If you’re on the lookout for a hearty, comforting holiday side, Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage is your new go-to. This dish is overflowing with herby aromas, savory bites of plant-based sausage, and the cozy crunch of toasted bread cubes—all tied together with the earthy goodness of sage. Whether you’re vegan or simply hosting folks with diverse diets, this stuffing brings classic flavors to the table without missing a beat. Every forkful delivers that warm, nostalgic feeling, and it’s surprisingly simple to make. Trust me: this is the stuffing recipe you’ll return to year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together a fantastic Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage is all about choosing the right, simple ingredients that shine on their own but become magic when combined. Each one adds something—whether it’s texture, flavor, or irresistible aroma. Here’s what you’ll need and why each part matters:
- Day-old crusty bread (1 loaf, about 14 oz, cut into ½-inch cubes): The foundation! Day-old bread holds up beautifully, giving you stuffing with structure, not mush.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a silky richness and helps soften the veggies and sausage crumbles for a divine mouthfeel.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Provides natural sweetness and savory depth to your stuffing base.
- Celery (2 stalks, diced): Delivers classic crunch and delicate herbal notes that set traditional stuffing apart.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Lends an aromatic kick that rounds out the flavors in every bite.
- Vegan sausage (12 oz, crumbled): The secret to that heartiness! Choose your favorite variety—it adds savory, meaty flavor without any animal products.
- Fresh sage (1 tablespoon, minced) or dried sage (1 teaspoon): Sage is the signature herb here, bringing unmistakable holiday warmth and fragrance.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds earthy, woodsy undertones that pair perfectly with sage.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances and brings out all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- Low-sodium vegetable broth (2 cups): Moistens and marries all the ingredients without overpowering the other flavors—use as much as you need for perfect texture.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): The classic finishing touch; it brightens up the dish just before serving.
How to Make Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage
Step 1: Toast the Bread Cubes
The secret to perfect stuffing is starting with crisp, toasted bread cubes. Spread your bread pieces out on a baking sheet and pop them into a preheated 350°F oven. Give them 10 to 15 minutes until they’re lightly golden and crunchy—don’t skip this step! It keeps your stuffing from turning soggy later on. Set the bread aside to cool while you prep the savory goodness.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and celery, stirring often until the veggies are soft and aromatic, about 5 to 6 minutes. This is where your kitchen will really start to smell like the holidays. After that, add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just a minute, releasing all its delicious aroma.
Step 3: Brown the Vegan Sausage
Add the crumbled vegan sausage straight into the skillet with the vegetables. Use your spatula to break it up and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the edges are browned and it’s well combined with the onion and celery. Next, sprinkle in the sage, thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring them in so their aromatic flavors infuse the whole mixture.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Transfer your toasted bread cubes to a large mixing bowl, then pour the hot sausage and veggie mixture right on top. Now comes the fun part: Gradually drizzle in the vegetable broth, stirring gently as you go. You want the bread to soak up just enough broth to be moist but not soggy—so add slowly! Toss in the fresh parsley and give everything a final mix.
Step 5: Bake the Stuffing
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spoon in your stuffing mixture, pressing it in just enough to fill the corners. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes so the flavors meld. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden and enticingly crisp. The aroma will make it hard to wait! Garnish with a little more fresh parsley for that pop of color once it’s out of the oven.
How to Serve Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage
Garnishes
For that restaurant-worthy finish, don’t forget the garnishes! A shower of fresh chopped parsley right before serving gives both brilliant color and a touch of freshness. For even more visual appeal—or if you want to lean in to the herb theme—add a few fried sage leaves or a light drizzle of vegan butter on top just as it comes out of the oven.
Side Dishes
This Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage pairs beautifully with so many classic sides. Try it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or cranberry sauce for a truly festive spread. Its robust flavors also hold their own alongside mains like vegan roasts, lentil loaf, or even a simple veggie casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
If you feel like jazzing up the presentation, spoon the stuffing into individual ramekins for personal mini servings, or pile it high in a pumpkin or squash shell for a show-stopping centerpiece. For a fun twist, stuff it into large portobello mushrooms or roasted bell peppers and bake until golden—guaranteed to impress at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage keeps really well when stored properly. Once your stuffing has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container and tuck it in the fridge. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, perfect for nibbling or next-day sandwiches.
Freezing
If you want to get a jump on your holiday prep, you can easily freeze this stuffing. Let it cool, then seal in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It’ll keep its flavor and texture in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
The easiest way to bring your stuffing back to life is to reheat it in the oven. Preheat to 350°F, spread the stuffing in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 20 minutes, until heated through. If it’s a bit dry, sprinkle a little extra broth on before baking to restore perfect moisture and tenderness.
FAQs
What bread works best for Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage?
Sturdy bread like sourdough or French bread is perfect since it holds up during baking and soaks up the flavorful broth without turning mushy. Day-old bread is especially ideal for achieving that classic, slightly chewy texture everyone loves.
Can I make this stuffing gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free loaf for the bread and use gluten-free vegan sausage. Just make sure your bread is a bit dense and crusty to prevent sogginess.
Is this stuffing spicy?
Generally, this Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage isn’t spicy unless you use a spicy variety of vegan sausage. If you prefer a kick, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a sausage with heat.
Can I make this ahead for a holiday dinner?
You sure can! Assemble the stuffing a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed—just allow a few extra minutes since you’ll be starting from chilled.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftovers are amazing! Warm the stuffing in a skillet with a splash of broth, or enjoy cold tucked into wraps, piled atop a salad, or even as a savory “stuffing waffle” pressed in a waffle iron. It’s versatile and always tasty!
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to beat the comfort and crowd-pleasing power of Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage, especially when the holidays roll around. Whether it’s your first time trying a plant-based stuffing or you’re simply looking to wow friends and family, this recipe is all warmth, flavor, and celebration—without any fuss. Give it a try, make it your own, and get ready for plenty of recipe requests at your next gathering!
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Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Vegan Sausage Stuffing with Sage is a flavorful and hearty side dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with crusty bread, vegan sausage, aromatic herbs, and vegetable broth, this stuffing is a delicious plant-based option for your Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients
Bread Cubes:
- 1 loaf (about 14 oz) day-old crusty bread (cut into ½-inch cubes)
Sausage Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 12 oz vegan sausage (crumbled)
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage (minced) or 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast bread cubes until lightly crisped.
- Sauté vegetables: In a skillet, sauté onion, celery, and garlic. Add crumbled vegan sausage and cook until browned. Stir in herbs and seasonings.
- Combine ingredients: Transfer toasted bread cubes to a bowl, add sausage mixture, and gently mix. Gradually add vegetable broth until moistened. Transfer to baking dish.
- Bake: Cover and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake until golden and crisp. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Use sturdy bread like sourdough or French bread for best results.
- Make ahead and reheat before serving.
- For added richness, drizzle with vegan butter before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
