Homemade Stuffing is the heart and soul of any holiday meal—there’s just something magical about golden bread cubes, aromatic vegetables, and savory herbs all baked together until they’re perfectly crisp on top and tender within. This classic recipe brings together simple ingredients and elevates them into a comforting side dish that steals the show, whether it’s Thanksgiving, a family gathering, or just a cozy Sunday dinner. If you’ve ever longed for that “just like grandma made” flavor, this Homemade Stuffing is about to become your new favorite tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Homemade Stuffing lies in its simplicity—each ingredient has a purpose, lending flavor, texture, or color to the dish. From hearty bread cubes to rich butter and a sprinkle of herbs, every element builds layers of taste that make this stuffing unforgettable.
- Day-old French or sourdough bread: The slightly stale texture is key for soaking up all the delicious flavors without getting soggy.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps sauté the vegetables to golden perfection.
- Chopped yellow onion: Brings a sweet, aromatic base that infuses the stuffing with classic comfort.
- Chopped celery: Delivers freshness and a subtle crunch that balances the soft bread.
- Minced garlic: Offers a gentle kick of flavor that makes the whole kitchen smell inviting.
- Poultry seasoning: This blend of herbs gives the stuffing that signature holiday taste.
- Dried sage: For an earthy, woodsy note that deepens the overall flavor.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing and blending all the other flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and rounds out the seasoning.
- Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: Keeps the stuffing moist and savory, while letting you control the saltiness.
- Large eggs: Help bind everything together, ensuring a fluffy but cohesive texture.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Brightens each bite with color and freshness.
How to Make Homemade Stuffing
Step 1: Toast the Bread Cubes
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread cubes evenly onto a large baking sheet and toast them for 10 to 15 minutes, giving them a stir halfway through. The goal is to get them dry and ever-so-slightly golden—this step is essential for that irresistible texture we all crave in Homemade Stuffing. Let the cubes cool while you get started on the next steps.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, then cook gently for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re perfect when they’re soft, fragrant, and just starting to turn translucent. Toss in the minced garlic, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper, and let everything cook together for another minute or two, until your kitchen smells heavenly.
Step 3: Combine the Base
Grab your largest mixing bowl and add the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and fresh parsley. This is where the flavors start mingling and the anticipation really builds—don’t rush this part! Give everything a gentle toss to combine.
Step 4: Add the Liquids
In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth and eggs. Pour this mixture over the bread and vegetables, then gently toss until the bread is evenly moistened but not mushy. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes so the bread can soak up all those wonderful flavors; this patience pays off in the final dish.
Step 5: Bake the Homemade Stuffing
Transfer your mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover tightly with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden and crisp. Serve your Homemade Stuffing warm and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Homemade Stuffing
Garnishes
A final flourish of freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra sage can make your Homemade Stuffing look and taste even more inviting. For a festive touch, try adding a few dried cranberries or toasted pecans on top just before serving—they add both color and a pop of flavor.
Side Dishes
This stuffing pairs beautifully with classic mains like roast turkey, chicken, or even a hearty vegetarian loaf. Don’t forget mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, and cranberry sauce for a true holiday feast! The savory, herby notes of Homemade Stuffing make it a natural companion for almost any side dish on your table.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, scoop the stuffing into individual ramekins before baking, or use a large cast-iron skillet for a rustic look straight from oven to table. You can also stuff it inside roasted squash halves for a stunning vegetarian centerpiece—Homemade Stuffing is so versatile, you can let your creativity shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Homemade Stuffing is a real treat! Simply let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days, making it perfect for next-day sandwiches or quick lunches.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead for the holidays, Homemade Stuffing freezes beautifully. Place cooled stuffing in a freezer-safe container or bag, and store for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the stuffing in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until heated through—about 20 minutes. Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want to refresh that lovely golden crust. A splash of extra broth will help revive any dryness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While French or sourdough bread is classic for Homemade Stuffing, you can easily swap in Italian, whole wheat, or cornbread for a unique spin. Just make sure the bread is a bit stale so it holds up to the broth and eggs without turning mushy.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, Homemade Stuffing becomes a delicious vegetarian side that everyone can enjoy. It’s hearty, flavorful, and just as satisfying.
Can I add other ingredients to personalize my stuffing?
Definitely! Homemade Stuffing is wonderfully customizable. Try tossing in cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, diced apples, or dried cranberries for your own special touch. Just be mindful of moisture levels if you add lots of extras.
How far in advance can I assemble the stuffing?
You can assemble Homemade Stuffing up to a day ahead—just cover and refrigerate the unbaked dish. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
What’s the best way to keep stuffing moist?
The key to moist Homemade Stuffing is making sure the bread is evenly moistened before baking. Letting the mixture sit for a few minutes after adding the broth helps the bread absorb liquid evenly. If it seems dry, add a splash more broth before it goes in the oven.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the aroma and comfort of Homemade Stuffing fresh from the oven. Whether you stick to tradition or add your own twist, this recipe is guaranteed to win hearts at any table. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes the most requested dish at every gathering!
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Homemade Stuffing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This classic Homemade Stuffing recipe features toasted day-old bread cubes mixed with sautéed onions, celery, and aromatic herbs, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a flavorful side dish for holiday meals, it is moist, savory, and customizable with additions like sausage or cranberries.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf (about 14 oz) day-old French or sourdough bread, cut into ½-inch cubes
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion
- 1 ½ cups chopped celery
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Liquids & Binder
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 ½ to 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Toast the bread cubes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread cubes on a large baking sheet and toast them for 10–15 minutes, stirring once, until they are dry and lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking for 8–10 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic, poultry seasoning, dried sage, salt, and black pepper; cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Combine stuffing mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and chopped fresh parsley. In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth and lightly beaten eggs. Pour the liquid mixture over the bread mixture and gently toss until evenly moistened, ensuring the bread is moist but not soggy. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Bake the stuffing: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top turns golden brown and crisp. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a Southern variation, substitute cornbread for the bread cubes.
- Add cooked sausage, diced apples, or dried cranberries for additional flavor twists.
- This stuffing can be assembled a day ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
