The Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe for Holiday Magic

Thanksgiving brings warmth and comfort to every gathering, with a delightful easy stuffing recipe that never fails to impress hungry guests.

Family traditions often revolve around this classic side dish that complements roasted meats perfectly.

Herbs and bread cubes merge into a magical blend of savory goodness that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Crispy edges and soft, fragrant centers make this stuffing a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Simple ingredients come together in minutes, transforming ordinary bread into a memorable holiday staple.

Baking this recipe will earn you delighted smiles and requests for seconds from everyone around the table.

What People Love About This Easy Stuffing

• This stuffing recipe is a total game-changer for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Even beginners can nail this recipe with simple steps and basic ingredients that create a delicious side dish.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or any moment you crave a warm, hearty accompaniment to your main course.
• Swap herbs, add nuts, or include extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours while keeping the classic, comforting flavor profile.

Ingredients for Simple Homemade Stuffing

• Bread Cubes: A classic base for stuffing that provides a hearty texture and absorbs the flavors of other ingredients.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and rich, savory flavor to the stuffing mixture.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps to sauté vegetables and create a golden, crispy top.

• Onions, Celery: Bring depth of flavor and create a classic stuffing base with their aromatic qualities.
• Poultry Seasoning, Parsley, Sage, Thyme: Fresh herbs and seasonings that enhance the overall taste and provide a traditional stuffing profile.

• Salt, Pepper: Simple seasonings that balance and elevate the overall flavor of the stuffing.

How to Make This No-Fuss Stuffing

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven toasty at 350°F, preparing a cozy space for your delicious stuffing to bake perfectly.

Step 2: Sauté Veggie Magic

In a large skillet, melt butter and transform your vegetables into a flavor-packed base.

• Diced onions
• Chopped celery
• Poultry seasoning

Cook on medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes until the vegetables become soft and release their aromatic charm.

Step 3: Blend Bread and Herbs

• Dry bread cubes
• Freshly chopped parsley
• Fragrant sage
• Delicate thyme

Gently combine the sautéed vegetables with the bread and herbs.

Step 4: Moisten with Broth

Slowly drizzle chicken broth over the bread mixture, stirring carefully.

Add broth gradually to achieve the perfect moisture level without making the stuffing soggy.

You’ll want a texture that’s moist but not wet.

Step 5: Season and Prepare

Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.

Feel free to dot the top with extra butter for an indulgent touch.

Cover the dish with foil to lock in moisture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the covered dish into the oven and bake for 35 minutes.

Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes.

This final step will create a wonderfully crispy golden top that adds texture and excitement to your stuffing.

Tips for Easy Stuffing Success

• Add broth slowly and mix gently to prevent soggy or dry stuffing, ensuring perfect texture every time.
• Choose fresh herbs like parsley, sage, and thyme for maximum flavor depth and aromatic richness in your stuffing.
• Use day-old bread or leave bread cubes out overnight to dry, which helps them absorb liquid without becoming mushy.
• Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and add sautéed mushrooms for extra umami and protein in a plant-based version.
• Uncover the dish during the last 10 minutes of baking to achieve a golden, crunchy surface that adds delightful texture contrast.

How to Keep and Warm Up Stuffing

• Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring it stays fresh and safe to eat.
• Transfer cooled stuffing to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 1 month, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Place stuffing in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of chicken broth to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread stuffing in a baking dish, drizzle with broth or melted butter. Cover with foil, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, then uncover for 5 minutes to crisp the top.

Stuffing Pairings That Work Great

• Pair Perfectly with Roasted Poultry: Classic herb-infused stuffing craves a golden, crispy-skinned roast turkey or chicken, creating a harmonious flavor symphony that screams traditional holiday comfort.
• Match with Cranberry Sauce: Tart and sweet cranberry sauce cuts through the rich, buttery stuffing, providing a bright contrast that dances on your taste buds and elevates the entire meal experience.
• Pour Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the herb-laden stuffing, its light acidity and clean finish cleansing the palate between delicious bites of savory goodness.
• Serve with Herb-Roasted Root Vegetables: Complementary roasted carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts share similar herb notes, creating a cohesive side dish lineup that brings warmth and depth to your plate.

Variations to Try for Easy Stuffing

• Gluten-Free Herb Stuffing: Replace bread cubes with gluten-free bread or cornbread, ensuring a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic stuffing flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Stuffing: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and add sautéed mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for a hearty plant-based alternative that delivers rich, earthy notes.
• Low-Sodium Sage Stuffing: Use reduced-sodium broth and fresh herbs to cut salt content while preserving the traditional stuffing taste, perfect for heart-healthy diets.
• Vegan Quinoa Stuffing: Substitute butter with olive oil, use vegetable broth, and mix in cooked quinoa for a protein-packed, dairy-free option that's both nutritious and satisfying.

FAQs

• How do I choose the right bread for stuffing?

Select day-old bread or bread that’s slightly stale. White or sourdough bread works best. Cut the bread into uniform cubes and let them dry out overnight to ensure the right texture.

• Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?

Yes, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use butter alternatives like olive oil or plant-based butter. The herbs and vegetables will still provide amazing flavor.

• What if my stuffing feels too dry or too wet?

Add broth gradually and mix carefully. If too dry, add more broth slowly. If too wet, mix in more dry bread cubes. The key is achieving a moist but not soggy consistency.

• Is it safe to prepare stuffing ahead of time?

You can prepare the mixture a day before and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time when cooking from cold. Always ensure it reaches 165°F internally for food safety.

Easy Stuffing Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting holiday Stuffing brings warmth to family gatherings with classic sage and herb flavors. Crisp bread cubes mingle with savory seasonings, creating a perfect side dish you’ll crave at every festive meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 cups bread cubes
• 2 small yellow onions
• 4 ribs celery
• 2/3 cup (156 milliliters) butter

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons poultry seasoning or 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
• Fresh herbs (parsley, sage, thyme, or rosemary)

Liquid Ingredient:

• 2 to 4 cups (473 to 946 milliliters) chicken broth

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 350°F, creating the perfect environment for a golden, aromatic stuffing.
2. In a spacious skillet, melt butter and gently sauté onions, celery, and poultry seasoning over medium-low heat. Allow the vegetables to soften and release their fragrant essence for 10-12 minutes.
3. Transfer the caramelized vegetables to a large mixing bowl. Add dry bread cubes and sprinkle with fresh herbs, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
4. Gradually introduce chicken broth, folding it into the bread mixture. The key is to moisten the cubes without creating a soggy consistency. Add broth incrementally until the stuffing reaches an ideal dampness.
5. Enhance the flavor profile by seasoning with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Carefully transfer the herb-infused mixture to a greased baking dish. For an extra layer of richness, dot the surface with additional butter.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and develop.
8. Remove the foil for the final 10 minutes of baking, allowing the top to transform into a crispy, golden-brown crust that adds textural contrast to the tender stuffing beneath.

Notes

• Customize bread texture by using day-old or slightly stale bread cubes for better absorption and a more authentic stuffing consistency.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional bread cubes with gluten-free bread or cornbread to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Enhance moisture and richness by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option that maintains deep, savory flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg