Chef John’s Stovetop Stuffing: A Quick and Flavorful Holiday Side Dish

Stovetop Stuffing

Chef John’s stovetop stuffing made with French bread and herbs is the perfect side when your oven is already full of other holiday dishes.

Ingredients for Perfect Stovetop Stuffing

• 8 cups cubed day-old white French bread, dried
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1½ to 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add onion and celery; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in garlic, thyme, sage, parsley, and poultry seasoning; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Toss in the bread cubes and stir to coat evenly with the buttery herb mixture.
6. Gradually pour in the broth, stirring until the bread is moist but not soggy.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Cover skillet; reduce heat to low and let steam for 10 minutes until flavors meld.
9. Fluff stuffing with a fork and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Tips & Variations for the Best Holiday Side Dish

• Make it richer: Swap half the broth for chicken stock or turkey drippings.
• Sweet-tart twist: Stir in chopped apples or dried cranberries.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free bread cubes.
• Crispy top: Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
• Prep ahead: Assemble stuffing, refrigerate overnight, then reheat before serving.

Serve this warm stovetop stuffing alongside your favorite holiday mains for a crowd-pleasing, flavorful side everyone will love.