Discovering the Perfect Stuffing Recipe
My Favorite is Classic Herb Butter Stuffing and I remember the first time I hosted Thanksgiving dinner at my house. I was nervous about everything, but the one dish that had me especially worried was the stuffing. Growing up, we always had boxed stuffing, which was fine, but I wanted something more special for my first big holiday meal. I spent days researching recipes, looking for the perfect blend of flavors. Finally, I stumbled upon a Classic Herb Butter Stuffing recipe that seemed just right. It had all the fresh herbs and buttery goodness I wanted, and I knew it would be a hit.
The Joy of Fresh Herbs
As I gathered the ingredients, I couldn’t help but get excited about the fresh herbs. Sage, parsley, and rosemary—just thinking about them made me feel like a real chef. The smell of the herbs as I chopped them filled my kitchen with a warmth that was perfect for the season. I knew that this stuffing would be different from the boxed versions of my childhood. It would be full of rich, earthy flavors that only fresh ingredients could bring. I could already imagine the delicious aroma that would fill my home as it baked.
The First Bite
When the stuffing finally came out of the oven, it looked even better than I had imagined. The top was golden brown with crispy edges, and the smell was incredible. I could hardly wait to take that first bite. As I dug in, I was amazed at how all the flavors came together. The butter had melted perfectly into the bread, and the fresh herbs gave it a depth that I had never tasted in stuffing before. It was soft on the inside, with just the right amount of crunch on top. I knew right then that this would become a staple at every Thanksgiving meal I hosted.
Sharing the Tradition
Since that first Thanksgiving, I’ve made this Classic Herb Butter Stuffing every year. It’s become a tradition in my family, and now my kids look forward to it just as much as I do. I’ve even shared the recipe with friends, who say it’s the best stuffing they’ve ever had. There’s something special about passing down a dish that brings so much joy and comfort. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of that first Thanksgiving and how far I’ve come as a home cook. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a little piece of our family’s holiday story.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Classic Herb Butter Stuffing
- Use a combination of day-old sourdough and Italian bread for the best texture and flavor. The slight tang from sourdough adds depth to the stuffing.
- When tossing the bread cubes with the vegetable and herb mixture, make sure every piece is well-coated to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Warm the stock before mixing it with the bread cubes. This helps the bread absorb the liquid more evenly, resulting in a more cohesive stuffing.
- Before baking, the stuffing mixture should be moist but not soggy. Add more stock if the bread cubes seem too dry, or bake longer uncovered if it seems too wet.
- While sage, parsley, and rosemary are traditional, feel free to add thyme or marjoram for a unique twist. Fresh herbs are preferable, but dried herbs can be used if fresh aren’t available—just use half the amount.
Classic Herb Butter Stuffing
4
servings30
minutes50
minutes350
kcal15
minutes1
hour35
minutesThis Classic Herb Butter Stuffing is the ultimate side dish for your Thanksgiving feast! With golden, crunchy edges and a soft, flavorful interior, it’s packed with fresh herbs and buttery goodness. Perfect for serving alongside any meal, this stuffing is sure to be a hit at your holiday table. Whether you bake it inside the turkey or serve it as a dressing, this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients
- Bread Cubes
24 ounces day-old or toasted bread cubes (sourdough and Italian mix recommended)
1 cup Unsalted Butter (2 sticks)
3 cups Sweet Onion (finely chopped, about 2 large onions)
2 cups Celery (finely diced)
6 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced)
1 tsp Kosher Salt
1 tsp Black Pepper
3 tbsp Fresh Sage (chopped)
3 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
3 tbsp Fresh Rosemary (chopped)
2 1/2 cups Chicken or Vegetable Stock
2 Large Eggs (beaten)
- Fresh Herbs (A mixture for sprinkling)
Directions
- Prepare Bread Cubes – Cut bread into cubes and either let them sit overnight or toast them in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until they are like croutons.
- Cook Vegetables – In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic along with salt and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients – Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl or directly in the baking dish. Pour the vegetable mixture over the bread cubes and toss to coat evenly.
- Bake Stuffing – Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil.
- Rest and Serve – Let the stuffing rest for about 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- nonstick pan
- dutch oven
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- baking sheet
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 350kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamin A: 15IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 8mg
- Iron: 15mg
FAQ-Classic Herb Butter Stuffing
Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing up to the baking step the day before. Store it in the refrigerator, covered, and bake it fresh on the day of serving.
How do I make the stuffing more crispy on top?
For a crunchier top, uncover the stuffing for the last 10-15 minutes of baking, or broil it for a few minutes at the end, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Can I add meat to this stuffing?
Absolutely! Cooked sausage, bacon, or even ground turkey can be added to the vegetable mixture before combining with the bread cubes.
How can I make this stuffing gluten-free?
Substitute the bread cubes with gluten-free bread. Make sure to use a gluten-free stock as well.
What should I do if my stuffing is too dry?
If your stuffing turns out too dry, add more warm stock in small increments and gently stir to distribute the moisture. Cover it with foil and return it to the oven for a few minutes.
