If you’re searching for a comforting and timeless side dish that brings warmth and depth to any meal, look no further than this Savory Classic Bread Stuffing with Fresh Herbs Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender, herb-scented bread cubes combined with perfectly sautéed vegetables, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that feels like a cozy hug on your plate. Whether it’s a festive feast or a simple family dinner, this stuffing adds a homey touch that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully straightforward yet essential, each playing a special role in creating that irresistible balance of texture, flavor, and richness you crave in classic stuffing. Fresh herbs provide brightness, butter adds a luxurious mouthfeel, and perfectly dried bread cubes soak up every bit of cozy goodness.
- 8 cups bread cubes (day-old bread preferred): Day-old bread ensures the cubes absorb the broth without turning mushy, giving you that perfect stuffing texture.
- 1 cup diced onion: Provides sweetness and a bit of bite that complements the herbs and bread perfectly.
- 1 cup diced celery: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh flavor that balances the richness of the butter.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Delivers a silky richness that carries the flavors and helps soften the veggies.
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Infuses the bread cubes with moisture and flavor, making every bite juicy without sogginess.
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped: Sage brings that classic, earthy aroma that’s quintessential to bread stuffing.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped: Adds a subtle herbal note that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Offers a bright, fresh contrast to the deeper herb flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors and ties everything together.
How to Make Savory Classic Bread Stuffing with Fresh Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by cubing your day-old bread into 1-inch pieces. To achieve the ideal texture, spread out the bread cubes on a baking sheet and allow them to dry for a few hours. If you’re short on time, pop them in a low oven set at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until they’re slightly golden and firm. This step ensures your stuffing won’t become soggy and will have that perfect bite.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
While your bread cubes are drying, melt the unsalted butter in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add in the diced onion and celery, sautéing until they soften and turn translucent, roughly 5 to 7 minutes. This gentle cooking develops sweetness and softens the veggies just enough to blend seamlessly with the bread.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Next, transfer the dried bread cubes into a large mixing bowl and toss them with the sautéed onion and celery. Incorporate your freshly chopped sage, thyme, and parsley for an aromatic punch that’s unmistakably fresh. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Drizzle the chicken or vegetable broth over the mixture slowly, stirring gently until the bread is moist but not drenched—this step is where your stuffing truly comes to life.
Step 4: Bake the Stuffing
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish and spread your stuffing mixture evenly inside. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes so the top becomes golden and crispy—a textural contrast that makes this Savory Classic Bread Stuffing with Fresh Herbs Recipe utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Savory Classic Bread Stuffing with Fresh Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few extra leaves of thyme on top right before serving adds a pop of green and a fresh herbal aroma. You can also add a light drizzle of melted butter to make the presentation even more inviting and to enhance the buttery richness of the stuffing.
Side Dishes
This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, baked chicken, or even a vegetarian main course like stuffed acorn squash. For a complete meal, add a vibrant salad or green beans almondine to cut through the richness and bring balance to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve this stuffing inside hollowed-out acorn squash or bell peppers for an eye-catching, flavorful presentation. Alternatively, bake individual servings in small ramekins to offer personalized portions bursting with herb-infused goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place your leftover stuffing in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect post-holiday treat or lunchtime addition.
Freezing
You can freeze the leftover stuffing for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy. This way, the delicious flavors of your Savory Classic Bread Stuffing with Fresh Herbs Recipe are preserved for whenever you need a quick, comforting side.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a little broth or water on top to bring back moisture, cover loosely with foil, and warm it in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes. This method helps maintain the stuffing’s soft interior and crisp topping, just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this stuffing?
Absolutely! While white or country bread works wonderfully, you can experiment with sourdough, whole wheat, or even a mix for different textures and flavors. Just make sure your bread is stale or toasted well to avoid sogginess.
Is it necessary to use fresh herbs, or can I use dried ones?
Fresh herbs are preferred for their vibrant flavor and bright aroma, which truly elevate this recipe. However, if you only have dried herbs on hand, use about one-third the amount to avoid overpowering the dish.
Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it rich and flavorful without compromising on taste. The fresh herbs and buttery veggies will still shine beautifully.
What if I want a crispier stuffing?
If you adore a crunchier top, after baking covered, remove the foil earlier or finish under the broiler for a couple of minutes—just watch closely to avoid burning. You can even stir in some toasted nuts for an added texture bonus.
How do I adjust the recipe for fewer servings?
This recipe yields a generous 8-8 servings, but feel free to halve or quarter the ingredients as needed. Just be mindful to keep the ratios of broth to bread cubes balanced for the perfect moistness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly special about the comforting embrace of a well-made stuffing, and this Savory Classic Bread Stuffing with Fresh Herbs Recipe delivers it in spades. It’s simple, full of fresh flavors, and downright irresistible. Whether it’s your holiday centerpiece or a cozy addition to a weeknight meal, I hope you give this recipe a try and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
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Savory Classic Bread Stuffing with Fresh Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic savory bread stuffing recipe is made with day-old bread cubes, sautéed onions and celery, and fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and parsley. Moist and flavorful, it’s baked to golden perfection with a crispy top, making it the perfect side dish for holiday meals or any comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Stuffing Base
- 8 cups bread cubes (day-old bread preferred)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Cut your day-old bread into roughly 1-inch cubes. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and either let them air dry for a few hours or toast them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until they are slightly golden and dry.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery and cook them until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed onion and celery. Mix in the chopped fresh sage, thyme, and parsley. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Gradually stir in the chicken or vegetable broth until the bread is moistened but not soggy.
- Bake the Stuffing: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is crisp and golden brown.
Notes
- Day-old bread or bread dried out in the oven works best to absorb flavors without becoming mushy.
- Use chicken broth for a richer flavor or vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
- Fresh herbs elevate the taste but dried herbs can be substituted; reduce dried herbs to 1 teaspoon each.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the bread with gluten-free bread cubes.
- Covering the baking dish during the first half of baking helps retain moisture.
