Thanksgiving is one of those magical times of year that brings family and friends together, and I can’t imagine my holiday table without a delicious vegetarian dressing. It’s such a comforting dish, full of flavor and texture, and it pairs beautifully with all those festive sides. This vegetarian dressing not only satisfies everyone at the table, but it also makes the house smell amazing while it bakes—trust me, your guests will be dreaming about it! I love how simple it is to throw together, using stale bread and fresh herbs to create something truly special. Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or just want to add a meatless option to your feast, this recipe is sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s make the best vegetarian dressing for Thanksgiving together!
Ingredients List
- 1 loaf of stale bread, cubed into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup vegetable broth, warm
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a beautifully textured dressing that’s bursting with flavor. Don’t worry if your bread isn’t stale—you can always dry it out in the oven for a few minutes! Fresh herbs make a huge difference, so if you can get your hands on some, I highly recommend it.
How to Prepare Vegetarian Dressing Thanksgiving
Making this vegetarian dressing is a breeze, and I promise it’ll fill your kitchen with the most incredible aromas! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready for your Thanksgiving feast in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for allowing the dressing to bake evenly, giving it that lovely golden brown top while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. Trust me, your kitchen will start to smell divine as it warms up!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, grab a skillet and add a splash of oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped celery and onion for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re soft and translucent. You’ll know they’re done when the onions are slightly golden and the mixture is fragrant—definitely a sign of good things to come!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now, in a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, sautéed vegetables, chopped parsley, sage, thyme, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Gently toss everything together until the bread is coated in those tasty herbs and veggies. This step is key—make sure each piece of bread gets some love!
Step 4: Add Broth and Transfer
Pour the warm vegetable broth over your bread mixture and give it another good toss to ensure everything is evenly moistened. Then, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This will help it cook uniformly, so no one misses out on that crispy topping!
Step 5: Bake the Dressing
Finally, pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and crisp, while the inside remains deliciously tender. Just wait until you get a whiff of that amazing aroma filling your home!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. Typically, one serving of this vegetarian dressing contains about 200 calories, 6g of fat, 5g of protein, and 32g of carbohydrates. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a hearty, comforting dish that everyone can enjoy, including vegetarians!
- Simple to make with everyday ingredients you likely already have.
- Transforms stale bread into something truly delicious and special.
- Infused with the warm flavors of fresh herbs and sautéed veggies.
- Perfect for soaking up gravy and complementing your Thanksgiving feast.
Trust me, this vegetarian dressing will steal the show at your holiday table!
Tips for Success
To ensure your vegetarian dressing turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, always taste the mixture before baking—adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. You want those flavors to pop! Also, keep an eye on the texture; it should be moist but not soggy. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash more broth. Lastly, don’t skip the baking time; that golden brown crust is what adds a lovely crunch. Let it rest for a few minutes after baking to firm up a bit—trust me, it’s worth it!
Variations
If you want to switch things up, there are so many fun variations to try with this vegetarian dressing! You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch, or toss in some dried cranberries or apricots for a touch of sweetness. For an herby twist, experiment with rosemary or oregano instead of sage and thyme. Don’t be afraid to get creative with spices, too—try adding a pinch of cayenne for a little heat or some garlic for added flavor! The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftover vegetarian dressing, simply transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then cover the dish with foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. This way, you’ll retain that lovely texture and flavor!
Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian dressing is the star of the Thanksgiving show, but it pairs beautifully with so many other dishes! I love serving it alongside a rich, creamy mashed potato, a vibrant green bean casserole, and of course, a zesty cranberry sauce for that perfect sweet-tart balance. Don’t forget a slice of pumpkin pie for dessert—it’s the ultimate cozy ending to your festive meal. Your guests will be raving about this spread long after the last bite!
Print
Vegetarian Dressing Thanksgiving: 5 Secrets to Comfort
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful vegetarian dressing perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of stale bread, cubed
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, sauté celery and onion until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour vegetable broth over the mixture and toss to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown on top.
Notes
- Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free option.
- Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegetarian dressing thanksgiving
