness, red onions can be used for a slightly sharper flavor. Ensure they are finely chopped to integrate seamlessly throughout the bread cubes.
  • Fresh Parsley & Sage: These vibrant herbs are the very heart and soul of holiday stuffing, infusing the dish with unmistakable festive aromas. Using fresh herbs is a game-changer, imparting bright, earthy, and truly seasonal flavors that dried herbs simply cannot replicate to the same extent. Sage, with its woody and aromatic charm, instantly evokes holiday cheer. While highly recommended, you can swap a portion of the sage for fresh rosemary or thyme, or create a delightful medley of all three to personalize your herbaceous blend. If fresh herbs are scarce, use about one-third the amount of dried herbs due to their concentrated flavor.
  • Vegan Butter: This key ingredient is responsible for imparting that rich, indulgent, and deeply nostalgic buttery flavor without any dairy. It coats the bread cubes beautifully and blends with the sautéed vegetables and herbs, contributing significantly to both the taste and luxurious mouthfeel of the stuffing. Opt for a high-quality vegan butter for the most authentic and satisfying results.
  • Fresh Garlic: An essential flavor enhancer for almost any savory recipe! Minced fresh garlic adds a subtle yet indispensable aromatic kick that beautifully complements the other ingredients. Feel free to adjust the quantity to your personal preference; a little adds complexity, while more can amplify its delightful pungency.
  • Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice is a brilliant, often-overlooked secret weapon. It provides a bright, zesty counterpoint that cuts through the richness of the vegan butter and savory vegetables, preventing the stuffing from feeling too heavy and enhancing all the other flavors. Don’t skip this ingredient; it truly makes a difference in balancing the overall profile.
  • Vegetable Broth: This is the crucial liquid component that moistens the toasted bread cubes, infuses them with additional savory flavor, and acts as the binding agent for all the ingredients. Choose a good quality vegetable broth, and consider using a low-sodium version, especially if your bread is already seasoned, to allow for precise control over the overall salt content of your stuffing.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Perfect Vegan Stuffing

Creating this delicious, plant-based holiday stuffing is a remarkably straightforward process, making it an ideal recipe for both seasoned cooks and those new to vegan culinary adventures. I’ve carefully designed these steps to replicate the comforting essence of a traditional stuffing while ensuring it’s entirely plant-based and bursting with flavor. Follow these simple instructions for perfectly golden, herb-infused stuffing every single time!

For precise measurements of each ingredient and a detailed, comprehensive guide, please refer to the full recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this post.

Cubed sourdough bread spread out on a sheet pan, perfectly arranged and ready for toasting to achieve ideal crispness for vegan stuffing.
  1. Toast the Bread Cubes: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Evenly spread your ½ to 1-inch bread cubes across a large baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer for uniform toasting. A light mist of cooking spray or a gentle drizzle of olive oil will help them achieve a beautiful golden hue and crisp texture. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the bread cubes are pleasantly crispy and golden brown, but crucially, not rock-hard like croutons. This drying process is vital for allowing them to absorb the flavorful broth without becoming soggy. Once toasted, transfer the bread to a very large mixing bowl.
Diced onions and celery simmering in melted vegan butter and olive oil in a large skillet, accompanied by fresh herbs and minced garlic, filling the kitchen with fragrant aromas.
  1. Sauté the Aromatic Veggies: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and thinly sliced celery, along with the specified amounts of fine sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, chopped fresh parsley, and minced fresh sage. Sauté this mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and become wonderfully fragrant. Then, stir in the minced garlic and vegan butter, continuing to cook for another 3 minutes. This step allows the garlic to become aromatic and the vegan butter to melt and thoroughly incorporate, building the essential savory foundation of your stuffing.
Fragrant sautéed onions, celery, and herbs, mixed with perfectly toasted bread cubes in a spacious bowl, awaiting the liquid ingredients for vegan stuffing.
  1. Combine and Moisten the Mixture: Carefully add the fragrant sautéed vegetable and herb mixture directly into the large bowl containing your toasted bread cubes. Use a large spoon or your hands to gently toss everything together, ensuring the savory aromatics are evenly distributed among the bread. Next, pour in the fresh lemon juice and the vegetable broth. Continue to mix thoroughly but delicately, making sure all the bread cubes are uniformly damp and flavored, but not overly saturated or mushy. Achieving this even moistening is crucial for a perfectly textured stuffing—neither dry nor waterlogged.
Prepared vegan stuffing mixture, spread evenly in a baking dish and garnished with fresh sage, ready to be baked to golden, aromatic perfection.
  1. Assemble and Bake to Golden Perfection: Transfer the combined and moistened stuffing mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with your spoon or spatula. Ensure the top surface is relatively flat to allow for even browning. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes. At the 30-minute mark, it’s a good idea to quickly check the top of the stuffing; if it’s browning too rapidly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the interior continues to cook through. (While I rarely find this necessary, it’s a useful preventative measure!) The stuffing is perfectly ready when the top is beautifully golden and crispy, and the center is wonderfully soft, moist, and infused with all those irresistible savory aromas.

