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
Scale
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
