Description
This ultimate stuffing recipe guide helps you create perfectly seasoned, golden-baked bread stuffing that balances moisture, flavor, and texture for a true holiday classic. Whether for Thanksgiving or any special meal, this easy step-by-step recipe guarantees crowd-pleasing results every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- Base Ingredients:
- 12 cups stale white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1 lb 4 oz loaf)
- ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cups celery, chopped (stalks and leaves)
- Seasonings & Aromatics:
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon marjoram
- 3 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Binding Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Use vegetable broth for vegetarian version
- Replace butter with olive oil for lighter option
- Substitute gluten-free bread if needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and dry overnight or bake at 250°F for 30 minutes, tossing occasionally, until firm and crisp.
- Butter the Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a 9×9-inch baking dish (use larger dish if doubling recipe).
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt ¾ cup butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and celery; cook 20-30 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, marjoram, sage, and parsley. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Binding: In a small bowl, whisk eggs with chicken broth until smooth.
- Combine: In a large bowl, combine bread cubes with sautéed vegetables and herbs. Pour in the egg mixture and mix until evenly moistened.
- Bake: Transfer to prepared dish. Dot with remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes; uncover and bake 15 minutes more until golden and crisp.
- Optional: Broil 1-2 minutes for extra-crispy topping. Serve warm.
Notes
For best results, use properly staled bread and don’t oversaturate with broth. Let stuffing rest before serving to allow flavors to meld. Store leftovers refrigerated up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Holiday, Thanksgiving
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (1/8 recipe)
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
Keywords: stuffing recipe, bread stuffing, thanksgiving stuffing, classic dressing, homemade stuffing recipe