Homemade Herb and Vegetable Stuffing (Better Than Boxed!)
Stuffing is one of those dishes that always feels warm, comforting, and festive. This herb and vegetable version brings together fresh aromatics, hearty bread, and a medley of flavors that bake into a golden, savory masterpiece. It’s a vegetarian dish you’ll want on your table for the holidays and beyond.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of crusty bread cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 large onions finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks finely chopped
- 2 carrots finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup fresh parsley chopped
- ¼ cup fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms chopped
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs beaten
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the loaf into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the bread is golden and lightly crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- Peel and finely chop the onions, celery, and carrots. Mince the garlic, slice the mushrooms, and chop the parsley and rosemary.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and carrots and cook until softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Place the toasted bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked vegetables, parsley, and rosemary. Stir gently to combine.
- Pour the vegetable broth over the mixture and stir until the bread is evenly moistened. Add the beaten eggs and Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Let the stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread holds up better and absorbs flavors more evenly.
Chop Vegetables Evenly: This ensures everything cooks at the same rate and blends nicely.
Taste the Seasoning: Always check the flavor before baking, since bread can soak up salt quickly.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the mixture the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.