Perfect Homemade Stuffing

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

Perfect Homemade Stuffing is a classic, savory dish that’s an essential part of any holiday feast. With a balance of aromatic herbs, softened vegetables, and crispy bread, it brings warmth and comfort to the table. Whether paired with turkey, roast chicken, or enjoyed on its own, this stuffing is sure to become a staple in your holiday menu.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s versatile and can be customized with your favorite add-ins like sausage, nuts, or dried fruits.

The combination of fresh herbs and butter-sauteed vegetables makes it incredibly flavorful.

Toasting the bread adds a delightful texture, balancing softness and crispiness.

Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a comforting side dish any time of year.

It’s easy to make ahead, so you can focus on the main course during busy meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 loaf (about 12 cups) day-old white bread or French bread, cubed (optionally mix with whole wheat or cornbread)

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (plus more as needed)

1 large egg, beaten

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 ½ tsp dried sage (or 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped)

1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped)

1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)

1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Optional: 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins, chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), or cooked sausage for added flavor

Directions

Prepare the Bread:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Toast the bread for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway, until it’s slightly dry and golden. (Skip this step if using store-bought toasted cubes, though fresh toasting enhances flavor.)

Cook the Vegetables:

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Remove from heat.

Combine the Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, place the toasted bread cubes.

Add the sautéed vegetables, including the butter, to the bowl. Stir in sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and parsley.

Add any optional ingredients, such as cranberries, nuts, or sausage, at this stage.

Mix in the beaten egg and chicken broth, stirring gently until the bread is evenly moistened. Add more broth if needed, a tablespoon at a time.

Bake the Stuffing:

Transfer the stuffing to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. For a crisp top, lightly press the mixture into the dish, leaving the surface uneven.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

Serve:

Let the stuffing rest for 5 minutes before serving. This dish is a flavorful addition to any holiday meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10 servings (adjust based on portion size)

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Sweet Add-Ins: Mix in dried cranberries, raisins, or diced apples for a touch of sweetness.

Savory Boost: Add cooked sausage, bacon, or mushrooms for heartier flavors.

Nutty Crunch: Include chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added texture.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread cubes for a celiac-friendly version.

Vegan: Swap the butter for vegan butter, the egg for a flax egg, and use vegetable broth.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry.

Related Recipes:

FAQs

How can I make stuffing ahead of time?

Prepare the stuffing up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Can I use other types of bread?

Yes! A mix of white, whole wheat, sourdough, or even cornbread adds depth and variety to the flavor.

How do I make stuffing crispy on top?

After baking covered, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Leaving the top uneven helps create crispy edges.

Can I cook this inside a turkey?

Yes, but ensure the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Cooking it separately ensures consistent texture.

What if my stuffing is too dry or too wet?

Add more broth a tablespoon at a time if it’s too dry. If it’s too wet, bake it uncovered a bit longer to allow excess moisture to evaporate.

Conclusion

This Perfect Homemade Stuffing is a must-have for holiday gatherings or anytime comfort food is calling your name. With its customizable flavors, crispy topping, and moist interior, it’s a side dish everyone will love. Whether served alongside turkey, chicken, or as a standalone dish, it’s bound to be the star of the table. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it year after year.


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Perfect Homemade Stuffing


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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Perfect Homemade Stuffing is a savory, classic dish perfect for holiday feasts. Made with toasted bread, butter-sautéed vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this versatile side pairs beautifully with turkey or chicken and can be customized with add-ins like sausage or dried cranberries. A comforting favorite for every holiday table!


Ingredients

1 loaf (about 12 cups) day-old white or French bread, cubed (optionally mix with whole wheat or cornbread)

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (plus more as needed)

1 large egg, beaten

1 ½ tsp dried sage (or 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped)

1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped)

1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)

1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Optional: 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins, chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), or cooked sausage


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread
    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and spread on a baking sheet.
    • Toast for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway, until slightly dry and golden.
  2. Cook the Vegetables
    • Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
    • Add onion, celery, and garlic, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  3. Combine Ingredients
    • In a large bowl, combine toasted bread, sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and parsley.
    • Stir in optional ingredients like cranberries or sausage.
    • Mix in beaten egg and broth until the bread is evenly moistened. Add more broth as needed.
  4. Bake the Stuffing
    • Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch dish, lightly pressing the mixture.
    • Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes.
    • Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
  5. Serve
    • Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For added crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts before baking.

Ensure stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F if cooked inside poultry.

Make ahead and store unbaked in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8-10 servings

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