Vegan Butternut Squash Apple Stuffing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan stuffing is a showstopper! The butternut squash adds a creamy texture and natural sweetness, while the apples bring a delightful tartness that complements the rich spices. The addition of cranberries provides a burst of sweetness and a touch of tartness, making each bite more dynamic. The soft bread cubes soak up all the savory flavors from the broth, resulting in a stuffing that’s wonderfully moist and flavorful. Whether you’re vegan or not, this dish will be a crowd-pleaser at any dinner table.

Ingredients

• 5 cups cubed bread
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced medium (about 5 cups)
• 4-5 apples (use your favorite kind), peeled, cored, and diced large (about 5 cups)
• 1 large red onion, sliced
• 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dry cranberries
• 3 cups vegetable or no-chicken broth

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish or casserole dish with a little olive oil.
2. Prepare the Vegetables and Fruit: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced butternut squash and sliced red onion. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender and the onions are softened. Add the diced apples, maple syrup, curry powder, turmeric, and salt. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the apples begin to soften.
3. Combine with Bread and Cranberries: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, sautéed vegetable and apple mixture, and dry cranberries. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Add the Broth: Pour the vegetable broth over the bread mixture and stir gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid. If necessary, add a little more broth until the mixture is moist but not too soggy.
5. Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve: Remove the stuffing from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Total Time: 60-75 minutes

Variations

• Nuts: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra crunch and richness.
• Herbs: Add fresh or dried herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary for an aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the butternut squash and apples.
• Vegetable Add-ins: You can add other vegetables like celery, carrots, or mushrooms to the stuffing for more depth and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! You can use any type of bread you like—whole wheat, sourdough, or gluten-free bread all work well for this recipe.

Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffing up to a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate it before baking. Bake it on the day you want to serve it, adding a little extra time if needed.

Can I make this stuffing without apples?

If you’re not a fan of apples, you can substitute with pears or simply increase the amount of butternut squash for a more savory stuffing.

Can I freeze this stuffing?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffing before baking. Simply assemble it, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.

How can I make this stuffing spicier?

You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free bread and ensure your vegetable broth is also gluten-free.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries may be too tart for this recipe, but you can cook them down with some sugar and water to make a cranberry sauce before adding them to the stuffing.

Can I add vegan sausage to the stuffing?

Yes! Adding crumbled vegan sausage to the stuffing would give it extra flavor and make it even heartier.

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffing in a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for about 3-4 hours, or until the stuffing is hot and the bread has absorbed the broth.

Can I make this stuffing without maple syrup?

If you prefer, you can substitute the maple syrup with agave nectar or a touch of brown sugar for sweetness.

Conclusion

Vegan Butternut Squash Apple Stuffing is a perfect dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy dinner. The combination of roasted squash, sweet apples, and savory spices creates a flavor-packed stuffing that’s both satisfying and full of comforting textures. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this stuffing is sure to become a favorite at your holiday table or any time you crave a hearty, plant-based dish.

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