If you’re craving a warm, comforting classic that instantly brings the feeling of home and holiday celebrations, this Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe is just what you need. Combining the perfect blend of fresh herbs, tender sautéed vegetables, and crusty French bread, this stuffing bakes into a golden, flavorful masterpiece. It’s the kind of dish that fills the house with an irresistible aroma and has everyone begging for seconds, making it a timeless favorite that never goes out of style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe lies in its simplicity and how every ingredient plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. These everyday kitchen staples come together in a way that’s both nostalgic and delightful.
- 1/2 cup salted butter: Adds richness and helps soften your onion and celery for that luscious base.
- 1 medium white onion, diced: Brings a sweet, savory depth when sautéed.
- 1 1/2 cups sliced celery: Offers a subtle crunch and a refreshing brightness to the stuffing.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Provides moisture and a savory foundation that ties everything together.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle, warming kick.
- 1 pound French bread, cubed: The star ingredient that soaks up all those savory juices, creating the perfect texture.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage: Adds that unmistakable, earthy herby tone classic in stuffing.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary: Offers a fragrant pine-like aroma that elevates the dish.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme: Complements the other herbs with its subtle minty notes.
How to Make Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish
Start by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s nice and hot when your stuffing is ready to bake. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to make sure your stuffing doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly golden and crispy on top.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and add your diced onion and sliced celery. Cooking these for about 5 to 7 minutes softens them just right and releases their natural sweetness, which forms the delicious base layer of flavor for your stuffing.
Step 3: Add Broth and Seasoning
Now stir in the chicken broth, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Bring everything to a boil to marry the flavors before taking it off the heat. This broth mixture will soak into your bread, making every bite moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Prepare the Bread
Cube your French bread into bite-sized pieces. If your bread isn’t quite stale, toast it lightly—you want it to hold its shape while absorbing all those tasty juices without turning mushy.
Step 5: Add Herbs
Toss your bread cubes with freshly minced sage, rosemary, and thyme. These herbs are the secret heroes of your Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe, imparting that iconic herbaceous warmth we all love.
Step 6: Moisten the Bread
Slowly pour the hot broth mixture over your bread and herb combination, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. This step is crucial because every bread piece should be perfectly moistened to soak up all those savory flavors.
Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish and Bake
Spread your moist stuffing mixture in an even layer in your prepared baking dish. Bake it for 30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and delightfully crisp. The contrast between the crunchy top and soft inside is truly what makes this Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe shine.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of vibrant green that brightens the presentation and adds a fresh note to each bite. For a festive touch, you might also consider a few dried cranberries scattered on top to bring a subtle sweetness.
Side Dishes
This stuffing pairs wonderfully with roast turkey or chicken, but don’t stop there—think roasted root vegetables, a tangy cranberry sauce, or buttery mashed potatoes. Each side complements the savory, herby notes of the stuffing while adding its own unique texture and flavor contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe in individual ramekins for personal portions that look charming and make the meal feel extra special. Alternatively, bake it inside hollowed-out acorn squash for a festive and edible serving vessel that guests will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffing makes for some of the best next-day bites! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will stay good for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after sitting, making your next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Let the stuffing cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing that wonderful texture or flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the stuffing overnight in the fridge if frozen. Then warm it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture, or uncover briefly at the end to crisp up the top. Reheated stuffing is perfect as a quick side or a cozy snack.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread in this Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe?
Absolutely! While French bread is traditional and ideal for the texture, you can use other hearty bakery-style breads like sourdough or multigrain. Just make sure the bread is dry or toasted so it absorbs the broth without becoming soggy.
Is it possible to make this stuffing vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. The herbs and sautéed veggies still provide fantastic flavor, making it a satisfying vegetarian side dish.
Can I prepare this recipe a day ahead?
Definitely. You can assemble the stuffing (steps 1 through 6) the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just transfer to your dish and bake as directed, perhaps adding a few extra minutes since it’s chilled.
What herbs are best for this stuffing?
Sage, rosemary, and thyme are classic and essential herbs for the Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe. Fresh herbs provide the brightest flavors, but dried can work in a pinch—just reduce the amounts by about half.
How can I make my stuffing crispier on top?
For a delightfully crisp top, bake uncovered so the surface dries and browns beautifully. If you want extra crunch, you can also sprinkle some buttery breadcrumbs or crushed nuts on top before baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a great Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe—it’s comfort food that carries tradition and warmth in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or just a cozy family dinner, this recipe is bound to become a treasured classic. Give it a try and share the love with those around your table!
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Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Old Fashioned Stuffing recipe is a classic side dish perfect for holiday meals or any comforting dinner. With sautéed onions and celery, fresh herbs, and moist, flavorful bread baked to golden perfection, this stuffing brings a savory and aromatic addition to your table.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 1 1/2 cups sliced celery
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound French bread, cubed (or any stale bakery-style bread)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup salted butter, diced onion, and sliced celery. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add Broth and Seasoning: Stir in 2 cups chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Prepare the Bread: Cube 1 pound of French bread. If the bread isn’t already stale, toast it to dry it out for better texture in the stuffing. Transfer the cubed bread to a large mixing bowl.
- Add Herbs: Toss the bread cubes with minced fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme, evenly distributing the flavors.
- Moisten the Bread: Slowly pour the hot broth and vegetable mixture over the bread and herbs. Stir gently to moisten all the bread pieces without breaking them down.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the bread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through. Serve hot alongside your main course.
Notes
- Using stale or toasted bread helps the stuffing absorb liquids without becoming mushy.
- You can substitute turkey broth or vegetable broth for chicken broth if preferred.
- Fresh herbs add vibrant flavor, but dried herbs can be used in half the quantity if fresh are unavailable.
- For a vegetarian version, replace butter with olive oil and use vegetable broth.
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare the stuffing mixture, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
