Best Herb Stuffing Recipe

Herb stuffing is a quintessential dish during holiday celebrations, but its comforting flavors make it a year-round favorite. This recipe balances a perfect blend of hearty bread, fresh and dried herbs, and a flavorful broth to create a stuffing that’s moist on the inside with just the right amount of crunch on top. Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted turkey, baked chicken, or enjoying it as a standalone dish, this herb stuffing will steal the spotlight at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich Flavor: Fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and parsley make this stuffing shine.
2. Perfect Texture: Crispy edges combined with a moist, fluffy interior.
3. Customizable: Easily adapt to dietary needs by making it gluten-free or vegetarian.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance for stress-free holiday cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

1. Cube and Dry the Bread:
   • Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes.
   • Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and leave them out overnight to dry. Alternatively, bake them in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes until slightly crisp but not browned.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

1. Melt the Butter:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   • Add the onion and celery, cooking until softened and translucent (about 8–10 minutes).
3. Add Garlic and Herbs:
   • Stir in the garlic, thyme, sage, rosemary, and parsley. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Mix Bread and Aromatics:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables and herbs.
2. Add Broth and Eggs:
   • Gradually pour the broth over the bread mixture, stirring gently to coat.
   • Add the beaten eggs and mix until everything is well combined but not mushy.
3. Season:
   • Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Transfer to Baking Dish:
   • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
   • Spread the stuffing mixture evenly in the dish.
2. Cover and Bake:
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25 minutes.
3. Uncover for Crispiness:
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Tips for Success

1. Use Stale Bread: Properly dried bread is key to achieving the ideal texture.
2. Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the ingredients to avoid breaking down the bread.
3. Monitor Moisture Levels: The mixture should be moist but not soggy. Adjust the amount of broth based on the type of bread used.
4. Customize to Taste: Add dried fruits, nuts, or meat to make the dish your own.

Variations

1. Gluten-Free Herb Stuffing: Substitute with gluten-free bread for a celiac-friendly version.
2. Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, vegetable broth, and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water).
3. Cornbread Stuffing: Swap the bread with crumbled cornbread for a Southern twist.
4. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.

Serving Suggestions

1. Holiday Pairings: Serve alongside roast turkey, ham, or prime rib for a classic holiday meal.
2. Everyday Meals: Pair with roasted chicken or grilled pork chops for a comforting weeknight dinner.
3. Vegetarian Delight: Enjoy as a main dish with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the stuffing and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

How do I make the stuffing less dry?

Add a bit more broth during the mixing stage or drizzle some over the stuffing before reheating.

Can I use pre-packaged bread cubes?

Yes, but fresh bread cubes dried at home tend to have better flavor and texture.

What herbs can I substitute?

If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried equivalents work well. Use half the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.

Conclusion

This Best Herb Stuffing Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for holidays or any time you crave a hearty, flavorful side dish. With its blend of fresh herbs, savory broth, and crispy texture, it’s a dish your family will request year after year. Make it your own with personalized additions and enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors it brings to your table.

Yield: 8

Best Herb Stuffing Recipe

Print

Herb stuffing is a quintessential dish during holiday celebrations, but its comforting flavors make it a year-round favorite. This recipe balances a perfect blend of hearty bread, fresh and dried herbs, and a flavorful broth to create a stuffing that’s moist on the inside with just the right amount of crunch on top. Whether you're serving it alongside roasted turkey, baked chicken, or enjoying it as a standalone dish, this herb stuffing will steal the spotlight at your table.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

• Bread:
• 1 loaf of rustic white or sourdough bread (about 12 cups), cubed and slightly stale
• 1 loaf of cornbread (optional, for added texture), crumbled
• Vegetables:
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Herbs:
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried sage (or 2 teaspoons fresh)
• Seasoning:
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Liquid:
• 3 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• Fat:
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread
   Dry Out the Bread: If your bread isn’t stale, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until dry but not browned.
   Transfer the bread cubes to a large mixing bowl.
   
2. Sauté the Vegetables
   Heat 4 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
   Add the onion and celery, cooking until softened (about 8-10 minutes).
   Stir in the garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, and sage, cooking for an additional minute. Remove from heat.
   
3. Combine the Mixture
   Add the sautéed vegetables to the bread cubes, tossing gently to combine.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth and eggs. Pour this mixture over the bread and vegetables, tossing until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy.
   
4. Adjust and Assemble
   Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
   Transfer the stuffing to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the top.
   
5. Bake the Stuffing
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 30 minutes.
   Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crisp.

Notes

Add-Ins: Incorporate chopped apples, dried cranberries, or cooked sausage for extra flavor.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread and ensure your broth is gluten-free.

Make Ahead: Assemble the stuffing up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Bake just before serving.

Crispier Topping: For a crunchier texture, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs or additional butter on top before baking.