Classic Butter Herb Stuffing Recipe + Easy Holiday Side

If you’re looking for a rich and flavorful stuffing to complement your Thanksgiving turkey, then this classic butter herb stuffing recipe is perfect for you. It’s a simple yet indulgent side dish that brings together savory herbs, crispy bread, and buttery goodness. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a festive holiday gathering, this stuffing will quickly become a cherished favorite. The combination of fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, and parsley, along with crispy bread and perfectly sautéed vegetables, creates an unforgettable stuffing that everyone will love.

Why This Classic Butter Herb Stuffing is the Perfect Thanksgiving Side

Classic butter herb stuffing is the epitome of comfort food. This recipe is easy to prepare, family-friendly, and offers a balanced mix of textures and flavors that will make your Thanksgiving meal complete. With the richness of butter, the aroma of fresh herbs, and the perfect balance of seasonings, this stuffing is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey or chicken, and it’s the perfect addition to your holiday spread.

Ingredients for Classic Butter Herb Stuffing

Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make this mouthwatering stuffing:

• Bread: Use high-quality bread such as rustic sourdough or French baguette. Stale bread works best as it absorbs the broth well, creating the perfect stuffing texture.
• Butter: A generous amount of butter is used to sauté the vegetables, adding richness and flavor.
• Onion: Two large onions are essential for the base flavor of the stuffing.
• Celery: Diced celery provides a fresh, crisp texture to balance the richness of the other ingredients.
• Garlic: Garlic infuses the stuffing with aromatic depth and savory flavor.
• Fresh Herbs (Sage, Parsley, Rosemary): These herbs provide a fragrant and flavorful profile to the stuffing, ensuring that it’s anything but bland.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, salt and pepper bring out the natural flavors in the stuffing.
• Chicken or Vegetable Stock: Broth helps to moisten the stuffing and enhances its flavor. Choose chicken for a more traditional taste, or vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.
• Eggs: Eggs help bind the stuffing together, giving it structure and moisture.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, here are a few swaps you can make while still keeping your classic butter herb stuffing delicious:

• Gluten-Free Bread: You can use a gluten-free loaf, preferably one that is dense and sturdy enough to hold up to the broth.
• Dairy-Free: Swap out butter for a dairy-free alternative, such as olive oil or vegan butter, to make the stuffing dairy-free.
• Sausage: For added richness and flavor, you can add cooked sausage to your stuffing. This savory addition pairs perfectly with the herbs and bread.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic Butter Herb Stuffing

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or coat it generously with butter.
2. Prepare the bread: Cut your bread into cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl. If your bread is fresh, toast the cubes in the oven for a few minutes to dry them out.
3. Cook the vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and celery, cooking for 10-12 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add the herbs and broth: Stir in the fresh herbs (sage, parsley, rosemary) and add 1 cup of chicken or vegetable stock. Mix well to combine.
5. Combine the mixture with bread: Pour the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture over the bread cubes. Toss to coat the bread evenly.
6. Mix the egg and broth: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and remaining 1½ cups of broth. Pour this over the bread mixture and fold together gently to combine.
7. Bake the stuffing: Pour the stuffing mixture into your prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 40-48 minutes. For extra crispness, uncover the foil for the last 10 minutes.
8. Finish with butter: Drizzle the stuffing with melted butter before serving for an extra touch of flavor.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Classic Butter Herb Stuffing

• Use stale bread: The key to avoiding soggy stuffing is using stale bread. If you don’t have stale bread, you can toast fresh cubes in the oven to dry them out.
• Don’t overdo the stock: Add the stock gradually, ensuring that the bread is moist but not overly saturated. The stuffing should be soft and flavorful, not soggy.
• Make ahead: You can prepare this stuffing a day before your meal. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bake it the next day. This is a great time-saver during the holiday rush!
• Texture tips: For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. If you like extra moist stuffing, drizzle melted butter over it before serving.

Pairing Ideas and Variations for Classic Butter Herb Stuffing

Classic butter herb stuffing pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Turkey: This stuffing is a perfect match for a Thanksgiving turkey. Its rich flavors complement the savory taste of roasted turkey.
• Chicken: For a more casual dinner, serve this stuffing with roasted or grilled chicken.
• Gravy: Add a bit of turkey or chicken gravy on top of your stuffing for extra flavor and moisture.

If you’re looking to add a twist, consider these variations:

• Sausage stuffing: Add crumbled sausage to the mix for a savory, hearty stuffing.
• Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary preferences while maintaining the traditional flavors.

Make It Ahead and Store It

Classic butter herb stuffing can easily be made ahead of time, which is perfect for busy holiday prep. Once it’s assembled, cover the baking dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it in the oven. For leftovers, store the stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating tip: When reheating, cover the dish with foil to keep the stuffing moist. For a crispy top, uncover it for the last 5 minutes of baking.

This classic butter herb stuffing recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at your next holiday meal. With its savory herbs, buttery richness, and perfect texture, it’s a dish everyone will remember.

Conclusion

Classic butter herb stuffing is a timeless side dish that enhances any holiday meal with its rich flavors, comforting textures, and aromatic herbs. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving or a family gathering, this easy recipe offers a perfect balance of savory ingredients like fresh herbs, sautéed vegetables, and crispy bread, all brought together with the warmth of butter and broth. The best part is that it’s simple to make and can even be prepped ahead of time, making it an ideal dish for busy cooks. Serve it alongside turkey or chicken for a memorable, flavorful feast that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy this delicious stuffing that’s sure to become a staple in your holiday cooking tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

More Relevant Recipes

• Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing: This comforting recipe combines tender chicken with savory stuffing, cooked together in a slow cooker. Perfect for busy days, it delivers a hearty meal with a similar flavor profile to classic butter herb stuffing, but with the added ease of a crockpot. Ideal for those who want to enjoy stuffing without the oven time.
• Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: A vibrant, fall-inspired salad featuring roasted butternut squash and hearty greens. The sweetness of the squash and the earthy flavors of the herbs complement the savory stuffing, making it a great side dish to serve alongside any poultry-based meal.
• Crispy Rosemary Butter Roasted Potatoes: A flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with classic stuffing. The rosemary and buttery potatoes add a savory element that complements the herbs in the stuffing, creating a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.

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