Vegan Stuffing Recipe With Big Umami Flavor

Big rich flavor in this vegan Thanksgiving recipe. Get this vegan stuffing recipe without meat or dairy for a tasty plant based Thanksgiving.

Do you want to make a delicious vegan Thanksgiving stuffing recipe with loads of umami flavor? Look no further! Our plant based Thanksgiving recipe is full of umami flavor without having any meat, and is sure to be a hit with everyone. This stuffing is packed with mushrooms, Better than Bouillon’s No Chicken Stock, and a touch of Marmite for a rich complex flavor. It’s great as a side dish, or can be used to stuff squash, seitan, and more. Try out this vegan stuffing recipe today for a scrumptious dinner!

What is Umami Flavor and Why is it Important in Vegan Cooking?

Umami flavor is often described as the fifth taste sensation, alongside sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. It is a savory, rich, and deeply satisfying flavor that adds depth and complexity to dishes. Umami is derived from the Japanese word for “deliciousness,” and it is an essential component in creating delicious vegan dishes.

In vegan cooking, umami flavor is particularly important because it helps to mimic the taste and satisfaction that meat provides. Many people turn to a plant-based diet for health or ethical reasons, but still crave the savory flavors associated with meat. Umami helps to fill that void by providing a satisfying depth of flavor.

In our vegan stuffing recipe, umami flavor is achieved through a combination of ingredients. Mushrooms, especially varieties like shiitake or cremini, are naturally rich in umami. The Better than Bouillon’s No Chicken Stock also adds a savory, meaty flavor to the stuffing. And a touch of Marmite, a concentrated yeast extract, enhances the umami flavor even further.

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Ingredients for the Best Vegan Stuffing Recipe

Now that you understand the importance of umami flavor in vegan cooking, let’s dive into the key ingredients for our delicious plant based Thanksgiving vegan recipe for stuffing. This recipe will be the star of your Thanksgiving table and will satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.

Here’s what you’ll need for the best vegan Thanksgiving recipe for stuffing:

1. Bread: Choose a hearty, crusty bread like sourdough or French bread. Stale bread works best as it will absorb the flavors and moisture without becoming soggy. Most of the time I’m using a bag of Pepperidge Farms Stuffing Mix for the bread component since it’s the only thing in the store without meat based bouillon flavor already added in.

2. Mushrooms: Opt for umami-rich varieties like baby bella or cremini mushrooms. These mushrooms add a deep, savory flavor that will elevate your stuffing to the next level. If you don’t like mushrooms, you can add more umami from a seasoning blend, miso, or MSG.

3. Onion, Celery, and Peppers: These classic aromatics provide a savory base for the stuffing. Sauté them until they are soft and translucent to release their flavors. I love some sweet bell pepper in my stuffing too, and they can give some extra color for plate appeal.

4. Garlic: A few cloves of garlic will add an extra layer of deliciousness to your stuffing. Chop them finely or use a garlic press to infuse the dish with their aromatic flavors.

5. Herbs and Seasonings: Incorporate a combination of sage, thyme, and rosemary to enhance the stuffing’s taste and aroma. These herbs are traditional Thanksgiving flavors that will add a festive touch to your meal. Your favorite seasoning blend might have some additional MSG also, especially if it is a “no-salt” seasoning.

6. Better than Bouillon’s No Chicken Stock: This vegan bouillon base is the secret ingredient that brings depth and complexity to the stuffing. Dissolve it in hot water to create a rich and savory broth for your bread mixture.

7. Marmite: This concentrated yeast extract is the ultimate umami booster. A small amount goes a long way in enhancing the flavors of the stuffing.

Preparing the Vegetables and Mushrooms

Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients for your delicious vegan Thanksgiving recipe, it’s time to prepare the vegetables and mushrooms. This step is crucial to ensure that they are cooked to perfection and contribute to the rich umami flavor of the dish.

Start by cleaning the mushrooms. Use a damp paper towel or a mushroom brush to gently wipe off any dirt or debris. Avoid washing them under water, as mushrooms are like sponges and can become waterlogged, compromising their texture and flavor.

Once the mushrooms are clean, trim off the tough ends of the stems and slice them into small pieces. For a meatier texture, you can also chop them coarsely.

Next, prepare the onions, celery, and garlic. Finely chop the onion and celery, ensuring that they are evenly sized to cook evenly. Mince the garlic cloves or use a garlic press to release their aromatic flavors.

Sautéing the Vegetables

In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the onions and celery and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This will help to release their flavors and create a savory base for your stuffing.

Now, it’s time to add the mushrooms. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they have released their moisture and become golden brown. This will intensify their flavor and enhance the umami profile of your stuffing.

At this point, you can also add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning. The garlic will infuse the vegetables and mushrooms with its aromatic goodness.

Once the vegetables and mushrooms are cooked to perfection, remove them from the heat and set them aside. They are now ready to be combined with the bread and other ingredients to create your mouthwatering vegan stuffing.

Making the No-Chicken Stock

Making the No-Chicken Stock for your vegan stuffing is a crucial step to achieve that rich and savory umami flavor. Don’t worry, it’s super easy to make! 

