Description
This Classic Bread Stuffing recipe combines toasted bread cubes with sautéed aromatic vegetables and fresh herbs, bound together with broth and eggs, then baked to golden perfection. It’s a traditional, flavorful side dish perfect for holiday meals or any comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Stuffing Base
- 10 cups day-old bread cubes (white or country bread)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (plus more if needed)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Vegetables and Herbs
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for baking the stuffing.
- Toast the Bread: Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10-15 minutes until they become slightly crispy but not browned. Set them aside to cool.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Mix the Stuffing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables. If using parsley, cooked sausage, or dried cranberries, add them now and mix well.
- Add Broth and Eggs: Gradually pour the broth into the bread mixture, tossing gently to moisten without making it soggy. Stir in the beaten eggs until evenly combined. If the mixture seems dry, add more broth in 1/4 cup increments.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the stuffing mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing gently to compact slightly.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Allow the stuffing to cool slightly before serving to enhance the flavors and texture.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for the best texture; fresh bread can make the stuffing mushy.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
- Adding cooked sausage or dried cranberries adds extra flavor and texture.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before baking.
- If you prefer a moister stuffing, add more broth gradually until desired consistency is reached.
