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Best Stuffing Recipe
When it comes to Thanksgiving, this is the best stuffing recipe to serve. Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, this recipe is surely to become a family favorite. It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will make your holiday meal unforgettable.
This ultimate homemade stuffing combines a perfect balance of flavors, with the savory notes from sautéed onions and celery, complemented by the fresh herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary), and a delightful crunch on top. It’s simple yet delicious and overloaded with a strong herb aroma that is absolutely enjoyable in every bite. Celebrate your holiday with this easy stuffing is the best.
Why This Recipe Works
The best stuffing recipe is 100% fail-proof and easy to make. You may also double the recipe to make a large portion for parties or family dinners.
Stuffing is typically served as a versatile side dish alongside roasted poultry, such as turkey, chicken, or duck. It complements the main course by adding a flavorful, starchy element to the meal.
Stuffing often tastes even better the next day, so don’t forget to enjoy it as leftovers. It can be reheated in the oven, microwave, or stovetop.
Recipe Ingredients
The best stuffing recipe calls for only a few simple ingredients that can be easily accessed at local grocery stores:
- Day-old white bread, fresh or slightly stale
- Butter
- Yellow onion
- Celery
- Fresh herbs (including parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme)
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Chicken broth
- Eggs
How To Make Best Stuffing Recipe?
Prepare the best stuffing recipe starting by picking the bread. I recommend white or whole wheat bread for this recipe; however, you may use sourdough or another choice of your favorite. Dry out the fresh bread properly if using fresh white bread, then transfer it to a large bowl.
Next, melt the butter in a skillet and sauté onion and celery until tender. Combine them with bread, and herbs in a bowl. Stir in half of the chicken broth and add salt and pepper to taste.
Finally, whisk together the remaining chicken broth and eggs, and pour over the bread mixture. Gently stir the mixture and transfer the stuffing to a baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake it in a preheated oven for 30 minutes. Uncover it and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes to get the gorgeous golden crisp top.
Serve immediately.
Cooking Tips
For the best result, please follow my tips below:
- You may choose either white or wheat bread to prepare stuffing. If using fresh bread, you can dry it out in the oven or on the counter for a day or two.
- Cut the bread into uniform sizes, so they get cooked evenly.
- Use fresh herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary, and parsley to add a burst of freshness and fragrance to your stuffing. Dried herbs can be used if fresh ones are not available, but fresh herbs are preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare stuffing ahead of time to make your holiday cooking less stressful. There are two options for preparing stuffing in advance: The first option is to make the base and keep it refrigerated before baking. Sauté the onions and celery, then mix them with the dried bread cubes. Store this mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, combine the mixture with chicken broth and eggs. And bake it following this recipe.
The second option is to fully cook the stuffing, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it on the day when serving.
How to serve stuffing?
Stuffing is a classic side dish that is typically served for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. It goes well with roasted turkey, barbeque meat, and any main dish.
Traditional stuffing is also prepared by stuffing the mixture into a turkey, chicken, or other poultry before roasting. Make sure the stuffing is fully cooked to a safe temperature (165°F or 74°C) to avoid foodborne illness. Some people prefer to cook the stuffing separately from the bird to ensure it gets crispy and evenly cooked.
How Many Calories Per Serving?
This recipe has 350 calories per serving.
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Best Stuffing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb day-old white bread, fresh or slightly stale (cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 1/2 cups yellow onion (chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups celery (chopped into small pieces)
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). If using fresh white bread, arrange the bread cubes on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake the bread for 1 hour until dried out. Remove from the oven and let them cool. Place the dried bread cubes in a large bowl.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat; add onion and celery. Stir constantly until the vegetables are tender and slightly browned, about 5 to 8 minutes. Turn off the heat, and transfer them to a large bowl. Combine them with dried bread cubes, and fresh herbs. Season with salt and ground black pepper. Stir in half of the chicken broth to the bread mixture and set aside.
- Whisk together the remaining chicken broth with 2 eggs, and pour it into the bread mixture in a bowl. Give it a gentle stir and transfer it to the baking dish greased with butter. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes in a preheated oven at 356°F (180°C). Then, continue to bake the stuffing uncovered for another 30 minutes until the top is browned and crisp.
- Serve immediately with more freshly chopped parsley on top.
Video
Notes
- You may choose either white or wheat bread to prepare stuffing. If using fresh bread, you can dry it out in the oven or on the counter for a day or two.
- Cut the bread into uniform sizes, so they get cooked evenly.
- Use fresh herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary, and parsley to add a burst of freshness and fragrance to your stuffing. Dried herbs can be used if fresh ones are not available, but fresh herbs are preferred.
Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
I can’t wait to try this recipe! I usually buy Pepperidge Farm seasoned cubes, and add sautéed celery and onions, butter, and chicken broth. I would imagine this will be fantastic! Thank you so much! ❤️
Thank you for your comment, Sandy. Happy cooking!