Classic Homemade Stuffing Recipe: A Perfect Holiday Side Dish

Why This Stuffing Recipe Works

• Perfect texture – Toasting the bread ensures it holds up to the broth without becoming soggy
• Make-ahead friendly – Most of the prep can be done a day in advance
• Customizable – Easy to add your favorite ingredients like sausage, apples, or cranberries
• Crowd pleaser – The classic flavors appeal to everyone at the table

Key Ingredients for the Best Stuffing

Before we dive into the full recipe, let’s talk about what makes this stuffing special:

• White bread – Creates the perfect base with a neutral flavor that absorbs other ingredients
• Celery and onion – The aromatic foundation of classic stuffing
• Fresh herbs – Sage, thyme, and parsley bring traditional Thanksgiving flavors
• Butter – Adds richness and helps toast the vegetables
• Chicken broth – Provides moisture and depth of flavor

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Total Time: 25 hours 25 minutes (includes bread drying time)

Servings: 24 servings

Ingredients for Homemade Stuffing

• 30 slices white bread, lightly toasted
• 2 cups diced celery
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Spread toasted bread slices on baking sheets and let sit out at room temperature until hard, about 24 hours. Once dried, cut or tear into 1-inch cubes and place in a very large mixing bowl.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced celery and chopped onion. Sauté until vegetables are soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in dried sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
6. Pour the vegetable mixture over the dried bread cubes. Add chopped fresh parsley and toss gently to combine.
7. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs.
8. Gradually pour the broth mixture over the bread cube mixture, tossing gently after each addition. Continue adding liquid until the bread is moist but not soggy. You may not need all the liquid.
9. Transfer the stuffing to your prepared baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
10. Bake covered for 40 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
11. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Stuffing Recipe Variations

Make this classic recipe your own with these delicious additions:

• Sausage Stuffing: Brown 1 pound of ground sage sausage and add to the mixture
• Apple Cranberry Stuffing: Add 2 diced apples and 1 cup dried cranberries
• Mushroom Stuffing: Sauté 2 cups of sliced mushrooms with the celery and onions
• Cornbread Stuffing: Replace half the white bread with cornbread
• Oyster Stuffing: Fold in 1 pint of drained, chopped fresh oysters before baking

Make-Ahead Tips

Streamline your holiday cooking with these time-saving steps:

• Dry your bread cubes up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container
• Chop all vegetables the day before and refrigerate
• Prepare the entire stuffing mixture up to 24 hours ahead, but don’t bake. Store in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before baking
• Baked stuffing can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat covered at 350°F until heated through

Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffing

Can I stuff this inside my turkey?

Yes, you can use this as a turkey stuffing, but make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. For best results and food safety, we recommend baking separately as a dressing.

What’s the difference between stuffing and dressing?

Technically, “stuffing” is cooked inside the bird, while “dressing” is baked separately in a dish. However, many people use the terms interchangeably based on regional preferences.

Can I make this stuffing gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free bread. You may need to adjust the amount of broth as gluten-free breads often absorb liquid differently.

How do I know if my stuffing is too dry or too wet?

The bread should be moist throughout but not soggy. When you press the mixture, it should hold together slightly but still have some texture. Add more broth if too dry, or more bread cubes if too wet.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 101 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 18mg
• Sodium: 228mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Final Thoughts on This Classic Stuffing Recipe

This traditional stuffing recipe is more than just a side dish—it’s often the heart of the holiday table. With its perfect balance of savory herbs, butter-sautéed vegetables, and toasty bread, this homemade stuffing will become a staple at your family gatherings for years to come. Whether you’re preparing it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a special Sunday dinner, this versatile recipe is sure to impress.