Introduction
Stuffing. The very word conjures images of cozy kitchens, the aroma of savory herbs, and the comforting presence of loved ones gathered around a table. More than just a side dish, stuffing is a nostalgic cornerstone of countless meals, especially during the holidays. It evokes feelings of warmth, tradition, and the simple joy of family coming together. This classic recipe aims to capture that essence, offering a comforting and familiar taste that brings people together, bite after delicious bite.
Why Make This Stuffing Recipe Will Be Your Go-To & When to Gather Around the Table
Let's be honest, there's something truly special about homemade stuffing. It's more than just a mix of bread and seasonings; it's a labor of love that fills your home with an irresistible aroma and satisfies the deepest cravings for comfort food. This recipe is designed to be your go-to because it’s relatively easy to prepare and consistently delivers a delicious, crowd-pleasing result. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out, you'll find the steps straightforward and the outcome incredibly rewarding.
But when is the perfect time to enjoy this delightful dish? While stuffing often takes center stage during holiday feasts, particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas , its appeal extends far beyond these special occasions. It's a wonderful addition to any family gathering, adding a touch of warmth and tradition to the meal. Consider serving it alongside a succulent roast chicken or flavorful pork chops for a comforting Sunday dinner. It also transforms a simple weeknight into something special, especially during those cozy weekends when you have a little extra time to savor the process of cooking and the joy of a delicious meal. In essence, any time you want to create a meal that feels like a warm hug, stuffing is the perfect side to bring everyone happily to the table.

Basic Ingredients (Serves 8)
- Hearty White Bread (1.5 pounds, about 12 cups torn into 1-inch pieces): This forms the foundation of our stuffing, providing a sturdy base that absorbs flavors beautifully without becoming overly soft. Tearing the bread into irregular pieces is preferred over cutting, as this creates more surface area to soak up the flavorful broth and allows for delightful crispy edges to develop during baking. Using a bread with a good structure, like a peasant bread, ensures it holds its shape and texture.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, or 2 sticks, 226g): This essential ingredient provides richness and a wonderful depth of flavor. It's also crucial for sautéing the aromatic vegetables, creating a flavorful foundation upon which the rest of the stuffing is built. The generous amount of butter contributes significantly to the overall moistness and deliciousness of the final dish.
- Yellow Onion (2 cups, finely diced, about 2 medium): This aromatic vegetable forms a crucial part of the flavor base. As it cooks down in the butter, it releases a savory sweetness that permeates the entire stuffing. The fine dice ensures it distributes evenly throughout the mixture.
- Celery Stalks (3 stalks, about 1.5 cups, finely diced): Adding a subtle yet distinct crunch and another layer of aromatic complexity, celery complements the onion beautifully. Finely dicing it ensures it cooks through evenly and integrates seamlessly into the stuffing.
- Chicken Broth (3 cups, low-sodium recommended): This provides the essential moisture needed to bind the dry bread and other ingredients together. The savory chicken flavor infuses the stuffing, enhancing its overall taste. Using low-sodium broth allows for better control over the final saltiness of the dish.
- Large Eggs (2): These act as a binding agent, helping the stuffing hold its shape once baked. They also contribute a subtle richness and additional moisture to the mixture. Lightly beaten eggs are typically used to ensure they incorporate smoothly.
- Dried Sage (2 teaspoons): This classic herb is a quintessential flavor in stuffing, offering a distinctive savory and slightly peppery note that is often associated with poultry dishes. Its aromatic presence is key to achieving that traditional stuffing taste.
- Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon): Adding earthy and slightly floral undertones, thyme complements the sage and other seasonings, contributing to a more complex and well-rounded flavor profile. It provides a subtle herbaceousness that enhances the savory notes.
- Poultry Seasoning (1 teaspoon): This convenient blend of dried herbs, often including sage, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram, offers a balanced savory flavor that is perfect for stuffing. It provides a quick and easy way to achieve a traditional herb combination. Some recipes even call for specific herb mixes like Bell's Seasoning.
- Salt (1 teaspoon, or to taste): This essential seasoning enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients in the stuffing, bringing them into harmonious balance. Adjusting the amount to your preference is crucial for the best taste.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon, freshly ground recommended, or to taste): Adding a touch of spice and complexity, freshly ground black pepper is recommended for its more vibrant flavor. Adjust the quantity to your desired level of warmth.

