If there’s one dish that truly captures the warm, inviting spirit of any holiday table, it has to be the Classic Bread Stuffing With Fresh Herbs Recipe. It’s a comforting blend of crunchy toasted bread cubes, fragrant fresh herbs, and rich buttery goodness that transforms simple ingredients into a star on your plate. This recipe brings a perfect balance of savory flavors and textures, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make year after year. Whether you’re roasting a turkey or just craving something cozy, this stuffing never fails to evoke that irresistible homemade charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every component plays a key role, from the crunchy bread cubes giving texture to the fresh herbs providing vibrant aroma and flavor. These essential ingredients come together to create a dish that’s comforting yet bright and full of character.
- Dried bread cubes (18–24 oz): Choose sourdough or Italian for a sturdy texture that soaks up flavors without turning mushy.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics to perfection.
- Diced sweet onion (3 cups): Provides a tender, mild sweetness that melts beautifully into the stuffing.
- Diced celery (2 cups): Offers a crisp freshness and subtle earthiness for balance.
- Garlic cloves (6, minced): Brings a warm, aromatic depth that’s simply irresistible.
- Kosher salt (1 tsp) and black pepper (1 tsp): Essential seasoning that enhances every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- Fresh sage (3 tbsp, chopped): Infuses a woodsy, savory note that’s a classic seasoning for stuffing.
- Fresh rosemary (3 tbsp, chopped): Adds a piney, slightly peppery hint that lingers pleasantly.
- Fresh parsley (3 tbsp, chopped): Lightens and brightens the dish with its vibrant green color and fresh flavor.
- Chicken or vegetable stock (2 1/2 cups): The flavorful liquid base that moistens the bread and ties everything together.
- Large eggs (2, lightly beaten): Act as a binder to give the stuffing a lovely, cohesive texture.
- Extra fresh herbs for garnish: A final touch that adds color and a hint of fresh herbal fragrance.
How to Make Classic Bread Stuffing With Fresh Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Bread Cubes
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the dried bread cubes evenly on baking sheets and toast them for about 15 minutes. This process dries the bread and gives it a gentle golden color, which is crucial to develop that signature crispy yet tender stuffing texture.
Step 2: Butter the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter. This ensures the stuffing won’t stick and adds an extra layer of buttery flavor right at the edges as it bakes gloriously golden.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add the diced sweet onion, celery, garlic, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 8 to 10 minutes until the vegetables are beautifully softened and fragrant — this aromatic base is the heart of the Classic Bread Stuffing With Fresh Herbs Recipe.
Step 4: Add Fresh Herbs and Stock
Mix in the chopped sage, rosemary, and parsley, cooking for just one minute to release all their wonderful flavors. Then pour in one cup of the stock, scraping the bottom of the skillet to capture any tasty browned bits. This step is where the magic of flavor deepening truly begins.
Step 5: Combine Bread and Aromatic Mixture
Transfer the toasted bread cubes into a large bowl and toss them with the piping hot aromatic herb and vegetable mixture. Coating the bread while everything’s hot allows it to absorb those vivid flavors perfectly.
Step 6: Bind with Stock and Eggs
Whisk together the remaining 1 1/2 cups of stock with the beaten eggs, then pour over the bread mixture. Gently fold this in so that every piece of bread is moistened evenly—this will help the stuffing set beautifully as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Spread the stuffing mixture evenly into your prepared buttered baking dish. Place it in the oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes. When the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges crisp slightly, you know it’s time to take it out.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
Allow the stuffing to rest for 5 to 10 minutes so it firms up just enough for lovely, clean servings. Sprinkle extra fresh herbs on top for a vibrant and inviting final touch that celebrates the fresh herb flavor that makes this Classic Bread Stuffing With Fresh Herbs Recipe so unforgettable.
How to Serve Classic Bread Stuffing With Fresh Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herb sprigs or a sprinkle of chopped parsley right before serving elevates the presentation and reinforces those fresh, woodsy notes. A small pat of butter on top while the stuffing is still warm can also add an irresistible sheen and extra gloss of flavor.
