Vegan Thanksgiving Casserole

Step 1

Cube bread and dry it out on the counter the day before or in the oven for a quick dry. It should be very dry. Like a cracker.

Step 2

Sauté onions until translucent. Add celery and continue to sauté until softened.

Step 3

Add poultry seasoning.

Step 4

Add about 1 cup of broth and simmer.

Step 5

Pour onion/celery mixture over bread cubes and stir. Add remaining broth in increments until all bread is saturated and no dry pieces remain. Allow to rest and absorb for a few minutes. Mix it and ensure there are no dry, hard pieces of bread.

Step 6

Scoop into a casserole dish (I used 9"x13") lined with parchment hanging over the sides if pre-making your stuffing and freezing.

Step 7

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes uncovered. Cover and bake an additional 25 minutes.

Step 8

If pre-baking the stuffing to freeze, remove from oven, pull out using the parchment paper and place it on a wire rack to cool.

Step 9

If continuing to assemble the casserole, allow cooling enough to handle the casserole dish.

Step 10

Cook the sweet potatoes.I use an Instant Pot for about 20-25 minutes, high pressure, depending on the size. ORBake at 400 for about 30-40 minutes depending on the size.Remove skins and mash. Add salt, if using.

Step 11

Peel if desired and cook the potatoes. I use an Instant Pot for about 10 minutes, high pressure, depending on the size. You want them soft. I add a few cloves of peeled garlic to the potatoes in the Instant Pot.Mash with the plant milk or broth, miso and salt, if using.

Step 12

To a saucepan, add flour, poultry seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder. Heat over low heat until the spices are aromatic. Add broth, whisking to incorporate.Add tamari and miso and whisk. Bring to a low simmer and cook until it has thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Add salt, if using. Add Kitchen Bouquet, if using.

Step 13

If using previously frozen stuffing, place the frozen stuffing back into the casserole dish and let it thaw.

Step 14

Begin by pouring about a cup of gravy over the stuffing.

Step 15

Spoon sweet potatoes over the gravy. Spread into a smooth layer over all.

Step 16

Spoon mashed potatoes over the sweet potato layer. Spread into a smooth layer to the edges.

Step 17

Cover with parchment paper and then foil (or use a lid that fits the casserole dish).Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until hot all the way through.

Step 18

Cut portions out by using a sturdy spatula. A flexible spatula is helpful to get the first portion lifted out.

Step 19

Serve with a topping of cranberry sauce and gravy.