Step-by-Step Preparation: Crafting Your Perfect Stuffing
1. Prepare the Bread Cubes: Begin by cutting the hearty white bread into approximately 1-inch cubes. Spread these cubes in a single layer on one or two large baking sheets. Allow the bread to air dry uncovered at room temperature overnight, which typically takes around 8 to 24 hours. This process removes excess moisture from the bread, preventing the stuffing from becoming soggy during baking. Alternatively, if you're short on time, you can lightly toast the bread cubes in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes, until they are crisp but not browned. Some cooks even sprinkle their preferred seasonings onto the moist bread before drying it to infuse flavor from the start.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the entire cup (two sticks) of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the 2 cups of finely diced yellow onion and the 1.5 cups of finely diced celery stalks. Cook these vegetables, stirring occasionally, for approximately 5 to 7 minutes , or until they become softened and translucent. This step is crucial as it releases their fragrant aroma and creates a deeply flavorful base that will permeate the entire stuffing. Some recipes suggest cooking for a slightly longer duration, around 8 to 10 minutes, to ensure the vegetables are properly softened.
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and the 2 large eggs until they are thoroughly combined. This mixture of liquid and binding agent is essential for adding moisture to the dry bread cubes and helping all the stuffing ingredients adhere to each other during the baking process, ultimately contributing to a cohesive and satisfying texture. Lightly beating the eggs ensures they blend smoothly with the broth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients and Aromatics: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared and dried (or toasted) bread cubes with the 2 teaspoons of dried sage, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning, 1 teaspoon of salt (or to your taste), and ½ teaspoon of black pepper (or to your preference). Pour the sautéed onion and celery mixture, along with any remaining melted butter from the skillet, directly over the bread cubes. Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure the flavors are distributed evenly throughout the bread. Some cooks prefer to mix the dry spices with the bread crumbs before adding the wet ingredients to ensure even coating.
5. Moisten and Bind: Now, pour the whisked chicken broth and egg mixture over the bread cube mixture. Toss the ingredients gently but thoroughly until all the bread cubes are evenly moistened. The mixture should feel damp to the touch but not overly wet or soggy. If the mixture appears too dry, don't hesitate to add a tablespoon or two of extra chicken broth until the desired level of moisture is achieved. The goal is to have the bread cubes absorb the liquid without becoming mushy. A helpful tip to gauge the correct moisture level is to take a handful of the mixture and gently squeeze it; it should just hold together without dripping excess liquid or crumbling apart completely.
6. Bake to Golden Brown: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent the stuffing from sticking. Transfer the prepared stuffing mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for approximately 45 to 55 minutes , or until the top of the stuffing is beautifully golden brown and the internal temperature reaches a safe minimum of 165°F (74°C). Leaving the dish uncovered for the final portion of baking helps to create a desirable crispy top and edges, adding another layer of texture to the dish. Some recipes suggest covering the dish with foil for the initial baking period and then removing it for the last 10 to 15 minutes to achieve this balance of moisture and crispness.

Tips for the Perfect Recipe: Flavor, Texture, and Presentation Secrets
- Don't Over-Moisten: Achieving the right moisture level is a delicate balance. Add the chicken broth gradually and toss gently to ensure the bread is moistened but not saturated. The stuffing should be damp but not swimming in liquid. If you accidentally add too much broth, you can try adding more dried bread cubes to absorb the excess.
- Toast Your Bread: Properly drying or toasting the bread cubes is paramount for achieving the ideal texture. This step prevents the stuffing from becoming mushy by allowing the bread to absorb the liquid without losing its structure. Using stale bread that has had time to dry out naturally works wonderfully.
- Sauté Vegetables Thoroughly: Take your time to sauté the onions and celery until they are softened and translucent. This process not only enhances their natural sweetness but also creates a more flavorful foundation for the stuffing. Some cooks even prefer to caramelize the onions for an even deeper, richer flavor.
- Fresh Herbs for a Bright Note: While dried herbs provide a classic flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like parsley, sage, or thyme for a brighter and more aromatic profile. If using fresh herbs, you generally need to use about three times the amount called for in dried form. Add them towards the end of sautéing the vegetables or mix them in with the bread cubes for the best flavor retention.
- Add Ins for Extra Flavor and Texture: Feel free to customize your stuffing with additional ingredients to enhance its flavor and texture. Cooked and crumbled sausage , crispy crumbled bacon , dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness and tartness , or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch are all excellent additions.
