Vegan Sausage Recipe | Gluten-Free Veggie Bratwurst - Elavegan (2024)

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4.99 from 121 votes

These delicious, wholesome, vegan sausages are the perfect addition to a mid-week meal, BBQ, or potluck. With a soft and flavorful interior and slightly crisp exterior, this vegan Italian sausage is sure to leave an impression. Plus, this recipe is meat-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, low-fat, plant-based, and can be made nut-free, too, if preferred!

Vegan Sausage Recipe | Gluten-Free Veggie Bratwurst - Elavegan (1)

Gluten Free Vegan Sausage

When it comes to meat alternatives, I err on the side of ‘it doesn’t have to taste exactly the same to be delicious.’ This vegan sausage recipe (aka vegan Bratwurst) combines beans, nuts, oats, and several seasonings to create a delicious vegetarian sausage that definitely isn’t trying to emulate meat, but doesn’t need to when it tastes this good.

This recipe is everything that a veggie sausage needs to be in my eyes; hearty, healthy, and packed with flavor! It’s amazing what white beans, walnuts, oats, and seasonings can do for creating a meatless sausage.

Plus, this recipe doesn’t contain wheat gluten (seitan) like most other vegan recipes. This makes it perfectly safe for people who have a gluten allergy!

This vegetarian sausage recipe is also incredibly versatile – allowing you to adjust the seasonings to your own tastes too and even swap out ingredients for your dietary needs (such as swapping the nuts for seeds). Want sausages that are spicier, or smokier? – No problem!

And, of course, they taste delicious anywhere that you would use any other sausage (or vegan Bratwurst, as I call them). Serve as a vegan hot dog, at a BBQ, in wraps, with mash, etc. In fact, there are so many options that I’ve included a list of potential serving ideas below if you want some ideas.

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This Recipe Is:

  • Meat-free
  • Dairy-free
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Can be made soy-free
  • Low-fat
  • Can be also made nut-free
  • Packed with fiber, protein, and several vitamins & minerals (from the white beans)
  • Healthy
  • Hearty & satisfying
  • Versatile

Vegan Sausage Recipe | Gluten-Free Veggie Bratwurst - Elavegan (3)

How To Make The Best Vegan Sausage

The recipe simply relies on some blending, forming, steaming, and frying! There are even different ways of cooking these veggie sausages, depending on how you prefer them.

Step 1: Mix the ground chia seeds and ¼ cup water in a small bowl and allow to thicken for five minutes. If you don’t have ground chia seeds, then you can grind them yourself with an electric spice/coffee grinder or blender for a few seconds.

Vegan Sausage Recipe | Gluten-Free Veggie Bratwurst - Elavegan (4)

Step 2: Meanwhile, rinse the canned white beans thoroughly in a sieve, then drain and pat dry with a paper towel.

Step 3: Pulse the oats and walnuts in a food processor or blender. Only pulse, rather than run the machine continuously as you want the ingredients to retain texture rather than turning into a ‘flour.’

Step 4: Add all the remaining ingredients to the food processor/blender and pulse again to combine.

Step 5: Form 6-7 sausages with your hands. The mixture shouldn’t be too sticky, but if it is, then a sprinkling of oat flour should help. Once formed, place the vegan brats on a dish lined with parchment paper and leave to chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.

Vegan Sausage Recipe | Gluten-Free Veggie Bratwurst - Elavegan (5)

Step 6: Wrap each sausage in some parchment paper and tin foil and twist the ends, like a candy wrapper. Then, place in a steamer basket/pan (I cooked them in a large pot with a sieve and lid on) and steam for around 35 minutes. See step-by-step photos.

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Once cooked, you can serve immediately, pan-fry, or even grill for a crispy result! You could also add a vegan sausage casing (see method below).

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Pan-Fry Method:

Brush the sausages with a little oil on each side and then add to your preheated skillet. Lightly fry for around 7-10 minutes, turning a few times, until lightly browned, and enjoy!

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For sausages that really hold up to BBQ grilling:

After steaming the sausages, allow to cool to room temperature. Chill in the fridge for a bit until they firm up, and then grill. This method really helps them to maintain a firm texture and not fall apart on the grill.

