Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you today! It’s a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly: 100% Vegetarian Bread Stuffing! Now, I know what you might be thinking—stuffing is just for the holidays, right? Nope! I whip up this delightful recipe whenever I want something cozy to accompany my meals, and it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser.
This recipe is special to me because it reminds me of the times my family and I would gather around the table during the holidays, and that aroma would fill the kitchen as the stuffing baked to golden perfection. I can almost hear my grandma’s laughter as she shared her little secret about adding extra herbs. Trust me when I say, there’s nothing quite like homemade stuffing to give you those warm, fuzzy feelings!
What’s in 100% Vegetarian Bread Stuffing?
I’m so glad you asked! Let’s break down the ingredients so you’ll understand what makes this stuffing so scrumptious:
Day-old bread: You’ll need about 8 cups of this, preferably sourdough or whole wheat. It’s my favorite option because it adds that delicious tanginess and perfect texture. Stale bread absorbs all those flavors without getting soggy.
Onion: A medium onion (finely chopped) is a must; it brings sweetness and a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.
Celery: Two finely chopped celery stalks contribute a lovely crunch and their classic stuffing flavor.
Carrot: Don’t skip the carrot—just one, finely chopped, adds a hint of sweetness and color.
Garlic: Three cloves of minced garlic give a fragrant and savory kick. Who doesn’t love garlic in their stuffing?
Fresh parsley: A 1/4 cup of this vibrant herb adds a fresh, bright note. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Dried thyme and sage: These herbs bring a warm, aromatic flavor and are classic in stuffing. You’ll want 2 teaspoons of thyme and 1 teaspoon of sage.
Black pepper and salt: You’ll need 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon of salt (or to taste) for seasoning. Always adjust to suit your palate!
Vegetable broth: 2 cups of this liquid gold is the secret to keeping everything moist and flavorful.
Olive oil or melted butter: Lastly, a 1/4 cup adds richness and a bit of indulgence to your stuffing. I usually go for olive oil, but butter works wonders too!
Is 100% Vegetarian Bread Stuffing Good for You?
Absolutely! This vegetarian stuffing is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients:
Whole grains: Using whole wheat or sourdough bread gives you fiber that aids digestion and keeps you full longer.
Vegetables: The onion, celery, and carrot bring essential vitamins and minerals to the table, plus a good dose of antioxidants.
Herbs: Fresh parsley and dried herbs not only enhance flavor but are also rich in vitamins A, C, and K.
Of course, moderation is key when it comes to the olive oil or butter, and if you’re watching your sodium, you might want to opt for low-sodium vegetable broth and adjust the salt levels.
Ingredients
– 8 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably sourdough or whole wheat)
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
– 1 carrot, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried sage
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter
This recipe serves about 6 to 8 people, depending on how much everyone loves stuffing (and trust me, it’s hard to resist)!
How to Make 100% Vegetarian Bread Stuffing?
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this heavenly stuffing:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil (or butter). Once it’s hot and glistening, add your chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until those veggies become nice and soft!
3. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is beautifully fragrant.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, sautéed vegetables, chopped parsley, thyme, sage, black pepper, and salt. Mix it all up so the bread is a lucky recipient of those lovely herb flavors!
5. Gradually pour the vegetable broth over the bread mixture while gently tossing until everything is just moistened—don’t drown it!
6. Transfer this scrumptious stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is gloriously golden brown and crispy—trust me, it’ll be worth the wait.
9. Serve warm and enjoy this festive side dish, whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a cozy Tuesday night!
Other Ways to Enjoy This Stuffing
There’s nothing wrong with a little creativity in the kitchen! Here are some fun ideas:
– Mix things up by adding various veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even butternut squash for a unique twist.
– Want to go the extra mile? Consider cooking this stuffing inside a vegetable or tofu roast for a show-stopping centerpiece!
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! It’s one of those dishes that can brighten up any meal. So whether you’re making it for the holidays or a simple family dinner, I hope it fills your home with love and laughter, just like it does in mine. Please let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear about your delicious adventures in the kitchen!
