This vegetarian stuffing casserole with bread is a flavor-packed delight that will be a favorite side at your Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone will love its golden-brown crust, tender bread, and a medley of sautéed veggies and aromatic herbs!
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.
Take the time to properly dice your onion, celery, and any additional vegetables. Consistent, evenly sized pieces will ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors.
Don't skimp on the herbs and spices. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
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, then remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking to achieve a golden and crispy top.