Side Dishes
This stuffing pairs beautifully with classic roast turkey or chicken but also shines alongside roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, or a simple green salad. Its rich, savory profile balances well with tangy or fresh side dishes to create a complete, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve the stuffing inside hollowed-out roasted acorn squash or bell peppers for charming individual portions. You can also use it as a stuffing for roasted mushrooms or chicken breasts, turning the recipe into a versatile centerpiece with flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before storing to preserve freshness without sogginess.
Freezing
Classic Bread Stuffing With Fresh Herbs Recipe freezes wonderfully. Simply place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat the stuffing in a 350°F oven covered with foil for around 20 minutes until warmed through. Removing the foil for the last few minutes helps regain its lovely crisp top texture.
FAQs
Can I use day-old bread instead of dried bread cubes?
Absolutely! Day-old bread can work well because it’s drier and more absorbent, which is perfect for stuffing. Just cut it into cubes and let it air dry for a bit if it feels too fresh or soft.
Is it possible to make this stuffing vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock, and the result will be just as flavorful and satisfying. The fresh herbs do a great job of keeping this dish vibrant and herbaceous.
Can I prepare the stuffing mixture ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can mix all the ingredients and refrigerate the mixture overnight. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before baking, and you might need to add a splash more stock if it looks dry.
What can I substitute for fresh herbs if I only have dried?
If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried can be used at approximately one-third of the fresh amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. For this recipe, use about 1 tablespoon each of dried sage, rosemary, and parsley.
How do I make sure the stuffing doesn’t turn mushy?
To avoid mushiness, toast the bread cubes until nicely dry and golden. Also, resist adding too much stock initially—moisten just enough to coat the bread. Baking uncovered helps the top crisp up nicely as well.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Bread Stuffing With Fresh Herbs Recipe is truly one of those dishes that bring warmth to the table and joy to the heart. From its crisp toasted bread to the fragrant burst of fresh herbs, every bite celebrates simple, comforting flavors done beautifully. Whether it’s your holiday centerpiece or a cozy weeknight treat, I promise this recipe will quickly become a favorite you’ll look forward to making again and again.
Print
Classic Bread Stuffing With Fresh Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic bread stuffing recipe featuring toasted sourdough or Italian bread cubes combined with sautéed aromatics and fresh herbs, bound with eggs and chicken or vegetable stock, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a savory side dish for holiday meals or any comforting feast.
Ingredients
Bread
- 18–24 oz dried bread cubes (about 12–14 cups; sourdough or Italian recommended)
Dairy
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 cups diced sweet onion (about 2 large)
- 2 cups diced celery
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
- 3 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 3 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra fresh herbs for garnish
Liquids
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
Instructions
- Prep bread: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread cubes evenly on baking sheets and toast them for about 15 minutes until they are dry and lightly golden. This step ensures your stuffing will have the right texture and absorb the liquids well.
- Butter the dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter and set it aside. This will prevent the stuffing from sticking and add richness to the dish.
- Cook aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced sweet onion, celery, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the stuffing.
- Add herbs & stock: Stir in the fresh chopped sage, rosemary, and parsley, cooking everything together for about a minute to release their aroma. Pour in 1 cup of the chicken or vegetable stock and use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the skillet, incorporating all the flavor into the mixture.
- Combine: Transfer the toasted bread cubes into a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot aromatic butter and herb mixture over the bread and toss until the bread cubes are evenly coated.
- Bind: In a separate bowl, whisk the remaining 1 1/2 cups of stock with the lightly beaten eggs. Pour this liquid over the bread mixture and gently fold it all together until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy.
- Bake: Spread the stuffing mixture evenly into your prepared buttered baking dish. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is nicely golden and the stuffing is cooked through.
- Rest & serve: Let the stuffing rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired, then serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- You can use either chicken or vegetable stock depending on your preference or dietary requirements.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the bread cubes with gluten-free bread.
- Customize the herb blend by adding thyme or marjoram for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.
- Make ahead by preparing the mixture the night before, refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
