Buttery Herb Stuffing
Buttery Herb Stuffing is a comforting and flavorful side dish combining fresh herbs, golden butter, and crispy bread cubes. Perfect for holidays or everyday meals, it offers a moist, savory interior with a crunchy top, delivering homestyle goodness that’s easily customizable to suit various tastes and dietary needs.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be adapted to Gluten Free and Vegetarian
Basic Ingredients
- 6 cups stale bread cubes (day-old French baguette or sourdough recommended)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth, warmed
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (for added crunch)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries or 1/2 cup chopped apples (for fruit twist)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese
- Gluten-free bread cubes (to make it gluten-free)
- Prepare the bread cubes: Cut stale bread into bite-sized cubes. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until lightly golden and crisp to lock in texture and avoid sogginess.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant. Stir in fresh herbs—sage, thyme, and parsley—to release their savory aroma.
- Combine the mixture: Transfer the toasted bread cubes to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sautéed herb butter mixture over the bread. Gradually add warm chicken or vegetable broth while gently tossing to moisten the cubes without making them soggy.
- Season and bake: Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper. Transfer the stuffing to a buttered baking dish. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy, while the inside remains tender and flavorful.
Notes
- Use stale bread that is 1 to 2 days old for best absorption without becoming mushy.
- Add broth slowly and gently toss to ensure the stuffing stays moist but not soggy.
- Fresh herbs provide brighter, more vibrant flavors than dried; if using dried, reduce quantity to one-third.
- Don’t skimp on butter—it is essential for richness and texture.
- Cover the dish with foil during the initial baking to maintain moisture, then uncover to crisp the top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: buttery herb stuffing, stuffing recipe, holiday side dish, savory stuffing, herb stuffing, gluten free stuffing, vegetarian stuffing, comfort food