Perfect Homemade Stuffing

Perfect Homemade Stuffing is a timeless holiday classic that elevates any meal with its rich flavors and comforting texture. Made with a blend of toasted bread, savory herbs, and a hint of aromatic vegetables, this stuffing is simple to make but packed with deliciousness. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy Sunday dinner, this stuffing will quickly become a favorite at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Comfort: A traditional, flavorful stuffing that brings warmth to any meal.
• Customizable: Adjust the herbs, bread, and veggies to fit your taste.
• Perfect Texture: Crispy on top, soft and savory inside.
• Make Ahead: Can be prepared in advance and baked when ready to serve.

this Recipe

Ingredients

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

• 1 loaf of day-old bread (French, sourdough, or white bread works well)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Prepare the bread: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them out on a baking sheet. Toast the bread in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
3. Sauté the veggies: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Season the mixture: Stir in the sage, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute.
5. Combine bread and veggies: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables and herbs.
6. Make the stuffing mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Pour this mixture over the bread and veggie mixture, tossing gently to combine. The bread should absorb the liquid but remain slightly moist.
7. Assemble the stuffing: Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
9. Garnish and serve: Let the stuffing cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Sausage Stuffing: Add browned sausage to the veggie mixture for extra flavor.
• Fruit & Nut Stuffing: Stir in dried cranberries, apples, or chopped pecans for a sweet and savory twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread to make this stuffing gluten-free.
• Herb Variation: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, or marjoram for a different flavor profile.
• Vegan Version: Replace butter with olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This stuffing freezes well! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffing up to 1 day in advance. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it as directed.

Can I use store-bought bread cubes?

Absolutely! You can use pre-packaged bread cubes if you’re short on time. Just be sure to toast them before mixing with the veggies and broth.

What kind of bread is best for stuffing?

Day-old bread is ideal. French, sourdough, or white bread work best for stuffing, as they absorb the liquid well and have a soft yet sturdy texture.

Can I add meat to this stuffing?

Yes! Cooked sausage, ground turkey, or bacon can be mixed in for added flavor and richness.

How do I make this stuffing spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or finely chopped fresh jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes! If you prefer fresh herbs, use 3 tablespoons of fresh sage and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme instead of the dried versions.

Can I make this stuffing without eggs?

Yes! If you’re avoiding eggs, you can omit them and increase the broth to help bind the ingredients together.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth works perfectly if you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option.

How do I keep the stuffing from becoming too dry?

Make sure the bread absorbs enough liquid and is slightly moist before baking. If it looks too dry, you can add a little more broth before baking.

How do I make my stuffing crispy on top?

Make sure to bake the stuffing uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes so the top gets golden and crispy.

Conclusion

Perfect Homemade Stuffing is the ultimate side dish that never goes out of style. With its combination of toasted bread, savory vegetables, and aromatic herbs, it’s the ideal companion to any meal. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just craving a comforting meal, this stuffing will always be a crowd-pleaser. Make it your own with fun variations or keep it classic—the choice is yours!

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