Savory Vegan Herb Bread Stuffing
This Savory Vegan Herb Bread Stuffing is a delightful and flavorful twist on traditional bread dressing, perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering. Made with toasted whole wheat bread, aromatic herbs, and a creamy cashew blend, this dish is sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike. The blend of sage and vegan chicken seasoning adds depth, while the nutty cashew cream base keeps everything rich and moist. After trying this recipe at Thanksgiving, our guests couldn't get enough of it! It’s baked to perfection and pairs beautifully with cranberry sauce and vegan gravy, making it a star on the dining table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole wheat bread
3 cups (Cubed and slightly toasted)
Sage
1 1/2 teaspoons (Dried)
Vegan chicken seasoning
1 tablespoon (Use McKay's Vegan Chicken Style Seasoning)
Nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Raw cashews
2/3 cup (Soaked (optional for extra creaminess))
Water
2/3 cup (N/A)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Celery
1/2 cup (Diced)
Onion
1/2 cup (Diced raw)
Olive oil
1 teaspoon (For sautéing)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine the cubed and slightly toasted whole wheat bread with sage, 1/2 tablespoon of vegan chicken seasoning, and nutritional yeast. Mix well and set aside.
3
In a blender, combine the raw cashews, salt, and remaining 1/2 tablespoon of vegan chicken seasoning. Add the water and blend until very smooth and creamy.
4
In a frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced celery and onion, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Once the vegetables are ready, pour the creamy cashew mixture into the pan with the sautéed celery and onions. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring to combine.
6
Remove the pan from heat and pour the hot liquid over the bread mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure the bread cubes are evenly coated with the creamy herb mixture.
7
Lightly oil an 8x8 inch casserole dish and pour the bread mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
8
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 20 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
9
Serve hot, garnished with cranberry sauce and vegan gravy for a festive touch!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Vegan Herb Bread Stuffing?
This is a plant-based twist on traditional bread dressing made with toasted whole wheat bread, aromatic herbs, and a creamy cashew blend, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Is this stuffing recipe entirely vegan?
Yes, it is 100% vegan, utilizing cashew cream instead of dairy and vegan chicken seasoning for flavor.
What type of bread is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for three cups of whole wheat bread that has been cubed and slightly toasted.
How do I prepare the bread for the stuffing?
Cut the whole wheat bread into cubes and toast them slightly before mixing with the other ingredients.
Which herbs provide the main flavor in this dish?
Dried sage and vegan chicken seasoning are the primary flavor components of this herb stuffing.
How do I make the creamy base for the stuffing?
Blend raw cashews, water, salt, and vegan chicken seasoning together until the mixture is very smooth and creamy.
Do I need to soak the cashews before blending?
Soaking the cashews is optional but recommended if you want to achieve extra creaminess in the sauce.
What is the specific vegan chicken seasoning recommended?
The recipe suggests using McKay's Vegan Chicken Style Seasoning for the best flavor profile.
What role does nutritional yeast play in this recipe?
Nutritional yeast is added to the bread mixture to provide a savory, slightly cheesy depth of flavor.
Which vegetables are included in the stuffing?
The recipe includes diced celery and diced raw onion which are sautéed until soft and fragrant.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the stuffing.
How long does the stuffing need to bake?
The stuffing bakes for a total of 30 to 40 minutes: 20 minutes covered and 10 to 20 minutes uncovered.
Should I cover the dish while it's in the oven?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to retain moisture.
How do I get a crispy top on the stuffing?
Remove the aluminum foil for the final 10 to 20 minutes of baking to allow the top to become golden and crispy.
What size casserole dish is required?
An 8x8 inch casserole dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
What oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe uses one teaspoon of olive oil to sauté the celery and onions.
Can I serve this with gravy?
Yes, it pairs beautifully with vegan gravy and cranberry sauce for a festive touch.
How much sage is used in the recipe?
You will need 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried sage.
How much water is needed for the cashew cream?
The recipe requires 2/3 cup of water to blend with the cashews.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as a perfect holiday dish for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering.
Can I use fresh sage instead of dried?
While the recipe specifies dried sage, you can likely substitute fresh sage, though you may need to adjust the quantity.
What is the first step in preparing the stuffing?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and then combine the toasted bread with the dry seasonings.
How do I ensure the bread cubes are evenly coated?
Stir the bread mixture thoroughly after pouring the hot liquid cashew and vegetable mixture over it.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is added to the blender with the cashew mixture.
How long should I sauté the celery and onions?
Sauté them over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
What makes this stuffing 'savory'?
The combination of sage, nutritional yeast, and vegan chicken seasoning creates a deep savory flavor profile.
Is the onion cooked before being added to the bread?
Yes, the diced onion is sautéed with celery and then mixed with the cashew cream before being combined with the bread.
How much cashew cream does this recipe make?
It uses 2/3 cup of cashews and 2/3 cup of water to create the creamy base for the dressing.
Should the cashew mixture be heated before mixing with bread?
Yes, the instructions say to pour the blended mixture into the pan with sautéed vegetables and bring it to a gentle boil before adding to the bread.
Is this a healthy stuffing option?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and plant-based, using whole wheat bread and nutrient-dense cashews.