Description
This Perfect Homemade Stuffing recipe offers a classic, flavorful side dish featuring toasted bread cubes combined with sautéed vegetables and fresh herbs, baked to golden crispness. Ideal for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal, it is easy to prepare and customizable with additional ingredients like sausage or mushrooms.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf (about 14 ounces) day-old French or Italian bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Dairy and Eggs
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Liquids and Seasoning
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 10 to 15 minutes until they are lightly crisped. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Sauté Vegetables and Herbs: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture. Whisk together the broth and beaten eggs, then pour over the bread mixture. Toss gently until the bread is evenly moistened, adding more broth if a moister texture is preferred.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake the Stuffing: Bake covered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the stuffing warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding cooked and crumbled sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or diced apples.
- This recipe can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free bread and broth.
