Description
Master the comforting and classic holiday side dish, Simple Classic Stuffing, featuring a perfectly balanced texture with crispy edges and moist interior, traditional herbs, and easy-to-find pantry ingredients. This recipe is versatile, easy to customize, and ideal for festive gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Base
- 6 cups day-old sturdy white or sourdough bread, cut into 1/2 to 1-inch cubes
Vegetables & Fat
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
Liquid & Binders
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Cut day-old bread into 1/2 to 1-inch cubes for even soaking and baking. Spread the cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast at 300°F (150°C) for about 15 minutes to remove excess moisture and develop a slight crunch, preventing sogginess in the final stuffing.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened, translucent, and tender. This step softens the vegetables and builds the flavorful base for the stuffing.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer toasted bread cubes to a large mixing bowl. Add the sautéed onions and celery, fresh chopped herbs (sage, thyme, parsley), salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and broth. Pour the liquid mixture over the bread and vegetables, then gently toss to coat evenly without breaking the bread too much. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid fully.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and evenly transfer the stuffing mixture. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp, locking in moisture while creating a desirable crust.
Notes
- Use day-old bread to avoid a mushy texture; fresh bread can be toasted to dry.
- Always use fresh herbs for the best vibrant flavor instead of dried ones.
- Add broth gradually to maintain moistness without soaking the mixture.
- Allow the bread to rest in the liquid before baking for tender bites.
- Customize with add-ins like mushrooms, nuts, sausage, or fruit to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: classic stuffing, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving stuffing, simple stuffing recipe, bread stuffing, savory stuffing, herb stuffing, gluten free stuffing option