- Crispy Edges are Desirable: For those who love a bit of crunch, ensure that you bake the stuffing uncovered for at least the last 15 to 20 minutes of the cooking time. This allows the top and edges to become beautifully golden brown and crispy. You can even dot the top with a little extra butter before the final baking period to encourage browning.
- Consider Different Breads: While this recipe calls for hearty white bread, don't be afraid to experiment with other types of bread for unique flavors and textures. Sourdough bread offers a slightly tangy flavor , cornbread provides a subtly sweet and crumbly texture , and even pretzel bread can add a distinct savory note. Just remember to dry out any type of bread you choose to use.

Serving Ideas: Classic Pairings and Creative Twists
- The Thanksgiving Staple: Traditionally, stuffing is served as an essential side dish alongside a magnificent roasted turkey. Complement this classic pairing with other Thanksgiving favorites like rich gravy , tangy cranberry sauce , and creamy mashed potatoes for the quintessential holiday feast. This combination evokes a sense of tradition and celebration.
- Cozy Weekend Side: Stuffing isn't just for holidays. It makes a wonderful accompaniment to a variety of other meals, adding a touch of comfort and warmth to any table. Pair it with a juicy roasted chicken, tender pork chops, or a hearty and flavorful pot roast for a satisfying family dinner. The savory herbs and bread complement these dishes beautifully.
- Stuffing Muffins: For a fun and unique twist on presentation, try baking the stuffing in muffin tins. This creates individual portions with delightfully crispy edges all around, making them perfect for potlucks or even as a creative side for a regular meal. They are easy to serve and offer a different textural experience.
- Stuffed Vegetables: Transform leftover stuffing into a brand-new dish by using it to fill hollowed-out bell peppers , zucchini , or ripe tomatoes. Simply stuff the vegetables with the leftover mixture and bake until the vegetables are tender and the stuffing is heated through. This is a creative and flavorful way to reduce food waste.
- Breakfast Hash Addition: Give your breakfast or brunch a savory twist by crumbling leftover stuffing into a skillet with eggs and your favorite chopped vegetables. The herbs and bread add a unique flavor and texture to a classic breakfast hash, making it a surprisingly delicious way to start the day.
- Stuffing Waffles: For an incredibly unique and crispy texture, press leftover stuffing in a waffle maker. The waffle iron creates a delightful combination of crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior. Top with a fried egg and a drizzle of gravy for an unforgettable dish.
- As a Layer in Casseroles: Incorporate stuffing as a flavorful layer in chicken or turkey casseroles. It adds both flavor and substance to the casserole, creating a comforting and hearty meal. Consider using it as a topping for a chicken and Swiss bake.

Tips for Storing and Reheating: Keeping Your Stuffing Delicious
- Cool Quickly: To ensure food safety, allow any leftover stuffing to cool down to room temperature within a maximum of two hours after cooking. Prompt cooling helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
- Proper Storage: Once cooled, transfer the leftover stuffing to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh and safe to eat for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing for Longer Enjoyment: If you want to keep your stuffing for longer, freezing is a great option. Once the cooked stuffing has cooled completely, transfer it to freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. Properly stored, frozen stuffing can last for up to 3 months.

- Thaw Properly: When you're ready to enjoy your frozen stuffing, it's best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. This allows for a more even thawing process and helps maintain the texture of the stuffing.
- Reheating in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the thawed stuffing to an oven-safe dish. To help retain moisture, add a splash of chicken broth or a small pat of butter to the stuffing and toss gently. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 20 to 30 minutes , or until the stuffing is heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F. For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking.
- Reheating on the Stovetop: For a quicker reheating method, you can use the stovetop. Melt a little butter or drizzle some oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover stuffing and a tablespoon or two of chicken broth. Stir the stuffing frequently until it is heated through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This method can also help to crisp up the stuffing.
- Reheating in the Microwave: If you're short on time, the microwave can be used to reheat stuffing. Transfer the stuffing to a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry. Cover the dish and microwave on medium power until the stuffing is hot, stirring it occasionally to ensure even heating. Keep in mind that this method may not result in a crispy texture.

Conclusion
Stuffing, in its essence, is more than just a side dish; it's a symbol of comfort, tradition, and the joy of shared meals. This classic recipe provides a reliable and delicious way to bring that warmth to your own table. Whether it graces your holiday spread or accompanies a simple family dinner, homemade stuffing has a way of making every occasion feel a little more special. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and don't be afraid to add your own personal touch. Embrace the comforting aroma that fills your kitchen and savor the deliciousness of your very own homemade stuffing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make stuffing ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare stuffing a day in advance. Assemble it in your baking dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit at room temperature before baking, and add a bit more broth if it seems dry.
