Homemade Stuffing
Nothing says comfort like warm, golden, perfectly seasoned stuffing fresh from the oven. This Perfect Homemade Stuffing is fluffy on the inside, crisp on the edges, and loaded with classic flavors that make it a holiday must-have.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (about 1 lb) day-old French bread, cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1 tsp dried sage (or 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the bread:
Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and spread on a baking sheet. Let it dry overnight, or toast in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes until slightly crisp but not browned. This helps absorb all the flavorful broth later. - Sauté vegetables:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, cooking for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. This creates the savory base of your stuffing. - Season well:
Stir in poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Allow the herbs to bloom in the butter for about 30 seconds for maximum flavor release. - Combine bread & veggies:
Transfer the dried bread cubes to a large mixing bowl. Pour the butter-vegetable mixture over the bread and toss gently to coat every piece. - Add liquids:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth and eggs. Slowly pour this mixture over the bread, stirring gently. Add just enough liquid so the bread is moist but not soggy—start with 2 cups and add more as needed. - Bake the stuffing:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the stuffing evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp. - Garnish & serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Serve warm alongside turkey, chicken, or even roasted vegetables for a cozy meal.
Pro Tips
- Make ahead: Prepare stuffing up to the baking step and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next day for stress-free holiday cooking.
- Bread swap: Use sourdough, cornbread, or whole wheat bread for different flavors.
- Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 220 | 6g | 28g | 9g | 3g | 4g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This perfect homemade stuffing is the ultimate side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family dinner. It’s a classic comfort food that brings warmth to the table, with a balance of crispy edges and moist, flavorful bread inside. Whether you’re serving a holiday crowd or just craving cozy flavors, this dish will always impress.