Imagine a stuffing so incredibly delicious and satisfying that it transforms your holiday table into a plant-based paradise. Our Vegan Stuffing with Chickpea Sausage Crumbles isn't just another side dish – it's a flavor explosion that will make even the most dedicated carnivores forget about traditional meat-based recipes. Packed with hearty chickpea sausage crumbles, aromatic herbs, and perfectly toasted bread, this stuffing promises to be the star of your meal that everyone will be talking about.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf bread, cubed
- 1 cup chickpea sausage crumbles
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or vegan butter.
- Cube the bread into roughly 1-inch pieces and spread them on a baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and crisp, stirring once halfway through. Remove and set aside to cool.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, celery, and grated carrot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Add chickpea sausage crumbles to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing them to brown slightly and develop deeper flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and chickpea sausage crumbles. Sprinkle dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
- Gradually pour vegetable broth over the bread mixture, stirring gently to ensure even moisture distribution. The bread should be damp but not soggy.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive drying.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes covered. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to create a crispy top.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Tips
- Choose the right bread: Use day-old bread or deliberately dry out fresh bread cubes for the best texture. Slightly stale bread absorbs flavors better and prevents a mushy stuffing.
- Don't skip toasting: Toasting bread cubes before mixing ensures a crispy exterior and prevents sogginess.
- Moisture matters: Add vegetable broth gradually and mix gently. You want the bread damp, not swimming.
- Layer your flavors: Sauté vegetables before adding them to enhance their depth and richness.
- For extra crispiness, remove the foil in the last 10 minutes of baking to create a golden, crunchy top.
- Let it rest: Allowing the stuffing to sit for 5 minutes after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