Q: How do I prevent my stuffing from being too dry?
A: Gradually add broth to the bread cubes until they’re moist but not soggy. Melted butter and, optionally, a splash of milk help with moisture. The mixture should hold together when squeezed but not be dripping wet.
Q: Is it safe to stuff the turkey with this recipe?
A: It’s safer to bake stuffing separately, as cooking it inside the turkey can make it hard to reach a safe temperature. Baking in a dish ensures both the stuffing and turkey are cooked thoroughly and safely.
Q: What kind of bread works best for stuffing?
A: Hearty white bread is a classic, but sourdough, French bread, or cornbread also work well. The key is to use bread that’s been dried out so the stuffing absorbs flavors without becoming mushy.
Works cited
- Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe (1,000 Times Better Than Boxed) | The Kitchn, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-the-very-best-thanksgiving-stuffing-237564
- Best Stuffing Recipe - Love and Lemons, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.loveandlemons.com/stuffing-recipe/
- Everything you want to know about stuffing - Erudus, accessed May 5, 2025, https://erudus.com/editorial/the-food-agenda/everything-to-know-about-stuffing
- 12 Easy Tricks For Perfect Homemade Stuffing - Tasting Table, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.tastingtable.com/1709155/easy-tips-perfect-homemade-stuffing/
- The Secrets to Sensational Homemade Stuffing - Mariano's, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.marianos.com/blog/food/all-things-stuffing
- Classic Bread Stuffing | Alexandra's Kitchen, accessed May 5, 2025, https://alexandracooks.com/2020/11/13/classic-bread-stuffing-25-more-thanksgiving-side-dishes/
- Best Homemade Stuffing Recipe - Allrecipes, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/23412/old-fashioned-stuffing/
- Homemade Bread Stuffing Recipe - Allrecipes, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/238577/homemade-bread-stuffing/
- Classic Homemade Bread Stuffing Recipe - Foxes Love Lemons, accessed May 5, 2025, https://foxeslovelemons.com/grandmas-stuffing/
- Traditional Bread Stuffing Recipe - Brown Eyed Baker, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.browneyedbaker.com/bread-stuffing-recipe/
- Classic Bread Stuffing with Oven-Baked Option - Seasons and Suppers, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.seasonsandsuppers.ca/classic-bread-stuffing/
- Bread stuffing for a crowd - chinese grandma, accessed May 5, 2025, https://chinesegrandma.com/recipes/bread-stuffing-crowd/
- Dad's Plain Bread Stuffing - My Own Sweet Thyme, accessed May 5, 2025, https://myownsweetthyme.com/2013/11/dads-plain-bread-stuffing/
- Best Stuffing Recipe - Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing - How Sweet Eats, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.howsweeteats.com/2020/11/best-stuffing-recipe/
- Traditional Bread Stuffing Recipe - Fresh April Flours, accessed May 5, 2025, https://freshaprilflours.com/traditional-bread-stuffing/
- Easy Stuffing Recipe - Spend With Pennies, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.spendwithpennies.com/easy-stuffing-recipe/
- Grandma's Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing Recipe - The Kitchn, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-southern-style-cornbread-dressing-recipes-from-the-kitchn-180474
- The BEST Traditional Stuffing Recipe - Oh So Delicioso, accessed May 5, 2025, https://ohsodelicioso.com/grandmas-traditional-homemade-stuffing/
- Bread Stuffing from the 1950 Betty Crocker's Picture Cookbook : r/Old_Recipes - Reddit, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/Old_Recipes/comments/1gudki8/bread_stuffing_from_the_1950_betty_crockers/
- What's your secret to great stuffing? : r/Cooking - Reddit, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/Cooking/comments/1g1qbya/whats_your_secret_to_great_stuffing/
- You've Got the Right Stuff(ing)! Tips to Handle Stuffing With Care - USDA, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/11/20/youve-got-right-stuffing-tips-handle-stuffing-care
- Stuffing and Food Safety, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/stuffing-and-food-safety
- 4 Mistakes That Ruin Stuffing (And How to Fix Them) - EatingWell, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.eatingwell.com/article/153874/4-mistakes-that-ruin-stuffing-and-how-to-fix-them/
