Vegan Stuffing

Thanksgiving just isn’t complete without the Vegan Stuffing! Deliciously savory and made with simple ingredients, this easy side dish can be made ahead of time in the oven or the slow cooker.

Looking for more vegan side dishes for the holidays? You’ll find a bunch in this list of Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes! 

Chunks of crusty artisan bread doused in vegan butter, broth, and comforting herbs and spices… is there anything better than Vegan Stuffing?

This classic side dish screams “Thanksgiving”. It just isn’t the holidays without it! Thankfully, this vegan stuffing recipe is easy to make, only uses a handful of simple ingredients, and can be made ahead of time in the oven or slow cooker.

3 reasons why this is the best vegan stuffing recipe

• Easy, simple ingredients: All you’ll find in this recipe are ingredients reminiscent of the classic – bread, broth, butter, vegetables, and warm herbs and spices. That’s it!
• The savory flavors of the real thing: Traditional stuffing (or dressing) is layered with the savory, warm flavors of poultry, especially when it’s baked inside the Thanksgiving turkey. Thankfully, there’s no need for meat here. Those same great flavors are replicated in this vegan-friendly version thanks to a specific, yet short list of ingredients and herbs.
• Save time and make it ahead: The holidays are busy enough and the last thing you need is a big batch of stuffing taking up valuable oven space. Instead, you can prepare and assemble this recipe days ahead of time and bake it right before your dinner guests arrive.

Ingredients needed (with substitutions)

• Bread – The best bread to use in stuffing is any dense, neutral-flavored white bread. French bread and ciabatta are both wonderful options. Sourdough works too, although it will lend a slightly sour flavor to the stuffing.
• Vegetable broth – I used Better Than Bouillon No-Chicken Base to help replicate the savory poultry flavors from the classic. Regular vegetable broth can also be used.
• Cornstarch – Since we aren’t using eggs, cornstarch helps thicken the stuffing and prevents it from becoming soggy. Arrowroot will work just as well.
• Salt – Make sure to use less salt if you’re using a very salty broth, or more if you are using a low sodium broth.
• Black pepper
• Vegan butter – Or use olive oil instead. 
• Onion and garlic – Aromatics are the backbone of any good vegan stuffing recipe. The onion and garlic are crucial and should never be skipped!
• Celery – Or add even more veggies, like kale or mushrooms. You’ll find a few more suggestions in the Variations section below.
• Fresh parsley – Dried will work in a pinch but fresh is so much more flavorful and bright!
• Dried herbs – Sage, thyme, and marjoram work together to fill the stuffing (as well as your home) with the warming flavors of fall and Thanksgiving. Feel free to take it up a notch and garnish the stuffing with crispy fried sage leaves or sprigs of fresh thyme.

How to make vegan stuffing

Find the complete printable recipe with measurements below in the recipe card.

Fresh bread cannot be used to make stuffing or else it will turn out mushy. That’s why it’s important to use day-old bread or dry out the bread cubes first. Toasting them for about 1 hour in the oven is the quickest and easiest way to achieve those soft on the inside and crisp on the outside results.

1. Lay the torn bread cubes on two large baking sheets and bake them at a low temperature in the oven until they’re completely dry and crisp. 
2. Sauté the onion and celery in the vegan butter, then add the garlic. Set aside.
3. Stir the dried bread crumbs, parsley, sage, thyme, marjoram, and onion/celery mixture together in a large bowl. Drizzle the broth mixture over the bread and vegetables until the bread is just barely soaked through (how much you use will depend on the type of bread).
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until it’s starting to brown on top.

When the stuffing is done baking, let it sit in the baking dish for at least 15 minutes to help it stick together. Serve with plenty of vegan gravy and enjoy!

Slow cooker instructions

One of the best ways to save time (and free up valuable oven space) during the busy holiday season is to make vegan stuffing in the slow cooker. To do so, make the stuffing as normal before transferring it to a greased crockpot. Cook on High for 30 minutes, then on Low for 4 hours.

Variations

• Gluten free vegan stuffing – Simply substitute the bread for your favorite crusty loaf of gluten free bread.
• Vegan cornbread stuffing – Instead of making substitutions here, follow my cornbread stuffing recipe instead. It’s a must for fall!
• Add more vegetables – Sauteed carrots, mushrooms, leeks, brussels sprouts, kale, and bell peppers can all be added to the stuffing for extra color, texture, and nutrients.
• Protein is always welcome – I recommend mixing sliced vegan sausage (Field Roast Italian Sausages are best), cooked green or brown lentils, or leftover seitan chicken into the stuffing for more protein.
• More add-ins – Stir in dried cranberries, walnuts, pecans, or raisins for a complex textural element.

Frequently asked questions

• Can you make vegan stuffing ahead of time? Yes, this is an easy recipe to prepare ahead. Simply assemble it in the baking dish as normal, then cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day (or freeze for longer). It can be baked straight from the fridge or freezer – you’ll only need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• How do you store the leftovers? Keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 3 or 4 days. Vegan stuffing gets even better with age, so definitely make extras!
• Is it freezer-friendly? Yes! You can freeze the unbaked or baked stuffing for up to 3 months.

Want more Thanksgiving side dishes?

Serve each scoop of stuffing next to slices of vegan turkey roast and any of these flavor-packed, easy-to-make holiday sides:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes
• Vegan Green Bean Casserole
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Butternut Squash Soup
• Dinner Rolls