If you’re looking for a heartwarming dish that brings nostalgic comfort to your holiday table, this Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe is the perfect choice. The combination of toasted day-old bread cubes with aromatic herbs, sautéed onions, and celery, all moistened with rich broth and baked to golden perfection, makes this stuffing a timeless favorite. Every bite delivers that irresistible balance of crispy edges and soft, flavorful center that elevates any feast with cozy, homemade goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect texture and flavor you want in a classic stuffing. From the sturdy bread cubes that soak up all the savory juices to the fragrant herbs that add warmth and depth, every component is essential.
- Day-old country bread (1 pound): Using slightly stale bread ensures it soaks up broth without turning mushy.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Adds richness and helps soften the onions and celery while imparting a luscious mouthfeel.
- Onions (2 cups, finely chopped): Provide a sweet and savory base that infuses the stuffing with flavor.
- Celery (1 1/2 cups, finely chopped): Adds a crisp texture and fresh, earthy notes.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Lends a subtle pungency that deepens the overall taste.
- Salt (2 teaspoons): Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds mild heat and complexity.
- Poultry seasoning (1 tablespoon): Classic herb blend tailored specifically for stuffing seasoning.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Provides an aromatic, slightly minty hint.
- Dried sage (1 teaspoon): Offers that distinctive earthy, savory note so iconic in stuffing.
- Dried rosemary (1/2 teaspoon, crushed): Brings a piney, fragrant undertone.
- Chicken or turkey broth (4 cups): The flavorful liquid to moisten the bread and bind ingredients together.
- Eggs (2 large, beaten): Help hold the stuffing together while adding richness.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Brightens the mixture with a fresh herbal touch.
How to Make Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Dry the Bread Cubes
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the cut bread cubes evenly on a large baking sheet and bake them for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure all sides dry out evenly. This step is crucial for achieving that ideal texture—dry bread will soak up the broth just right, avoiding sogginess. Once crisp, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool while you increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) for later baking.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Herbs
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbling and fragrant. Add the finely chopped onions and celery, cooking them gently until they become soft and translucent, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sprinkle in your salt, black pepper, poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, and crushed rosemary. Cook everything together for another 2 minutes to release those wonderful herbal aromas that make stuffing so comforting.
Step 3: Combine Bread and Vegetable Mixture
Transfer the toasted bread cubes to a large mixing bowl and pour in your warm, sautéed onions and celery mixture. Toss thoroughly so the bread cubes are coated evenly with the buttery, seasoned vegetables, setting the stage for the flavorful moisture to come.
Step 4: Moisten with Broth
Gradually pour the chicken or turkey broth over the bread and vegetable mixture, tossing gently after each addition. Your goal is to have the bread moist but not soggy—this is the secret to achieving fluffy, tender stuffing with slightly crisp edges. Add more broth if needed to reach the perfect consistency that holds together without being runny.
Step 5: Bind with Eggs and Fresh Parsley
Mix in the beaten eggs and fresh chopped parsley thoroughly. The eggs act as a binder, ensuring that once baked, your stuffing will hold together beautifully while the parsley adds a bright, fresh note that balances the hearty flavors perfectly.
Step 6: Transfer and Cover the Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread your stuffing mixture evenly inside. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture locked in during the initial baking phase, which helps the entire dish cook evenly and stay tender.
Step 7: Bake until Golden and Crispy
Bake the covered stuffing in your preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and gets those irresistible crispy edges that everyone loves.
Step 8: Let it Rest Before Serving
Allow the stuffing to cool for a few minutes once out of the oven. This short resting time helps it set so it slices and serves beautifully, keeping all the savory flavors intact and ready to complement your meal perfectly.
How to Serve Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh parsley or a few whole sage leaves on top right before serving to add a pop of color and a burst of herbal freshness. A drizzle of melted butter over the warm stuffing can also add gloss and enhance richness.
Side Dishes
This Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, making it the star side dish for your holiday feast. Complement it with roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, or creamy mashed potatoes for a perfectly balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the stuffing in a hollowed-out pumpkin or a rustic baking dish lined with fresh herbs. You can also stuff it inside your turkey cavity for an all-in-one centerpiece that brings that wonderful aroma straight from the oven to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover stuffing to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying as a quick side or reheated snack during the week after your special meal.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe by placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat stuffing, spread it in a greased baking dish and cover with foil. Warm it in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes until heated through. Removing the foil for the last 5–10 minutes will help regain that delightful crispy top.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
Fresh bread tends to be too soft and will result in a mushy stuffing. It is best to use day-old or slightly stale bread, or dry fresh bread in the oven before mixing to achieve the perfect texture.
Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken or turkey broth with a vegetable broth, and use olive oil instead of butter if you prefer. The herbs and vegetables will still provide excellent flavor and texture.
Is it better to cook stuffing inside the turkey or separately?
Cooking inside the turkey allows the stuffing to soak up the drippings but takes longer to cook and requires careful temperature management. Baking separately, like in this recipe, gives you better control over the texture and ensures even cooking.
Can I prepare the stuffing mixture the day before?
Yes! Make the stuffing up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, bake as directed. It might need a few extra minutes in the oven if cold from the fridge.
What can I do if my stuffing turns out too dry?
If the stuffing is too dry after baking, serve it with a little extra warm broth, gravy, or melted butter on the side to add moisture and enhance flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe is truly a treasure to have in your culinary repertoire. Its comforting herbs, tender bread, and buttery vegetables create a timeless dish that feels like a warm hug on your holiday plate. Don’t hesitate to try it—you’ll find yourself making it year after year as a beloved tradition to share with friends and family.
Print
Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 1h 0m
- Total Time: 1h 30m
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Bread Stuffing is a savory and comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals. Made with day-old country bread cubes toasted until dry, sautéed onions and celery, aromatic herbs, and a rich broth binding everything together, this recipe guarantees a crispy top with a moist, flavorful interior. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, it’s a timeless favorite for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 pound loaf of day-old country bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 cups finely chopped onions
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped celery
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cups chicken or turkey broth, plus additional if needed
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Toast the Bread Cubes: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the bread cubes evenly on a large baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the bread is completely dry and crisp. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool. Then, increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) for baking the stuffing later.
- Sauté Vegetables and Herbs: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery and cook until they become soft and translucent, approximately 10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic along with salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, and crushed rosemary. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and well combined.
- Combine Bread and Vegetable Mixture: Transfer the dried bread cubes into a large mixing bowl. Pour the vegetable and butter mixture over the bread and toss well so that all pieces are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Add Broth Gradually: Slowly pour the chicken or turkey broth over the bread mixture while gently tossing to moisten the bread without making it soggy. If necessary, add a little more broth to achieve the right moist consistency.
- Mix in Eggs and Parsley: Stir the beaten eggs and freshly chopped parsley into the mixture thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly and bind the stuffing together.
- Prepare for Baking: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the stuffing mixture into it, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the stuffing moist while baking.
- Bake the Stuffing: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Let the stuffing cool for a few minutes once removed from the oven. Serve warm as a delicious side dish to accompany your holiday feast.
Notes
- Using day-old bread is essential to achieve the proper texture; fresh bread will become too mushy.
- Feel free to substitute chicken broth with turkey broth for a richer flavor.
- Adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of apple cider can add a unique twist to the flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit the eggs or use an egg replacer.
- Make sure not to add too much broth to avoid soggy stuffing. It should be moist but hold its shape.
