Homemade Stuffing Recipe That Wows Every Time

Crafting a mouthwatering homemade stuffing recipe can turn an ordinary meal into a culinary celebration.

Every kitchen holds the potential for extraordinary flavor combinations.

Herbs and breadcrumbs dance together, creating a symphony of comfort and warmth.

Grandmothers and professional chefs alike understand the magic of a perfectly seasoned side dish.

Sage, thyme, and rosemary whisper memories of festive gatherings and cozy moments.

Crispy edges and soft centers beckon you to take that first delightful bite.

Trust me, this recipe will become your new favorite go-to side that impresses everyone at the table.

Why Perfect Homemade Stuffing Lives Up to Its Name

• Perfect stuffing that turns ordinary meals into memorable feasts.
• Easily prepare a classic side dish that brings everyone together at the dinner table.
• Adaptable recipe that shines during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering without complicated steps.
• Swap ingredients like adding sausage, chestnuts, or different herbs to match your family's taste preferences and make the recipe uniquely yours.

What You Need for Homemade Stuffing

• Bread Cubes: A classic base for stuffing, provides hearty texture and absorbs flavors well. Day-old or slightly stale bread works best for optimal moisture absorption.

• Onion, Celery: Classic stuffing vegetables that provide depth and savory foundation. Fresh, crisp vegetables add the best flavor and crunch.
• Garlic: Adds robust, warm flavor to the stuffing. Fresh garlic cloves offer more intense taste than pre-minced options.

• Thyme, Sage, Parsley: Traditional herbs that create classic stuffing flavor profile. Fresh herbs provide more vibrant taste compared to dried versions.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste. Freshly ground black pepper offers more complex flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and rich flavor to the stuffing. Homemade or low-sodium store-bought broth works well.
• Eggs: Helps bind ingredients together and creates a cohesive texture. Room temperature eggs mix more easily.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps sauté vegetables. Unsalted butter allows better control of overall saltiness.

Bake Your Homemade Stuffing Like This

Step 1: Toast Bread Cubes

• Crank the oven to 350F (175C)
• Spread bread cubes across a baking sheet
• Bake for 10-15 minutes until crispy and light golden
• Option: Let bread air dry overnight for extra crunchiness

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat
• Toss in
• Chopped onions
• Chopped celery
• Cook until vegetables soften and become translucent
• Add minced garlic and herbs
• Sprinkle salt and pepper
• Stir until fragrant and delicious

Step 3: Create Stuffing Magic

• Dump toasted bread cubes into a spacious mixing bowl
• Fold in sauteed vegetable mixture
• Pour chicken broth gradually
• Mix until bread absorbs liquid evenly
• Crack eggs and whisk directly into the mixture
• Stir until everything binds together delightfully

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

• Transfer stuffing to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish
• Cover with aluminum foil
• Bake for 30 minutes
• Remove foil
• Continue baking 15-20 minutes until top turns golden and crispy
• Sprinkle fresh parsley on top
• Serve immediately and watch everyone swoon

Tips to Get Your Stuffing Just Right

• Customize Bread Selection: Choose day-old bread like sourdough, French, or challah for richer flavor and better texture absorption.
• Prevent Soggy Stuffing: Ensure bread cubes are completely dry before mixing to maintain a crispy, light consistency that doesn't become mushy.
• Boost Herb Intensity: Freshly chopped herbs provide more vibrant flavors compared to dried versions, elevating the overall taste profile of the stuffing.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use butter alternative for a delicious plant-based version suitable for vegetarian diets.
• Enhance Moisture Control: Add broth gradually and stop when bread is just moistened to avoid overly wet stuffing that becomes dense and heavy.

