This Vegan Cornbread Stuffing Dressing is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to please everyone at the table, even those who aren’t vegan.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Cornbread Stuffing Dressing
Traditional stuffing often includes ingredients like sausage, butter, and eggs, making it off-limits for those following a plant-based diet. This recipe offers a delicious and satisfying alternative that’s entirely vegan-friendly, without compromising on flavor or texture.
This vegan cornbread stuffing dressing is:
- Packed with savory flavors: The combination of herbs, spices, and vegetables creates a symphony of deliciousness in every bite.
- Hearty and satisfying: The cornbread base provides a delightful texture and makes it a filling side dish.
- Easy to customize: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices to personalize the flavor profile.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving or any occasion: This recipe is versatile enough to enjoy year-round, not just during the holidays.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients to create a flavor-packed stuffing that’s sure to impress. Here’s what you’ll need:
-
For the Cornbread:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
-
For the Stuffing Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Vegan cornbread stuffing dressing ingredients
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Vegan Cornbread Stuffing Dressing
Making the Vegan Cornbread:
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, apple cider vinegar, and vegetable oil.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely: Let the cornbread cool completely in the pan before crumbling it.
Preparing the Vegan Stuffing Dressing:
- Sauté vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer with broth and seasonings: Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet. Add the dried sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until slightly reduced.
- Combine with cornbread and extras: Crumble the cooled cornbread into a large bowl. Pour the hot vegetable broth mixture over the cornbread and stir gently to combine. Add the toasted walnuts and dried cranberries, and mix well.
- Bake (optional): For a crispier stuffing, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Vegan cornbread stuffing dressing baking in the oven
Expert Tips for the Best Vegan Cornbread Stuffing Dressing
From the desk of Chef Mia Green:
“For a richer flavor, try using a combination of vegetable broth and unsweetened apple juice in the stuffing mixture.”
“Don’t overmix the cornbread batter. Overmixing will result in a tough cornbread.”
“Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the stuffing.”
FAQs: Vegan Cornbread Stuffing Dressing
Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing up to a day in advance. Let it cool completely, then cover and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I freeze vegan cornbread stuffing dressing?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffing for later use. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What are some other variations for this vegan stuffing?
Feel free to customize this stuffing to your liking! Try adding different vegetables like mushrooms, diced apples, or sauteed leeks. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, parsley, or a pinch of smoked paprika.
Conclusion
This vegan cornbread stuffing dressing is a true crowd-pleaser and a testament to the fact that plant-based meals can be just as flavorful and satisfying as their traditional counterparts. With its simple preparation, customizable options, and heart-warming flavors, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!
