Have you ever felt that a big family meal is just not complete without a really good stuffing? I know I have. For years, I thought making it from scratch was complicated. It seemed like one of those dishes best left to the experts.
But what if I told you that some of the most delicious Stuffing Recipes are actually quite simple? This recipe is proof. It is a fantastic stovetop version that brings all the comforting flavors you love without any fuss. Let’s get cooking.
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First of all, this is one of those Stovetop Stuffing Recipes that comes together so fast. You do not need to wait for hours while it bakes in the oven. Everything happens right on the stove in one pan, which is a huge win for easy cleanup.
The flavor is just so much better than anything from a box. You get the savory taste from the onions and celery, a little sweetness from the apple, and that classic aroma from the poultry seasoning. It tastes like a holiday, but it is easy enough for a regular weeknight dinner.
Another great thing is how flexible it is. You can use whatever bread you have on hand. You can add different vegetables or even some sausage if you like. This is a wonderful base recipe that lets you get creative. It’s a great way to use up leftover bread too.
This recipe is very friendly for beginners. The steps are straightforward and hard to mess up. Even if you have never made stuffing before, you can feel confident making this dish. It is a wonderful way to start making your own Stuffing Recipes.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this Classic Stuffing Recipe are simple and easy to find. You probably have most of them in your kitchen right now. Nothing fancy is needed to create a truly wonderful side dish.
- 6 ounces bread, about 5 to 6 slices or 3 cups of toasted bread cubes
- 2 tablespoon salted or unsalted butter, or olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic, or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 red pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 apple, cored and diced (optional, no need to peel)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth, plus a bit more if needed
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
A quick note on the bread. Using day old bread is a great idea because it is a bit drier and soaks up the broth without getting mushy. If your bread is fresh, toasting it is the way to go. This step is key for many good Stuffing Recipes.
Step By Step Instructions
Following these instructions will give you a fantastic result every single time. We will walk through it together. It is easier than you think to make delicious Stuffing Recipes at home.
Step 1: Make Bread Cubes
First things first, let’s get the bread ready. The bread is the foundation of our stuffing, so we want it to be just right. Take your bread slices and toast them until they are a lovely golden brown color. You can use a toaster for this.
If you prefer, you can also bake them in the oven. Just spread the bread on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 to 8 minutes, turning once. After toasting, cut or tear the bread into small pieces, about a half inch in size. These cubes are the heart of our Classic Stuffing Recipe.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
While your bread is toasting, you can get started on the vegetables. Grab a large skillet or a nonstick pan and melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. If you prefer, olive oil works well too.
Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add your chopped onion, celery, and garlic. If you are using red pepper or other veggies, add them now too. Let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want them to soften up and smell amazing.
Next, add the diced apple, poultry seasoning, and thyme. Continue to sauté everything for another minute. This moment is when your kitchen will start to fill with that wonderful, savory aroma. It is one of the best parts of making Stovetop Stuffing Recipes.
Step 3: Finish Stovetop Stuffing
Now it is time to bring it all together. Add your prepared bread cubes and the chopped parsley to the skillet with the vegetables. Give everything a gentle mix.
Slowly pour in a half cup of broth. Add it a little at a time to allow the bread to soak it up evenly. This is how you control the moisture. Add a little more broth if you like your stuffing very moist, or use less if you prefer it drier. This is a key part of what makes Stuffing Mix Recipes so personal.
Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper as needed. Once you are happy with the seasoning, lower the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the stuffing sit for about 5 minutes. This gives the bread cubes time to absorb all those delicious flavors. After 5 minutes, give it a final stir and it is ready to serve. Making your own Stuffing Recipes is that simple.
Step 4: Optional Crispy Top
Do you love a stuffing with a crispy, browned top? I know I do. It adds a wonderful texture. If you want to add this finishing touch, it is very easy to do. First, make sure your skillet is oven safe. If it is not, transfer the stuffing to an ovenproof baking dish.
