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Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe
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Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe

This Buttery Herb Stuffing recipe combines fresh herbs, sautéed vegetables, and rich butter with tender bread cubes to create a moist, flavorful side dish perfect for holiday dinners or family gatherings.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Buttery, Comfort Food, Easy, Herb, Holiday, Stuffing, Vegetarian
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound firm white sandwich, French, or Italian bread cut into ½-¾ inch cubes, about 10 cups
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 ribs celery diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ⅓ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock or broth divided

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

  • Start by cutting your bread into ½-¾ inch cubes. Use firm white sandwich bread, French bread, or Italian bread for the best texture. Spread the cubes out on a baking sheet and let them sit out overnight to dry slightly, or toast them in a low oven (about 250°F) for 15-20 minutes until they are dry but not browned. This helps the bread absorb the flavors without becoming mushy.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Herbs

  • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and black pepper. The combination of these fresh herbs is what makes this stuffing truly stand out.

Step 3: Combine the Bread and Vegetable Mixture

  • Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the sautéed vegetables and herb mixture over the bread cubes and toss gently to combine. Make sure the vegetables and herbs are evenly distributed throughout the bread.

Step 4: Add Egg and Stock

  • In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with 1 ½ cups of the chicken or vegetable stock. Pour this mixture over the bread and vegetables, tossing gently as you go to combine. Add the remaining ½ cup stock slowly if the mixture looks dry. The goal is to moisten the bread without making it soggy. The eggs help bind the stuffing so it holds together nicely during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Stuffing

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stuffing mixture to a buttered 9x13-inch baking dish or any oven-safe casserole dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp. This gives the stuffing a delightful contrast of textures.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

  • Once baked, let the stuffing rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set and makes it easier to scoop out portions. Serve alongside your favorite main dishes, or enjoy it as a hearty vegetarian option.

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish

Notes

Use day-old bread or dry fresh bread in the oven to avoid mushy stuffing. Butter adds richness but can be substituted with olive oil for a dairy-free option. Fresh herbs are preferred over dried for better flavor. Add stock gradually to achieve perfect moisture. Toasting bread cubes before mixing adds texture. The stuffing mixture can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking. Variations include adding sausage, nuts, fruits, cheese, or using vegan substitutions.