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Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving

This traditional stuffing combines toasted bread with fresh herbs (parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme), celery and onions sautéed in butter. Features crispy edges and can be made ahead or frozen.

Featured in Vegetable and Grain Sides.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:28:02 GMT
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A bowl of savory stuffing featuring golden-brown bread cubes, diced celery, and fresh parsley. Pin it
A bowl of savory stuffing featuring golden-brown bread cubes, diced celery, and fresh parsley. | zestplate.com

Looking for the perfect homemade Thanksgiving stuffing? This easy recipe tastes just like grandma's! With buttery bread, fresh herbs, and those amazing crispy edges, my homemade version brings all that classic holiday comfort. The secret's in the blend of fresh herbs and those perfectly toasted bread cubes - makes your whole house smell like the holidays!

Why This Recipe's A Winner

This homemade stuffing has everything we love - tender inside, crispy top, and that perfect holiday flavor. My easy recipe lets you prep ahead, which is a lifesaver on Thanksgiving day. Plus, this homemade version works with any bread you like. It's the stuffing recipe everyone asks for!

What You'll Need

  • The Base: Pick your favorite bread for this easy recipe - white, French, or sourdough.
  • Good Butter: Makes this homemade stuffing extra rich.
  • Fresh Stuff: Lots of onions and celery for that classic flavor.
  • Fresh Herbs: Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme make this recipe special.
  • The Liquid: Broth keeps your homemade stuffing moist.
  • Binding: A couple eggs hold this easy recipe together.

Let's Make Stuffing

Prep Your Bread
For this homemade stuffing, cube up your bread and toast it slowly in the oven - way better than letting it get stale!
Cook Your Veggies
Get that butter melting and cook those veggies until soft. This easy recipe starts building flavor right here.
Mix It Up
Toss everything in your biggest bowl - this homemade version needs room to mix properly.
Add The Moisture
Pour in your egg-broth mixture gradually. This easy recipe should be moist but not soggy.
Baking Time
Get it in a buttered dish and bake covered first, then uncovered for those crispy edges everyone fights over!

My Best Tips

After years of making this homemade stuffing, here's what works best: Toast that bread in the oven instead of waiting for it to get stale - it's my secret for perfect texture in this easy recipe. Chop those fresh herbs nice and fine, and add your broth slowly. A well-buttered dish makes this homemade version extra crispy around the edges!

A bowl filled with golden-brown bread cubes mixed with celery and fresh herbs. Pin it
A bowl filled with golden-brown bread cubes mixed with celery and fresh herbs. | zestplate.com

Plan Ahead

This easy recipe is perfect for busy holiday cooking! You can put your homemade stuffing together the day before - just cover it tight and pop it in the fridge. Want to get really ahead? This easy recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. You can even bake it first, then freeze. Just warm it up slowly when you need it, uncovering at the end for those crispy bits.

Leftovers Are Gold

Got leftover homemade stuffing? Lucky you! Try my favorite ways to use this easy recipe: Make the best turkey sandwiches ever, or crisp it up with eggs for breakfast. Sometimes I stuff peppers with my leftover homemade stuffing and top with cheese. My kids go crazy for stuffing waffles - just add a bit of broth and press in the waffle iron. This easy recipe even makes an amazing layer in shepherd's pie!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why toast bread vs letting it stale?

Toasting creates crisp texture that better absorbs broth. Staling makes bread tough.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, prepare up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate unbaked. Can also freeze before or after baking.

→ Can I use dried herbs?

Yes, use about 1/3 the amount and add to sautéing vegetables to enhance flavor.

→ Why so much butter?

Butter provides rich flavor and helps bread achieve perfect texture when baked.

→ How do I know if it needs more broth?

Bread should be moist but not soaked. No liquid should pool in bowl bottom.

Classic Stuffing Recipe

A traditional bread stuffing with fresh herbs, celery and onions, featuring buttery flavor and irresistible crispy edges.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
65 Minutes
Total Time
85 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (1)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 pound white bread or Italian bread.
02 1 cup butter (2 sticks).
03 1 large onion (3.5 cups chopped).
04 2 cups diced celery.
05 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped.
06 1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped.
07 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped.
08 1 tablespoon fresh thyme.
09 2 teaspoons kosher salt.
10 1 teaspoon black pepper.
11 2-2.5 cups chicken broth.
12 2 large eggs.
13 1 tablespoon butter for greasing.

Instructions

Step 01

Toast bread pieces at 250°F for 1 hour until crisp.

Step 02

Sauté onions and celery in butter until soft.

Step 03

Combine bread, vegetables, herbs, salt and pepper.

Step 04

Whisk eggs into broth and gradually add to bread mixture.

Step 05

Squeeze bread to ensure even moisture absorption.

Step 06

Transfer to buttered 9x13 pan.

Step 07

Cover and bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.

Step 08

Uncover and bake 25-35 minutes until crispy.

Notes

  1. Can freeze before or after baking.
  2. Make ahead friendly.
  3. Traditional recipe.
  4. Great leftover.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking pan.
  • Large skillet.
  • Mixing bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter).
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat (bread).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 322
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 7 g