Looking for a flavorful, plant-based stuffing that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering? This Vegan Walnut Apple Stuffing is a delicious twist on the classic dish, combining sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and savory herbs. For a nutty variation, try using pecans instead!
This recipe is 100% vegan, easy to make, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or simply craving a comforting side dish, this stuffing will impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Stuffing
- Rich in flavor – Sweet apples, toasted walnuts, and aromatic herbs create a perfect balance.
- Perfect texture – Crispy on top, soft in the middle.
- Versatile – Works as a side dish or a main course.
- Great for meal prep – Stores well in the fridge or freezer.
- Allergy-friendly – Can be made gluten-free with the right bread.
Ingredients for Vegan Walnut Apple Stuffing
*(Serves 8-10)*
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (about 12 cups) of stale whole-grain or sourdough bread, cubed (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 ½ cups walnuts, roughly chopped (or pecans for variation)
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp rosemary, finely chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries (optional)
Liquid Mixture:
- 3 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
- ¼ cup olive oil (or melted vegan butter)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (or agave)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (for warmth)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare the Bread
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If your bread isn’t stale, spread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 10-15 minutes until dry.
2. Toast the Walnuts (or Pecans)
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast walnuts for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables & Apples
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add onions and celery, cooking for 5 minutes until soft.
- Stir in garlic, apples, sage, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for another 3 minutes.
4. Combine Everything in a Large Bowl
- Add bread cubes, toasted walnuts, sautéed mixture, parsley, and cranberries (if using).
- In a separate bowl, whisk vegetable broth, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Pour the liquid over the bread mixture and gently toss until evenly coated.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy on top.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with extra parsley or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Pecan Variation
For a Southern-style twist, replace walnuts with pecans. They add a buttery, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with apples.
Tip: Lightly toast pecans before adding them to enhance their nutty taste.
Serving Suggestions
This stuffing pairs wonderfully with:
- Vegan roast (like lentil loaf or stuffed squash)
- Mashed potatoes & gravy
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Cranberry sauce
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Nutritional Benefits (Per Serving)
- Protein: 6g (from walnuts & whole grains)
- Fiber: 5g (supports digestion)
- Healthy fats: Omega-3s from walnuts
- Vitamins: Vitamin C (apples), Vitamin K (herbs)
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Walnut Apple Stuffing is a crowd-pleaser—sweet, savory, and full of texture. Whether you stick with walnuts or try the pecan variation, this dish will become a holiday favorite.
Try it this season and leave a comment below with your thoughts!
