Best Vegetarian Stuffing Casserole Recipe- this vegetarian stuffing casserole is a flavor-packed delight, featuring golden-brown crust, tender bread, and a medley of sautéed veggies and aromatic herbs to create the best vegetarian stuffing!
8cupscubed day-old breadsuch as ciabatta or artisan sourdough bread, cut or torn into ¾" pieces
½cupbutter or vegan alternative
1largewhite oniondiced
3clovesgarlicminced
4celery stalksdiced
2carrotspetite diced
1cupmushroomsdiced
1 ½cupvegetable broth or vegetable stockmore if needed
¼cupfresh parsleyfinely chopped
2tablespoonschopped fresh sage
1tablespoonfresh thymechopped
1tablespoonfresh rosemarychopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a large casserole dish.
In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots to the melted butter and olive oil. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they have softened. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Combine the cubed bread, cooked vegetable mixture, parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary in a large mixing bowl. Toss everything together until well mixed.
Pour the vegetable broth over the bread mixture and gently stir to combine. The bread should absorb the liquid, but if it seems too dry, add a little more broth.
Transfer the stuffing mixture to the greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Choose the right bread: Use firm and slightly dry bread, preferably day-old bread or varieties like French bread, Italian bread, or sourdough. Avoid overly soft and fluffy bread that may turn mushy in the stuffing.
Prep your vegetables: Take the time to properly dice your onion, celery, and any additional vegetables you’re using. Consistent and evenly sized pieces will ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors.
Sauté the vegetables: Sautéing the onion, celery, and garlic in olive oil and butter before mixing them with the bread cubes helps develop their flavors and adds depth to the stuffing.
Season well: Don’t skimp on the herbs and spices. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Control the moisture: Gradually add vegetable broth to the bread mixture until it reaches the desired moisture level. The stuffing should be moist but not overly wet. You can always add more broth if needed.
Bake until golden and crispy: Cover the casserole with foil during the initial baking time to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking to achieve a golden and crispy top.