Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe

If you have been searching for the Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe to elevate your holiday feast or cozy family dinner, look no further. This recipe delivers a sumptuous medley of toasted bread cubes, fragrant herbs, and sautéed vegetables all wrapped up in a comforting, golden-baked dish that is full of flavor and texture. From the crisp exterior to the tender, moist center, every bite captures the essence of classic stuffing with a personal twist that will make you reach for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe lies in its beautifully simple, staple ingredients. Each element plays its part: from the crispy bread that soaks up all the savory goodness to the fresh herbs that brighten every mouthful. These ingredients are easy to find, but together they create something truly unforgettable.

• Day-old bread (about 12 cups): Using slightly stale bread ensures the stuffing absorbs moisture perfectly without becoming mushy.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Adds richness and a perfectly silky sauté base for the veggies.
• Large onion, finely chopped: Brings a sweet and savory depth that is essential for flavor.
• Celery stalks (2), finely chopped: Offers a subtle crunch and classic stuffing taste.
• Garlic cloves (3), minced: Lends a warm, aromatic boost without overpowering.
• Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (1 ½ cups): Keeps the stuffing moist, picking up all the flavors while allowing control over saltiness.
• Large egg, beaten: Binds the mixture, giving the stuffing that satisfying, sliceable texture.
• Dried sage (1 ½ tsp) or fresh sage (2 tbsp): Infuses the stuffing with its signature earthy and slightly peppery notes.
• Dried thyme (1 tsp) or fresh thyme (1 tbsp): Adds a subtle floral herbaceousness.
• Salt (1/2 tsp) and black pepper (1/4 tsp): Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors without stealing the show.
• Fresh parsley (1/2 cup), chopped: Brings a hit of color and fresh brightness right before baking.
• Optional add-ins (1/2 cup): Dried cranberries, raisins, nuts like pecans or walnuts, or cooked sausage can introduce gorgeous texture and extra flavor layers.

How to Make Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut your day-old bread into roughly 1-inch cubes and spread them out evenly on a baking sheet. Toast these cubes for 10 to 15 minutes, turning them halfway through baking. This step ensures the bread is nicely dried out and golden, which creates the perfect base that will soak up the broth later without turning soggy.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

While the bread bakes, melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic, then cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. This mixture forms the flavorful heart of the stuffing and each vegetable adds an important layer of texture and aroma.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables, dried or fresh sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in your optional ingredients like dried cranberries, nuts, or cooked sausage to introduce exciting flavors and heartiness. Give everything a gentle stir to spread those fabulous flavors evenly throughout.

Step 4: Add Egg and Broth

Next, mix in the beaten egg and 1 ½ cups of broth gradually, stirring until the bread mixture is moistened just right. The egg acts as a binder making the stuffing sliceable, and the broth keeps it moist without sogginess. If the mixture seems too dry, feel free to add a bit more broth until you reach the ideal consistency that holds together yet feels tender.

Step 5: Bake the Stuffing

Transfer your stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing it down lightly to create an even layer. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Then take off the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and gets nice and crispy. This final bake creates an irresistible contrast between the crunchy crust and soft interior every stuffing lover craves.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the stuffing from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This pause helps all the flavors settle, making each mouthful melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

How to Serve Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few extra chopped nuts over the top just before serving invites a pop of color and texture that makes your Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe visually stunning and tastefully balanced. Cranberries on top add a lovely touch of sweetness and a festive look especially around the holidays.

Side Dishes

This stuffing pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or chicken, helping soak up gravies and sauces with ease. It also complements hearty sides like green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes, creating a full and comforting plate. If you prefer a vegetarian spread, pair it with roasted vegetables and a crisp, bright salad for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, spoon your Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe into hollowed-out pumpkin halves or mini squash to double as charming edible bowls. Alternatively, use individual ramekins to create personalized portions with beautifully crisp tops—an impressive way to serve and individualize your stuffing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whether you have leftover stuffing from a big family meal or prepared extras in advance, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, maintaining both moisture and flavor so every bite remains delightful.

Freezing

You can freeze the stuffing before baking or after cooking. To freeze, cover tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of foil, then place in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat or bake as needed. This makes the Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe a fantastic make-ahead option for busy holiday days.

Reheating

To reheat, place your stuffing in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5 to 10 minutes if you’d like to bring back some crispness on top. For microwave reheating, cover loosely and heat in short increments to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this stuffing?

Absolutely! While white or French bread is classic, mixing in whole wheat or cornbread adds fantastic texture and flavor variations. Just ensure the bread is slightly stale for the best soaking ability.

Is it necessary to use fresh herbs, or can I use dried?

Both fresh and dried herbs work beautifully in this recipe. Fresh herbs provide brighter flavor, but dried herbs are perfectly acceptable—just use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Can this stuffing recipe be made vegetarian?

Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip any meat add-ins like sausage. The mixture of herbs, vegetables, and butter ensures your stuffing remains wonderfully flavorful and rich.

What if my stuffing turns out too dry?

If your stuffing feels dry, add a little more broth a tablespoon at a time before baking. The key is to have the bread moist but not soggy. Moisture levels can vary based on bread type and dryness.

Can I prepare the stuffing completely ahead of time?

You can assemble the stuffing the day before and refrigerate it covered. Bake it fresh on the day you plan to serve to get the best texture and flavor—this is a fantastic way to save time on busy cooking days.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming about the Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe that brings family and friends closer around the table. With its classic flavors, ease of preparation, and endless opportunities for customization, this recipe stands out as a must-have in your cooking repertoire. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated without it.

Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe

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4 from 140 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This perfect homemade stuffing recipe offers a classic, savory side dish featuring toasted bread cubes combined with sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, and optional sweet or savory additions. Baked until golden and crispy on top, it’s an ideal complement to holiday meals or comforting dinners.

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Ingredients

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Bread

• 1 loaf (about 12 cups) day-old white or French bread, cubed (optionally mix with whole wheat or cornbread)

Vegetables and Herbs

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 ½ tsp dried sage (or 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped)

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (plus more as needed)
• 1 large egg, beaten

Seasonings

• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

Optional Add-ins

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
• Cooked sausage

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
2. Toast the Bread: Bake the bread cubes for 10-15 minutes, turning them halfway through. Toast until they are slightly dry and golden brown to ensure they absorb the broth without becoming mushy.
3. Cook the Vegetables: In a medium skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables, dried or fresh sage and thyme, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh parsley. If using, add optional ingredients like dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or cooked sausage.
5. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the beaten egg and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth gradually, mixing until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy. Add more broth if necessary to achieve desired consistency.
6. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Press the mixture down lightly to compact it evenly.
7. Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. This steams the stuffing and allows flavors to meld.
8. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
9. Rest and Serve: Remove the stuffing from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it to set and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Day-old or stale bread works best as it absorbs the broth without becoming mushy.
• You can customize the stuffing by adding nuts, dried fruit, or sausage according to taste.
• Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit sausage.
• Stir broth gradually to avoid over-moistening the bread.
• Covering with foil during baking keeps the stuffing moist; removing foil at the end crisps the top.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American