Description

This comforting and flavorful stuffing recipe features smoked turkey bacon and fresh herbs, delivering a perfect balance of smoky richness, herbaceous aroma, and satisfying textures. Quick and easy to prepare, it is ideal as a side for roasted poultry or grilled vegetables, or even as a hearty main dish. With simple, natural ingredients and plant-based texture solutions, this stuffing will become a beloved addition to your holiday meals and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

6 cups day-old bread cubes (whole wheat or gluten-free optional)
4 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced

Herbs and Flavorings

2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Liquids and Cooking Fat

1 cup vegetable broth
2 tbsp olive oil

Binding Agent

1 tsp natural gelling agent (such as pectin or agar)

Instructions

Prepare the bread cubes: Cut day-old bread into evenly sized cubes. Toast the bread cubes lightly in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or on a pan until golden and crisp to ensure they absorb flavors without becoming mushy.
Sauté the vegetables and smoked turkey bacon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions, celery, and smoked turkey bacon. Cook until vegetables soften and bacon crisps slightly, releasing its smoky flavor.
Combine herbs and seasoning: Stir in fresh sage, thyme, and parsley into the skillet. Add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, and a splash of vegetable broth. Mix well to meld the flavors.
Mix ingredients and add natural gelling agent: Transfer toasted bread cubes into a large mixing bowl. Pour over the vegetable and bacon mixture. Incorporate the natural gelling agent to bind the ingredients gently, achieving the ideal stuffing texture.
Bake until golden: Place the stuffing mixture into a greased casserole dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes until the top is crisp and golden, while the interior remains moist and flavorful.

Notes

Use stale, day-old bread to absorb flavors better without becoming soggy.
Do not skip toasting the bread cubes for perfect texture contrast.
Always use fresh herbs for vibrant aromas and enhanced flavor.
Add vegetable broth gradually to maintain the proper moisture balance.
Let the mixture rest for 15 minutes after mixing to allow flavors to meld.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 180
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: stuffing, smoked turkey bacon, holiday recipe, savory stuffing, gluten free stuffing, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, plant-based stuffing