Easy Vegan Stuffing and Creamy Homemade Gravy
Updated: 7 days ago
Two comforting, flavorful plant-based recipes perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas!
There's something special about a holiday meal with all the traditional sides. For me, stuffing and gravy are two dishes that make Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner feel complete!
This homemade vegan stuffing is filled with savory herbs, tender onions, and celery, while the creamy vegan gravy adds the perfect finishing touch. Both recipes are simple to prepare, made with everyday ingredients, and full of the comforting flavors we love during the holidays.
And the best part? You don't need meat or dairy to enjoy these classic holiday favorites!
Whether you're preparing a completely plant-based holiday dinner or simply looking for delicious vegan side dishes to share with family and friends, these two recipes are wonderful additions to your table.
Easy Homemade Vegan Stuffing
This savory stuffing combines bread crumbs, vegetables, and traditional holiday herbs for a flavorful side dish that's delicious alongside mashed potatoes, vegan turkey loaf, or roasted vegetables.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: Approximately 8
Ingredients
1 package dry stuffing bread crumbs (approximately 12 ounces)
5 tablespoons dairy-free butter
1/2 onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cups vegetable broth
1 1/2 tablespoons McKay's Chick'n Seasoning
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish.
Sauté the vegetables: Melt the dairy-free butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery and sauté for approximately 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
Add the seasonings: Stir in the McKay's Chick'n Seasoning, sage, and thyme. Cook for another 30 seconds to release the flavors of the herbs.
Add the vegetable broth: Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet and stir until everything is well combined. Heat until warm.
Combine with the bread: Place the dry stuffing bread crumbs in a large mixing bowl. Gradually pour the warm broth and vegetable mixture over the bread, gently tossing until evenly moistened. The bread should be moist but not soggy. If needed, add a little additional vegetable broth.
Bake: Transfer the stuffing to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Brown the top: Remove the foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.
Serve: Remove from
Kylee's Tips for the Best Stuffing
Choose the right bread: Use dry, unseasoned stuffing bread crumbs or dried bread cubes for the best texture. If your bread is already seasoned, reduce the additional seasoning as needed.
Don't add too much broth: The stuffing should be moist enough to hold together without becoming mushy. Add the liquid gradually, especially if using a smaller package of bread crumbs.
Make it ahead: Prepare the vegetables and measure the dry ingredients the day before.
Combine everything and bake just before serving for the freshest texture.
Creamy Homemade Vegan Gravy
No holiday meal is complete without a delicious gravy!
This easy vegan gravy is smooth, creamy, and full of savory flavor. It comes together in just minutes using a handful of pantry ingredients, and it's wonderful poured over mashed potatoes, stuffing, vegan turkey loaf, or roasted vegetables.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: Approximately 8
Ingredients
1/3 cup dairy-free butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon McKay's Beef-Style Seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup water
1 cup unsweetened soy milk
Instructions
Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the dairy-free butter over medium heat.
Make the roux: Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes, until the mixture becomes smooth and lightly golden. This helps remove the raw flour taste.
Add the seasonings: Stir in the McKay's Beef-Style Seasoning, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Gradually add the liquid: Slowly pour in the water while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once smooth, gradually add the unsweetened soy milk.
Cook until thickened: Continue cooking over medium heat for approximately 5–7 minutes, whisking frequently, until the gravy thickens and reaches your desired consistency.
Adjust the consistency: If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little additional water or unsweetened soy milk. If it's too thin, simmer for another minute or two.
Serve warm: Taste and adjust the salt if needed. Pour over mashed potatoes, stuffing, or your favorite holiday dishes.
Kylee's Tips for Perfect Vegan Gravy
Whisk continuously: Gradually adding the liquid while whisking helps prevent lumps and creates a smooth, creamy gravy.
Use unsweetened milk: Make sure your soy milk is plain and unsweetened. Flavored or sweetened varieties can change the taste of the gravy.
Adjust the salt: Some vegetable seasonings contain quite a bit of sodium, so taste the gravy before adding additional salt.
Make ahead: Prepare the gravy up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop, whisking in a little water or unsweetened soy milk as needed.
A Dietitian's Tips for a Healthier Holiday Meal
As a registered dietitian, I believe healthy eating should still be delicious, especially during the holidays!
You don't have to give up your favorite holiday dishes to enjoy a more balanced meal.
Sometimes, a few simple adjustments can make a difference.
Add more vegetables. Alongside your stuffing and gravy, include colorful vegetables such as roasted carrots, green beans, Brussels sprouts, or a fresh salad. They provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Choose plant-based ingredients. Using vegetable broth and dairy-free alternatives makes it easy to prepare traditional holiday favorites without meat or dairy.
Be mindful of sodium. Packaged seasonings and broths can contain significant amounts of sodium. Choose lower-sodium versions when available and adjust the salt to taste.
Enjoy your favorite foods. Holiday meals are about more than nutrition. They're also about family, traditions, and sharing good food together. Build a balanced plate and take time to enjoy it.
What to Serve with Vegan Stuffing and Gravy
These two recipes pair beautifully with so many classic holiday dishes. Some of my favorites include:
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Vegan Turkey Loaf
Homemade Green Bean Casserole
Roasted Carrots or Brussels Sprouts
A Fresh Holiday Salad
Together, they create a comforting plant-based Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner that everyone at the table can enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make vegan stuffing ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sautéed vegetables and dry bread mixture a day ahead. For the best texture, combine with the broth and bake shortly before serving.
Can I make vegan gravy without soy milk?
Yes. You can substitute plain, unsweetened oat milk or another neutral-flavored dairy-free milk. The consistency may vary slightly.
How do I keep vegan gravy from becoming lumpy?
Whisk the flour thoroughly into the melted butter, then gradually add the liquid while whisking continuously.
Can I freeze leftover stuffing and gravy?
Yes. Store them separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly. The gravy may need additional whisking and a splash of liquid to restore its texture.
Enjoy a Delicious Plant-Based Holiday!
These vegan stuffing and gravy recipes prove that you can enjoy traditional holiday flavors while preparing a completely plant-based meal.
They're comforting, easy to make, and perfect for sharing with family and friends around the holiday table.
I hope these recipes become part of your family's Thanksgiving and Christmas traditions!
Happy cooking!
Kylee Melo, RDN
Kylee's Kitchen
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