This Stuffing Recipe is all about crispy edges, soft center, and a blend of herbs that smell like the holidays. It’s made with bread cubes, onions, celery, butter, and just the right amount of seasoning to make it feel like a warm hug from the inside out.
I love making this stuffing because it’s simple but totally satisfying. I usually toast the bread cubes ahead so they soak up just the right amount of broth and butter without getting mushy. It’s the kind of side dish that disappears quickly at the table, and I always end up sneaking a few extra bites while cooking!
My favorite way to serve stuffing is right alongside roast chicken or turkey, although it’s great with almost any meal that needs a cozy, comforting side. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser and definitely one of those recipes that brings everyone together, whether it’s a special occasion or just a tasty weeknight meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Cubes: Day-old white bread is perfect because it soaks up broth well without turning mushy. If you want a different flavor, try sourdough, whole wheat, or cornbread cubes instead. Just make sure they’re dry or toasted.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds rich flavor and helps soften the veggies. You can swap with olive oil for a lighter or dairy-free version, but it changes the taste a bit.
Onions & Celery: These bring classic savory depth. Feel free to add carrots for extra sweetness, or shallots if you want a milder onion taste.
Herbs: Sage, thyme, and rosemary give that traditional stuffing taste. Fresh or dried both work—just adjust the amount; fresh herbs are less concentrated, so use about 3 times more if fresh.
Broth & Eggs: Broth moistens the bread while eggs help bind everything. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Adjust broth amount depending on how moist or dry you like your stuffing.
How Can You Get Stuffing Moist but Not Soggy?
Moist stuffing is all about balancing liquid so the bread soaks flavor but keeps texture. Here’s what works well:
- Dry or toast bread cubes before mixing. This lets them absorb broth without falling apart.
- Add broth slowly while mixing, so you can see if the mixture feels too wet or dry.
- Use eggs in the mix to hold the stuffing together as it bakes.
- Cover with foil part of the bake to keep moisture in, then uncover at the end so the top crisps up.
By following these steps, your stuffing will be tender inside yet still crispy on top—a great combo that everyone loves!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large baking sheet – I use this to toast the bread cubes evenly and make sure they’re dry and crispy.
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for tossing the bread, veggies, herbs, and liquids all together.
- Skillet – ideal for sautéing onions, celery, and garlic with butter until fragrant and tender.
- Whisk – keeps the broth and eggs smooth, so the mixture evenly moistens the bread.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – best for baking the stuffing until golden and crisp on top.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein boost: Add cooked sausage, bacon, or shredded chicken for extra flavor and heartiness.
- Cheese: Mix in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or mozzarella for a cheesy twist that melts into the stuffing.
- Veggies: Include sautéed mushrooms, cooked apples, or chopped carrots to add more texture and flavor.
- Herb swaps: Use fresh thyme, parsley, or rosemary if you prefer a different herbal note or want to customize the flavor profile.
Classic Herb Stuffing Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Stuffing:
- 12 cups cubed day-old white bread (about 1-inch cubes)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups yellow onion, finely chopped (about 2 medium onions)
- 1 ½ cups celery, finely chopped (about 3 stalks)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried sage
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 ½ to 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Optional: fresh herb sprigs for garnish (rosemary, sage, or thyme)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 45 minutes to toast the bread cubes beforehand. Baking the stuffing takes around 45 minutes total—25 minutes covered and 20 minutes uncovered—making the whole process roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Toast the Bread Cubes:
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the bread cubes evenly on baking sheets. Bake them for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure they dry and toast lightly. Once done, remove them and let cool. You can also use store-bought dried bread cubes or cornbread cubes if you prefer.
2. Cook the Vegetables and Herbs:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are softened and translucent. Then, stir in the dried sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Let cook for another 1-2 minutes until the herbs release their fragrance.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Place the toasted bread cubes in a very large mixing bowl. Add the cooked vegetable and herb mixture along with the chopped fresh parsley. Toss gently to combine everything evenly.
4. Add Broth and Eggs:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth and beaten eggs. Gradually pour this mixture over the bread and vegetable mix. Stir gently to moisten the bread without making it soggy. You may not need all the broth, so add it slowly and stop when the mixture feels moist but holds its shape.
5. Bake the Stuffing:
Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake in the oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
6. Rest and Serve:
Take the stuffing out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. If you’d like, garnish with fresh herb sprigs for a beautiful touch. Serve warm as the perfect side dish alongside roast turkey, chicken, or your favorite meal.
Can I Use Frozen Bread Cubes for Stuffing?
Yes! Just thaw them completely before using. Spread the thawed bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven to dry them out before mixing—they’ll soak up the broth better and help prevent sogginess.
Can I Make This Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the stuffing mixture, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and follow the baking instructions—it might need a few extra minutes in the oven.
How Should I Store Leftover Stuffing?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, which helps preserve the crispy top texture.
What Are Good Variations to Try?
You can add cooked sausage, bacon, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip any meat add-ins—feel free to experiment with different herbs to suit your taste!