Chef’s Secrets: Expert Tips for Crafting the Best Vegan Stuffing

Elevating your vegan stuffing from simply good to truly unforgettable is easy with a few insider tips. Pay attention to these details, and your holiday side dish will be the star of the show:

  • Always Opt for Day-Old or Stale Bread: This is arguably the most critical step for perfect stuffing. Fresh bread contains too much moisture and will inevitably turn into a soggy, dense mass when combined with the broth. Slightly stale bread, however, has dried out just enough to act like a sponge, absorbing all the delicious liquids and flavors while maintaining its structural integrity, which results in that coveted soft-yet-firm texture. If your bread isn’t stale, you can cube it and spread it on a baking sheet, then leave it uncovered to air dry for several hours or even overnight. Alternatively, a quick toast in a low oven will achieve the same effect.
  • Taste and Adjust Your Broth Before Mixing: Broths can vary significantly in sodium content and overall flavor. Before pouring the vegetable broth over your bread cubes, take a small taste. This allows you to proactively adjust the salt and pepper levels in the broth (or within your sautéed vegetable mixture) to ensure the overall seasoning of your stuffing is perfectly balanced. It’s far easier to make these adjustments at this stage than after all ingredients are combined.
  • For Unbeatable Extra Texture and Crispy Edges: If you’re a fan of those glorious, crunchy bits that make stuffing so irresistible, consider toasting your bread cubes for an additional 5-10 minutes beyond the initial recommendation, until they are noticeably crispier. Another trick is to lightly brush the top surface of the assembled stuffing with a little extra melted vegan butter just before its final bake. This promotes enhanced browning and creates a more robust, crispy crust.
  • Effortless Make-Ahead Preparation: Significantly reduce your holiday cooking stress by preparing your stuffing in advance. You can fully assemble the stuffing mixture—right up to placing it in your baking dish—cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. On the day of your celebration, simply take it out of the fridge about an hour before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature, then bake as directed. This not only saves precious time but also allows the flavors to truly meld and deepen overnight.
  • Get Creative with Optional Upgrades and Add-ins: This recipe is an incredibly versatile canvas for customization. Elevate your stuffing with a variety of delightful additions:
    • Mushrooms: Sautéed cremini, shiitake, or a wild mushroom blend can add a fantastic umami depth and an earthy richness.
    • Apples: Diced tart apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) introduce a lovely hint of sweetness and a contrasting textural element.
    • Nuts: Toasted pecans, walnuts, or even pine nuts provide a wonderful crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the savory herbs beautifully.
    • Dried Fruit: Incorporate dried cranberries, golden raisins, or chopped dried apricots for a festive burst of sweet-tart flavor and a chewy texture.
    • Additional Herbs: Don’t limit yourself to parsley and sage! Experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for varied aromatic profiles, or even a hint of marjoram.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Dish: The size of your baking dish impacts the final texture of your stuffing. A wider, shallower dish (like a 12×8 inch pan) will yield a stuffing with more crispy top and edge pieces, which many prefer. A deeper, smaller dish will result in a moister, softer interior throughout. Choose a dish that suits your preferred texture, ensuring the stuffing isn’t packed too densely to allow steam to escape and surfaces to crisp.
  • Test for Doneness for Optimal Texture: While visual cues are helpful, ensuring your stuffing is perfectly cooked means a firm but still yielding center. If you have a food thermometer, the internal temperature should reach around 165°F (74°C). Keep an eye on the top layer; if it starts to brown too quickly before the center is cooked, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
A generous serving of perfectly baked vegan stuffing, garnished with a sprig of fresh sage, resting on a white plate ready to be savored.