Place an oven rack in the top third of your oven and turn on the broiler. Put the skillet or baking dish under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as broilers work fast. You just want the top to become golden brown and crispy. This extra step really makes this Classic Stuffing Recipe special.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover stuffing, storing it is simple. Let the stuffing cool down completely to room temperature first. This is an important step to prevent it from getting soggy.
Once cooled, place the leftovers in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you are ready to reheat it, you can warm it in the microwave for a quick option. Or, for a better texture, heat it in a skillet with a splash of broth or a little butter to bring back some moisture. You can even reheat it in the oven.
This is one of those great Stuffing Recipes that tastes just as good the next day. It is wonderful alongside leftover turkey or chicken. Sometimes, the leftovers are the best part of the meal.
Tips
Here are a few extra tips to help you make the best stuffing ever. For the bread, using a sturdy, rustic loaf like sourdough or a French baguette works beautifully. Their texture holds up well with the broth.
Feel free to customize your stuffing. Adding cooked sausage, toasted pecans, or dried cranberries can add new layers of flavor and texture. This is how you can take a basic recipe and create your own signature Stuffing Mix Recipes.
To avoid soggy stuffing, make sure you toast the bread properly. Also, add the broth slowly. This gives you full control over the final texture. Remember, you can always add more broth, but you cannot take it away. This is a key detail for all Stuffing Recipes.
You can prepare the vegetable mixture a day ahead of time to save on prep work. Just sauté the vegetables and seasonings as directed, then store the mixture in the refrigerator. When you are ready to cook, just combine it with the bread cubes and broth.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, delicious, and completely homemade stuffing that is full of flavor. This is one of those Stovetop Stuffing Recipes that will become a new family favorite. It proves that you do not need a lot of time or complicated ingredients to make an amazing side dish.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and its versatility. Whether you follow it exactly or add your own creative touches, the result is a comforting dish that brings warmth to any meal. I hope you enjoy making your own Stuffing Recipes as much as I do. It truly is a joy to share food like this with the people you care about.
FAQ
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can. To save time, you can chop the vegetables and toast the bread cubes a day in advance. Store the veggies in an airtight container in the fridge and the bread cubes in a sealed bag at room temperature. This makes assembling the stuffing very quick.
What Is The Best Bread For This Classic Stuffing Recipe?
A sturdy, day old bread is best because it absorbs the broth without falling apart. Sourdough, French bread, or a rustic white loaf are all great choices. Even leftover cornbread can be used for a different flavor. The key is to use bread that is a little dry.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely. This is one of the easiest Stuffing Recipes to make vegetarian. Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and use butter or olive oil for sautéing the vegetables. The recipe is naturally vegetarian friendly and full of flavor.
Can I Bake This Stuffing Instead Of Cooking It On The Stove?
Of course. If you prefer baked Stuffing Recipes, you can easily adapt this one. After combining all the ingredients in the skillet, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until heated through and golden on top.
Classic Stovetop Stuffing
This stovetop stuffing recipe is a quick and easy way to create a comforting side dish with savory vegetables, sweet apples, and classic seasonings, perfect for any family meal.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toast bread slices until golden brown using a toaster or oven (5-8 minutes at 375°F, turning once). Cut or tear toasted bread into 1/2-inch cubes.
- In a large skillet or nonstick pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and garlic (and red pepper if using). Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add the diced apple, poultry seasoning, and thyme to the skillet. Continue to sauté for another minute.
- Add the bread cubes and chopped parsley to the skillet. Gently mix. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of broth, mixing evenly until absorbed. Add more broth if a moister stuffing is desired.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let sit for 5 minutes. Stir and serve.
- For a crispy top, transfer stuffing to an oven-safe baking dish if your skillet isn’t suitable. Place under a broiler on the top third rack for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully until golden brown.
Notes
Using a sturdy, rustic loaf like sourdough or a French baguette works beautifully for the bread.
Feel free to customize your stuffing with cooked sausage, toasted pecans, or dried cranberries.
To avoid soggy stuffing, make sure to toast the bread properly and add the broth slowly to control the moisture.
You can prepare the vegetable mixture a day ahead of time to save on prep work.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
