This bread stuffing is a cozy mix of soft bread, herbs, and vegetables. Perfect for soaking up all those yummy flavors from your turkey or roast!
You can’t go wrong with a warm bowl of stuffing at the table. It’s like giving your taste buds a big hug! I love adding a little extra sage for a tasty twist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Day-old bread: Using stale bread is key as it soaks up the flavors without becoming mushy. If you don’t have day-old bread, you can dry fresh bread cubes in the oven. White or French bread works great, but feel free to experiment with sourdough or whole grain for added flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt levels in your stuffing. However, you can substitute with olive oil or margarine if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Herbs: Dried sage, thyme, and rosemary give stuffing its iconic flavors. Fresh herbs can be substituted at a 3:1 ratio (3 teaspoons fresh for every 1 teaspoon dried). If you don’t like rosemary, simply skip it or try a different herb like parsley.
Broth: Chicken broth adds richness, but vegetable broth is a perfect substitute for a vegetarian option. You can even use low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together. If you want to make the recipe vegan, you can use flax eggs or chia seeds mixed with water as a substitute.
How Do I Ensure My Stuffing Isn’t Soggy?
A common issue with stuffing is it sometimes turns out too soggy. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with toasted bread cubes. This prevents them from absorbing too much moisture at once.
- Add broth gradually. Pour in a cup or two at a time, tossing gently. You want the bread to be moistened but not swimming in liquid.
- If it feels too wet, stop adding broth. You can always add more if necessary once the eggs are mixed in.
- Allow the baked stuffing to sit a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps it set and achieve the right texture.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious stuffing that’s perfectly moist without being mushy!
Delicious Bread Stuffing Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 10 cups cubed day-old bread (white or French bread)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 3-4 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Herbs and Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons dried sage (or 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped)
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Liquid Ingredients:
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (plus more if needed)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-40 minutes to bake, totaling around 1 hour for a delightful homemade stuffing. Perfect for your holiday table or any family gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Toast the Bread:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, spread your cubed day-old bread on a baking sheet. Toast the bread in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until it’s lightly browned and crisp. Once toasted, remove it from the oven and let it cool.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and celery. Cook while stirring occasionally until the veggies are soft and translucent, which should take about 8-10 minutes. This will create a fantastic base flavor for your stuffing!
3. Add the Garlic and Seasonings:
Now, add the minced garlic, sage, thyme, rosemary (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook everything together for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, allowing all those delicious aromas to fill your kitchen!
4. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetable-herb mixture. Make sure everything is well mixed to spread the flavors evenly.
5. Add Broth and Eggs:
Pour in 2 cups of broth gradually while gently tossing the mixture. You want it to be moist but not soggy! Then add the beaten eggs to bind everything together. Mix well, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
6. Adjust the Moisture:
If it feels a bit dry, don’t worry! Just add more broth a little at a time until the stuffing achieves your desired moistness. It should feel cozy but not swimming in liquid.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Next, transfer the stuffing mixture to a buttered baking dish and spread it out evenly. This will ensure it cooks uniformly.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop your stuffing into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes. You want it to be golden and crisp on top, with a delightful texture on the inside. The aroma will be irresistible!
9. Serve Warm:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired, and then serve warm alongside your favorite dishes.
This classic bread stuffing is savory, packed with herb flavors, and strikes the perfect balance between crunchy edges and a moist interior. It’s an ideal side for your holiday dinners or any comfort food craving!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use your favorite gluten-free bread. Just make sure to toast it well before combining it with the other ingredients to maintain the right texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffing?
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, adding a splash of broth to prevent it from drying out.
Can This Stuffing Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What If I Don’t Have All the Herbs Listed?
No problem! Feel free to use any herbs you have on hand. Parsley, basil, or even Italian seasoning can also work well. Just adjust the quantities to suit your taste!