Customization and Creative Variations for Your Vegan Stuffing

One of the most exciting aspects of this vegan stuffing recipe is its incredible versatility. It serves as a robust and flavorful base, inviting you to personalize it and create a dish that perfectly matches your taste preferences or specific holiday traditions. Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen! Here are some inspiring ideas to customize your vegan stuffing:

  • Explore Different Bread Choices: While sourdough offers a fantastic tang, consider other options. For a sweeter, richer stuffing, a sturdy vegan challah or cornbread (if vegan-friendly) can be delightful. Hearty whole wheat bread adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. For gluten-free guests, simply swap in your favorite brand of gluten-free bread, remembering to adjust broth levels as gluten-free breads can sometimes absorb moisture differently.
  • Amplify the Herb Power: Beyond the classic parsley and sage, feel free to incorporate other fresh herbs. Fresh thyme contributes a subtle, earthy undertone, while rosemary brings a strong, piney, and distinctly festive aroma. A harmonious blend of all four can create an incredibly complex and memorable flavor profile. Don’t shy away from experimenting with proportions!
  • Incorporate Fruity Additions: For a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, fold in chopped dried cranberries, golden raisins, or finely diced apples (such as crisp Honeycrisp or tangy Granny Smith) into the mixture before baking. These additions add bursts of flavor and a lovely textural contrast.
  • Introduce a Nutty Crunch: Enhance both texture and richness by adding toasted nuts. Pecans, walnuts, or even slivered almonds work beautifully. Briefly toasting the nuts beforehand in a dry pan or oven enhances their natural flavors and ensures they stay crunchy within the stuffing.
  • Boost the Umami Factor: For a deeper, more savory profile that mimics traditional meat-based stuffings, incorporate sautéed mushrooms. Cremini, shiitake, or a mix of wild mushrooms add fantastic umami depth. Finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained, and blotted) can also provide a concentrated savory kick.
  • Play with Spices: A tiny pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice can subtly enhance the overall holiday feel. For those who enjoy a hint of warmth, a very small amount of cayenne pepper or a dash of smoked paprika can add an unexpected and welcome layer of flavor.
  • Heartier Enhancements: If you desire a more substantial stuffing, consider adding finely chopped vegan sausage before sautéing with the vegetables. Alternatively, a batch of slow-cooked caramelized onions can introduce an extraordinary layer of sweet-savory depth to the dish.

Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Vegan Stuffing

This savory vegan stuffing is a star in its own right, delivering incredible flavor and texture. However, it truly shines when presented as part of a grander feast, complementing a variety of other festive dishes. It’s the ultimate accompaniment to any holiday meal or even a hearty Sunday dinner. Here are some ideas to help you complete your plant-based holiday spread:

