Best Vegetarian Sage and Onion Stuffing Recipe to Try

Stuffing is a beloved classic side dish, especially during festive gatherings and holiday dinners. But for vegetarians, finding a stuffing recipe that’s both flavorful and free of meat can be a challenge.

Enter this best vegetarian sage and onion stuffing recipe, which combines the earthy aroma of fresh sage with the sweet depth of caramelized onions and crunchy bread cubes. This recipe is perfect for those who want a comforting, herbaceous stuffing without compromising on texture or taste.

Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy family meal, this stuffing will elevate your spread and satisfy vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and customize with your favorite ingredients.

Dive in and discover how to make the ultimate vegetarian sage and onion stuffing that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian sage and onion stuffing stands out because it captures the essence of traditional stuffing without any meat or broth substitutes that feel artificial. Instead, it relies on fresh, simple ingredients like fresh sage, sweet onions, and quality bread to create a rich, savory flavor.

The texture is perfectly balanced — moist but not soggy, with crispy edges that everyone loves. The recipe is versatile, so you can add nuts, dried fruit, or mushrooms for extra flair.

It’s also a breeze to prepare, making it accessible for both beginner and experienced cooks.

What’s more, this dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains and sides, making it a staple recipe for your holiday repertoire. For more cozy side ideas, check out our Chicken Bruschetta Recipe Stove Top Stuffing.

Ingredients

• 10 cups day-old bread cubes (preferably sourdough or white bread)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pecans (optional)

Equipment

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

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the bread cubes: If you don’t have day-old bread, cube fresh bread and toast it in the oven for 10-15 minutes until dry but not browned.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onions and celery and cook for about 8-10 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
4. Add herbs: Stir in the chopped fresh sage and thyme. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
5. Combine ingredients: In the large mixing bowl, place the bread cubes. Pour the sautéed onion and herb mixture over the bread. Add the beaten eggs, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, nutmeg (if using), and fresh parsley. Toss gently but thoroughly until the bread is evenly coated and starting to absorb the liquid.
6. Optional add-ins: Fold in toasted nuts or dried fruit if desired for extra texture and flavor.
7. Transfer to baking dish: Spread the stuffing mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Press down lightly to compact it.
8. Bake uncovered: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through.
9. Serve warm: Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

For the best texture, use stale or day-old bread. Fresh bread tends to make stuffing too mushy.

Make it vegan: Substitute butter with olive oil and eggs with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and rested for 5 minutes). Use vegetable broth as is.

Add mushrooms: For an earthy twist, sauté 1 cup of chopped mushrooms with the onions and celery.

Use different herbs: Mix in rosemary or marjoram for a different herbaceous profile.

Make it ahead: Prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

For a sweet and savory contrast, add 1/3 cup dried cranberries or chopped apples.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian sage and onion stuffing pairs beautifully with classic holiday mains like a roasted vegetable Wellington or a mushroom gravy pot pie. It also complements simple roasted root vegetables and mashed potatoes perfectly.

For a complete festive feast, serve alongside a light green salad with vinaigrette or steamed green beans almondine. And don’t forget dessert!

After your savory meal, try something sweet like our Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe or the luscious Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe to round out the meal.

Conclusion

This vegetarian sage and onion stuffing recipe is a must-have for anyone looking to add a flavorful, comforting side dish to their holiday or everyday meal lineup. With the perfect blend of fresh herbs, sweet onions, and hearty bread, it offers a delightful balance of texture and taste that even meat-eaters will adore.

Its versatility means you can tweak the recipe to your liking, whether by adding nuts for crunch or dried fruit for a hint of sweetness. Plus, it’s simple enough to prepare ahead of time, giving you more freedom on the big day.

Don’t miss out on pairing this stuffing with other delicious recipes like our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for an unforgettable meal experience.

Enjoy this recipe, and happy cooking!

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