Best Vegetarian Christmas Stuffing Recipe for Festive Meals

Christmas is a time for warmth, family, and of course, delicious food that brings everyone together around the table. Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or just looking to add a festive meat-free option to your holiday feast, this best vegetarian Christmas stuffing recipe is sure to impress.

Packed with savory herbs, hearty vegetables, and the perfect blend of textures, this stuffing delivers all the comforting flavors of a classic holiday side dish without any meat. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and can be made ahead of time to ease your holiday cooking stress.

From the first aromatic bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has become a favorite for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and even a vegetarian main course.

Ready to make your Christmas dinner extra special? Let’s dive into the details!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian stuffing recipe is the perfect balance of tradition and innovation. Here’s why it stands out:

• Rich, savory flavors: The combination of fresh herbs, sautéed onions, and celery creates a mouthwatering aroma and taste.
• Hearty and satisfying: Cubed bread mixed with mushrooms and nuts adds texture and substance.
• Customizable: Easily add your favorite veggies, dried fruits, or nuts to tailor the stuffing to your taste.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it the day before and bake it fresh on Christmas Day.
• Vegetarian and crowd-pleasing: Perfect for guests with diverse dietary preferences.

Ingredients

• 10 cups day-old bread, cubed (preferably sourdough or French bread)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth (low sodium recommended)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
• 2 large eggs, beaten (for binding, can substitute with flax eggs for vegan)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Prepare the bread: Cut your day-old bread into 1-inch cubes and spread on a baking sheet. Toast in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until lightly crisp but not browned. Remove and let cool.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add mushrooms and garlic: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become tender, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Mix herbs and seasonings: Stir in the fresh parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the herbs’ aroma.
5. Combine bread and vegetables: Transfer the toasted bread cubes to a large mixing bowl. Add the sautéed vegetable mixture, nuts, and dried cranberries if using. Toss gently to combine.
6. Add broth and eggs: Pour the vegetable broth evenly over the bread mixture. Add the beaten eggs and mix gently but thoroughly to combine. The mixture should be moist but not soggy. Add more broth if needed.
7. Transfer to baking dish: Spoon the stuffing mixture into a buttered 9×13 inch baking dish, pressing down lightly to compact.
8. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
9. Serve warm: Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. This stuffing pairs wonderfully with your favorite holiday mains.

Tips & Variations

“For a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil and replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg, let it sit for 5 minutes).”

• Customize your stuffing: Add chopped apples or pears for a touch of sweetness.
• Use gluten-free bread if you need a gluten-free option.
• Make it ahead: Prepare the stuffing the day before, refrigerate, and bake fresh on Christmas Day.
• Add texture: Toast the nuts before adding for a richer flavor.
• Herb swap: Use rosemary or marjoram instead of thyme for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian stuffing complements a variety of holiday dishes beautifully. Serve it alongside a savory mushroom Wellington or roasted root vegetables for a wholesome meal.

It also pairs well with mashed potatoes and gravy or a crisp winter salad.

For a festive touch, try serving it in individual baked apples or hollowed acorn squash for a charming presentation. Don’t forget to check out our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe to add a creamy, flavorful sauce to your vegetarian mains, or finish off your meal with a sweet treat like the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe.

Conclusion

This best vegetarian Christmas stuffing recipe is a festive staple that offers the rich, comforting flavors of traditional stuffing with a wholesome, plant-based twist. It’s easy to prepare, adaptable to your taste, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Whether you’re hosting vegetarians or just want to try something new this holiday season, this stuffing will become a cherished part of your Christmas feast.

With its blend of fresh herbs, hearty bread, and savory vegetables, it’s sure to evoke those nostalgic holiday feelings while bringing something fresh to your table. Don’t forget to explore more recipes on the blog, such as the delightful Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe for dessert to complete your celebration!

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