Best Baked Vegetarian Dressing Recipe for Every Occasion

There’s something truly heartwarming about a perfectly baked vegetarian dressing that brings a burst of flavor and texture to any meal. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner, a festive holiday feast, or simply craving a comforting side dish, this recipe offers an irresistible mix of herbs, savory vegetables, and crispy bread cubes, all baked to golden perfection.

Unlike traditional dressings laden with meat or poultry stock, this vegetarian version is rich in taste and hearty enough to satisfy vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

With its blend of fresh herbs, sautéed onions and celery, vegetable broth, and a touch of butter, this dressing is moist yet crispy on top, delivering the best of both worlds. Easy to prepare ahead of time and bake when needed, you’ll find this recipe quickly becoming a staple in your kitchen.

Plus, it pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes or can even stand alone as a delicious vegetarian comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked vegetarian dressing is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly flavorful without relying on any meat-based ingredients, making it ideal for vegetarians and those seeking lighter options.

The combination of fresh herbs and sautéed vegetables creates a deep, savory profile that’s both comforting and fresh.

Secondly, the texture is perfect — crispy on the outside with a tender, moist interior. This balance is achieved by using cubed, slightly stale bread that soaks up the vegetable broth and butter mixture just right.

It’s also highly customizable to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Finally, this dressing is easy to prepare in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Just assemble it, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready.

If you love dishes like our Marzipan Challah Recipe or want to try more vegetarian sides, this dressing will fit right into your meal planning!

Ingredients

• 10 cups cubed day-old bread (French or Italian, preferably slightly stale)
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups chopped celery (about 4 stalks)
• 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 large onion)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional, for depth)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)
• ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Knife and chopping board
• Whisk or fork (for beating eggs)

Instructions

1. Prepare the bread cubes: Cut your slightly stale bread into roughly 1-inch cubes. Spread them out on a baking sheet and toast lightly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until they are dry but not browned. This step helps ensure the bread absorbs liquid well without becoming mushy.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking until softened and translucent, about 7-10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Mix the dressing base: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the large mixing bowl. Add the toasted bread cubes, fresh herbs (sage, thyme, parsley), salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning if using. Toss well to combine.
4. Add nuts and fruit (optional): Stir in the chopped walnuts or pecans and dried cranberries or raisins if you want a bit of texture and subtle sweetness in your dressing.
5. Incorporate the liquids: Pour the vegetable broth gradually over the bread mixture, tossing gently to moisten all pieces evenly. You want the bread to be damp but not soggy.
6. Add eggs: Beat the eggs in a small bowl and pour them over the mixture. Gently fold to combine, which will help bind the dressing when baked.
7. Assemble for baking: Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Transfer the dressing mixture into the dish and press down slightly to pack evenly.
8. Bake the dressing: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
9. Rest before serving: Let the dressing rest for 5-10 minutes to firm up before serving. This makes it easier to slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

For best texture, use bread that is at least a day old. Fresh bread will become mushy when mixed with broth.

You can easily customize this dressing by swapping herbs to suit your preference. Rosemary, marjoram, or even a hint of basil can add a unique twist.

If you prefer a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil and eggs with a flaxseed egg or commercial egg replacer.

For an extra layer of flavor, try roasting the celery and onions before sautéing, or add sautéed mushrooms for earthiness. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders.

Leftover dressing can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven to bring back the crispy edges.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This baked vegetarian dressing pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a hearty lentil loaf for a filling vegetarian main course.

It also complements classic holiday mains like roasted turkey or glazed ham if you’re catering to mixed dietary preferences.

If you’re looking to expand your vegetarian menu, try pairing this dressing with our Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe for a refreshing contrast, or add a warm loaf from the Magic Dough Recipe to complete your meal.

Conclusion

This baked vegetarian dressing recipe is a delicious, versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. It offers the perfect balance of moisture and texture, with savory herbs and wholesome ingredients that make it satisfying and flavorful.

Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, this dressing is sure to impress both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Its ease of preparation and flexibility allow you to tailor it to your taste and dietary needs, making it a reliable go-to recipe. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different nuts, fruits, or herbs to keep this dish fresh and exciting season after season.

For more delicious recipes that complement this dressing, explore our collection like the Lump Of Coal Recipe and the Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes.

Enjoy crafting this comforting classic that brings warmth and joy to your table!

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