Bread stuffing is a cozy side dish perfect for any meal. It’s made with soft bread, tasty herbs, and a mix of veggies that make it burst with flavor.
Honestly, I love how easy it is to whip up! Just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and get ready for the yummy smell that fills your kitchen. It feels like a warm hug!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Cubes: Use day-old bread for the best texture. Stale bread holds up better. If you don’t have stale bread, simply toast fresh bread until dry. You can use white, whole wheat, or even sourdough! Each gives a unique flavor.
Butter: I always use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of the dish. If you need a dairy-free option, try olive oil or vegan butter instead; they work well.
Onions and Celery: These two add amazing flavor. If you’re not a celery fan, you can use leeks or bell peppers as alternative veggies. Both add a nice crunch!
Herbs: Fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary make a big difference in taste. If they’re not available, dried herbs will do fine—just use less since they’re more concentrated. I love adding a pinch of dried herbs to the butter while it melts for extra aroma.
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is perfect, but for a vegetarian version, vegetable broth works great too. Homemade broth can boost the taste even more if you have it handy!
How Can I Get the Perfect Texture for my Stuffing?
Achieving the right texture is key for great stuffing. Here’s how you can do it right:
- Cube and Dry the Bread: Aim for about 1-inch cubes, and ensure the bread is sufficiently dry. Toasting in the oven helps remove moisture and creates a perfect base.
- Moisten Gradually: As you add broth, do it slowly. You want the bread moist but not soggy. Mixing with a gentle hand helps maintain the structure.
- Bake Covered First: Covering during the first half of baking keeps moisture inside. Uncovering later allows the top to crispy up! It’s all about that balance.
Give these tips a shot to make your stuffing a crowd-pleaser! Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Delicious Bread Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 10 cups bread cubes (about 1-inch pieces, preferably slightly stale or day-old bread)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
Vegetable Mixture:
- 2 cups yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups celery, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
Herbs and Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped (or 2 tsp dried sage)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 2 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Binding Ingredients:
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Optional Garnish:
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, and then another 60 minutes total for baking, giving you a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes before it’s ready to serve. You’ll spend around 15 minutes chopping and sautéing, with the rest of the time for baking and letting it cool before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Bread Cubes:
If your bread is not already stale, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the bread cubes onto a baking sheet, then toast them for 15-20 minutes until they are dry and lightly golden. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool.
2. Cooking the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and celery, sautéing them until they soften—this takes about 8-10 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, letting its lovely aroma fill the kitchen!
3. Adding the Herbs and Seasoning:
Next, add the fresh sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another minute to let the delightful scents mingle.
4. Combining Bread and Veggie Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the cooked vegetable and herb mixture. Toss everything gently to make sure it’s all evenly combined.
5. Adding Eggs and Broth:
Pour the beaten eggs over the mixture and toss lightly to combine. Then, gradually add the chicken broth, about 1/2 cup at a time. Stir gently as you add the broth, ensuring the bread is moistened without becoming soggy. You might not need all the broth—use just enough to achieve a nice moist texture.
6. Baking the Stuffing:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stuffing mixture to a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish. Cover it securely with foil.
7. Cooking Covered and Then Uncovered:
Bake the stuffing covered for 30 minutes. After that, uncover it and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
8. Serving:
Once baked, remove the stuffing from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Before serving, you can garnish it with some fresh herbs if you like. Enjoy this warm, savory dish as a comforting side!
There you have it! A delicious and classic bread stuffing that’s perfect for any occasion, especially holiday meals. Easy, flavorful, and sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy your cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for Stuffing?
Absolutely! You can use any type of bread you like, such as white, whole wheat, cornbread, or sourdough. Just make sure it’s slightly stale or toasted to help hold its shape in the stuffing.
How Do I Store Leftover Bread Stuffing?
Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Make This Stuffing Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and you’re good to go! You can also add chopped mushrooms for a meaty texture if you like.
How Do I Reheat Leftover Stuffing?
To reheat, you can warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can add a splash of broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, use the microwave for quick reheating, stirring occasionally for even warmth.