Bread Stuffing Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Ideas

There’s something truly comforting about a classic bread stuffing, especially when it’s packed with fresh herbs, sautéed vegetables, and rich, savory flavors — all without any meat. This vegetarian bread stuffing recipe is the perfect side dish for your holiday table or cozy family dinner.

It combines hearty bread cubes with fragrant onions, celery, garlic, and a medley of fresh herbs to create a moist, flavorful stuffing that everyone will love. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make, and you can customize it to your taste, adding nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and sweetness.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based dishes to your meals, this bread stuffing is sure to become a staple. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains, from roasted vegetables to mushroom gravies.

So grab your mixing bowl and let’s dive into this delicious recipe that celebrates fresh, wholesome ingredients in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian bread stuffing recipe is:

• Easy to prepare: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this stuffing accessible for cooks of all levels.
• Customizable: Add walnuts, dried cranberries, or mushrooms to tailor the flavor and texture to your liking.
• Flavor-packed: Sautéed onions, celery, fresh herbs, and garlic infuse every bite with savory depth.
• Perfect texture: The bread absorbs just the right amount of broth and butter, resulting in a moist yet fluffy stuffing.
• Vegetarian and crowd-pleasing: A great option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, making your holiday or weeknight meals more inclusive.

Ingredients

• 10 cups day-old bread cubes (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth, warmed
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, or 1 cup sautéed mushrooms

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking dish (9×13 inch or similar)
• Knife and chopping board

Instructions

1. Prepare the bread cubes: If you don’t have day-old bread, cube fresh bread and toast it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until lightly crisp but not browned.
2. Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, and cook for about 7-8 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Add garlic and herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, fresh sage, thyme, and half of the parsley. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Combine bread and veggies: Transfer the sautéed mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the bread cubes and gently toss to combine.
5. Add broth and seasonings: Gradually pour the warm vegetable broth over the bread mixture, stirring gently. Add salt and pepper. The bread should be moist but not soggy — adjust broth quantity as needed.
6. Optional add-ins: Fold in walnuts, dried cranberries, or sautéed mushrooms if using, for extra texture and flavor.
7. Transfer to baking dish: Spread the stuffing mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the remaining fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Tips & Variations

“For the best texture, use stale bread — it absorbs the broth without turning mushy. If your bread is fresh, dry it out in the oven first.”

• Make it vegan: Substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter, and ensure your broth is vegan-friendly.
• Add mushrooms: Sauté 1 cup of chopped cremini or button mushrooms with the onions and celery for an earthy boost.
• Incorporate nuts and fruit: Toasted walnuts and dried cranberries add crunch and subtle sweetness.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a little kick.
• Make ahead: Prepare the stuffing up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This stuffing pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a hearty vegetarian main like a lentil loaf or mushroom Wellington.

For a festive meal, complement the stuffing with Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe drizzled over pasta or roasted veggies.

Looking for a sweet finish? Try the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe for a perfect dessert pairing.

And if you want to add a comforting soup starter, the Clam Chowder San Francisco Recipe is a crowd-pleaser (vegetarians can enjoy a vegan version by omitting clams and adding mushrooms).

Conclusion

This vegetarian bread stuffing recipe is a delicious, comforting side that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. Its combination of fresh herbs, sautéed veggies, and perfectly toasted bread cubes makes it a versatile dish that can stand alone or complement a variety of mains.

Whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, this stuffing is sure to impress with its hearty texture and rich taste.

Plus, it’s easily adaptable to suit different dietary needs and preferences — from vegan swaps to fun add-ins like nuts and dried fruit. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own.

Now you have a reliable, go-to vegetarian stuffing recipe that will be a star on your table year after year. Happy cooking!

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