Name: Vegetarian Stuffing Thanksgiving: 5 Ways to Impress Guests
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups bread cubes; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 onion, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried sage; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste; 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped; 1/2 cup dried cranberries

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Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when family and friends gather around the table, sharing laughter and delicious food. One of my absolute favorite dishes to serve is this delightful vegetarian stuffing. Trust me, it’s so hearty and flavorful that even the meat lovers won’t miss the turkey! The combination of toasted bread, fragrant herbs, and crunchy walnuts creates a comforting side that’s not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate seasonal veggies! Let’s dive into how to make this vegetarian stuffing Thanksgiving staple that’ll surely impress your guests.

Ingredients List

4 cups bread cubes (stale or toasted works best for texture)
1 cup vegetable broth (I like to use low-sodium for better control over salt)
1 onion, chopped (a sweet onion adds a nice flavor)
2 celery stalks, chopped (for that classic stuffing crunch)
2 carrots, chopped (adds a little sweetness and color)
2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (a must-have herb for that earthy flavor)
1 teaspoon dried sage (the quintessential Thanksgiving herb)
Salt to taste (don’t be shy, but taste as you go!)
Pepper to taste (freshly ground gives the best flavor)
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (for a lovely crunch and nutty flavor)
1/2 cup dried cranberries (for a pop of sweetness and a festive touch)

How to Prepare Vegetarian Stuffing Thanksgiving

Making this vegetarian stuffing is easier than you might think, and I promise the end result is worth every minute spent in the kitchen! Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can whip this up with confidence and joy.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it helps the stuffing cook evenly and develop that beautiful golden brown color on top. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and toss in your chopped onions, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and the onions become translucent. You’ll love that fragrant aroma filling your kitchen—it’s a sure sign that your stuffing is coming together!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once your veggies are perfectly sautéed, it’s time to combine everything! In a large bowl, mix those sautéed beauties with the bread cubes, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries. Pour the vegetable broth over the top and stir gently until everything is well combined. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy; that’s just the magic of stuffing!

Step 4: Bake the Stuffing

Transfer your stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until it’s golden brown on top and smells heavenly. You won’t be able to resist the temptation to sneak a taste!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional data for this delicious vegetarian stuffing. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 250 calories, 10g of fat, 6g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. Remember, these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this stuffing is packed with wholesome goodness!

Tips for Success

To make your vegetarian stuffing truly shine, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t hesitate to mix and match your bread—using a combination of whole grain and sourdough can add depth. If you want to amp up the flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies. For an even heartier texture, toss in some cooked quinoa or farro! And remember, if you’re short on time, you can prep the stuffing a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven before serving, and you’ll have a delicious, stress-free side dish!

Variations of Vegetarian Stuffing Thanksgiving

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize this vegetarian stuffing! Try adding some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor or toss in bell peppers for a colorful twist. You could even experiment with different herbs—rosemary or parsley can bring a fresh note to the dish. If you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes could add a nice kick! And for a sweet surprise, consider folding in diced apples or pears. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and make this stuffing your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your vegetarian stuffing fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer the stuffing to a baking dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent drying out, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. If you want that lovely crispy top again, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking. Trust me, it’ll taste just as delightful as when it was freshly made!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation with simple steps—perfect for busy holidays!
Deliciously rich flavors from fresh herbs and sautéed veggies.
Healthy ingredients packed with nutrients and wholesome goodness.
Customizable to fit your taste—add your favorite vegetables!
A crowd-pleaser that even meat lovers will enjoy.

Vegetarian Stuffing Thanksgiving: 5 Ways to Impress Guests

Author: Julia marin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious vegetarian stuffing perfect for Thanksgiving.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, sauté onions, celery, carrots, and garlic until softened.
Add thyme, sage, salt, and pepper; stir well.
In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, walnuts, and cranberries.
Pour vegetable broth over the mixture and stir to combine.
Transfer to a greased baking dish.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.