Description
This easy-to-make stuffing recipe combines smoky flavors and plant-based ingredients to create a comforting, savory dish perfect for cozy dinners. Made with toasted day-old bread, sautéed aromatics, fresh herbs, and a natural gelling agent, it offers a delicious texture and rich taste that can be customized to suit various dietary preferences. Ideal as a main or side, this stuffing brings warmth and togetherness to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups day-old bread cubes
- 1 cup finely chopped onions
- 1 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (natural)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries or chopped apples
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or wild rice (as a gluten-free substitute for bread cubes)
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash or carrots, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Cube day-old bread into bite-sized pieces and spread evenly on a baking tray. Toast lightly in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until just crisp to ensure the stuffing has a slight crunch and light texture.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, celery, and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are soft and fragrant, forming the savory base of the stuffing.
- Add the Spices and Liquids: Sprinkle smoked paprika over the sautéed vegetables, then stir in apple cider vinegar and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to combine smoky and tangy depths into the mixture.
- Combine Bread and Broth: Transfer toasted bread cubes into a large mixing bowl. Pour the sautéed vegetables and spices over the bread. Gradually add vegetable broth while gently mixing, allowing the bread to absorb moisture without becoming soggy.
- Incorporate the Herbs and Natural Gelling Agent: Fold in fresh parsley, sage, and thyme evenly throughout the mixture. Sprinkle the natural gelling agent and mix lightly to help the stuffing hold a cohesive texture when baked.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the complete mixture into a greased baking dish. Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp and the center is heated through.
Notes
- Use day-old bread as it absorbs moisture well without turning mushy.
- Toasting bread before mixing improves the stuffing’s final texture.
- Spread mixture evenly in the baking dish to assure uniform cooking.
- Add broth gradually to maintain the right moisture level and avoid sogginess.
- Use fresh herbs for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: stuffing, plant-based stuffing, smoky stuffing, easy stuffing recipe, savory stuffing, gluten-free stuffing, vegetarian stuffing
