Best Stuffing Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This classic stuffing is moist, flavorful, and full of comforting autumn spices. With a blend of sautéed onions, celery, fresh herbs, and hearty bread, it’s the perfect side that complements poultry, pork, or roasts. Every bite delivers cozy warmth and savory satisfaction.

ingredients

this Recipe

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
bread (cubed, preferably day‑old)
unsalted butter
onion (diced)
celery (diced)
garlic (minced)
fresh sage (chopped)
fresh thyme leaves
fresh parsley (chopped)
chicken or vegetable broth
salt and pepper
optional add-ins: cooked sausage, chopped apples, dried cranberries, chopped nuts

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until lightly golden, about 10 minutes.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery, cooking until softened (about 5–7 minutes). Add garlic and sauté 1 minute more.
4. Stir in chopped sage, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook briefly until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. In a large bowl, combine toasted bread cubes and sautéed mixture. Add any optional ingredients and toss to combine.
6. Gradually pour in broth, tossing gently until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy.
7. Transfer to a greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the top is crisp and golden.
8. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Toasting & sautéing: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour

Variations

• Use cornbread or sourdough for a different texture and flavor.
• Add cooked sausage or diced bacon for extra richness.
• Stir in chopped apples and walnuts for a sweet-nutty twist.
• Mix in dried cranberries or apricots for seasonal sweetness.
• Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and skipping meat add-ins.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat on a baking sheet in a 325°F (165°C) oven until warmed through and crisp on top.
Freeze cooled stuffing in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I prepare this ahead?
Yes—you can assemble and refrigerate the mixture (minus the broth) a day ahead, then add broth and bake before serving.

How do I keep it moist but not soggy?
Use enough broth to moisten the bread without soaking it and bake covered first to retain moisture.

Can I make it gluten‑free?
Absolutely—use gluten-free bread cubes and ensure broth and add-ins are GF.

Can I freeze it after baking?
Yes—bake, cool completely, then freeze. Reheat in the oven until warmed through and crisp.

Is it okay to use fresh herbs?
Yes! Fresh herbs add vibrant flavor—just use about 1 Tbsp each chopped sage and thyme.

What type of bread works best?
Sturdy, slightly stale bread like French, sourdough, or brioche gives the best texture.

Can I make it dairy‑free?
Yes—substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based spread and use dairy-free broth.

Should I cover it while baking?
Yes—cover for the first part to steam and moisten, then uncover to crisp the top.

How do I know it’s done?
The center should be hot and the top golden-brown and slightly crispy.

Conclusion

This Best Stuffing Recipe is the ultimate comfort-side dish—flavorful, versatile, and easy to customize. Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist, it’s the perfect complement to any holiday table or cozy dinner.

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