This Savory Herb Stuffing is a warm and cozy dish filled with tasty herbs and soft bread. Perfect for the holidays or any family dinner!
I love how easy it is to make, just mix the ingredients and bake it until golden. It makes my house smell amazing, and who can resist a scoop of this deliciousness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Day-Old Bread: Using day-old bread adds great texture to the stuffing. Sourdough or rustic white works best, but you can use any bread you have on hand. Whole wheat or gluten-free bread also makes a fine substitution.
Butter: Unsalted butter is the way to go for better control over the salt content. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using olive oil or a plant-based butter instead!
Onions & Celery: These aromatic vegetables give depth to the stuffing. If you’re not a fan of either, leeks or shallots can bring a different flavor profile. You could even use carrots for a hint of sweetness.
Herbs: Fresh herbs always give the best flavor, but dried herbs work too. Just remember, dried herbs are more potent, so use about a third of the amount listed for fresh herbs.
How Can I Get My Stuffing to Be Moist but Not Soggy?
To achieve that perfect balance, it’s crucial to add broth gradually and warmly. Start with 2 1/2 cups when mixing, then add more as needed. The stuffing should feel moist but not watery. Mix gently to avoid breaking down the bread too much.
- Toast the bread cubes until just dry; this helps them absorb the broth later.
- When mixing in the broth, be gentle and let the bread soak it up.
- Cover with foil during the first part of baking to keep moisture in, then uncover to get a lovely crispy top.
Savory Herb Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 10 cups day-old bread cubes (preferably a rustic white or sourdough bread)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 1/2 cups chopped onions (about 2 large onions)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped celery
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (adjust as necessary)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
How Much Time Will You Need?
This savory herb stuffing recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, followed by a total of about 45 minutes baking time (30 minutes covered and 15-20 minutes uncovered). Allow an additional 5 minutes for cooling before serving. You’ll have a delicious side dish ready in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, butter a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar casserole dish to ensure your stuffing doesn’t stick.
2. Toast the Bread:
Spread the bread cubes on a large baking sheet in an even layer. Place them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are dry and slightly crisp, but not browned. Once done, take them out and let them cool while you prepare the other ingredients.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onions, celery, and garlic. Sauté the mixture for about 8-10 minutes until the onions and celery are soft and translucent. Once done, remove the skillet from heat.
4. Combine the Mixture:
In a very large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, chopped parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well so that everything is evenly distributed.
5. Add Broth and Eggs:
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with 2 1/2 cups of broth. Pour this mixture over the bread mixture, gently tossing everything to coat evenly. If it feels too dry, add more broth a little at a time until it’s moist but not soggy.
6. Transfer to the Baking Dish:
Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it moist during baking.
7. Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes covered. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
8. Cool and Serve:
Remove the stuffing from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This classic savory herb stuffing is perfect as a side dish for poultry or holiday meals, bursting with fresh herbs and comforting flavors!
Enjoy every warm and delicious bite!
Can I Use Fresh Bread Instead of Day-Old Bread?
Yes, you can use fresh bread, but you’ll need to dry it out first. Cut the bread into cubes and toast them in the oven at a low temperature until they’re dry and slightly crisp. This helps prevent sogginess in your stuffing.
How Can I Make This Stuffing Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the day-old bread with gluten-free bread cubes. Ensure all broth and seasonings are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe.
Can I Prepare the Stuffing in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing mixture a day ahead. Just mix all components and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add a little broth if it seems dry and bake as instructed.
How Should I Store Leftover Stuffing?
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth to keep it moist and warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
