Hearty Countryside Stuffing Recipe: A Cozy Family Classic

Comfort fills the kitchen when traditional stuffing with sage and herbs wafts through the air.

Crisp autumn days call for this hearty side dish that brings warmth to any table.

Bread cubes soak up rich flavors, creating a delectable companion to roasted meats.

Generations have passed down this classic stuffing recipe, each adding their unique touch.

Celery, onions, and aromatic herbs mingle together, promising a delightful culinary experience.

Fresh ingredients transform simple bread into a memorable dish that sparks connection.

Gather around and savor every delicious, comforting bite of this timeless recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 245 kcal

Servings: 8

What You’ll Need for Homemade Stuffing

• Bread: Sturdy white or sourdough bread ensures perfect texture and absorbs delicious flavors brilliantly.
• Chicken Broth: Adds rich, savory depth and helps bind the stuffing ingredients smoothly.

• Onion, Celery: Provides classic stuffing foundation with sweet and earthy undertones.
• Garlic: Introduces deep, robust flavor that elevates the entire dish.

• Thyme, Sage, Parsley: Fresh herbs deliver vibrant, traditional stuffing taste and delightful aroma.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance overall flavor profile.

• Butter: Creates rich, golden base for sautéing vegetables and adding luxurious mouthfeel.
• Eggs: Helps bind ingredients together and provides structure to the stuffing.

Stuffing Tools That Make It Simple

• Large Baking Sheet: Perfect for toasting bread cubes evenly.
• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing vegetables with butter and herbs.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Helps combine bread cubes, vegetables, and liquid ingredients.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for preparing and baking the stuffing.
• Chef's Knife: Needed for chopping onions, celery, and garlic.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the stuffing during initial baking.

Mix and Bake Stuffing Like a Holiday Pro

• Warm Up the Oven

Get your kitchen ready by heating the oven to a cozy 350°F. This will help create that perfect golden-brown top we all love.

• Transform Bread into Crispy Cubes

Spread bread pieces on a baking sheet and let them dance in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Watch them turn into delightful, dry nuggets that’ll soak up all the delicious flavors.

• Sizzle the Veggie Base

Melt butter in a skillet and toss in onions and celery. Let them soften and become translucent, releasing their sweet aroma. Sprinkle in herbs and garlic for an extra flavor punch.

• Create Stuffing Magic

Combine your crispy bread cubes with the fragrant vegetable mixture. Pour in chicken broth and gently fold everything together. Crack in some eggs to bind the ingredients into a harmonious blend.

• Bake to Perfection

Transfer your creation to a baking dish. Cover with foil for the first 30 minutes to keep things moist, then uncover and let the top turn into a crispy, golden masterpiece for another 15-20 minutes.

• Serve and Celebrate

Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top and bring this crowd-pleasing dish to the table. Watch as everyone digs in with pure joy!

How to Give Stuffing Extra Flavor and Texture

• Use day-old bread or slightly stale bread for better absorption and a more authentic stuffing texture. Sourdough, French bread, or whole wheat can add extra flavor dimensions.
• Add chicken broth gradually to avoid soggy stuffing. The bread should be moist but not wet, maintaining a fluffy interior with a crispy top.
• Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based butter for a delicious vegetarian version. Mushrooms can add depth and meatiness to the recipe.
• Prepare the stuffing a day ahead and refrigerate. This allows flavors to meld and makes holiday cooking less stressful. Just add 10-15 minutes to baking time when starting from cold.
• Experiment with mix-ins like chopped apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, or cooked sausage to create unique flavor profiles and add exciting texture to your stuffing.

Ways to Serve Stuffing at Dinner Parties

• Festive Family Feast: Pair this stuffing with a golden roasted turkey or succulent roast chicken for a classic holiday meal that brings everyone together.
• Comfort Food Companions: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, and buttery green beans to create a hearty, satisfying plate that warms the soul.
• Leftover Magic: Transform extra stuffing into crispy stuffing cakes by forming patties and pan-frying until golden brown, perfect for next-day breakfast or a quick lunch.
• Creative Stuffing Remix: Use as a delicious filling for roasted bell peppers or stuff into chicken breasts for an unexpected twist on traditional recipe presentations.

Best Storage Tips for Leftover Stuffing

• Keep leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent flavor loss.
• Warm stuffing in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore original moisture and prevent dryness. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.
• Freeze cooled stuffing in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and taste.
• Divide stuffing into individual serving sizes before storing. This allows easy reheating of small portions without compromising the entire batch's quality and prevents repeated temperature changes that can affect texture.

Rustic Homemade Stuffing Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Comforting classic Thanksgiving “perfect homemade stuffing” brings warmth and nostalgia to holiday tables with its rich, herbal flavors. Savory bread cubes, aromatic herbs, and tender vegetables combine in a delightful side dish you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb / 450 g bread, cubed (French bread, sourdough, or white bread)
• 2 ½ cups / 600 ml chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ cup / 1 stick / 115 g unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried sage)
• 1 tsp dried rosemary (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Bread Preparation: Create crisp, uniform bread cubes and dry them thoroughly by toasting in a 350F (175C) oven for 10-15 minutes, ensuring a golden, crunchy texture that will absorb flavors effectively.
2. Vegetable Sautéing: In a large skillet, transform butter, onions, and celery into a fragrant base by gently cooking until vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence. Incorporate garlic, thyme, sage, parsley, salt, and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
3. Mixture Integration: Merge toasted bread cubes with sautéed vegetable medley in a spacious mixing bowl. Introduce chicken broth to moisten the mixture, then fold in beaten eggs to create a cohesive, binding texture that will hold the stuffing together during baking.
4. Baking Technique: Transfer the harmonized mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring even distribution. Protect with foil during initial baking, then expose to direct heat for a final 15-20 minutes to achieve a beautifully golden, crisp exterior while maintaining a moist interior. Garnish with fresh parsley to add a vibrant finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Choose day-old bread or slightly stale bread for better texture and absorption of flavors.
• Don’t oversaturate the bread with broth; add gradually to prevent soggy stuffing and maintain a perfect consistency.
• Ensure vegetables are finely chopped and softened completely to distribute flavors evenly throughout the stuffing.
• Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for vegetarian version or use gluten-free bread for celiac-friendly option.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 40mg