Description
This homemade stuffing recipe is a savory, comforting side dish made with toasted bread, butter, onions, celery, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas, it’s an easy-to-make dish that delivers rich flavors and delightful textures with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 slices white bread, lightly toasted
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (vegetable broth can also be used for a vegetarian version)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon rubbed sage
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the Bread: Break the toasted bread slices into small pieces or crumbs and spread them out on a baking sheet. Leave them to sit at room temperature for about 24 hours, or until they are dry and firm. This step ensures that your stuffing has the perfect texture.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking them until they are soft and fragrant—about 5-7 minutes. Once they’re done, remove from heat and drain any excess liquid.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the dried bread crumbs. Pour in the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Mix everything together until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy.
- Season the Stuffing: Stir in the cooked onion, celery, salt, black pepper, sage, and garlic powder. Make sure everything is well combined.
- Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once your homemade stuffing is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve it warm alongside turkey, chicken, or any of your favorite holiday main courses.
Notes
- Bread Choice: While we’ve used white bread in this recipe, you can experiment with other types like sourdough, whole wheat, or even cornbread for different textures and flavors. Just be sure to dry the bread thoroughly for the best results.
- Make it Ahead: You can make the stuffing a day or two ahead of time. Prepare everything up to the point of baking, then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply place it in the oven and cook as directed.
- For Extra Flavor: Add some fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a more aromatic stuffing. You can also mix in sautéed mushrooms or crumbled sausage for added richness.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly. The stuffing will still have that delicious savory flavor you love.
- Crispy Top: If you prefer a crispier top, broil the stuffing for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg