Here’s a classic, flavorful stuffing recipe that works well for holiday meals or whenever you’re in the mood for a cozy side dish. It combines bread, herbs, and savory ingredients for a stuffing that’s deliciously crisp on the outside and soft and flavorful inside.

Classic Stuffing Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 loaf of crusty bread (like French or Italian), cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3-4 stalks of celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2-3 sprigs fresh sage, chopped (or 2 tsp dried sage)
  • 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 ½ tsp dried thyme)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3-4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 large eggs, beaten

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Bread: Spread the bread cubes out on a baking sheet and let them sit out overnight to dry, or bake them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they’re lightly crisped.
  2. Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add the garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables and herbs. Toss well to coat.
  4. Add Broth and Eggs: Gradually pour in the broth while stirring, until the bread is moist but not soggy. Then, add the beaten eggs and mix thoroughly. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  5. Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crisp.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious, homemade stuffing!

Tips:

  • Add-ins: You can add dried cranberries, chopped apples, sausage, mushrooms, or pecans for extra flavor and texture.
  • Bread Choices: Sour dough, brioche, or cornbread are all great alternatives if you want a unique twist on traditional stuffing.
  • Broth Control: Adjust the amount of broth based on the bread’s dryness and your desired texture (more for a softer stuffing, less for a firmer one).

This stuffing recipe works well for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering where comfort food is a must!

Image from Wikipedia