If you are on the lookout for a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for the holidays or any cozy meal, you’re going to love this Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage Recipe. It’s a fantastic twist on classic stuffing, packed with savory vegan sausage and fragrant herbs, making it hearty and utterly satisfying. The combination of crispy toasted bread, aromatic sage, and the richness of vegan butter or olive oil creates a dish that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly plant-based. Whether you’re vegan or just love bold flavors, this stuffing is sure to become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing its own unique flavor, texture, and color to the Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage Recipe. From the crunchy toasted bread cubes to the earthy sage and hearty vegan sausage, every item plays a key role in crafting this dish’s deliciously balanced taste.
- Day-old crusty bread (about 10 cups): Using day-old bread ensures the cubes absorb just the right amount of moisture for perfect texture.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds a subtle fruity richness that helps soften the veggies beautifully.
- Medium onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet, savory base that complements the sausage.
- Celery stalks (2), finely chopped: Adds a fresh crunch and classic stuffing flavor component.
- Garlic cloves (3), minced: Infuses the stuffing with a robust, aromatic punch.
- Vegan sausage (12 oz), crumbled or sliced: The star protein, offering smokiness and hearty texture.
- Fresh sage (2 tbsp), chopped (or 1 tsp dried): Brings a warm, earthy herbaceousness that defines this recipe.
- Fresh thyme (1 tbsp) or 1/2 tsp dried: Adds subtle floral notes that deepen the herb profile.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): A mild heat to round out the dish.
- Vegetable broth (1 1/2–2 cups, low-sodium): The moistening element that holds everything together without becoming soggy.
- Vegan butter or extra olive oil (2 tbsp, optional): For added richness and that irresistible golden finish on top.
How to Make Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Bread Cubes
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed bread evenly on a baking sheet and toast them for 10 to 15 minutes until they’re golden and dry. This essential step ensures the bread soaks up the broth perfectly without turning mushy, giving your stuffing that wonderful texture balance.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
While the bread toasts, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until they soften. Then, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute to release those irresistible aromas that build the flavor foundation for this stuffing.
Step 3: Cook the Vegan Sausage
Add the vegan sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart as you brown it over medium heat. This takes around 5 to 7 minutes. The slightly crisped edges add texture and depth of flavor, making every bite satisfying and hearty — just what you want from sausage in a stuffing!
Step 4: Add Herbs and Seasonings
Stir the fresh sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper into the sausage mixture, then remove the skillet from heat. These herbs really elevate the Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage Recipe with their fragrant, earthy notes that marry so well with the savory sausage.
Step 5: Combine Bread and Sausage Mixture
In a large bowl, toss together the toasted bread cubes and the sausage mixture. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of vegetable broth and gently mix until all the bread is moistened but not soggy. Add a little more broth if you need to—it’s all about achieving that perfect, pliable texture.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish and Add Richness
Move the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. For an extra touch of indulgence, dot the top with vegan butter or drizzle a bit more olive oil. This gives the stuffing a luscious golden crust and richness that keeps every mouthful delightful.
Step 7: Bake Covered, Then Uncover for Crispiness
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top is nice and crisp. This two-stage baking ensures you get a creamy interior with that perfect crunch on top—pure stuffing bliss.
Step 8: Let it Cool Slightly Before Serving
Allow the stuffing to cool for a few minutes out of the oven. This resting time helps everything set up a little, making it easier to serve and allowing the flavors to settle beautifully.
How to Serve Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped sage or thyme on top right before serving adds a lovely burst of color and freshness. Toasted pecans or walnuts also make a fantastic crunchy garnish that pairs brilliantly with the sausage and herbs.
Side Dishes
This stuffing pairs perfectly with hearty main dishes like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a vegan nut roast. Fresh green beans or sautéed Brussels sprouts bring a nice, crisp contrast in both texture and flavor to complete your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your stuffing in individual ramekins for a charming, rustic look or stuff it inside roasted bell peppers or mushrooms for an elegant appetizer. Leftover stuffing can even be formed into patties and pan-fried as savory stuffing cakes—such a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, and the flavors often taste even better after a day as they meld further.
Freezing
This stuffing freezes beautifully! Simply portion it into freezer-friendly containers or zip-top bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for maximum flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat your stuffing covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. Adding a splash of vegetable broth can help revive moisture. For a crispy top, finish with a few minutes uncovered at the end.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free bread in this Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage Recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free bread works well, though you may want to toast it a bit longer to get the right dryness for absorbing broth. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up during baking.
What type of vegan sausage is best for this recipe?
Choose a plant-based sausage that you enjoy eating on its own—the flavor really sets the tone here. Crumbled Italian-style or herbed vegan sausages work wonderfully for a rich, savory stuffing.
Can I prepare this stuffing entirely ahead of time?
Yes, you can combine everything and refrigerate the unbaked stuffing for up to 24 hours. Just cover tightly and bake as directed when ready. This makes holiday meal prep much easier!
Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Definitely. If fresh herbs aren’t available, use about one-third the amount of dried herbs as fresh since they’re more concentrated. They’ll still provide plenty of that classic sage and thyme flavor.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this stuffing?
For sure! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries add delightful texture and little bursts of flavor. Toss them in along with the bread cubes before baking for a festive touch.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage Recipe is truly a standout dish that brings warmth, flavor, and comfort to any table. Its wonderful blend of textures and herbaceous brightness makes it a perfect centerpiece or side for your festive spreads or everyday feasts. Once you try making it, I’m confident you’ll reach for this recipe again and again, turning it into a cherished tradition in your kitchen. Dive in and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A flavorful vegan sausage stuffing infused with fresh sage and thyme, perfect for holiday dinners or as a comforting side dish. This recipe uses crispy toasted bread cubes combined with savory vegan sausage and aromatic herbs, baked until golden and delicious.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf (about 10 cups) day-old crusty bread, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz vegan sausage (crumbled or sliced)
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2–2 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium)
- 2 tbsp vegan butter or more olive oil (optional, for richness)
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast Bread: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast for 10–15 minutes until golden and dry. Set aside to cool.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery, sautéing for 5–6 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Cook Vegan Sausage: Add the crumbled or sliced vegan sausage to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon and allowing it to brown lightly for added flavor.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in fresh sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Once mixed well, remove the skillet from heat to stop cooking.
- Combine with Bread Cubes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth and toss gently to coat the bread. Add more broth gradually as needed until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Dot the top with vegan butter or drizzle with extra olive oil if desired for additional richness.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake for 25 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Bake Uncovered for Crispiness: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Let the stuffing cool slightly before serving to allow it to set and enhance flavors.
Notes
- Day-old bread works best as it soaks up the broth without becoming mushy.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt levels.
- For added flavor, incorporate chopped nuts or dried cranberries.
- Leftover stuffing can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated covered in the oven.
- Adjust herbs to taste; rosemary pairs well with sage in stuffing.
