Description
A comforting and flavorful stuffing recipe that highlights savory herbs, crunchy textures, and the rich taste of smoked turkey bacon. Made with plant-based ingredients, this versatile and simple-to-make stuffing brings warmth and depth to any meal, perfect as a side or star dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 200g smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 6 cups crusty bread cubes
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp plant-based butter (natural)
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp natural gelling agent
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries or chopped apples
- 1/2 cup shredded plant-based cheddar (plant-based)
- 150g mushrooms, chopped and sautéed
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or ground cumin
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread Cubes: Cut crusty bread into bite-sized cubes. Let them dry out slightly on a baking sheet or toast them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until golden and firm to ensure the perfect texture.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Melt plant-based butter (natural) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and celery, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) to add umami flavor.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In the same skillet or a separate pan, add chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until crisp. This adds a smoky, salty flavor that complements the fresh veggies and herbs.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and bacon. Add fresh parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Slowly pour in vegetable broth, mixing gently until the bread is moist but not soggy. Mix in the natural gelling agent to bind the ingredients smoothly.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the top is crisp and golden brown.
Notes
- Use slightly stale bread to absorb flavors without becoming mushy.
- Add broth gradually to avoid soggy stuffing; bread should hold its shape.
- Use fresh parsley and thyme for vibrant, bright flavor.
- Cook onions and celery gently to retain their natural sweetness.
- Allow baked stuffing to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to set texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: stuffing, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based, savory herbs, Thanksgiving side, baked stuffing, gluten free stuffing
