This Savory Herb Stuffing is a tasty blend of bread, herbs, and spices. Perfect for special meals, it adds a warm, cozy feel to your table with every bite!
It’s like a hug in a bowl! I love making a big batch so I can enjoy the leftovers. My family jokes that they’re just here for the stuffing! 😂
Making this stuffing is easy; just mix the ingredients, bake it up, and watch everyone gather around. It’s a wonderful way to bring loved ones together!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Day-Old Bread: Cubed bread is the star here. I prefer sourdough for extra flavor, but white bread works well too. If you’re gluten-free, use a gluten-free bread alternative, and you won’t miss a thing!
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based butter or olive oil instead. I find it gives a nice flavor without the dairy.
Onion & Celery: These veggies build a base of flavor. Red onion can replace yellow if you like a slightly sweeter taste, and leeks can be a nice twist for a milder onion flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary are essential for that savory flavor. If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can use dried ones, but remember to reduce the quantity since they’re more potent.
Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth adds moisture and flavor. Homemade broth is great if you have it. For a lower-sodium option, water or a light seasoning can also work.
How Do I Sauté Vegetables Without Burning Them?
Sautéing veggies is an important step for this stuffing. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium heat! Too high, and they’ll burn before softening.
- Keep stirring! Mixing every minute or so helps cook evenly.
- Add in your garlic towards the end of cooking to avoid burning it; it only needs about 1-2 minutes.
When they’re soft and translucent, you’ll know they’re ready to mix with the bread! This step is key for flavor, so take your time here.
How to Make Savory Herb Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffing:
- 12 cups cubed day-old bread (white or sourdough)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups chopped yellow onion
- 1 ½ cups chopped celery
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 to 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and 50 minutes for baking (30 minutes covered, then 15-20 minutes uncovered). So, total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 5-10 minutes to enjoy this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish (or something similar) and lightly grease it to keep the stuffing from sticking.
2. Toasting the Bread:
Spread those bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet. Pop them in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, so they get dry and lightly golden. This step is important for the perfect texture! Once done, take them out and set them aside.
3. Cooking the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Now add your chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté everything until the vegetables become soft and translucent—this should take around 8-10 minutes.
4. Adding Fresh Herbs:
Next, toss in the fresh herbs (parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary), along with the salt and pepper. Stir it well and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to really bring out the flavors of those herbs.
5. Mixing It All Together:
Grab a large mixing bowl and pour in the toasted bread cubes. Next, pour that delicious sautéed vegetable and herb mixture over the bread, then gently toss everything to combine well. Get ready for that mouthwatering aroma!
6. Combining with Broth and Eggs:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth and beaten eggs. Slowly add this mixture to your bread bowl, tossing gently as you go. Make sure all the bread cubes are moistened, but don’t go overboard—no one wants soggy stuffing!
7. Transferring to the Baking Dish:
Now it’s time to transfer that yummy stuffing mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly for even cooking.
8. Baking to Perfection:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden brown and crispy.
9. Letting It Rest:
Once done, take it out of the oven and give it a few minutes to rest. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if you’d like, and then it’s time to dig in! Enjoy your Savory Herb Stuffing with roasted poultry or as a tasty side dish!
This recipe is sure to become a family favorite! 😊
Can I Use Store-Bought Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s day-old or let it dry out a bit to prevent sogginess. You can also use pre-packaged stuffing mix for a quicker option!
How Can I Make This Stuffing Vegetarian?
Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and your stuffing will be completely vegetarian-friendly! It’s just as delicious!
Can I Prepare This Stuffing in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffing the day before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook it.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven covered with foil until heated through, or microwave individual portions.