This bread stuffing is a warm and cozy dish perfect for holidays or family dinners. With soft bread cubes, savory herbs, and tasty broth, it adds a delightful touch to any meal!
Honestly, the smell of it baking is pure magic! I love serving it alongside roast turkey or chicken. Who can resist that buttery goodness? It’s like a hug on a plate! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Day-old bread is key here! It soaks up all the flavors without getting mushy. I love using sourdough for its tangy taste. If you don’t have it, any crusty bread like French or Italian will work well too!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you’d like a healthier option, olive oil or vegan butter can be good substitutes. I often switch to olive oil for a lighter option.
Onion & Celery: These aromatics build the base flavor. If you’re short on time, pre-chopped onions and celery can work; just keep in mind they may not taste as fresh. You could also use leeks or shallots for a different flavor.
Herbs: Fresh herbs make a big difference! If you can’t find fresh, dried herbs are fine too, but use less. I sometimes add a pinch of rosemary for a twist, if you’re feeling adventurous!
How Do You Ensure Your Stuffing Is Perfectly Moist?
The key here is balancing moisture and texture. After toasting the bread, it needs enough broth to soak up the flavors. Follow these tips:
- Start with about 3 cups of broth and gradually add more, checking the texture as you go. Aim for moist, not soggy!
- Gently squeeze the mixture with your hands; it should hold together but not be drenched. A light press is enough.
- If it seems dry after mixing, add a bit more broth until just right.
How to Make Delicious Bread Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffing:
- 12 cups bread cubes (approximately 1-inch pieces, preferably day-old white or sourdough bread)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups celery, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 to 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (warmed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 45-50 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll be looking at about 1 hour and 5 minutes to have this warm, comforting dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar casserole dish to prevent sticking and give your stuffing a lovely golden finish.
2. Toast the Bread Cubes:
Spread your bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 15 minutes, turning them halfway through. You want them to be lightly golden and dry, but not browned. Remove them from the oven and let them cool.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion and celery, cooking them until they soften, which will take about 8-10 minutes.
4. Add Seasonings:
Next, add the minced garlic, parsley, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes until all the flavors meld together and the garlic is fragrant. Once done, remove the mixture from heat.
5. Combine Ingredients:
In a very large bowl, mix the toasted bread cubes with the cooked vegetable-herb mixture. This step is where all the delicious flavors come together!
6. Add Broth Gradually:
Now it’s time to moisten the stuffing. Gradually pour in the warmed broth, about 1/2 cup at a time. Gently toss the mixture with a spoon or use your hands. You want it to be moist but not soggy, so it should hold together when pressed lightly.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Carefully transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
8. Bake the Stuffing:
Cover the dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy. Trust me, the smell will be incredible!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the stuffing from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This is a perfect side dish for any holiday meal or cozy family dinner!
Enjoy your delicious, herb-infused bread stuffing—your guests will love it! 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Stuffing?
Absolutely! While day-old white or sourdough bread works best, you can use any crusty bread like French or Italian for added flavor. Just make sure it’s dried out enough to absorb the broth without getting mushy.
Can I Prepare This Stuffing in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffing up to a day in advance. Just store it covered in the fridge. Before baking, let it come to room temperature and adjust any seasonings if needed. You might also want to add a splash of broth before baking to ensure it stays moist!
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffing?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can add a little broth to keep it moist while reheating.
Can I Make This Stuffing Vegetarian?
Definitely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’re all set for a delicious vegetarian stuffing. You can also add more veggies or nuts for extra texture and flavor!
