Stuffing
A classic, savory bread stuffing perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. Toasted bread cubes are tossed with sautéed celery, onions, and aromatic herbs, then baked until golden brown and delicious. It's the ultimate holiday comfort food.
For 8 servings
6 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare the bread and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.If your bread is not stale, cut it into 1-inch cubes. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly toasted and dry. Set aside to cool.
- 2
Sauté the vegetables
- a.In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- 3
Combine the stuffing ingredients
- a.In a very large bowl, place the toasted bread cubes. Pour the sautéed vegetable and butter mixture over the bread. Add the chopped parsley, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine everything well.
- 4
Moisten and prepare for baking
- a.Gradually pour in 3 cups of the vegetable broth, tossing gently until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy. If the stuffing seems too dry, add the remaining 1 cup of broth. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch (3-quart) baking dish and spread evenly.
- 5
Bake the stuffing
- a.Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
- 6
Rest and serve
- a.Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Using stale or toasted bread is key. Fresh bread will turn mushy and result in a pasty stuffing.
- 2For a richer flavor, use a mix of breads like sourdough, cornbread, and rustic white bread.
- 3Don't overmix the stuffing once the broth is added, as this can make it dense and heavy.
- 4For a moister stuffing, use a bit more broth and bake covered for a longer time. For a drier, crispier stuffing, use less broth and bake uncovered for longer.
- 5The stuffing can be assembled a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. You may need to add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time.
- 6Feel free to add other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, cooked sausage, chopped apples, or dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
For a non-vegetarian version, replace vegetable broth with chicken or turkey broth and add 1 lb of cooked, crumbled sausage along with the sautéed vegetables.
veganVegan
Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of dairy butter. Ensure the bread you choose is vegan.
gluten freeGluten free
Use a high-quality gluten-free bread. Make sure to toast it well to help it hold its structure and prevent it from becoming too soft.
kid friendlyKid friendly
For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of sage and thyme slightly. You can also add 1/2 cup of shredded carrots along with the celery and onions.