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Let me introduce you to the Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe, a timeless dish that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering side everyone will rave about. This stuffing captures the warmth of home cooking with golden toasted bread, fragrant herbs, and the rich, comforting flavors of sautéed vegetables and savory broth. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or an everyday dinner, this recipe will become your go-to for delicious, soul-satisfying stuffing that tastes like tradition on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously to create such incredible depth of flavor. Each one plays a vital role—from the crispy toasted bread providing texture, to the herbs infusing the stuffing with that classic, herby aroma, and the broth gently binding it all together into one scrumptious dish.
- Day-old white or French bread (12 cups, cubed): Using day-old bread helps it absorb moisture perfectly without turning soggy.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Adds richness and helps soften the sautéed vegetables.
- Onion (1 large, finely chopped): Brings a sweet, savory base that elevates the flavor profile.
- Celery stalks (2, finely chopped): Offers a fresh, crisp texture and classic stuffing crunch.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds a warming depth and aromatic lift.
- Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (1 ½ cups, plus more if needed): Ensures the stuffing stays moist and flavorful.
- Large egg (1, beaten): Acts as a binder to keep everything together beautifully.
- Dried sage (1 ½ tsp) or fresh sage (2 tbsp, chopped): The signature herb that defines the classic stuffing taste.
- Dried thyme (1 tsp) or fresh thyme (1 tbsp, chopped): Adds a subtle earthiness and complexity.
- Salt (1/2 tsp or to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp or to taste): Gives a gentle, warming kick.
- Fresh parsley (1/2 cup, chopped): Sprinkles brightness and freshness throughout.
- Optional add-ins: dried cranberries, raisins, chopped nuts, or cooked sausage (about 1/2 cup): Personalize your stuffing with sweet, crunchy, or savory twists.
How to Make Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cutting your day-old bread into 1-inch cubes sets the stage for a perfect texture. Spread these cubes out on a baking sheet and toast them for 10 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through to achieve a beautiful golden color. This toasting step is crucial; it dries out the bread just enough to soak up all the flavors later without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
While your bread is toasting, melt that half cup of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic, then cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until everything is tender and aromatic. The softened veggies provide a savory base that infuses the entire stuffing with incredible flavor.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the toasted bread cubes and sautéed vegetables. Add the sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and freshly chopped parsley. If you’re feeling adventurous, now’s when you can mix in optional ingredients like dried cranberries, nuts, or cooked sausage to add extra layers of flavor and texture. Pour in the beaten egg and slowly incorporate the chicken or vegetable broth until every bread cube is evenly moist, but not soaking wet. You may need to add a splash more broth depending on how absorbent your bread is.
Step 4: Bake the Stuffing
Transfer your mixture to a generously buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. Press it down lightly to compact everything. Cover the dish with foil, then bake for 30 to 35 minutes. This covered baking lets the stuffing steam and hold its moisture. After that, remove the foil and bake for an extra 10 to 15 minutes to achieve a crispy, golden crust on top that everyone loves.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Once your stuffing is out of the oven, give it a 5-minute rest. This brief pause lets the flavors meld perfectly and makes it easier to serve beautiful slices without falling apart.
How to Serve Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few extra chopped herbs right before serving brightens the dish visually and freshens the flavors. For a festive touch, scatter some dried cranberries or toasted nuts on top for a pop of color and texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe pairs beautifully with a classic roast turkey or chicken, bringing that comforting, savory element that balances juicy meats perfectly. Roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, and a fresh green salad also complement this dish wonderfully, creating a memorable meal full of warmth and heart.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your stuffing in individual ramekins for an elegant touch, perfect for holiday dinners or intimate gatherings. You can also stuff it inside roasted bell peppers or mushrooms for a fun, bite-sized appetizer version. For a casserole twist, layer it with cooked sausage and drizzle with gravy for ultimate indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, transfer any leftover stuffing to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Bringing those leftovers back to life is easy and just as delicious the next day!
Freezing
If you want to save stuffing for longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Place cooled stuffing in a freezer-safe container or bag, label it, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat your stuffing, place it in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 to 25 minutes. To restore a crispier top, remove the foil for the last 5 to 10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but won’t give you that delightful crust.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this stuffing?
Absolutely! While white or French bread are classic choices, mixing in whole wheat or cornbread can add unique flavors and textures. Just make sure the bread is day-old to prevent sogginess.
Is it possible to make this stuffing vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip any meat add-ins like sausage. It remains just as flavorful thanks to the herbs and butter.
How do I keep my stuffing moist but not mushy?
To get the perfect texture, toast the bread cubes thoroughly, and add the broth gradually. The bread should be moist but still hold its shape. Avoid adding too much liquid at once.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?
Definitely! You can combine all ingredients and store the mixture in the fridge overnight. When ready, just transfer it to your baking dish and follow the baking instructions. This makes holiday prep much easier.
What herbs work best in the Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe?
Sage and thyme are traditional and essential for that classic stuffing flavor. Fresh parsley adds brightness. Feel free to experiment with rosemary or marjoram for a twist.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that brings people together around the table with smiles and second helpings. It’s simple, comforting, and endlessly adaptable—just like a great recipe should be. Once you make it, it’s bound to become a treasured staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine!
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Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Perfect Homemade Stuffing recipe combines toasted bread cubes with sautéed onions, celery, garlic, fresh herbs, and broth for a moist and flavorful classic side dish. Enhanced with optional additions like dried cranberries, nuts, or sausage, it’s baked to golden perfection, making it an ideal accompaniment for holiday meals or any comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Bread Base
- 1 loaf (about 12 cups) day-old white or French bread, cubed (optionally mix with whole wheat or cornbread)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 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 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (plus more as needed)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional: 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins, chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), or cooked sausage
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bread cubes are slightly dry and golden.
- Cook the Vegetables: Melt the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Stir gently to mix everything evenly.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, mix in optional ingredients such as dried cranberries or raisins, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or cooked sausage to add extra flavor and texture.
- Moisten the Mixture: Stir in the beaten egg and 1 ½ cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth. Mix until the bread is evenly moistened; add more broth if needed to achieve a slightly moist but not soggy consistency.
- Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, lightly pressing it down to pack evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake the stuffing uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Let the stuffing rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly for perfect texture.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for best texture; fresh bread might result in a soggy stuffing.
- You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Customize with your favorite add-ins like mushrooms, sausage, or different nuts.
- Covering the stuffing during the first part of baking ensures it stays moist inside.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread.
