When you think of Thanksgiving, what comes to mind? For many of us, it’s the comforting aroma of herbs and butter filling the house. This Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe is the heart of that memory. It is a classic, savory dish that brings everyone to the table. Forget the boxed mixes; making stuffing from scratch is surprisingly simple and the taste is worlds apart. It’s one of those essential Thanksgiving Side Dishes that truly makes the meal feel complete.

This recipe is all about simple ingredients coming together to create something special. We use fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary, which give the stuffing its signature holiday flavor. Combined with soft bread cubes, rich butter, and savory stock, this dish bakes into a beautifully golden and delicious side. It has a wonderfully soft and moist center with a delightfully crispy top. Get ready to add a new family favorite to your holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honestly, what’s not to love about a classic stuffing? This particular Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe is a standout for a few reasons. First, the flavor is incredible. The combination of fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme is the classic trio for any holiday meal, creating a taste that feels both familiar and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of flavor that instantly transports you to happy family gatherings.

Second, the texture is just right. We make sure the bread is lightly toasted before mixing, which helps it absorb all the delicious butter and stock without turning into a soggy mess. The result is a stuffing that’s tender and moist on the inside with a perfectly golden brown, crunchy top. It’s that contrast that makes every bite so good.

Finally, this is one of the most reliable Traditional Stuffing Recipes you can find. It’s straightforward, uses common ingredients, and can even be prepared in advance to make your Thanksgiving day a little less hectic. It’s a recipe that works every single time, giving you a beautiful and tasty side dish you can be proud to serve.

Ingredients

Here is what you will need to gather for this recipe. Using fresh herbs is highly recommended for the best flavor, but you can use dried herbs if needed. Just remember to use about a third of the amount called for, as dried herbs are more potent.

• 1 pound firm white sandwich, French, or Italian bread, cut into ½ to ¾ inch cubes (about 10 cups)
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock or broth, divided
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Step By Step Instructions

Following these instructions will give you a fantastic stuffing. The key is to take your time and not rush the steps. Toasting the bread properly is a big part of getting the texture just right!

Step 1: Toast The Bread

First things first, let’s get the bread ready. Place your bread cubes on a large rimmed baking sheet. Toast them in the oven at 210°F for about 90 minutes. You will want to flip the cubes every 30 minutes so they dry out evenly. This step is great because you can do it a couple of days in advance to save time.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan And Veggies

Preheat your oven to 350°F. If you have a fan oven, set it to 320°F. Lightly spray a 9 by 13 inch casserole dish with some nonstick cooking spray. Next, grab a medium skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery and saute them until they are soft and tender, but not brown. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until you can smell its lovely aroma, then remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 3: Combine Everything

In a very large mixing bowl, it’s time to bring it all together. Combine the toasted bread cubes with the buttery vegetable mixture from your skillet. Add all the chopped fresh herbs, the salt, and the pepper. Pour in one cup of the stock and gently mix everything together with a spatula or even your hands. You want to coat the bread without crushing it.

Step 4: Add The Eggs And Remaining Stock

In a separate smaller bowl, whisk the beaten eggs with the remaining cup of stock. Gradually pour this mixture over the bread. Keep mixing gently to make sure all the bread gets soaked. The goal is for the bread to be moist all the way through, but not swimming in liquid or mushy.

Step 5: Bake The Stuffing

Transfer the stuffing mixture to your prepared baking pan. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. The stuffing is done when an instant read thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F. To get that beautiful crispy top, remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and crisp to your liking. Serve it warm and enjoy!

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How To Store Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is easy. Let the stuffing cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, you can place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. When you are ready to reheat it, you can pop it in the microwave for a quick warm up. For a crispier top, reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through.

Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you make the best Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe possible. These are little things that can make a big difference.

First, the bread matters. A sturdy, day old bread like a French baguette or Italian loaf works wonderfully because it holds its shape and texture better than soft sandwich bread. If your bread is fresh, cutting it into cubes and letting it sit out on the counter overnight will help it dry out a bit.

Don’t be shy with the herbs. Fresh herbs provide a depth of flavor that dried herbs just can’t match. If you have any extra, you can use them as a garnish on top of the finished dish for a nice presentation.

You can prepare this stuffing in advance to make your holiday cooking schedule easier. Follow the instructions up to the point of baking. Instead of baking, cover the dish and refrigerate it for up to one day. When you are ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Feel free to customize this recipe. Some people love adding things like sausage, cranberries, nuts, or even apples. If you want to add cooked sausage, for example, you can brown it with the onions and celery. It’s one of those stuffing recipes that serves as a great base for your own creative ideas.

Conclusion

This Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a tradition. It is a comforting, flavorful part of the holiday meal that everyone looks forward to. By making it from scratch, you are adding a personal touch that store bought versions just cannot replicate. It’s one of those classic Thanksgiving Food Ideas that never goes out of style.

We hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your celebrations for years to come. It’s simple enough for a beginner to tackle but delicious enough to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy the process, the aromas, and of course, the wonderful meal you are about to share with your loved ones.

FAQ

Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead Of Fresh?

Yes, you can use dried herbs if you do not have fresh ones available. A general rule is to use one third of the amount called for. For this recipe, you would use about 2 teaspoons of dried sage, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary. The flavor will be slightly different but still very tasty.

What Is The Best Kind Of Bread For Stuffing?

A firm, sturdy bread is best because it holds up well and does not get mushy. Good choices include French bread, Italian bread, challah, or even a firm white sandwich bread. It is best if the bread is a day or two old, as it will be drier and better able to absorb the liquid.

Can I Make This Stuffing Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely. To save time, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Assemble the entire dish in the baking pan, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Before baking, let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes to come to room temperature. You may need to add 10 to 15 minutes to the initial covered baking time.

Can This Recipe Be Made Vegetarian?

Yes, it’s very easy to make this a vegetarian dish. Simply swap the chicken stock for a good quality vegetable stock or broth. All the other ingredients are already vegetarian, making this a simple and delicious option for everyone.