Description
This Classic Bread Stuffing is a savory and buttery side dish featuring a perfect balance of crispy edges and a soft, flavorful interior. It’s an essential accompaniment for Thanksgiving or any festive meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 cups of day-old bread cubes (white or country bread)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (plus more if needed)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped parsley, 1/2 cup cooked sausage, or 1/2 cup dried cranberries for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Toast the Bread: Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10-15 minutes until slightly crispy but not browned. Set aside to cool.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute.
- Mix the Stuffing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables. If using parsley, sausage, or dried cranberries, stir them in now.
- Add Broth and Eggs: Gradually pour in the broth, tossing gently to moisten the bread without making it too soggy. Stir in the beaten eggs until everything is well combined. If the mixture seems dry, add a little more broth, 1/4 cup at a time.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Let the stuffing cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- If using fresh bread, allow it to dry out slightly or toast it to ensure it absorbs the flavors well.
- Customize the stuffing by adding cooked sausage, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg