This bread stuffing is a warm and hearty mix that brings all the cozy feelings to your table. With fresh herbs, tasty veggies, and fluffy bread, it’s a perfect side dish for any meal!
Making this stuffing is like a big, warm hug in a bowl. I love to add my favorite spices for an extra kick. Serve it alongside turkey or enjoy it on its own—it’s simply delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Day-old bread is perfect for this recipe. It absorbs moisture without getting mushy. If you’re in a pinch, you can use fresh bread. Just toast it in the oven first. I personally love using sourdough for its tangy flavor.
Herbs: Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones work great too—just use about a third of the amount. I often mix in a little extra thyme for added taste!
Broth: Chicken broth is common, but vegetable broth is a fantastic alternative for vegetarian versions. I like using low-sodium broth so I can control the saltiness of the dish.
Eggs: The eggs help bind the stuffing together. If you’re avoiding eggs, try using a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) as a substitute. It works surprisingly well!
How Can I Ensure Perfectly Toasted Bread for My Stuffing?
Toasting the bread properly is crucial for the right texture. Here are some tips:
- Spread bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet to allow for even toasting.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through to prevent burning.
- Look for a light golden color; that’s when they’re ideal!
Let the toasted cubes cool before mixing them with your other ingredients. This keeps them nice and crisp when baked!
What’s the Best Technique for Sautéing Vegetables?
Cooking the onions and celery well ensures they blend perfectly into the stuffing. Here’s how:
- Use medium heat so the veggies cook evenly without burning.
- Add butter first, let it melt, then add the vegetables.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened, but not browned. Stir occasionally.
This step adds a nice depth of flavor, making your stuffing even more delicious!
Delicious Bread Stuffing Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffing:
- 10 cups bread cubes (preferably day-old or slightly dried, from white or sourdough bread)
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 2-3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 50 minutes to cook. So you’ll spend a total of about 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish, plus any time you need for the bread to cool after toasting.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden. Toss them halfway through the baking time to ensure even toasting. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool.
2. Sautéing the Veggies:
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Then, add the finely chopped celery and onions. Sauté these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are nice and soft.
3. Adding the Flavors:
Stir in the chopped fresh sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for another minute to let all the flavors blend beautifully!
4. Mixing it All Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables and herbs. Mix well to evenly distribute everything.
5. Combining Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and 2 cups of broth. Pour this egg and broth mixture over the bread. Gently stir to combine, ensuring the bread soaks up the moisture but doesn’t turn mushy. If it seems a bit dry, feel free to add more broth!
6. Final Touches:
If you’d like, fold in some fresh parsley at this stage for added flavor and a pop of color.
7. Baking the Stuffing:
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover it with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes.
8. Crisping the Top:
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
9. Serving:
Once baked, remove from the oven and serve it warm as a delicious side dish for your meal! It’s perfect alongside turkey or roasted meats, or even on its own.
This stuffing recipe is a comforting classic—it’s full of rich flavors and textures thanks to the herbs, buttered veggies, and perfectly toasted bread. Enjoy during your holidays or any special family gathering!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sourdough and white bread work best, you can experiment with whole grain, rye, or even cornbread for a unique flavor. Just make sure the bread is a bit stale or toasted for the right texture!
How Can I Store Leftover Stuffing?
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make Stuffing in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day ahead! Assemble it up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. Bake it on the day you want to serve, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Is This Stuffing Gluten-Free?
To make this stuffing gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread and ensure that all other ingredients, like broth and spices, are also gluten-free. It may require a little tweaking in moisture, so add broth gradually!
