This delightful herb stuffing is packed with flavor from fresh herbs, and it’s a great side dish for any meal. It’s comfy, cozy, and fills the house with a yummy aroma!
I love how easy this stuffing is to make. Just mix the bread, herbs, and broth, then bake until golden. It always brings a smile to my face, and leftovers are even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Day-old bread is perfect! I like using sourdough for its tangy flavor, but you can use any type. Stale baguette or whole grain also works well. If you’re gluten-free, try gluten-free bread instead.
Butter: Unsalted butter is the usual choice for cooking, allowing you to control the salt. Olive oil is a tasty alternative if you’re dairy-free.
Onion and Celery: These aromatics are essential for flavor. If you’re out of celery, you can use leeks or diced bell peppers. You can replace yellow onions with shallots if you prefer a milder taste.
Fresh Herbs: The herbs bring this dish to life! If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones can work, but use about half the amount. I love extra thyme and sage for a fragrant twist!
Broth: Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth keeps this stuffing flavorful without being too salty. If you’re vegetarian, definitely use vegetable broth.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Texture for Stuffing?
Getting the texture just right is crucial for stuffing. You want it moist but not mushy. Here are some helpful tips:
- Use stale or toasted bread, as it absorbs moisture better without falling apart.
- Moisten the mixture slowly; add broth gradually and toss gently. Aim for a texture that feels light and fluffy.
- Keep an eye on the baking time! Covering initially helps steam the stuffing, while uncovering later lets it brown up nicely.
- Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to settle while still being warm.
By following these tips, each bite of your stuffing will be delightful! Enjoy making it!
How to Make Savory Herb Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffing:
- 12 cups cubed day-old bread (white or sourdough), about 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 ½ cups celery, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 to 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, warmed
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 15 minutes before your savory herb stuffing is ready to serve. It’s a great dish for family gatherings or holiday meals!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Bread:
Start by spreading the cubed bread evenly on a baking sheet. Toast it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. You want the bread to be nicely dried and slightly golden. Once done, take it out and let it cool.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the finely chopped onions and celery. Sauté them until they are soft and translucent, which will take around 8-10 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until you can smell the garlic. Remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Mix the Herbs:
Add the fresh parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything together so the herbs and seasoning combine nicely with the veggies.
4. Combine the Stuffing:
In a very large bowl, place the toasted bread cubes. Pour the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture over the bread. Toss gently so everything is mixed evenly – be careful not to break the bread too much!
5. Add Broth and Eggs:
Gradually add the warmed broth, ½ cup at a time, tossing gently to moisten the bread. You might not need all the broth, just make sure the bread is moist but not soggy. Then stir in the lightly beaten eggs until the mixture is well combined.
6. Bake the Stuffing:
Transfer the stuffing mixture into a buttered 9×13-inch or similar sized baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
7. Brown the Top:
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes. This will allow the top to turn golden brown and crispy!
8. Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious savory herb stuffing warm as a side dish! It pairs wonderfully with roast poultry or can be enjoyed on its own as a comforting vegetarian dish.
Happy cooking! Enjoy the wonderful aroma and flavors of this herb stuffing!
Can I Use Store-Bought Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use store-bought bread, but make sure it’s slightly stale or you toast it beforehand. This will help it absorb the broth better and maintain the right texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffing?
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of broth to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make This Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Just follow the steps up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding a little extra time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Herbs?
If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried herbs can be used! Just remember to use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. A combination of dried thyme, sage, and rosemary works well!