Description
This savory stuffing recipe combines smoky turkey bacon, fresh herbs, and creamy plant-based cheese to deliver a comforting side dish with the perfect balance of crispy edges and moist interior. Enhanced with natural vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar for a subtle tang, it is easily customizable and ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh bread cubes (slightly dried or toasted)
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup sautéed wild mushrooms
- Additional fresh rosemary and marjoram, chopped
- 1/2 cup diced apples or dried cranberries
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread Cubes: Cut fresh bread into evenly sized 1-inch cubes. Toast lightly in a low oven until golden to help them absorb moisture without becoming mushy.
- Cook the Aromatic Base: In a large skillet, gently sauté chopped onions, celery, and minced garlic with a little olive oil until soft and fragrant. Add chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until its smoky aroma infuses the mixture.
- Add Herbs and Seasonings: Stir in fresh sage, thyme, parsley, black pepper, sea salt, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) to build a savory and vibrant flavor base.
- Mix in the Bread Cubes and Liquids: Transfer toasted bread cubes to a large bowl. Pour cooled vegetable broth and apple cider vinegar (natural) over them. Add the sautéed vegetable and bacon mixture, then fold gently to combine evenly.
- Incorporate Plant-Based Cheese and Natural Gelling Agent: Sprinkle shredded plant-based cheese throughout the stuffing and add the natural gelling agent to help the stuffing hold its shape and achieve a pleasant texture when baked.
- Bake Until Golden: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp while the inside remains moist and flavorful.
Notes
- Use slightly dried bread to absorb flavors better and avoid sogginess.
- Fold ingredients gently instead of stirring vigorously to maintain a light texture.
- Add broth gradually to achieve perfect moisture consistency.
- Briefly toast fresh herbs before mixing to enhance their aroma.
- Let the stuffing rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: stuffing, plant-based, vegetarian, turkey bacon, holiday side dish, baked stuffing, savory stuffing