If you are on the lookout for a hearty, comforting side dish that is bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion, this Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining crispy, golden bread cubes with the rich, savory notes of plant-based sausage, aromatic sage, and a medley of fresh herbs, this stuffing is every bit as indulgent as the traditional version but entirely vegan. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this recipe brings warmth and rustic charm to your table. Trust me, once you savor this dish you’ll want to make it a regular feature in your recipe lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect texture and flavor balance. From the crusty bread that soaks up savory broth to the fragrant herbs that infuse every bite with a deep, earthy aroma, every element counts.
- Crusty bread, cubed and dried: Using rustic or sourdough bread ensures a chewy, textured base that balances moisture perfectly.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps soften the vegetables gently.
- Onion, finely chopped: Brings natural sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
- Celery, diced: Adds a fresh, crisp texture and subtle earthiness.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses a warm, aromatic punch that elevates the whole dish.
- Vegan sausage, crumbled: The hearty, savory star that mimics traditional stuffing with plant-based goodness.
- Fresh sage, finely chopped: Imparts a distinctive and bright herbal note, key to this recipe’s personality.
- Fresh thyme: Complements the sage with a gentle, lemony fragrance.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
- Vegetable broth: Moistens the bread and infuses it with savory depth without overpowering.
- Vegan butter (optional): Adds a luscious, golden finish when dotted on top before baking.
How to Make Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Bread Base
Start with cubing your crusty bread and letting it dry overnight or lightly toasting it so it’s perfectly ready to soak up all those delicious flavors. This step is critical because you want the bread sturdy enough to absorb the broth without becoming mushy, creating the ideal texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Sausage
Warm olive oil in a skillet and add the finely chopped onion and celery. Sauté these for 5-6 minutes until they soften and start releasing their sweet, savory aromas. Next, add the garlic and cook for another minute. Then, introduce the crumbled vegan sausage to the pan, stirring and breaking it up as it browns beautifully over 6-8 minutes. This is where the stuffing gets its meaty richness. Stir in the fresh sage, thyme, salt, and pepper, then remove the mixture from the heat to let those flavors meld.
Step 3: Combine and Moisten
In a large bowl, toss together the dried bread cubes with your savory sausage mixture. Slowly pour vegetable broth over the ingredients, gently folding to coat the bread evenly without making it soggy. The bread should feel soft but still hold its shape. If it feels too dry, add broth a little at a time until it reaches that spot-on consistency.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the combined mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. For an optional indulgent touch, dot the top with vegan butter to create a golden, crispy crust. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is beautifully browned and slightly crisp. Allow this spectacular vegan stuffing to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and the texture perfect.
How to Serve Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh and inviting touch, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or additional sage leaves over the stuffing just before serving. This little burst of color and herbal freshness complements the deep, savory nature of the dish beautifully and makes it look as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This hearty Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables, adding a colorful and nutritious contrast. For a holiday meal, consider serving alongside mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce for a classic, crowd-pleasing combination.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stuffing in hollowed-out acorn squash or bell peppers, allowing the vibrant vegetable to double as a rustic bowl. Alternatively, pack individual portions into ramekins and bake them for a charming personal presentation perfect for festive gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover stuffing, which is honestly a happy problem to have, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick meals or reimagining into stuffing muffins.
Freezing
You can freeze the vegan sausage stuffing after baking by transferring it into a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat the stuffing in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, uncovered, until warmed through and crisp on top. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the texture less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free bread for this stuffing?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use a sturdy gluten-free bread that is dense enough to hold the moisture without turning mushy. Toast it well before using for best results.
What type of vegan sausage works best?
Choose your favorite plant-based sausage that crumbles easily and has a savory, smoky flavor. Brands that use wholesome ingredients and spices are ideal to mimic the traditional stuffing taste.
Can I make the stuffing without vegan butter?
Of course! The vegan butter topping is optional and only adds a lovely golden crust. The stuffing will still be delicious without it, just bake uncovered a little earlier to get some browning on top.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to combining the stuffing and placing it in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, then bake just before serving to keep everything fresh.
How do I add more moisture if the bread feels too dry?
Simply drizzle in more vegetable broth a little at a time when mixing the bread and sausage mixture. The bread should be moist but not soggy, aiming for a soft, cohesive texture.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage Recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings the warmth and tradition of classic stuffing to a plant-based table. It’s straightforward to make, endlessly adaptable, and deliciously satisfying, sure to impress vegans and omnivores alike. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how effortlessly it becomes a beloved favorite for all your gatherings and cozy meals.
Print
Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage is a flavorful and hearty plant-based side dish perfect for holiday meals or everyday dinners. Made with crusty bread, savory vegan sausage, fresh herbs, and vegetable broth, it’s a satisfying alternative to traditional stuffing that’s rich in taste and texture.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 loaf (about 14 oz) crusty bread, cubed and dried overnight or toasted
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein & Herbs
- 12 ounces vegan sausage, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids & Toppings
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth (plus more if needed)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and diced celery, sautéing for 5 to 6 minutes until they soften.
- Add Garlic and Sausage: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the crumbled vegan sausage and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until it browns evenly.
- Season: Mix in the chopped fresh sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Remove the skillet from the heat once the herbs are well combined with the sausage mixture.
- Combine with Bread: In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes with the sausage mixture. Pour the vegetable broth over the mixture and stir to moisten all the bread evenly. The mixture should be soft but not soggy; add more broth if needed.
- Transfer and Bake: Transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish. If desired, dot the top with vegan butter for added richness. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Crisp the Top: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the stuffing to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking, then serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Use a hearty rustic or sourdough bread for the best texture and flavor.
- To make ahead, prepare the stuffing up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
- Adjust vegetable broth quantity to ensure the bread is moist but not soggy.
- Vegan butter topping is optional but adds a nice richness and golden crust.
