Description
A cozy and comforting stuffing recipe featuring savory herbs, smoked turkey bacon, and rich plant-based flavors. This versatile side dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or plant-based mains and offers a perfect texture of tender bread cubes soaked in flavorful vegetable broth.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 4 cups day-old bread cubes (plant-based), cut into 1-inch pieces
Vegetables and Protein
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced celery
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (to taste)
Liquids and Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
Optional
- 1/2 cup plant-based dairy cheese
Variations (Optional Add-ins)
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (for nutty texture)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or apricots (for fruity twist)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or cumin (for warmth)
- 1 cup sautéed mushrooms (for umami richness)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Bread Cubes: Cut day-old bread into evenly sized 1-inch cubes. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until slightly crisp but not browned.
- Cook the Veggies and Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions, celery, and smoked turkey bacon. Cook about 7 minutes until onions are translucent and bacon is golden and fragrant. Stir in fresh sage, thyme, and parsley during the last minute.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted bread cubes with the cooked vegetable and bacon mixture. Gradually drizzle in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and vegetable broth, stirring until bread is moistened but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fold in any optional add-ins if desired.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes to crisp the top. During the last 5 minutes, optionally sprinkle plant-based dairy cheese over the top for a creamy finish.
Notes
- Use day-old bread to avoid soggy stuffing.
- Toast bread cubes to add crunch and prevent mushiness.
- Add broth gradually to maintain perfect moisture and texture.
- Use fresh herbs for vibrant flavors.
- Allow stuffing to rest slightly before serving to meld flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: stuffing, savory herbs, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based, side dish, comfort food, baked stuffing