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Vegan Sausage Casing

This step is totally optional, however, you can easily make a sausage casing with rice paper sheets!

Yes, the same ingredient used to make delicious summer rolls/spring rolls can also be used as a fantastic vegan sausage casing.

Rice paper sheets completely transform in texture, when fried, and add that delicious light crisp. Plus, rice paper wrappers are gluten-free! Meaning this will still remain a gluten-free vegan sausage, to fit multiple dietary needs.

You have the choice of using the classic white rice paper or brown rice paper wrappers that will affect the look and, subtly, the taste of the sausages.

How To Make The Casing (Optional Method)

Follow steps 1-6 as stated above.

  • To make the casing add lukewarm water to a large bowl. Dip a rice paper sheet into the water, one at a time, for 5 seconds, and allow the excess water to drip off. Then place the sheet on a cutting board lined with oiled parchment paper.
  • Place a steamed sausage onto the damp ripe paper sheet and fold it over the sausage once, then fold the sides in and continue to roll it, like a cigar. Repeat this step with the remaining sausages.
  • Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Brush the sausages with a little oil on each side and then add to the pan. Lightly fry for around 7-10 minutes, turning every minute or so, until heated through.

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How To Serve

If you want to serve these ‘vegetarian bratwurst’ style, then you can serve as a sandwich or vegan hot dog in a bun. Add mustard (lots of it!), onions, and several other options of toppings and sides.

Some of my favorites for serving alongside vegetarian brats include German Sauerkraut, Potato Salad, and this Keto Coleslaw.

You can also serve these veggie sausages for breakfast and brunch dishes. Such as alongside Vegan Scrambled Eggs, and with other breakfast favorites.

I also often add them to a number of my favorite hearty mid-week meals, including this Vegan Mushroom Risotto, Lentil Stew with mashed potatoes, and alongside this Quinoa Pilaf with vegetables.

You could also slice and serve with salads and pasta dishes, on top of pizza, or prepare and vegan casserole dish, along with tons of other options!

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How To Store

Store any leftover vegan sausages in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to six days.

I haven’t yet tried to freeze these, so I can’t guarantee results upon thawing. However, they should be freezer-friendly (just make sure that they’re steamed and not touching when being frozen).

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Recipe Notes & Variations

  • You can use canned beans or soak and cook dry beans, e.g. in an Instant Pot. See this method, how to cook dry beans.
  • You could also experiment with the type of bean you use. I love white beans for their neutral flavor and versatility. However, kidney beans or pinto beans could also be delicious.
  • Replace the walnuts with another nut or seed of your choice, i.e., sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
  • You could also use breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free) in place of the oats. Buckwheat groats should be fine too.
  • Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. For more spice: add some crushed chili or more cayenne pepper. More smokiness: add a few drops of liquid smoke.
  • For even more of a vegan Italian sausage flavor, then you could add some sun-dried tomatoes alongside the tomato puree.
  • You can also serve these as burger patties by shaping into patties. In fact, this recipe was adapted from my Vegan Black Bean Burger.

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If you give this vegan sausage recipe a try, I’d love a comment and recipe rating below. Also, don’t forget to tag me in re-creations on Instagram or Facebook with @elavegan #elavegan – I love seeing your recreations.

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Vegan Sausage

Author: Michaela Vais

These delicious, wholesome, vegan sausages are the perfect addition to a mid-week meal, BBQ, or potluck. With a soft and flavorful interior and slightly crisp exterior, this vegan Italian sausage is sure to leave an impression. Plus, this recipe is meat-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, low-fat, plant-based, and can be made nut-free, too, if preferred!

4.99 from 121 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Side

Cuisine German, Italian

Servings 7 sausages

Calories 192 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups (270 g) white beans from one 15 oz can, drained and rinsed (see notes)
  • 1 cup (90 g) oats (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) walnuts (see notes)
  • 1/2 medium (60 g) onion chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 chia eggs (3 tbsp ground chia seeds + 1/4 cup water)
  • 1 flat Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp tamari or soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 3/4 tsp sea salt or less/more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 pinch of cayenne pepper or more to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp fennel seeds optional

Instructions

  • You can watch the video in the post for visual instructions.

