Stuffing is a beloved comfort food staple, especially during holiday feasts, but it doesn’t have to be reserved for meat-eaters. This best vegetarian stuffing recipe combines fresh vegetables, hearty bread, and aromatic herbs to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
Whether you’re preparing a festive meal or simply want a satisfying side dish, this vegetarian stuffing will win over even the most skeptical eaters. It’s moist, savory, and perfectly balanced with just the right hint of earthiness and spice.
What sets this recipe apart is its versatility and wholesome ingredients. From the crisp celery and sweet onions to the juicy mushrooms and fresh herbs, every component works together to elevate this classic.
Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making your mealtime less stressful. And if you love exploring more vegetarian delights, check out our Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals for another burst of vibrant tastes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian stuffing is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The combination of sautéed vegetables and soft, toasted bread cubes creates a delightful contrast.
It’s comfort food at its finest without the heaviness of traditional meat-based stuffings.
It’s also incredibly adaptable. You can easily swap out the bread for a gluten-free version or add nuts and dried fruits for a sweet, crunchy twist.
The recipe is made with all natural, wholesome ingredients and is free from any artificial additives.
Plus, this stuffing pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, from roasted vegetables to plant-based proteins. For a meal that’s just as wholesome as it is delicious, try pairing it with our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for a rich, creamy complement.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Day-old bread (cubed, preferably sourdough or whole wheat) | 10 cups |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 large |
| Celery stalks (finely chopped) | 3 medium |
| Mushrooms (cremini or button, chopped) | 2 cups |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Vegetable broth | 2 ½ cups |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | ½ cup |
| Fresh sage (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh thyme (leaves only) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Black pepper (freshly ground) | 1 teaspoon |
| Chopped walnuts (optional for crunch) | ½ cup |
| Dried cranberries (optional for sweetness) | ½ cup |
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Knife and cutting board
- Aluminum foil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: If your bread isn’t already stale, preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and toast the bread cubes for about 15 minutes until dry but not browned. Set aside to cool.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add mushrooms and garlic: Stir in the mushrooms and minced garlic. Continue cooking for another 7-8 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender.
- Mix herbs and season: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Combine bread and veggies: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetable mixture.
- Add broth gradually: Pour the vegetable broth over the bread mixture a little at a time, stirring gently until the bread is moist but not soggy. You may not need all the broth, so add carefully.
- Optional additions: Fold in chopped walnuts and dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, pressing it lightly to compact.
- Bake: Cover 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 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crisp.
- Serve warm: Allow the stuffing to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
To make your stuffing gluten-free, substitute the bread with your favorite gluten-free loaf toasted similarly.
Experiment with different nuts like pecans or cashews instead of walnuts for a unique crunch. Feel free to add cooked lentils or chopped roasted vegetables such as butternut squash or sweet potatoes to enhance the heartiness.
For a richer flavor, sauté the vegetables in vegan butter instead of olive oil. You can also include a splash of white wine with the broth for a subtle depth of flavor.
If you want to prepare this recipe ahead of time, assemble the mixture and refrigerate it overnight. Before baking, let it come to room temperature for even cooking.
Curious about more delicious vegetarian dishes? Check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a delightful dessert to follow your meal.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Sugar | 4 g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian stuffing is a fantastic side dish for any hearty meal. It complements Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals beautifully, adding texture and warmth to your plate.
Consider serving it alongside roasted root vegetables, a vibrant salad, or your favorite plant-based protein like grilled tofu or tempeh. It also pairs well with savory vegan gravies or sauces.
For holiday gatherings, serve it as a stuffing inside bell peppers or portobello mushrooms for an elegant presentation.
Conclusion
This best vegetarian stuffing recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, meat-free side dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. Its combination of fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and hearty bread makes it a comforting addition to any meal.
Whether for a festive occasion or a casual dinner, this stuffing will impress friends and family alike.
Easy to customize and prepare ahead, it’s also perfect for busy cooks who want to maintain wholesome, satisfying meals. Don’t forget to explore more recipes to expand your vegetarian repertoire, such as our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas, perfect for effortless dinners.
Enjoy the rich, savory goodness of this stuffing and happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegetarian Stuffing Recipe
Description: A flavorful and hearty vegetarian stuffing perfect for holiday meals. Made with fresh vegetables, herbs, and crusty bread for a satisfying side dish.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed day-old crusty bread
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, celery, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add mushrooms, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper; cook for 3 more minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes and sautéed vegetables.
- Pour vegetable broth over mixture and toss gently to moisten.
- Transfer stuffing to a greased baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 33 g
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