This year, try a twist…on a spin…on a holiday classic. These sausage-style tempeh meatballs pack all the savory goodness of Thanksgiving stuffing into a bite-sized, deliciously vegan appetizer that your guests are guaranteed to be thankful for. Cremini mushrooms, walnuts, dried cranberries and tamari provide the mouthwatering (and meatless!) base for these soft-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside meatballs. Freshly chopped rosemary, whole fennel seed and dried thyme will have your house smelling like the holidays. They’re the perfect start to a meal you wish would never end.

Tempeh Sausage Stuffing “Meatballs”
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 117 kcal
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic chopped
- 8 oz. cremini mushrooms sliced
- 1 8 oz. package tempeh, cut into 3/4” dice
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp. fennel seed
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
- 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. tamari
- 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray parchment paper lightly with extra virgin olive oil cooking spray.
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In large skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Sauté onions and garlic for 3 minutes.
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Add mushrooms, tempeh, rosemary, fennel seed and thyme and cook for 6 more minutes, stirring frequently. (Note: Mushrooms should be cooked through and tempeh slightly browned.) Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
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In food processor fitted with S blade, add tempeh/mushroom mixture, oats, walnuts, dried cranberries, panko breadcrumbs, balsamic vinegar, tamari, tomato paste, salt and black pepper. Pulse until ingredients are finely chopped and mixture comes together but still has texture. Transfer mixture to a bowl.
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Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, form 2 Tbsp. of mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and arrange in a single layer on parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Spray tops lightly with extra virgin olive oil spray and bake 20 minutes or until meatballs are firm but springy and slightly golden. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Tempeh Sausage Stuffing “Meatballs”
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 117
Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
Monounsaturated Fat 3g
Sodium 218mg9%
Potassium 214mg6%
Carbohydrates 12g4%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 78IU2%
Vitamin C 2mg2%
Calcium 37mg4%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.