If there’s one dish that instantly evokes the cozy warmth of family gatherings and holiday feasts, it’s the Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe. This classic side combines the satisfying crunch of golden-baked bread cubes with the aromatic charm of fresh herbs, celery, and onions sautéed in butter. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of savory flavors and comforting textures that will have you reaching for seconds, and maybe even thirds. Whether you’re a first-timer or a stuffing aficionado, this Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe is a timeless treasure that transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping centerpiece for your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the rich butter that carries flavors, to the fresh herbs that brighten and deepen the taste, and the sturdy bread cubes that soak up all the goodness, creating perfect texture and color.
- 1/2 cup salted butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to tender perfection.
- 1 medium white onion, diced: Provides a subtle sweetness and savory depth when cooked.
- 1 1/2 cups sliced celery: Brings a pleasant crunch and fresh earthiness.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Moistens and flavors the bread, infusing it with savory warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor in the dish just right.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balance to the seasoning.
- 1 pound French bread, cubed: The heart of the stuffing, ideally stale for the best texture.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage: Imparts classic earthy, piney notes essential to stuffing.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary: Offers fragrant, woody hints that complement the dish beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme: Delivers subtle herbal brightness and complexity.
How to Make Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish
Begin by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish; this ensures your stuffing bakes evenly without sticking and develops that irresistible golden crust.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sliced celery, letting them cook gently for 5 to 7 minutes. You want the vegetables to soften and release their natural sweetness without browning too much, setting the savory foundation for the stuffing.
Step 3: Add Broth and Seasoning
Pour in the chicken broth along with the salt and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. This step intensifies the flavors and readies the liquid to perfectly moisten the bread. Once boiling, remove the skillet from the heat to let the flavors settle.
Step 4: Prepare the Bread
While your broth and veggies are coming together, cube the French bread. If your bread isn’t stale, toasting it lightly is a smart move to help it absorb the broth without turning mushy. Transfer all the bread cubes to a large mixing bowl, the canvas for your stuffing masterpiece.
Step 5: Add Herbs
Sprinkle the minced fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme over the bread cubes. These herbs are the magic touch, their fragrant, green flavors weaving through every bite and turning simple bread into a savory, herb-infused delight.
Step 6: Moisten the Bread
Slowly drizzle the hot broth and vegetable mixture over the bread and herbs, stirring gently to make sure all pieces soak up the moist, flavorful liquid. Take your time here—uniform moisture means every bite is perfectly soft and delicious.
Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish
Scrape the bread mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This helps the stuffing cook uniformly and develop a beautiful golden-brown top layer that makes it all the more inviting.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges start to crisp ever so slightly. This final step locks in the flavors and gives you textural contrast that is simply irresistible.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra fresh herb leaves on top adds a pop of color and fresh aroma, making your Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe even more inviting. A light drizzle of melted butter just before serving can elevate the richness too.
Side Dishes
This stuffing pairs marvelously with roasted turkey, baked ham, or herb-crusted chicken. Add classic sides like mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, and cranberry sauce to build a well-rounded, festive plate your guests will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve your stuffing in individual ramekins or hollowed-out mini pumpkins. It can also be used as a savory bed for roasted meats or stuffed inside roasted peppers for a playful presentation that’s bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy a comforting second round without any hassle.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe longer, freeze leftovers in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag. It will retain great texture and flavor for up to 2 months, perfect for quick meals down the road.
Reheating
Reheat stuffing in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep it moist, for about 15-20 minutes. For a crispier top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. This will bring it back to its freshly baked glory.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread in this Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe?
Absolutely! While French bread is traditional and provides great texture, you can use other sturdy breads like sourdough or whole wheat. Just make sure the bread is stale or toasted to avoid sogginess.
Is it possible to make this stuffing vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use plant-based butter if preferred. The herbs and vegetables will keep the flavors rich and satisfying.
Can I prepare the stuffing mixture in advance and bake later?
Definitely! You can mix the bread and broth mixture up to a day before baking—just cover and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.
How can I make the stuffing more moist or drier?
For moister stuffing, add a bit more broth gradually until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a drier stuffing, reduce the broth slightly or bake uncovered longer to evaporate excess moisture.
What herbs work best in an Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe?
Sage, rosemary, and thyme are classic choices that complement the savory flavors wonderfully. However, feel free to experiment with parsley, marjoram, or even a pinch of tarragon for a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. The comforting aromas, the blend of fresh herbs, and that perfect golden crust make it an all-time favorite for good reason. I can’t wait for you to try it and share with your loved ones—it’s the kind of recipe that turns any meal into a warm, cherished memory.
Print
Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Old Fashioned Stuffing recipe features a classic blend of sautéed onions, celery, fresh herbs, and French bread cubes, moistened with savory chicken broth and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a comforting side dish for holiday meals or cozy dinners, this stuffing balances rich buttery flavors with fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme to create a timeless favorite.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 1 1/2 cups sliced celery
Herbs
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound French bread, cubed (or any stale bakery-style bread)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the stuffing does not stick and bakes evenly.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salted butter, diced onion, and sliced celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth along with salt and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil to meld the flavors, then remove from heat promptly to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare the Bread: Cube your French bread. If your bread isn’t stale, toast it beforehand to give the stuffing the perfect texture. Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl.
- Add Herbs: Toss the bread cubes with the minced fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme, ensuring the herbs are evenly distributed for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Moisten the Bread: Slowly pour the hot broth and vegetable mixture over the bread and herbs. Gently stir to coat all the bread pieces thoroughly without breaking them up too much.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the moistened bread mixture evenly in the greased baking dish, preparing it for baking to develop its crust and warm through.
- Bake: Bake the stuffing in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp. Serve hot to enjoy the full comforting flavors.
Notes
- If your bread is not stale, toasting the bread cubes first helps achieve the ideal texture.
- You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, but it will slightly change the flavor.
- Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used—use about one-third the amount.
- Feel free to add cooked sausage or nuts for variation.
- Leftover stuffing reheats well in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