Keeping Homemade Stuffing Ready to Serve

• Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled stuffing to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Spread stuffing in a baking dish, drizzle with extra chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place stuffing in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle with broth, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Great Matches for Homemade Stuffing

• Serve a crisp Chardonnay with balanced oak to complement the herbal notes and buttery texture of the stuffing, creating a delightful taste connection.
• Pair the stuffing directly with roasted turkey, letting the herb-infused bread cubes absorb meat juices and create a sublime classic holiday combination.
• Add a side of homemade cranberry sauce to introduce a bright, tangy element that cuts through the rich, savory stuffing, balancing the overall flavor profile.
• Introduce a chilled sparkling apple cider to provide a light, effervescent counterpoint that refreshes the palate between bites of dense, hearty stuffing.

Homemade Stuffing Twists You’ll Like

• Gluten-Free Herb Stuffing: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread cubes or cornbread, ensuring a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic stuffing flavor profile.
• Vegan Mushroom Stuffing: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth, use olive oil instead of butter, and add sautéed wild mushrooms for depth and richness, creating a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Stuffing: Substitute bread cubes with riced cauliflower, keeping the traditional herb blend and adding chopped nuts for texture, perfect for keto and low-carbohydrate diets.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Stuffing: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and fresh rosemary to give the classic recipe a Mediterranean-inspired transformation with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

Questions About Homemade Stuffing

• Why do I need to toast the bread cubes first?

Toasting bread cubes helps remove moisture and creates a better texture for stuffing. Dry bread absorbs more flavor and prevents the stuffing from becoming soggy.

• Can I use different types of bread?

Yes, you can use various bread types like sourdough, white, or whole wheat. Just ensure the bread is day-old or dried out to maintain the right consistency.

• How do I know if the stuffing is cooked properly?

The stuffing is done when the top is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). It should be moist but not wet.

• Is it necessary to use chicken broth?

Chicken broth adds rich flavor, but you can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or use turkey stock for more depth.

Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savory “perfect homemade stuffing” delivers classic comfort with herbed breadcrumbs and rich aromatic flavors. Moist, golden-brown goodness promises a delightful side dish that brings warmth to family gatherings and holiday tables.

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Ingredients

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Bread and Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) bread, cubed (French bread, sourdough, or white bread)
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 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)
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Vegetables and Liquids:

• ½ cup (1 stick / 115 g) unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 ½ cups (600 ml) chicken or vegetable broth

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal environment for transforming bread cubes into a crispy, golden base for the stuffing.
2. Arrange bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring even drying and toasting. Allow cubes to become crisp and light golden, approximately 10-15 minutes. For a hands-off approach, let bread cubes air-dry overnight.
3. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium temperature, creating a rich foundation for the vegetable medley. Introduce chopped onions and celery, sautéing until they become translucent and tender.
4. Enhance the vegetable mixture with minced garlic, thyme, sage, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously to distribute aromatics and prevent burning, cooking until fragrant.
5. Transfer the toasted bread cubes into a spacious mixing bowl. Gently fold the sautéed vegetable mixture into the bread, ensuring uniform distribution of flavors.
6. Gradually pour chicken broth over the bread mixture, stirring carefully to moisten the cubes without creating soggy patches. Incorporate beaten eggs to provide structural integrity and binding.
7. Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing the surface. Spread the stuffing mixture evenly, creating a smooth, consistent layer that will cook uniformly.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, protecting the stuffing from excessive direct heat. Bake for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to cook thoroughly.
9. Remove the foil during the final cooking phase, exposing the stuffing to direct oven heat. Continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the top develops a crisp, golden-brown crust.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving, adding a vibrant touch of color and fresh herbaceous flavor to the finished dish.

Notes

• Customize your bread selection by using day-old sourdough, cornbread, or a mix of different bread types for unique flavor profiles.
• Enhance moisture by adding extra liquid gradually to prevent soggy or dry stuffing, ensuring a perfect texture that’s neither too wet nor crumbly.
• Adapt the recipe for dietary needs by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth and using gluten-free bread for a celiac-friendly version.
• Boost flavor complexity by incorporating additional ingredients like crispy bacon, chopped chestnuts, dried cranberries, or sautéed mushrooms to elevate the traditional stuffing recipe.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 245
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg