Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe is a must-try for Thanksgiving and any special occasion. With a combination of rich bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this savory stuffing is baked to golden perfection. Customize it with sausage, nuts, or a vegetarian option for a personalized touch. This classic recipe is easy to make, reheat, and can even be made ahead or frozen, making it the ultimate side dish for any festive meal.
Ingredients
- 12 cups stale white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¾ cup butter, divided
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cups celery, chopped
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- ½ tsp marjoram
- 3 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Dry Bread Cubes: Use the quick or overnight method to dry the bread cubes.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F and butter a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pan, sauté the chopped onion and celery in ½ cup of butter until soft (about 20-30 minutes).
- Season: Stir in salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, marjoram, sage, and parsley. Set aside.
- Egg & Broth Mix: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and chicken broth.
- Combine: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onion mixture with the dried bread cubes. Pour in the egg and broth mixture, stirring to coat evenly.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking pan. Dot with the remaining butter on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 15 minutes, or until golden. For a crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes.
Notes
- You can make this stuffing ahead of time by preparing it the day before and refrigerating it until ready to bake.
- Freeze before baking for a longer storage option. Thaw overnight and bake as instructed.
- For extra flavor, add additional herbs like thyme or rosemary, or sauté garlic with the onions and celery.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This traditional stuffing delivers classic flavors of buttery bread, aromatic herbs, and savory vegetables. It’s the perfect side to complement your holiday meal. Plus, it’s easy to customize with variations like sausage or nuts.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 12 cups stale white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¾ cup butter, divided
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cups celery, chopped
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- ½ tsp marjoram
- 3 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup chicken broth
Directions
- Dry bread cubes using the quick or overnight method.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a 9×9-inch pan.
- Sauté onions and celery in butter until soft (about 20-30 minutes).
- Stir in salt, pepper, herbs, and set aside.
- Whisk eggs and chicken broth in a small bowl.
- Combine onion mixture with bread cubes, then pour in the egg/broth mix, stirring to coat.
- Transfer to the prepared pan and top with remaining butter.
- Cover with foil, bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15 minutes. Broil for crispy topping if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
- Sausage Stuffing: Add cooked sausage for a meaty twist.
- Nutty Stuffing: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it the day before and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh on the day you serve it.
Can I freeze homemade stuffing?
Yes, freeze it before baking. Thaw overnight and bake as usual.
What kind of bread should I use for stuffing?
Use a hearty, thick bread like sourdough, French, or challah for the best texture.
Can I cook this inside the turkey?
This recipe is for baking as a side dish, but you can stuff it into your turkey if desired. Ensure it reaches 165°F.
How can I make stuffing more flavorful?
Feel free to add additional herbs like thyme or rosemary, or sauté garlic with the onions and celery.
How do I make crispy stuffing?
For a crispy top, broil the stuffing for 1-2 minutes after baking.
Can I use store-bought bread cubes?
Yes, but homemade stale cubes tend to absorb more flavors and bake more evenly.
How do I make stuffing moist?
Ensure your bread cubes are well-coated with the egg and broth mixture, and add extra broth if needed.
How do I prevent dry stuffing?
Use enough broth and butter to keep the bread moist. If the mixture looks too dry, add a little more broth before baking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish (9×13 or 10×15) and the same baking time.
Conclusion
This homemade stuffing recipe is a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with your holiday meals. It’s easy to customize, make ahead, and can even be doubled for large gatherings.