  • Classic Holiday Pairings: Serve your stuffing alongside a magnificent Vegan “Turkey” Roast or a savory Lentil Loaf for a truly celebratory centerpiece. No stuffing is complete without a generous drizzle of rich, homemade Vegan Gravy to tie all the delightful flavors together on your plate.
  • Complementary Sides: Enhance your plate with an array of other delightful vegan sides that perfectly balance the stuffing. Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes offer a smooth contrast, while a vibrant Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole adds a touch of sweetness. Fresh Roasted Cranberry Brussels Sprouts provide a welcome hint of bitterness and texture.
  • Sweet and Tangy Accents: A spoonful of bright and zesty homemade Orange Cranberry Sauce provides a delightful tart contrast, cutting through the richness of the savory stuffing and refreshing the palate.
  • Beyond the Holidays: While perfectly suited for festive occasions, don’t relegate this delicious stuffing solely to holidays. It makes a wonderful, comforting side dish for a regular Sunday roast, a special weeknight meal, or even crumbled and added to a vibrant plant-based salad for extra texture and robust flavor throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Stuffing

What’s the absolute best type of bread to use for Thanksgiving stuffing, especially for a vegan version?

While personal preference certainly plays a significant role, many culinary experts and home cooks widely agree that sourdough bread is an exceptional choice for stuffing. Its distinct tangy flavor introduces an incredible depth and a nuanced character to the dish that generic white breads often lack. That said, don’t feel limited to only sourdough! I’ve achieved fantastic results using sturdy French bread, Italian bread, and even economical white sandwich bread. The most crucial factor is ensuring the bread is day-old or properly toasted to prevent it from becoming mushy and to maximize its ability to absorb the rich, savory liquids.

Can I easily adapt this vegan stuffing recipe to be gluten-free?

Absolutely, making this recipe gluten-free is incredibly simple! Just swap out the sourdough (or your chosen bread) for your favorite brand of high-quality gluten-free bread. When making this substitution, it’s important to be mindful that gluten-free breads can sometimes absorb moisture differently than traditional wheat-based breads, often requiring slightly less liquid. I recommend starting with about ¾ of the suggested vegetable broth quantity and adding more gradually, only if the mixture still seems too dry, ensuring the bread cubes are just moist, not soggy.

Is it possible to prepare vegan stuffing ahead of time to reduce holiday stress?

Yes, and it’s a highly recommended strategy for efficient holiday meal planning! You can fully assemble this vegan stuffing recipe—mixing all the ingredients and transferring it to your baking dish—up to 24 hours before you plan to bake it. Simply cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. On the day of your event, let it sit at room temperature for approximately an hour before baking as usual. This not only saves you precious time on the big day but also allows the flavors to deepen and meld, often resulting in an even more delicious and harmonious stuffing.

What are the best techniques to prevent my stuffing from becoming soggy?

The secret to avoiding soggy stuffing primarily lies in the condition of your bread. Firstly, always use day-old or thoroughly toasted bread cubes. This essential step removes excess moisture, enabling the bread to absorb the broth without disintegrating or becoming dense. Secondly, ensure you don’t over-saturate the bread with broth. The cubes should be evenly damp and soft, but never swimming in liquid or mushy to the touch. Mix gently, and add broth incrementally until the desired moist consistency is achieved. Lastly, baking at the correct temperature for a sufficient amount of time allows the exterior to crisp up beautifully while the interior cooks through without becoming waterlogged.

Can I freeze this vegan stuffing recipe for later enjoyment?

You absolutely can! This vegan stuffing freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers long after the holidays. After baking, allow the stuffing to cool completely to room temperature. Then, you can either freeze it whole in the baking dish (if it’s freezer-safe and tightly covered) or portion it into individual freezer-safe containers or bags. It will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until thoroughly heated through and lightly crispy on top. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave, though the oven method typically yields the best texture.

What other vegetables can I add to my vegan stuffing for more flavor and nutrition?

This recipe provides a fantastic base for incorporating an even wider array of vegetables! Beyond the classic onion and celery, consider adding finely diced carrots for a touch of sweetness and vibrant color, or bell peppers for a slightly different savory note. Sautéed leeks can introduce a delicate, onion-like flavor, while parsnips can provide a subtle sweetness and earthy undertone. For an extra boost of nutrition and texture, fresh spinach or kale can be wilted into the sautéed vegetable mixture just before combining with the bread. Always pre-cook denser vegetables to ensure they are tender and integrated beautifully into the final stuffing.