- Tips for the Best Thanksgiving Stuffing - Chef Apprentice School of the Arts, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.casaschools.com/blog/tips-for-the-best-thanksgiving-stuffing/
- What's the deal with stuffing? : r/AskAnAmerican - Reddit, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/AskAnAmerican/comments/64oaq2/whats_the_deal_with_stuffing/
- Recipes That Start With Stuffing Mix - Allrecipes, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.allrecipes.com/gallery/stuffing-mix-recipes/
- 26 Must-Have Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving - Delish, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/thanksgiving/g1404/stuffing-recipes/
- A Feast of Flavors: Fifteen Unique Stuffing Recipes for Every Establishment, accessed May 5, 2025, https://dennisfoodservice.com/stuffings/
- 86 Best Stuffing and Dressing Recipes for Thanksgiving | Food Network, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.foodnetwork.com/thanksgiving/thanksgiving-stuffing-and-dressing/best-thanksgiving-stuffing-and-dressing-recipes
- Anyone have a very unique stuffing recipe? Or use unexpected ingredients? - Reddit, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/thanksgiving/comments/17r3fpy/anyone_have_a_very_unique_stuffing_recipe_or_use/
- Semi-non-traditional stuffing ideas??? I LOVE stuffings. If I had my way at Thanksgiving, there wouldn't necessarily... - Food52, accessed May 5, 2025, https://food52.com/hotline/1021-semi-non-traditional-stuffing-ideas-i-love-stuffings-if-i-had-my-way-at-thanksgiving-there-wo
- A Stuffing/Dressing question. : r/Cooking - Reddit, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/Cooking/comments/1h08h0p/a_stuffingdressing_question/
- Traditional Stuffing | Rouxbe Online Culinary School, accessed May 5, 2025, https://rouxbe.com/recipes/110-traditional-stuffing
- www.goodhousekeeping.com, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/cooking/a37639367/how-to-reheat-stuffing/#:~:text=Heat%20the%20oven%20to%20350,crisp%2C%2015%E2%80%9320%20minutes.
- How to Reheat Your Stuffing Without Drying It Out - Real Simple, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/holidays/thanksgiving/reheat-stuffing
- Best Stuffing Recipe - Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing - How Sweet Eats, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.howsweeteats.com/2020/11/best-stuffing-recipe/comment-page-7/
- 18 Best Ways to Use Leftover Stuffing (If You Have Any) - Food52, accessed May 5, 2025, https://food52.com/blog/25772-best-leftover-stuffing-recipes
- Use for LOTS of stuffing mix? : r/EatCheapAndHealthy - Reddit, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/EatCheapAndHealthy/comments/197c25n/use_for_lots_of_stuffing_mix/
- 25 Delicious Ways to Use a Box of Stuffing - Taste of Home, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/delicious-ways-use-box-stuffing/
- www.healthygallatin.org, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.healthygallatin.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/FSHstuffing.pdf
- How Long Are Thanksgiving Leftovers Good For? And How to Keep Them Fresh, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.foodsaver.com/blogs/Storing-Thanksgiving-Leftovers.html
- Can You Freeze Stuffing? - Better Homes & Gardens, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.bhg.com/can-you-freeze-stuffing-8364986
- Reheating Stuffing - 1836 Butchers, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.1836butchers.com/reheating-stuffing
- Reheat and Reimagine: Leftover Stuffing Recipes - Diane's Restaurant, accessed May 5, 2025, https://dianesrestaurant.com/reheat-stuffing/
- How to Reheat Stuffing Without Drying It Out - Clean Green Simple, accessed May 5, 2025, https://cleangreensimple.com/article/how-to-reheat-stuffing/
- For reheating stuffing in the oven, how long would you bake it and at what temperature?, accessed May 5, 2025, https://cooking.stackexchange.com/questions/9439/for-reheating-stuffing-in-the-oven-how-long-would-you-bake-it-and-at-what-tempe
- Questions (and Answers) about Stuffing from Food52, accessed May 5, 2025, https://food52.com/hotline/questions/stuffing
- Stuffing and Dressing Are Not the Same—A Chef Explains the Difference - EatingWell, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.eatingwell.com/stuffing-vs-dressing-a-chef-explains-the-difference-8742211
- Why do Americans call a dish 'stuffing' if it is not stuffed? - Quora, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.quora.com/Why-do-Americans-call-a-dish-stuffing-if-it-is-not-stuffed