This savory herb stuffing is packed with flavor, thanks to a mix of fresh herbs and tasty ingredients like bread, onion, and celery. Perfect for holiday meals or any cozy dinner!
Making this stuffing is a breeze! I love how the warm smell fills my kitchen—it’s like a comforting hug. Serve it alongside turkey or chicken, and get ready for happy smiles! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Day-Old Bread: Using a mix of white and whole wheat bread adds great flavor and texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use any sturdy bread like sourdough or even gluten-free bread for a gluten-free option.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary make this stuffing shine. Dried herbs can work too! Substitute 1 tsp of dried herbs for each tablespoon of fresh if needed. Oregano is optional but adds nice depth, so don’t skip it unless you really want to.
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is my go-to, but vegetable broth works just as well for vegetarians. You can also use homemade broth for an extra boost of flavor!
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. For a dairy-free version, use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. I like the richness butter adds, but you can adjust based on your taste!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Bread for Stuffing?
Preparing the bread correctly is crucial for perfect stuffing. Stale or day-old bread absorbs the broth without getting mushy. Here’s how to prep it:
- Cut the bread into cubes and let it sit out overnight to dry if you can.
- If you’re short on time, toast the bread cubes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Make sure bread cubes are evenly spread on the baking sheet for toasting.
Following these tips will ensure your stuffing has the right texture when baked! Enjoy the wonderful aromatics and flavors this dish brings to your meal. Happy cooking! 🍞✨
How to Make Savory Herb Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 10 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably a mix of white and whole wheat)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs & Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
Liquid Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
How Much Time Will You Need?
This savory herb stuffing takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 45 minutes to cook—30 minutes covered, and a quick 15 minutes uncovered for that golden top. Total time: about 1 hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or any similar casserole dish. This will ensure your stuffing doesn’t stick!
2. Toasting the Bread:
Next, spread the cubed day-old bread on a large baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until it’s dry and lightly golden. This step helps to create a perfect texture. Remove the bread and set it aside to cool.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking until they become softened and translucent, roughly 5-7 minutes. This adds a lovely flavor base!
4. Mixing in the Herbs:
Now, stir in the minced garlic, parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and the optional oregano. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
5. Combining Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the cooked vegetable and herb mixture. Toss everything together well so it’s evenly mixed.
6. Adding Liquid:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread mixture, gently stirring to moisten all of the bread cubes thoroughly. You want them moist but not soggy—just the right balance!
7. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Transfer everything into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Make sure it’s well-distributed for even cooking.
8. Baking the Stuffing:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is nice and golden brown and crispy.
9. Rest and Serve!
Once done, remove the stuffing from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle!
This savory herb stuffing is packed with flavor, moist inside, and has a perfectly crispy top—a classic side dish that enhances any holiday feast or cozy dinner. Enjoy! 🥳🍽️
Can I Use Fresh Bread Instead of Day-Old Bread?
It’s best to use day-old bread, as it absorbs the broth better without becoming mushy. If you’re using fresh bread, consider toasting it in the oven first to dry it out a bit!
How Can I Store Leftover Stuffing?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through, adding a splash of broth to help retain moisture if needed.
Can I Make This Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing mixture a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just add a little extra broth before baking to ensure it stays moist when you cook it!
What Other Herbs Can I Use?
You can definitely mix and match herbs based on your preference! Thyme, basil, and even a little tarragon can work beautifully. Fresh herbs give the stuffing a vibrant flavor, but dried herbs can also be a good substitute—just use less, as they’re more concentrated!