Best Vegetarian Stuffing Recipe UK For Festive Meals

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Stuffing is a quintessential part of any festive meal in the UK, especially during Christmas and Thanksgiving. For vegetarians, finding a stuffing recipe that is both hearty and full of flavour can sometimes feel like a challenge.

But worry no more! This best vegetarian stuffing recipe UK is packed with fresh herbs, seasonal vegetables, and a delightful mix of bread and nuts that come together to create a delicious, satisfying side dish everyone will love.

Whether you’re catering for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises a comforting, aromatic stuffing that pairs perfectly with all your favourite festive mains.

Easy to prepare and adaptable to your tastes, this vegetarian stuffing is a brilliant alternative to traditional meat-based versions. Plus, it uses ingredients commonly found in British kitchens, making it a convenient and accessible choice.

Keep reading to discover why this recipe could become your go-to stuffing for years to come!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian stuffing ticks all the boxes for flavour, texture, and versatility. It’s rich in herbs like sage and thyme that bring that classic UK festive taste but is also enhanced with walnuts and cranberries for that extra depth and a hint of sweetness.

The bread cubes soak up the juices beautifully, creating a moist yet crumbly texture that is simply irresistible.

Another reason this recipe stands out is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques — just fresh produce, good quality bread, and a little bit of love!

Plus, it’s suitable for vegetarians and can easily be made vegan by swapping the butter for plant-based alternatives.

Lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving vegetarians or meat-eaters, this stuffing will be gobbled up quickly.

It’s a fantastic side for your roast dinners or holiday feasts and pairs wonderfully with dishes like roast parsnips, Brussels sprouts, or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

  • 300g stale white or wholemeal bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 60g butter (or vegan margarine for vegan option)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 100g chestnuts, roughly chopped (optional but traditional)
  • 50g walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 50g dried cranberries or sultanas
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 250ml vegetable stock
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, for frying

Equipment

  • Large frying pan or skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Baking dish or ovenproof dish
  • Measuring jug
  • Chopping board and sharp knife
  • Oven

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / Gas Mark 4. Prepare your bread by cutting it into 1-inch cubes. If your bread isn’t stale, you can dry it out in the oven for 10 minutes to help it absorb the stock better.
  2. Melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will turn bitter.
  4. Toss in the chopped chestnuts and walnuts, stirring well. Cook for 2-3 minutes to lightly toast the nuts and enhance their flavour.
  5. Add the dried cranberries, fresh sage, thyme, and parsley. Stir everything together so the herbs release their aroma and combine beautifully with the other ingredients.
  6. Place the bread cubes into a large mixing bowl. Pour the cooked vegetable and nut mixture over the bread.
  7. Gradually add the vegetable stock to the bowl, stirring gently. You want the bread to be moist but not soggy — add the stock slowly and stop once the bread holds together without being too wet.
  8. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
  9. Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish. Press down lightly to compact it but don’t squash it too much.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The top should be golden and slightly crisp, with a warm, aromatic centre.
  11. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra burst of flavour, try adding a splash of white wine to the vegetable stock before mixing it with the bread.”

You can easily customize this stuffing recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Swap the walnuts for pecans or hazelnuts if you prefer a different nutty flavour.

For added texture, include chopped mushrooms or grated carrot in the vegetable mix.

If you want a vegan version, simply replace the butter with olive oil or vegan margarine and ensure your bread contains no dairy or eggs. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread cubes and double-check your vegetable stock is gluten-free.

For a festive twist, incorporate some finely chopped dried apricots or fresh cranberries for a pop of colour and sweetness. You could also add a tablespoon of chestnut puree to make it extra indulgent.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (serves 6)
Calories 220 kcal
Protein 5g
Carbohydrates 30g
Fat 8g
Fibre 4g
Sugar 6g
Sodium 350mg

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian stuffing is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside your traditional roast vegetables like Brussels sprouts, roast parsnips, and carrots for a classic British Christmas dinner.

It also complements nut roasts, mushroom wellingtons, or lentil loaves beautifully.

For a lighter meal, try stuffing your favourite roasted vegetables like peppers or tomatoes with this mixture. It also works well as a filling for vegetarian filo parcels or as a side for creamy mashed potatoes and gravy.

Looking for more recipes to complement your meal? Check out our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a delicious sauce to drizzle over your mains, or indulge in something sweet later with the Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe.

For a refreshing start, don’t miss the Clam Chowder San Francisco Recipe, perfect for warming up chilly evenings.

Conclusion

This best vegetarian stuffing recipe UK is a must-try for anyone looking to add a wholesome, flavoursome side to their festive table. Its combination of fresh herbs, crunchy nuts, and sweet dried fruit creates a mouth-watering dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.

The ease of preparation and use of readily available ingredients means you can whip this up with confidence, whether it’s for a special occasion or a cosy family meal.

Don’t be afraid to get creative by adding your favourite nuts, fruits, or vegetables to make it your own. This stuffing brings a traditional British feel with a vegetarian twist that even meat-eaters will adore.

Give it a go and make your next meal truly memorable with this delicious recipe!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegetarian Stuffing Recipe UK

Description: A classic vegetarian stuffing perfect for festive meals, packed with herbs and vegetables. Easy to prepare and full of flavour.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 200g white bread, cubed
  • 100g chestnuts, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery sticks, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 50g butter
  • 150ml vegetable stock
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Melt butter in a pan and sauté onion, celery, and garlic until soft.
  3. Add chopped chestnuts and cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in herbs, salt, and pepper.
  5. Place bread cubes in a large bowl and pour vegetable stock over them.
  6. Add the sautéed mixture to the bread and mix well.
  7. Transfer stuffing to a baking dish and bake for 40 minutes until golden.

Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 30 g

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Marta K

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