Low Sodium Stuffing Recipe for Flavorful Holiday Meals

Stuffing is a beloved side dish during the holidays and beyond, but traditional recipes often pack in a hefty amount of sodium, which can be a concern for those watching their salt intake. Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor when making a low sodium stuffing recipe!

With fresh herbs, wholesome ingredients, and a few clever swaps, this recipe delivers the comforting, savory goodness you crave without the extra salt. Whether you’re preparing a family feast or simply want a delicious, heart-healthy side, this stuffing is sure to impress.

It’s easy to make ahead, customizable for various dietary needs, and pairs beautifully with a wide range of mains.

In this post, I’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, share tips to elevate your stuffing, and offer serving suggestions that will make this dish a new favorite on your table. Plus, I’ll link to some other fantastic recipes to complete your healthy meal plan.

Let’s dive into this flavorful, low sodium stuffing recipe that’s both nutritious and delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This low sodium stuffing recipe is a game changer for anyone seeking to reduce salt without losing the classic taste and texture of traditional stuffing. By using fresh herbs and a blend of vegetables, it brings vibrant flavors that make every bite satisfying.

It’s also versatile—perfect for holiday dinners or a cozy weeknight meal.

Made with whole grain bread and natural ingredients, this stuffing offers a hearty, fiber-rich option that supports digestion and heart health. It’s easy to prepare, with a clear step-by-step process, and can be adapted for vegan or gluten-free diets.

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s both healthy and comforting, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.

Ingredients

• 10 cups whole wheat bread cubes (day-old or toasted)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low sodium vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for depth)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for crunch)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional for sweetness)

Equipment

• Large skillet for sautéing vegetables
• Mixing bowl for combining ingredients
• Baking dish (9×13 inch or similar)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Aluminum foil to cover during baking

Instructions

1. Prepare the bread cubes. If your bread isn’t already stale, cut it into 1-inch cubes and toast them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until dry but not browned. This helps absorb moisture later without turning mushy.
2. Sauté the vegetables. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add mushrooms (if using) and garlic, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned.
3. Mix herbs and broth. Stir in the fresh parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Pour in the low sodium vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes to concentrate flavors.
4. Combine bread and veggies. In a large mixing bowl, add the toasted bread cubes and pour the vegetable mixture over them. Toss gently to combine and ensure all bread cubes are moistened but not soggy.
5. Add nuts and fruit. Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and dried cranberries or raisins if using. These add texture and a delightful contrast of flavors.
6. Transfer to baking dish. Lightly grease your baking dish and spread the stuffing mixture evenly. Cover with aluminum foil to keep moisture in.
7. Bake the stuffing. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to crisp the top.
8. Serve warm. Allow the stuffing to cool for 5 minutes before serving to let it set. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

“For a gluten-free version, substitute the whole wheat bread with gluten-free bread cubes toasted the same way. To make this vegan, ensure your vegetable broth is free of animal products and skip optional add-ins like nuts if you have allergies.”

Feel free to experiment with different herbs based on what you have on hand — rosemary and thyme are staples, but a pinch of marjoram or oregano can add wonderful depth. Adding sautéed apples or butternut squash cubes gives a sweet, seasonal twist.

For extra moisture without salt, use unsalted nut butters thinned with broth in small amounts to bind the stuffing.

You can also prepare this stuffing a day ahead. Assemble it fully, cover tightly, and refrigerate.

Bake as directed when ready to serve, adding about 5 extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This low sodium stuffing pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes. For a wholesome holiday meal, serve alongside roasted turkey or baked tofu.

It also complements simple roasted vegetables or a hearty lentil loaf perfectly.

For a lighter meal, enjoy it with a crisp salad like the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas. If you want a comforting soup to go with it, try the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.

And if you’re interested in more wholesome grain dishes, check out the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide.

Conclusion

Creating a delicious low sodium stuffing recipe is easier than you might think. With fresh herbs, wholesome bread, and a mix of vegetables, you get all the comfort and flavor of traditional stuffing without overwhelming your palate or health with excess salt.

This recipe is adaptable, easy to prepare, and makes a fantastic addition to any meal, especially during the festive season.

By choosing natural, low sodium ingredients and seasoning with herbs and spices, you can enjoy a satisfying side dish that supports your health goals. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this stuffing recipe offers a tasty, heart-healthy alternative that everyone will love.

Don’t forget to explore the other recipes linked above to round out your menu with delicious, nutritious options!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Low Sodium Stuffing Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful and healthy low sodium stuffing perfect for holiday meals. Made with fresh herbs and whole grain bread for a heart-friendly option.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT60M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“8 cups whole grain bread cubes, toasted”, “1 cup diced onion”, “1 cup diced celery”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley”, “1 teaspoon dried sage”, “1 teaspoon dried thyme”, “1/2 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/4 cup unsalted butter”, “2 cups low sodium vegetable broth”, “1 large egg, beaten”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion, celery, and garlic; saut\u00e9 until tender, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in parsley, sage, thyme, and black pepper; cook for 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, combine bread cubes and saut\u00e9ed vegetables.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Whisk egg into the low sodium vegetable broth, then pour over bread mixture.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix gently until bread is moistened but not soggy.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until golden brown on top.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180”, “proteinContent”: “5g”, “fatContent”: “7g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “25g”}}