Sausage Recipes for the New Vegan

 Giving up sausage can feel like a tough ask when you first go vegan. The savoury, spiced, satisfying chew of a sausage is something many of us grew up with and crave. The good news? Vegan sausages are surprisingly easy to make at home, and they can be just as hearty and flavourful as the real thing—without the meat.

These three easy vegan sausage recipes each use a different plant-based protein: lentils, tofu, and vital wheat gluten. They're perfect for new vegans looking to recreate old favourites without sacrificing taste or texture.

1. Vegan Breakfast Sausage (Lentil-Based)

Vegan Sausage Patties- Generated by Fire.fly AI

These little patties are perfect for a weekend breakfast or a hearty brunch. They’re mildly sweet, spiced with sage, and made with nutritious lentils.

Ingredients (makes 8 small patties):

1 cup cooked green or brown lentils

½ cup rolled oats

2 tablespoons ground flaxseed

1 tablespoon maple syrup

2 teaspoons soy sauce

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground sage

½ teaspoon thyme

½ teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons oil (for frying)

Instructions:

In a food processor, blend all ingredients until the mixture holds together but still has texture.

Shape into small patties.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry patties for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.

Serve warm with toast, tofu scramble, or pancakes.

2. Herbed Tofu Sausages (Tofu-Based)

Vegan Tofu Sausage- Generated by Firefly AI

This recipe makes firm, sliceable sausages that are great in pasta dishes or grilled on a bun. The tofu base makes them high in protein and super customizable.

Ingredients (makes 4 sausages):

1 block (14 oz / 400 g) firm tofu, pressed and crumbled

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 teaspoons dried basil

1 teaspoon fennel seeds (crushed)

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon black pepper

⅓ cup breadcrumbs or oat flour

¼ cup water (add slowly as needed)

Instructions: 

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl or pulse in a food processor until well combined and slightly sticky.

Divide into 4 portions and shape into sausage logs.

Wrap each sausage tightly in foil or parchment and steam for 30 minutes.

Let cool, unwrap, and either pan-fry, grill, or refrigerate for later.

3. Smoky Seitan Sausages

 (Vital Wheat Gluten-Based)

If you’re craving the chewy, dense texture of classic sausage, this one’s for you. These seitan sausages are fantastic for BBQs or hearty meals.

Ingredients (makes 4–5 sausages):

1 cup vital wheat gluten

¼ cup chickpea flour

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

¾ cup vegetable broth

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Optional: ½ teaspoon liquid smoke

Instructions:

In one bowl, mix all dry ingredients. In another, whisk together wet ingredients.

Combine wet and dry, stirring into a dough. Knead for 2–3 minutes.

Divide and shape into sausage logs. Wrap each one tightly in foil.

Steam for 40 minutes, turning halfway. Let cool before unwrapping.

Slice, grill, or pan-fry as needed.

Added Thoughts:

Whether you’re looking for something savory at breakfast or hearty enough for dinner, these vegan sausages can help ease the transition to a plant-based lifestyle. Each one offers a different texture and flavor profile—and all of them are delicious.

You may want to compare the home-made recipes above with Loma Linda and other traditional commercial products. (I am an Amazon associate and receive a small referral fee if you purchase using the link. You are not charged extra.)

AI was used to edit some of the above content, and to generate  images. Approved by me.