Imagine a stuffing so deliciously rich and aromatic that even meat-lovers will be begging for seconds! This Traditional French Bread Vegan Stuffing is not just a side dish – it's a culinary masterpiece that brings the rustic charm of French cuisine right to your dinner table. Packed with crispy toasted bread, perfectly sautéed vegetables, and a blend of herbs that will make your taste buds dance, this recipe proves that vegan dishes can be incredibly satisfying and full of flavor.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or vegan butter.
- Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly on a large baking sheet. Toast the bread cubes in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they are golden and crisp. Remove and set aside to cool.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add fresh chopped thyme to the onion and celery mixture, stirring to combine and release the herb's aromatic oils. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the toasted bread cubes to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sautéed vegetable mixture over the bread cubes.
- Gradually add vegetable broth to the bread mixture, stirring gently to ensure even moisture distribution. The bread should be moist but not soggy.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to create a crispy top.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired.
Tips
- Choose a high-quality French bread for the best texture and flavor. Day-old bread works perfectly as it absorbs the broth more effectively.
- Make sure to toast the bread cubes thoroughly – this prevents a soggy stuffing and adds a delightful crunch.
- Don't skip the fresh thyme! It's the secret ingredient that elevates this stuffing from good to extraordinary.
- Control the moisture carefully. Add vegetable broth gradually to ensure the stuffing is moist but not wet.
- For extra flavor, consider adding some roasted garlic or a splash of white wine to the vegetable mixture.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the stuffing for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking (watch carefully to prevent burning).
- This stuffing can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated – just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 185kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
