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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal environment for transforming bread cubes into a crispy, golden base for the stuffing.
- 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.
- 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.
- Enhance the vegetable mixture with minced garlic, thyme, sage, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously to distribute aromatics and prevent burning, cooking until fragrant.
- Transfer the toasted bread cubes into a spacious mixing bowl. Gently fold the sautéed vegetable mixture into the bread, ensuring uniform distribution of flavors.
- 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.
- Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing the surface. Spread the stuffing mixture evenly, creating a smooth, consistent layer that will cook uniformly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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