Tired of bland, boring holiday side dishes? Get ready to revolutionize your Christmas dinner with this quick and mouthwatering vegetarian stuffing that will have everyone asking for seconds! In just 45 minutes, you can create a festive, flavor-packed dish that proves vegetarian options can be just as delicious (if not more!) than traditional recipes. Whether you're a committed vegetarian or just looking to add some plant-based magic to your holiday spread, this stuffing is about to become your new favorite Christmas classic.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf bread, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Cut the loaf of bread into small, uniform cubes about 1/2 inch in size. Spread the bread cubes on a large baking sheet and let them dry out slightly at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, sautéing until the vegetables become soft and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, sautéed onions, and celery. Sprinkle dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
- Gradually pour vegetable broth over the bread mixture, stirring gently to ensure even moisture distribution. The bread should be moist but not soggy.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the top to become golden and slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the stuffing rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Bread Selection Matters: Use day-old bread or slightly stale bread for the best texture. If your bread is fresh, cube it and let it sit out for a few hours to dry slightly.
- Moisture is Key: Add vegetable broth gradually and mix gently. You want the stuffing moist but not soggy - think of a perfectly damp sponge, not a swimming pool!
- Enhance the Flavor: Consider adding some extra ingredients like chopped chestnuts, dried cranberries, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra depth.
- Crispy Top Technique: Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking to get that irresistible golden, crispy top that everyone loves.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this stuffing a day in advance and simply reheat it before serving, which can be a lifesaver during busy holiday cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
