This hearty bread stuffing is perfect for your next holiday meal! It’s filled with tasty bits of bread, savory herbs, and a touch of broth to bring it all together.
Honestly, I love how this stuffing soaks up all those yummy flavors. It’s like a cozy hug on your plate! 🍞💕 Just mix, bake, and enjoy—simple as that!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Cubes: Slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs flavors without becoming mushy. If you don’t have stale bread, toasting fresh bread cubes will do. You can use any type of bread, like sourdough, whole wheat, or even gluten-free bread.
Onion and Celery: These add a classic flavor base. If you’re sensitive to onions, try using green onions or shallots. For a little twist, diced carrots can be added as well.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to to control the saltiness. If you’re avoiding dairy, olive oil is a great substitute that adds a nice flavor.
Chicken Broth: For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth. Low-sodium versions help manage salt levels. When I make stuffing, I often make my broth from scratch to enhance the flavor.
Herbs: Thyme and sage are traditional, but feel free to experiment with rosemary or parsley for different flavors! Dried herbs work, but I always prefer fresh when possible for a brighter taste.
How to Make Sure Your Stuffing is Just Right?
The key is to balance moisture and texture! When mixing in the broth, pour gradually and gently toss the bread. You want it moist but not soggy. A light squeeze should show some moisture without any standing broth at the bottom.
- Always check your bread to make sure it’s not too mushy; if it is, you’ve added too much broth!
- When baking, cover with foil initially to keep moisture in, then uncover to let it brown.
- Letting it sit after baking helps it set up nicely, making serving easier.
How to Make Delicious Bread Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 10 cups bread cubes (about 1-inch pieces), preferably slightly stale or toasted
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: 2 cloves garlic, minced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 40-50 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour or so from start to finish, which makes this stuffing easy and quick for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Toast the Bread (if needed):
If your bread isn’t stale, cut it into 1-inch cubes. Spread these cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 15 minutes, until they’re lightly dried and slightly golden. This helps the stuffing hold its shape. Let them cool down a bit.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and celery (and minced garlic if you’re using it). Sauté these ingredients until they are soft and translucent, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
4. Add the Herbs and Seasoning:
Now, stir in the thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Allow everything to cook together for another minute to release those beautiful aromas.
5. Combine with Bread:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes and the sautéed vegetable-herb mixture. Toss it gently so the bread gets coated with all those wonderful flavors.
6. Add the Broth:
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while gently tossing the mixture. Add just enough broth to moisten the bread without making it soggy. The bread should feel moist but still hold its shape. You can adjust the amount of broth based on how dry your bread was.
7. Add Fresh Parsley (if using):
If you’d like to add a touch of freshness, fold in the chopped parsley at this stage.
8. Bake the Stuffing:
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Cover the dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
9. Crisp Up the Top:
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. This creates a delightful texture contrast!
10. Let It Rest:
Once out of the oven, let the stuffing sit for a few minutes. This resting time helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.
Enjoy your delicious, classic bread stuffing — it pairs perfectly with turkey, chicken, or any festive meal! It’s such a comforting and flavorful dish that everyone will love!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for Stuffing?
Absolutely! You can use any type of bread you like, such as sourdough, whole wheat, or even gluten-free bread. Just make sure it’s a bit stale or toasted to avoid sogginess.
Can I Make This Bread Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing ahead of time! Assemble it up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature and then follow the baking instructions.
How Can I Store Leftover Stuffing?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead—just adjust the amounts! Typically, use 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. For example, use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme instead of 2 teaspoons of fresh.