Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

Introduction

The holidays are synonymous with comfort food, and when it comes to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, there’s nothing quite as beloved as a good stuffing. Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing has been a hit at every family gathering, quickly becoming the centerpiece of our holiday feasts. The rich, buttery flavor mixed with a medley of fresh herbs creates a mouthwatering side dish that pairs perfectly with turkey, ham, or any other main course. The combination of crispy toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and aromatic herbs gives this stuffing its irresistible flavor and texture. Whether it’s served inside the bird or baked separately as dressing, this recipe will be a standout on your holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Buttery Herb Stuffing

This stuffing has it all: buttery richness, aromatic herbs, and the perfect balance of savory vegetables. Here’s why it’s our favorite:

• Perfect Texture: The bread cubes absorb just the right amount of stock and egg mixture, becoming moist but still holding their shape. The top crisps up beautifully, giving it that perfect contrast of texture.
• Fresh Herb Flavor: Sage, rosemary, and parsley come together to infuse the stuffing with a bright, earthy flavor that screams “holiday.”
• Simple Ingredients: Despite its big flavors, this stuffing uses only a few simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your kitchen.
• Versatile: Whether you stuff your turkey with it or bake it as a standalone dressing, it’s sure to be a hit. The recipe also includes make-ahead tips, so you can prepare it in advance and save time on the big day.

Ingredients

To make this Buttery Herb Stuffing, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 18–24 oz bread cubes (about 12–14 cups) – Choose stale or toasted bread. Sourdough, Italian, or any bread with a hearty texture works great.
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3 cups diced sweet onion (approximately 2 large onions)
• 2 cups diced celery
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 3 tbsp chopped fresh sage
• 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 3 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 large eggs
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious buttery herb stuffing:

1. Prepare the Bread Cubes:
   • For stale bread: Cut the bread into cubes and let them sit out overnight, loosely covered with foil.
   • For toasted bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them for about 15 minutes, until they are slightly crisp and golden.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Set your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or larger, depending on your needs) with melted butter, olive oil, or nonstick spray.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
   • Heat the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onions, celery, and garlic along with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir occasionally and cook for 8-10 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
   • Stir in the chopped sage, parsley, and rosemary, cooking for an additional minute to bring out their fragrant oils.
   • Add 1 cup of stock and stir to combine.
4. Combine the Stuffing:
   • Place the prepared bread cubes in a large mixing bowl or directly into the prepared baking dish.
   • Pour the vegetable mixture over the bread cubes and toss to coat evenly.
5. Add the Egg Mixture:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 ½ cups of stock and the eggs.
   • Pour this egg mixture over the bread cubes, stirring gently to ensure all the bread cubes are coated evenly with the liquid.
6. Bake the Stuffing:
   • Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
   • Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. The top should be golden brown and crispy. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent the stuffing with foil.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Before serving, sprinkle the stuffing with additional fresh herbs for a burst of color and extra flavor.
   • Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, buttery goodness of this holiday favorite.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Servings: 8–12
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving (based on 12 servings)
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 3 g

Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on specific ingredients used and portion size.

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

How to Serve

Here are a few ways you can serve this Buttery Herb Stuffing:

• As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside roasted turkey, ham, or any of your favorite holiday mains.
• Stuffing for Turkey: If you prefer to stuff your bird, simply pack the stuffing into the cavity before roasting the turkey.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing the day before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just take it out an hour before baking, then follow the usual instructions.
• Leftovers: This stuffing makes a great leftover dish, whether reheated on its own or added to a breakfast scramble with eggs and sausage.

Additional Tips

1. Stale Bread: If you don’t have stale bread on hand, you can easily dry out fresh bread by cutting it into cubes and leaving it out for a few hours, or by toasting it in the oven.
2. Customize the Herbs: If you don’t have fresh herbs, feel free to substitute dried herbs, though fresh will give you the most vibrant flavor.
3. Add Sausage: For extra richness and flavor, consider adding crumbled cooked sausage to the stuffing mixture before baking.
4. Make It Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth in place of chicken stock for a vegetarian version of this stuffing.
5. Freezing: If you have leftovers, freeze the stuffing in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use different types of bread for the stuffing? Yes, feel free to use your favorite bread, whether it’s sourdough, Italian, or whole wheat. The texture of the bread is key, so make sure it’s hearty enough to absorb the liquid without turning mushy.
2. Can I make this stuffing ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the stuffing the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.
3. Can I stuff my turkey with this stuffing? Yes, this stuffing works great for stuffing a turkey. Just be sure to pack it loosely in the bird so it cooks evenly.
4. Can I freeze leftover stuffing? Yes, you can freeze leftover stuffing for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container for freezing. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
5. What can I serve with this stuffing? This stuffing pairs well with any roasted meats, particularly turkey, chicken, or ham. It also makes a great side dish for holiday gatherings.
6. Can I add meat to the stuffing? Absolutely! Crumbled sausage or bacon can add an extra layer of flavor to the stuffing.
7. What is the best way to store leftover stuffing? Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
8. Can I use pre-seasoned bread cubes? While you can use pre-seasoned bread cubes, making your own ensures you control the seasoning and flavor of the stuffing.
9. How do I know when the stuffing is done? The stuffing is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F and the top is golden brown and crispy.
10. Can I make this stuffing gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute gluten-free bread for the regular bread to make this stuffing gluten-free.

Conclusion

Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing is a holiday classic that will quickly become a staple on your dinner table. With its combination of buttery bread, fresh herbs, and savory vegetables, this dish is the perfect balance of comfort and flavor. Whether you bake it separately or stuff it in your turkey, this stuffing will become a favorite for your holiday feasts. Make it ahead of time for convenience, and enjoy the leftovers for days! This easy-to-make, flavorful stuffing will surely impress your family and friends.

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