If you’re on a quest for the ultimate comfort food to wow your loved ones, look no further than Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe. This classic stuffing bursts with warm, buttery goodness infused with fresh herbs that make every bite sing with flavor. It’s the perfect balance of crisp, golden bread cubes and soft, fragrant vegetable medley that brings a nostalgic, hearty joy to any meal, whether it’s holiday dinner or a cozy weeknight feast. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple on your table and a conversation starter among friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this dish is refreshingly straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating a stuffing that’s bursting with flavor and perfect texture. From bread that offers a delightful crunch to fresh herbs that brighten every bite, these essentials are all about balance and harmony.
- Bread cubes (18–24 oz): Using stale or toasted sourdough or Italian bread gives you that ideal chewy crunch that holds up beautifully to all the moisture.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Butter brings richness and a velvety mouthfeel that coats every ingredient in comforting flavor.
- Diced sweet onion (3 cups): Adds a natural sweetness and depth, softening as it cooks.
- Diced celery (2 cups): Provides a subtle crunch and fresh herbal notes that contrast perfectly with the softness of the bread.
- Minced garlic (6 cloves): Garlic punches up that savory base, making every bite irresistibly aromatic.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the layers of flavor.
- Chopped fresh sage, parsley, and rosemary (3 tbsp each): These fresh herbs embody the heart of the recipe, lending woodsy, bright, and aromatic tones.
- Chicken or vegetable stock (2 ½ cups): Moistens the bread cubes while adding a savory depth that ties everything together beautifully.
- Large eggs (2): Eggs help bind the stuffing so it holds its shape after baking, making serving a breeze.
- Fresh herbs (for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh greens adds a final burst of color and flavor just before serving.
How to Make Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by choosing your bread wisely – stale bread works wonderfully because it soaks up all the buttery flavors without turning mushy, or you can toast fresh cubes in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until lightly crisp. This step is key for texture; the bread should be dry but tender enough to soak up all the goodness.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetable Base
In a large skillet, melt your butter over medium heat and add the diced sweet onion, celery, and minced garlic with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let everything soften and meld together for about 8 to 10 minutes. This fragrant veggie mixture is the heart of the stuffing, providing layers of natural sweetness and savory notes.
Step 3: Infuse with Fresh Herbs
Next, stir in the chopped sage, parsley, and rosemary. These herbs infuse the softened vegetables with an intoxicating aroma and a fresh, earthy flavor that elevates the entire dish. Cook for an additional minute just to release their essential oils.
Step 4: Add Stock and Combine
Pour in one cup of chicken or vegetable stock, stirring to meld the flavors and moisten the vegetable mixture. Then, transfer your bread cubes to a large bowl or directly to the greased baking dish. Pour the vegetable mixture over the bread, tossing gently to coat every cube evenly.
Step 5: Bind with Eggs and Remaining Stock
Whisk together the remaining 1 ½ cups of stock and the two eggs in a small bowl. Pour this over the bread cubes and vegetable mixture, stirring carefully but thoroughly. This step ensures the stuffing holds together once baked but remains delightfully soft inside.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and a heat thermometer reaches 160°F internally. If the top starts browning too quickly, tent the dish loosely with foil to prevent burning.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, sprinkle extra fresh herbs on top for an appealing garnish and a fresh burst of flavor. Serve warm and watch this beloved classic disappear fast from the table.
How to Serve Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or sage on top immediately adds visual appeal and a fragrant pop that complements the rich flavors within the stuffing. A few fresh rosemary sprigs can also uplift the presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
This stuffing shines alongside roasted turkey, baked chicken, or even a hearty vegetarian main. Rich gravies, cranberry sauces, and steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts complete the plate with color and contrasting textures for a memorable meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try baking the stuffing in individual ramekins or muffin tins for personal servings that have crispy edges all around. You can also stuff it inside roasted squash or bell peppers for an elegant presentation that doubles as a main course.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffing is just as delightful the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheated, it will regain much of its original buttery, herbaceous charm.
Freezing
If you want to make Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe ahead of time, freezing is a great option. After baking and cooling completely, portion the stuffing into freezer-safe containers or bags. It keeps well for up to two months and is perfect for holiday meal prep.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in a 350°F oven covered with foil to maintain moisture. For crispier edges, uncover for the last 10 minutes. You can also reheat smaller portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free bread in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using gluten-free bread cubes works just as well and creates a delicious gluten-free version of Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe. Just make sure the bread is dry or toasted for the best texture.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can be used in a pinch—about one-third the amount of fresh—but fresh herbs truly bring the vibrant, bright flavor that makes this stuffing special. Whenever possible, opt for fresh for the best results.
Can this stuffing be made vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock to keep it vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing flavor. The butter and herbs already provide plenty of depth.
How do I make the stuffing without eggs?
You can omit the eggs and instead add a bit more stock for moisture. The stuffing may be a little looser but will still taste incredible and hold together well when baked.
Can I prepare the stuffing mixture in advance?
Definitely! You can mix everything up to the point of baking the night before. Keep it covered in the fridge and bake fresh when ready. This makes Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe a real time-saver for busy days.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably heartwarming about Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe that makes it a true crowd-pleaser, showcasing all the best qualities of classic comfort food. Whether it’s the star of your holiday table or a special side for everyday dinners, this recipe promises to bring joy, flavor, and those cozy good vibes to every bite. Give it a try, and soon you’ll find it’s a recipe you’ll want to return to year after year.
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Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic, comforting buttery herb stuffing made with toasted bread cubes, sautéed onions, celery, garlic, and fresh herbs, baked to golden perfection. This stuffing is moist, flavorful, and perfect as a side dish for holiday meals or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Bread
- 18–24 oz bread cubes (1.5 loaves, about 12–14 cups) (stale or toasted sourdough, Italian, or your favorite combination)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 3 cups diced sweet onion (approximately 2 large onions)
- 2 cups diced celery
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh sage
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 large eggs
- Fresh herbs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread Cubes: For stale bread, cut into cubes and let sit overnight, loosely covered with foil. For toasted bread, preheat the oven to 350°F, spread bread cubes on a baking sheet, and toast for about 15 minutes until slightly crisp.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or larger) with melted butter, olive oil, or nonstick spray.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and garlic with a generous pinch of salt and pepper (½–1 tsp each). Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened.
- Add Herbs and Stock: Stir in chopped fresh sage, parsley, and rosemary, cooking for 1 additional minute. Add 1 cup of stock and stir to combine.
- Combine the Stuffing: Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl or the prepared baking dish. Pour the vegetable mixture over the bread cubes and toss to coat evenly.
- Add the Egg Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 ½ cups of stock and eggs. Pour this mixture over the bread cubes, stirring gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the stuffing with additional fresh herbs before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, buttery flavors!
Notes
- Use stale or toasted bread cubes to avoid sogginess and ensure perfect texture.
- You can use chicken or vegetable stock as per your preference or dietary needs.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock and ensure no animal-based butter is used.
- Adding eggs helps bind the stuffing and provides moisture.
- If the stuffing browns too fast during baking, tent with foil to prevent burning.
