Copycat Boxed Stuffing Mix From Scratch

Let’s be real: boxed stuffing is a classic, but making your own from scratch? Total game-changer. This Copycat Boxed Stuffing Mix recipe brings you all the convenience of your favorite pre-made version, but with the extra flavor and freshness that only homemade ingredients can offer. Trust me, once you taste this version, you might just say goodbye to the boxed stuff for good!

Perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or when you just want to elevate your comfort food game. It’s savory, buttery, and the ideal side dish to almost anything—from roast turkey to baked chicken. So, if you’re craving that nostalgic stuffing taste but want to kick it up a notch, this recipe’s for you.

Why You’ll Love Copycat Boxed Stuffing Mix

Easy to Make: You won’t need any crazy ingredients or fancy kitchen gadgets—just a few pantry staples and a little time.

Flavorful: Fresh herbs, rich butter, and sautéed vegetables bring so much more flavor than the boxed mix ever could. It’s homemade magic!

Customizable: Add or subtract ingredients to make it your own—throw in some dried cranberries, roasted garlic, or even some sausage if you’re feeling extra.

Perfect for Big Meals: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a Sunday dinner, this stuffing is sure to impress your guests—and it’s just as comforting for the family.

Freezer-Friendly: Make it ahead of time and freeze it for later. You can have that homemade taste even on the busiest days!

Ingredients in Copycat Boxed Stuffing Mix From Scratch

Here’s what you need to make your own stuffing mix at home—get ready to smell some seriously good stuff wafting through your kitchen:

Bread

The base of any great stuffing. Use stale white bread, sourdough, or even whole wheat if you like a little extra flavor. Day-old bread works best since it holds up well in the broth.

Butter

Rich and delicious, butter adds the perfect level of richness and flavor.

Onion & Celery

These are the classic aromatics that create the savory base of the stuffing. They add the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.

Chicken or Vegetable Broth

For soaking the bread and making it all come together into that savory, comforting mixture. You can even use homemade stock if you’ve got it on hand!

Dried Herbs

You’ll need thyme, sage, and rosemary—classic stuffing herbs that really give the dish that cozy, earthy flavor.

Garlic Powder

Just a pinch to enhance all the other savory flavors and give it a little extra oomph.

Salt & Pepper

Basic, but essential. They bring all the flavors into harmony.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s make some stuffing magic:

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Cut your bread into cubes (about 1-inch pieces). If you want the perfect texture, leave the bread out overnight to dry, or pop it in a low-temperature oven (around 250°F) for about 15–20 minutes to crisp it up.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes. Add the garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and sage, and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Combine the Bread and Broth

In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed bread. Pour the sautéed vegetables over the bread and stir to combine. Gradually add the broth, stirring until the bread is fully soaked and the stuffing has a slightly moist but not soggy consistency.

Step 4: Season

Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together so that all the flavors are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake (Optional)

For a crispy top, transfer your stuffing to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to get golden and crispy.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Scoop the stuffing into serving dishes and watch it disappear. It’s rich, buttery, and absolutely irresistible!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~250–350 (depending on ingredients and portion size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Copycat Boxed Stuffing Mix From Scratch

Perfect with Roast Meat: Serve alongside roast turkey, chicken, or even pork for a classic dinner.

Gravy Love: Drizzle some homemade gravy over the stuffing for that ultimate savory experience.

Vegetable Side: Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for the perfect meal combo.

Add-ins: If you love variety, try adding some crumbled sausage, dried cranberries, or chopped apples to the stuffing mix for a twist.

Additional Tips

Make-Ahead: Prep the stuffing up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate, and bake it the next day.

Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze this stuffing for up to 3 months. Just let it cool, then store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in the oven, covered with foil.

Herb Variations: If you don’t have all the herbs listed, feel free to get creative! A little fresh parsley, sage, or even thyme sprigs work wonders.

Bread Variety: Want to experiment? Try adding challah, cornbread, or a mixture of different breads for extra flavor and texture.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread, and make sure your broth is gluten-free as well.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
A1: Yes, but stale bread is preferred because it soaks up the broth better and holds its shape in the stuffing. If you’re using fresh bread, dry it out in the oven for a bit.

Q2: How do I make this stuffing ahead of time?
A2: Prepare everything up to the baking step and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it the next day for a freshly made meal with no extra work.

Q3: Can I freeze this stuffing?
A3: Yes, this stuffing freezes really well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months, then reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q4: Can I make this stuffing in a slow cooker?
A4: Yes! Combine everything in the slow cooker, set it to low, and cook for 3–4 hours, or until it’s heated through and the flavors have melded together.

Q5: What should I do if my stuffing is too dry?
A5: Add a little more broth to moisten it. Stir well, and let it sit for a few minutes to soak up the extra liquid.

Q6: Can I make this vegetarian?
A6: Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ve got a completely vegetarian version.

Q7: Can I add sausage to the stuffing?
A7: Yes! Brown some sausage and stir it in with the bread and vegetables for a rich, savory addition.

Q8: What if I don’t have all the herbs?
A8: No worries! You can use a blend of dried herbs that you already have on hand. Italian seasoning or poultry seasoning would work great too.

Q9: Can I make this stuffing gluten-free?
A9: Yes! Just use gluten-free bread and ensure your broth is gluten-free, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free stuffing.

Q10: How long does this stuffing last in the fridge?
A10: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

Conclusion

This Copycat Boxed Stuffing Mix From Scratch is the perfect way to elevate your stuffing game with minimal effort. It’s a little more flavorful, a lot more satisfying, and totally customizable to your liking. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a regular dinner night, this stuffing will quickly become a go-to recipe for all your comfort food needs. So go ahead, give it a try—you won’t look back!

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