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
Scale
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.