    In a small bowl, mix the ground chia seeds with 1/4 cup of water and set the mixture aside for 5 minutes to thicken. Note: You can blend whole chia seeds in an electric spice/coffee grinder or blender for a few seconds if you don't have ground chia seeds.

  • In the meantime, rinse the canned white beans very well in a sieve, then drain them and pat dry with a paper towel. Make sure they aren't wet at all.

  • Process the oats and the walnuts in a food processor or blender (use the pulse function, as they should still have some texture and not turn into fine flour).

  • Add all the other ingredients to the food processor and pulse again. Don't over-process the mixture, or it will be mushy. The mixture shouldn't be sticky, but if it is, simply add some flour (e.g. oat flour).

    Tip: You could freeze the mixture for about 10 minutes, then it will be easier to shape it into sausages.

  • Form 6-7 sausages with your hands (I used 1/3 cup of the mixture per sausage). Place the sausages on a large plate lined with parchment paper and transfer the plate to the fridge for about 20 minutes.

  • Wrap each sausage in some parchment paper and tin foil* (see note below) and twist the ends, like a candy wrapper. Then, place them in a steamer basket/pot (I used a large pot with a sieve) and steam for around 35 minutes. See step-by-step photos in the blog post.

    *Do not throw away the tin foil and use it again in the future. Or use a silicone sausage mold in your steamer basket instead.

  • Once cooked, you can serve immediately, pan-fry, or even grill for a crispy result!

    Pan-Fry: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Brush the sausages with a little oil on each side and add them to the pan. Fry for around 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and heated through.

  • Enjoy with mustard, BBQ sauce, or serve in a burger bun like a hot dog! Read the blog post to find out how you can grill them or make a vegan sausage casing.

Notes

  • Beans: You can use canned beans that are already cooked or cook dry beans until soft.
  • Walnuts: You can use nuts of choice or seeds like sunflower seeds.
  • Chia eggs: Flax eggs (3 tbsp ground flax seeds with 1/4 cup water) should be fine too but you'll most likely need to add a little more oat flour because chia seeds absorb more water.
  • Oats: You could use buckwheat groats instead of oats.
  • Add a few drops of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
  • Store leftover sausages in an airtight container in the refrigerator (up to 6 days).
  • Read the blog post above for more helpful tips, serving suggestions, step-by-step photos, etc.
  • Recipe adapted from my Vegan Black Bean Burger. Rice wrapper inspiration (optional method) from Nutmegnotebook

Nutrition Facts

Vegan Sausage

Serving Size

1 sausage

Amount per Serving

Calories

192

% Daily Value*

Fat

8

g

12

%

Saturated Fat

1

g

5

%

Carbohydrates

24

g

8

%

Fiber

7

g

28

%

Sugar

1

g

1

%

Protein

8

g

16

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition information is an estimate and has been calculated automatically

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FAQs

What is vegan bratwurst made of? ›

plant-based alternatives. The key ingredient in vegan sausage is typically either pea protein or soy protein, along with one or more oils (canola, coconut, sunflower), spices and other plant-based additions. Nutritional value varies depending on the manufacturer's precise recipe.

How to cook plant-based brat? ›

Preparation Instructions

1. Remove sausage from packaging and place in a greased non-stick skillet. 2. Cook over medium heat for 10-12 minutes or until sausage is thoroughly cooked*, turning occasionally.

What is a vegetarian substitute for sausage? ›

There are several different options when it comes to making a sausage substitute. The key is texture. The most common are TVP (textured vegetable protein), extra-firm tofu, and tempeh. They're firm, meaty, and great for making crumbles that are excellent for tacos, pizza, and salad toppings.

Are vegan brats healthy? ›

The truth is, probably not. Plant-based sausages sold in supermarkets are likely to have just as much salt as their meat counterparts, so they're unlikely to make it onto a list of health-foods. However, vegan sausages are likely to have considerably less saturated fat making them a healthier option overall.

