Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe
There’s just something magical about a heaping dish of Classic Bread Stuffing at a holiday table—the aroma of savory herbs, the golden, crispy edges, and the soft, flavorful center. This timeless side dish is a foolproof, crowd-pleasing favorite that perfectly channels nostalgia and comfort in every forkful. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, a cozy Sunday roast, or simply craving a taste of tradition, Classic Bread Stuffing is the ultimate companion to any festive meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Classic Bread Stuffing is all about letting humble, straightforward ingredients sing together in perfect harmony. Each item, from the toasted bread cubes to the fresh parsley, brings its own unique character—creating a side dish that’s much greater than the sum of its parts.
- Day-old bread cubes (10 cups): The heart of the recipe—white or sourdough, slightly dried, so they soak up every drop of flavor without getting mushy.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Lends rich, comforting flavor and helps soften the vegetables beautifully.
- Large onion, finely chopped (1): Adds sweetness and depth, building the savory foundation of the stuffing.
- Celery stalks, finely chopped (3): Brings essential crunch and an herbal note that brightens the whole dish.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Just the right touch of aromatic complexity—don’t skip it!
- Chicken or turkey broth (2 1/2 cups): Infuses the bread with rich, meaty flavor; use vegetable broth for vegetarian guests.
- Large eggs, lightly beaten (2): Binds everything together for a tender yet structured texture.
- Poultry seasoning (2 teaspoons): The classic herb blend that instantly evokes “holiday.”
- Dried sage (1 teaspoon): Earthy, woodsy, and wonderfully aromatic—key for that unmistakable stuffing scent.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Savory with a subtle floral note; rounds out the herby backbone.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every other flavor while keeping things perfectly seasoned.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Provides gentle heat and depth.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): Adds color and a burst of freshness both inside and as a garnish.
How to Make Classic Bread Stuffing
Step 1: Prep Your Bread Cubes
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread your day-old bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet, and toast them for about 10 minutes. You want them lightly crisp on the outside—they’ll soak up all that flavorful broth later without becoming soggy. This is a quick step, but it makes an enormous difference in the final texture of your Classic Bread Stuffing.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and garlic, and cook, stirring often, until everything is soft and fragrant—about 7 minutes. This step is truly where the magic begins, as the kitchen fills with the inviting aromas that define holiday cooking. Once softened, sprinkle in the poultry seasoning, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the veggies in those lovely, comforting spices.
Step 3: Mix Bread and Veggies
Transfer your toasted bread cubes into a very large bowl. Pour the hot, buttery vegetable mixture straight over them, using a spatula to scrape up every bit. Gently stir so that those crispy cubes start to soak in the aromatic butter and herbs. This is all about layering flavor at every stage.
Step 4: Moisten and Bind
Next, pour in the chicken or turkey broth (or vegetable broth, if you’re keeping it vegetarian), then add the lightly beaten eggs. Gently toss everything together until the bread is evenly moistened but not mushy—the goal is a soft, held-together stuffing that still has a bit of body. If you like a firmer stuffing, simply add a touch less broth.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly but without pressing down too hard. Cover the dish with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking, then uncover and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. This final stretch allows the top to develop that irresistible, golden crispness that makes Classic Bread Stuffing a table favorite. Let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing generously with bright, fresh parsley.
How to Serve Classic Bread Stuffing
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley always does wonders for Classic Bread Stuffing, offering a pop of color and freshness right before serving. For even more aromatic appeal, you could add a light dusting of extra thyme or some finely grated lemon zest. If you want to get fancy, a few toasted pecans or walnuts on top are delightful and add a bit of crunch.
Side Dishes
Classic Bread Stuffing pairs beautifully with roast turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian main. Serve it alongside velvety mashed potatoes, crisp green beans, or a sweet-tart cranberry sauce for a spread that’s both well rounded and perfectly festive. Don’t forget warm gravy—it’s an absolute must for many stuffing lovers!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’d like a twist on tradition, try baking your stuffing in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned servings with a gorgeously crisp edge. You can also use it to stuff vegetables like roasted bell peppers or mushrooms for charming appetizers, or bake some of the mixture inside a hollowed-out squash for a rustic centerpiece. Classic Bread Stuffing is just as happy shining solo as it is tucked into something unexpected!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store leftover Classic Bread Stuffing, let it cool to room temperature, then cover tightly and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for up to four days, perfect for easy reheating or even late-night snacking.
Freezing
If you find yourself with more stuffing than you can eat right away, no worries—Classic Bread Stuffing freezes surprisingly well. Just transfer cooled stuffing to an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag, and stash it in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When it’s time to reheat, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep things nice and moist, and bake until heated through—about 20–30 minutes, depending on the amount. Remove the foil near the end if you love that crispy top!
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
Technically you can, but for the best Classic Bread Stuffing texture, dried-out bread is ideal—it soaks up liquid without becoming soggy. If you’re short on time, slice and bake fresh bread cubes at a low temperature until they’re crisp.
What can I use instead of poultry seasoning?
If you’re out of poultry seasoning, use a blend of dried sage, thyme, marjoram, and a pinch of rosemary. These herbs give you that familiar holiday flavor profile that makes Classic Bread Stuffing so special.
Is Classic Bread Stuffing vegetarian?
It can be! Just swap chicken or turkey broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version that everyone at the table can enjoy.
Can I make Classic Bread Stuffing in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the unbaked stuffing, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake—it actually develops even deeper flavors as it sits.
How do I make my stuffing extra flavorful?
Don’t be shy with the herbs and aromatics, and consider mixing in extras like sautéed mushrooms, chopped apples, dried cranberries, or even cooked sausage. A drizzle of pan drippings from your roast adds rich, savory depth, too!
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Classic Bread Stuffing holds a special place on every holiday table—it’s soul-warming, crave-worthy, and always delivers on taste. Don’t be surprised if this recipe becomes a beloved staple in your family, too—give it a try, and let the cozy aromas and comforting flavors work their holiday magic!
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Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Classic Bread Stuffing is a must-have side dish for the holiday table. This traditional recipe features a savory blend of bread cubes, aromatic vegetables, and herbs, all baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Bread Cubes:
- 10 cups day-old bread cubes (white or sourdough)
Vegetable Mixture:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings:
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Toast bread cubes: Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10 minutes until crisp.
- Saute vegetables: In a skillet, melt butter and cook onion, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Add seasonings: Stir in poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: Place toasted bread cubes in a bowl, pour vegetable mixture over them, add broth and eggs, mix gently.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to baking dish, cover with foil, bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare this stuffing a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- For extra richness, replace part of the broth with chicken drippings.
- If you prefer a drier stuffing, reduce the broth slightly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
