Hey there! The holidays are creeping up, or maybe you’re just craving that ultimate side dish that screams comfort food. Either way, buttery herb stuffing is always the answer. This recipe isn’t just for Thanksgiving—it’s a cozy classic I’ve whipped up on random Sunday dinners simply because I couldn’t resist. With its golden crust, tender center, and herby goodness, it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone back for seconds (and maybe thirds). Let’s take this old-school favorite and give it a simple twist to make it unforgettable!
If you’re looking for the side dish that outshines the main meal, this buttery herb stuffing is your new best friend!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All About the Buttery Goodness: A rich and velvety texture with just the right crispiness on the edges.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh herbs you might already have on hand.
- Versatile: Works alongside any main course, from roast turkey to veggie-packed casseroles.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for holiday prep or reheating leftovers that somehow taste even better.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Bread: Day-old rustic bread works best. Think sourdough for tanginess or French bread for a milder base. Need a gluten-free option? A good GF loaf totally works here!
- Butter: The star of the show—get real, unsalted butter for maximum flavor control!
- Onion and Celery: The classically savory duo to build flavor depth. Chop them nice and small for even cooking.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme! You’ll feel like a culinary artist. Dried herbs can sub in a pinch, but fresh takes it to another level.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Adds the moisture to bind it all together. Low sodium is your friend here to prevent over-salting.
- Eggs: Helps everything hold its shape while staying light and fluffy.
- Optional add-ins: Toasted nuts or dried cranberries for texture and a pop of sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish. Spread your bread cubes out on a baking sheet and toast them lightly in the oven to dry them out a bit more. This ensures your stuffing is never soggy.
Step 2: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onions and celery, sautéing until they’re wonderfully soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the fresh herbs—parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Let their aroma bloom on low heat for a minute or two. Pro tip: This step creates the stuffing’s signature herby fragrance.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, the buttery herb mixture, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 5: Whisk together the eggs and broth, then pour this over the bread mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly without breaking the bread cubes.
Step 6: Transfer to your prepared casserole dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 30 minutes covered. Then, remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes or until the top is golden and crisp.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Skip the Toasting: Even day-old bread benefits from a quick oven toast to avoid sogginess.
- Balancing Salt: Taste your broth before using. If it’s already salty, reduce added salt in your bread mixture.
- Crispy Lovers: Use a larger baking dish to spread the stuffing thinner for more crisped-up edges.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Veggie Packed: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the mix for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Sausage Stuffing: Brown some crumbled Italian sausage with the onions and celery for a hearty twist.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a hearty lentil roast for a full spread. Or, enjoy it with a simple gravy or cranberry sauce drizzle for a cozy snack.
FAQs
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Prep everything up to baking, cover the dish, and refrigerate for up to a day in advance. Bake it fresh when you’re ready.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep it moist.
- Can I freeze it? Yes! Freeze the fully baked stuffing in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through.
Printable Recipe
Buttery Herb Stuffing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 10 cups cubed day-old bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 tablespoons each chopped parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish.
- Toast bread cubes lightly in the oven on a baking sheet.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and celery until softened. Add fresh herbs and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Combine bread cubes, buttery herb mixture, and seasoning in a large bowl.
- Whisk together eggs and broth, pour over bread mixture, and toss gently.
- Transfer to the casserole dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until crisp.
Enjoy every bite of this buttery herb stuffing and share the love! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag your creations with #TheKitchensAid. I’d love to see how you make this classic your own!