To start, gather your Better than Bouillon’s No Chicken Stock and hot water. In a small bowl, dissolve about 1-2 tablespoons of the bouillon paste in 2 cups of hot water. Stir it well until the paste is fully dissolved, creating a flavorful broth.

Once your broth is ready, you can pour it over the bread and vegetable mixture in the next step. The No Chicken Stock will infuse your stuffing with a meaty taste and add depth to the overall flavor profile.

If you prefer a stronger umami flavor, you can add a touch of Marmite to your broth. Marmite is a concentrated yeast extract that enhances the savory notes in your dish. Add just a small amount, as a little goes a long way in boosting the umami taste.

Once you’ve made your delicious No-Chicken Stock, you’re ready to move on to assembling and baking the stuffing. But before you do, take a moment to appreciate the wonderful aroma and flavor you’ve created with the umami-rich ingredients in this recipe.

Assembling and Baking the Stuffing

Now that you’ve prepared all the ingredients and made the flavorful No-Chicken Stock, it’s time to assemble and bake your delicious plant based Thanksgiving vegan stuffing. This is where all the savory flavors come together to create a mouthwatering dish that will impress everyone at your table.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, take your prepared bread and tear it into bite-sized pieces. Place the torn bread into a large mixing bowl.

Next, add the cooked vegetables and mushrooms to the bowl with the bread. Make sure to scrape any flavorful bits from the skillet and add them as well. This will ensure that every bite of your stuffing is bursting with umami goodness.

Pour the prepared No-Chicken Stock over the bread mixture. You want to moisten the bread without soaking it. Use a spoon or your hands to gently toss everything together, ensuring that the bread is evenly coated with the stock.

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish or a cast-iron skillet. Press the mixture down slightly to compact it. This will help create a moist and tender stuffing for your plant based Thanksgiving.

Baking Instructions

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the bread to soak up the stock.

After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. If the top starts to dry out, this is a good time to mix and redistribute the stuffing in the pan so every bite is moist. This will give your stuffing a lovely texture and appearance.

Once the stuffing is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to settle and the stuffing to firm up slightly.

Now, you’re ready to enjoy your delicious vegan stuffing! Serve it as a side dish alongside your favorite plant-based main course, or use it to stuff squash, seitan, or any other festive dish. The umami-rich flavors and hearty texture of this stuffing are sure to be a hit with everyone at your table.

Alternative Ways to Serve the Vegan Stuffing

Now that you’ve mastered the art of making delicious vegan stuffing with umami flavor, let’s explore some alternative ways to serve this mouthwatering dish. While stuffing is traditionally served as a side dish, there are plenty of creative and exciting ways to incorporate it into your plant-based meals.

1. Stuffed Squash: Hollow out a squash of your choice, such as acorn or butternut, and fill it with the vegan stuffing mixture. Bake it in the oven until the squash is tender and the stuffing is golden brown. This makes for a stunning plant based Thanksgiving centerpiece dish that is as delicious as it is beautiful.

2. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms: Take advantage of the mushroom theme and stuff large portobello mushrooms with the vegan stuffing. Place them on a baking sheet and bake until the mushrooms are tender and the stuffing is crispy. Serve these hearty stuffed mushrooms as a main course for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

3. Stuffed Seitan: Stuff a seitan roast with the vegan stuffing and roast it in the oven until it is cooked through and crispy on the outside. The combination of the savory seitan and the umami-rich stuffing creates a match made in vegan heaven. Oiled rice paper skin on the stuffed seitan makes the perfect plant based Thanksgiving main dish.

4. Stuffing-stuffed Bell Peppers: Cut the tops off bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Stuff them with the vegan stuffing and bake until the peppers are tender and the stuffing is golden brown. This colorful and flavorful dish will be a hit with both kids and adults.

Tips for Making Delicious Plant Based Thanksgiving Stuffing

Making a delicious vegan stuffing recipe doesn’t have to be a challenge. With a few simple tips, you can ensure that your stuffing turns out flavorful and satisfying every time. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect vegan stuffing:

1. Use high-quality ingredients: To achieve maximum flavor, it’s important to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Opt for organic vegetables, fresh herbs, and good-quality bread. The better the ingredients, the better the final result will be.

2. Don’t skimp on the umami-rich ingredients: The key to a delicious vegan stuffing is to maximize the umami flavor. Don’t be afraid to add generous amounts of mushrooms, Better than Bouillon’s No Chicken Stock, and Marmite. These ingredients are packed with umami and will give your stuffing that rich, savory taste.

3. Don’t overcook the vegetables: When sautéing the onions, celery, and mushrooms, be careful not to overcook them. They should be soft and translucent, but still have a bit of texture. Overcooking them can result in mushy stuffing with a loss of flavor.

4. Use the right bread: Choosing the right bread is crucial for a successful stuffing. Opt for a hearty, crusty bread like sourdough or French bread. Stale bread works best as it will absorb the flavors and moisture without becoming soggy. If you won’t be making your stuffing completely from scratch, Pepperidge Farms Stuffing Mix is the best ready made plant based option that you season yourself.

5. Let it rest: After baking the stuffing, allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the stuffing to firm up slightly. It will also be easier to slice and serve.

More Holiday Recipes You’ll Love To Make

Check out these other vegan Thanksgiving recipes to help make vegan and plant based Thanksgiving foods you’ll enjoy.