Discover More Irresistible Vegan Holiday Side Dishes

No holiday feast is truly complete without a delightful array of flavorful side dishes! This savory vegan stuffing pairs beautifully with a wide variety of plant-based culinary creations. Explore these other fantastic recipes from Food with Feeling to round out your festive spread and create a memorable, wholesome meal for everyone:

  • Hearty Vegan “Turkey” Roast: A perfect, flavorful centerpiece for your plant-based holiday table, sure to impress.
  • Decadent Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole: A sweet and savory delight, crowned with a delightful crunchy pecan topping.
  • Creamy & Dreamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes: Incredibly fluffy, rich, and utterly comforting, made perfectly without any dairy.
  • Rich & Savory Vegan Gravy: The absolutely essential finishing touch that elevates almost any holiday dish to perfection.
  • Zesty Orange Cranberry Sauce: A bright, tangy, and homemade condiment that provides a wonderful contrast to richer flavors.
  • Roasted Cranberry Brussels Sprouts: A vibrant, nutritious, and subtly sweet green side dish that adds color and texture.

Watch the Step-by-Step Recipe Video

Prefer to see the cooking process unfold before your eyes? I’ve prepared a comprehensive video tutorial that guides you through each and every step of making this incredibly delicious vegan stuffing. It’s perfect for visual learners, offering clear demonstrations that ensure you’ll achieve perfect results and confidence in the kitchen every single time.





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Simple & Delicious Vegan Stuffing

By
Brita Britnell
Prep:
10 minutes
Cook:
1 hour
Total:
1 hour 10 minutes
Servings:
6 servings
casserole dish filled with a simple vegan stuffing recipe topped with fresh herbs
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This easy vegan stuffing recipe is a holiday essential, delivering crispy edges and a moist, savory center perfect for any festive table.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound sourdough bread, cut into ½ – 1 inch cubes (day-old or slightly stale is best)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 stalks of celery, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (+ more to taste)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, minced (or a mix of rosemary and thyme)
  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 ¼ cups vegetable broth (low-sodium if preferred)

Instructions

  • Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray or vegan butter. A 12×8 inch dish is often ideal for a balance of crispy edges and a moist center; a smaller dish will result in a softer interior.
  • Toast the Bread: Spread the cubed bread evenly on a large baking tray. Lightly spray the bread with cooking spray or drizzle with a tiny bit of olive oil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread cubes are nicely golden and quite crispy but not overly hard (we don’t want croutons!). Once toasted, transfer the cubes to a very large mixing bowl.
  • Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet set over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion, thinly sliced celery, sea salt, black pepper, finely chopped parsley, and minced sage. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and vegan butter, and continue to cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the garlic is aromatic and the butter is fully melted.
  • Combine and Moisten: Add the sautéed vegetable mixture to the bowl with the toasted bread cubes. Toss lightly to distribute everything evenly. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and vegetable broth. Mix thoroughly but gently until all the bread cubes are uniformly damp and flavored. Be careful not to overmix, which can lead to mushy stuffing.
  • Bake to Golden Perfection: Transfer the moistened stuffing mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes. At the 30-minute mark, check the top for browning. If it’s getting too dark, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the interior continues to cook. (I never really needed to do this). The stuffing is ready when the top is golden and crispy, and the center is soft and thoroughly heated.

Notes

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover vegan stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For longer storage, this stuffing freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Ensure it’s fully cooled before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 289kcal,
Carbohydrates: 42g,
Protein: 9g,
Fat: 10g,
Saturated Fat: 2g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g,
Trans Fat: 0.02g,
Sodium: 489mg,
Potassium: 155mg,
Fiber: 2g,
Sugar: 4g,
Vitamin A: 357IU,
Vitamin C: 7mg,
Calcium: 64mg,
Iron: 3mg

Please note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an approximation. Exact values may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods.



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