What are the healthiest vegetarian sausages? ›

Linda McCartney's Vegetarian Sausages

These pea protein based sausages have a reassuringly short list of ingredients and are also a pretty healthy option, being high in protein and low in saturated fat.

Is vegan sausage healthy? ›

While vegan alternatives may benefit the planet (although not lab-grown meat, as recent analysis suggests it could have a carbon footprint up to 25 times that of conventional meat), they aren't necessarily good for our health. Vegan sausages contain a litany of highly processed ingredients.

What are the ingredients in Beyond brats? ›

Water, Pea protein*, Cocoa butter, Canola oil, Casing (sodium alginate), Flavours (celery), Rice protein, Inulin fibre, Methylcellulose, Potato starch, Refined coconut oil, Concentrated lemon juice, Vinegar, Concentrates (beetroot, carrot, pepper), Spices and herbs, Potassium chloride, Psyllium fibre, Garlic powder, ...

What happened to Tofurky? ›

The Oregon plant-based food pioneer Turtle Island Foods, better known by its Tofurky brand, has been sold to a Japanese company. The buyer is Torfurky's longtime tofu supplier, Morinaga Nutritional Foods.

What is Gardein sausage made of? ›

Ingredients:Pork, water. contains less than 2% of the following: sea salt, dried onion, dried garlic, spices, dried rosemary.

What is a vegan brat alternative? ›

Beyond Sausage is a plant-based sausage made to look, sizzle, and satisfy like pork. It has all the juicy, meaty deliciousness of a traditional sausage, but comes with the upsides of a plant-based meal. Like all of our products, Beyond Sausage is made with no hormones, nitrites, nitrates, GMOs, soy, and gluten.

What are the 3 main vegetarian alternatives to meat? ›

The 10 best vegan meat alternatives
  • Tofu. Tofu is the classic meat alternative and has been one of the basic sources of nutrition in Asia for centuries. ...
  • Soy protein. Soy chunks and mince are very inexpensive ingredients that are easy to prepare. ...
  • Tempeh. ...
  • Seitan/wheat protein. ...
  • Lupin protein. ...
  • Green spelt. ...
  • Oat flakes. ...
  • Black beans.
Nov 11, 2019

What are three 3 examples of meat substitutes used in vegetarian and vegan dishes? ›

Australian Dietary Guidelines suggest nuts, seeds, legumes, beans and tofu as alternatives to animal foods for everyone, not just for those following vegetarian or vegan diets. These foods boost dietary variety and can be a valuable, affordable source of protein and other nutrients found in meat.

What are the ingredients in meatless farm bratwurst? ›

Ingredients. Water, Rapeseed Oil, Pea Protein (17%), Thickener (E461, E415), Spices, Cornflour, Yeast Extract, Preservative (E326), Salt, Dietary Fibre, Dried Onion, Stabiliser (E425), Natural Flavouring, Herbs, Dextrose, Acidity Regulator (E300), Pea Fibre, Vegetable Concentrates (Beetroot, Caramelised Carrot, Carrot) ...

Is plant-based sausage healthy? ›

Because of their processed nature, plant-based meats don't provide a plethora (or sometimes any) of the nutrients that make whole plant foods so good for you, such as significant amounts of fiber, vitamins, minerals, monounsaturated fats, and polyphenols.

What is plant-based bratwurst? ›

Ingredients: Water, Pea Protein, Canola Oil, Modified Cellulose (From Plant Fiber), Less Than 2% Of Natural Flavors, Cane Sugar, Salt, Tapioca Starch, Citrus Fiber, Fava Bean Protein, Brown Rice Protein, Beet Powder (Color), Yeast Extract, Dried Torula Yeast, Dehydrated Lemon Peel, Smoked Sugar.

What is vegan sausage casing made of? ›

Plant-based casings

You'll also see alginate, a gel made from seaweed that extruded filling passes through, enveloping the sausage, says Graves, the choice of Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods. Other vegan sausages, McNeil says, might be cooked in a synthetic casing but sold skinless.

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