Description
This Perfect Homemade Stuffing is a classic holiday side dish made with cubes of bread, savory herbs, and aromatic vegetables, all baked to golden perfection. Whether served with turkey, chicken, or as a cozy casserole, this stuffing is flavorful, moist, and easy to prepare. It’s a must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any comforting family dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) bread, cubed (French bread, sourdough, or white bread)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick / 115 g) unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
🍞 Prepare the Bread:
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Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Toast the Bread:
- Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until dry and slightly golden.
- Alternatively, let bread sit out overnight to dry.
🧄 Cook the Vegetables:
-
Melt the Butter:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
-
Sauté Vegetables:
- Add chopped onion, celery, and garlic.
- Cook until soft and fragrant (5-7 minutes).
-
Add Herbs and Spices:
- Stir in thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, until aromatic.
🥣 Combine the Stuffing:
-
Mix Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and fresh parsley.
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Add Liquids:
- Pour in chicken broth and beaten eggs.
- Gently toss until the bread is evenly coated and moist.
🍲 Bake the Stuffing:
-
Prepare Baking Dish:
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
-
Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
🍽️ Serve:
-
Garnish:
- Sprinkle with additional fresh parsley before serving.
-
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish with turkey, chicken, or roast beef.
- It also pairs well with cranberry sauce and gravy!
Notes
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the stuffing up to 1 day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
- Customize the Flavor: Add cooked sausage, apples, cranberries, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.