Traditional Herb Bread Stuffing

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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Traditional Herb Bread Stuffing is a classic dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal, especially during the holiday season. With its harmonious blend of herbs and perfectly toasted bread, this stuffing is sure to be a family favorite at your next gathering.

Ingredients for Traditional Herb Bread Stuffing

The star of this dish is the bread. Using day-old bread ensures it toasts beautifully, providing the perfect texture to absorb flavors. Butter adds richness and helps sauté the onions and celery, which are essential for that classic depth of flavor. A blend of salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning enhances the savory profile, while fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and parsley bring a bright, earthy freshness. The broth moistens the bread without making it soggy, and eggs help bind everything together, creating a cohesive stuffing that's easy to serve.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a crispier top, broil the stuffing for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
  • Try using a mix of bread types for added texture and flavor complexity.
  • For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Make sure to taste the mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Serving Suggestions

This stuffing pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. For a complete meal, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes and a crisp green salad. It's also a lovely addition to a vegetarian feast when paired with roasted squash and a hearty mushroom gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this stuffing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day ahead. Simply cover and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving.
What if I don't have fresh herbs?
You can substitute dried herbs, but use about one-third of the amount called for in fresh herbs to avoid overpowering the dish.
Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely! Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, cooked sausage, or cranberries for a twist on the classic recipe.

Traditional Herb Bread Stuffing Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish to prevent the stuffing from sticking. Next, spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet. Toasting it in the oven for 10-15 minutes until it turns a lovely golden brown will give your stuffing that perfect texture.

While the bread is toasting, take a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, sautéing them until they're soft and fragrant, which should take about 10 minutes. This step infuses the butter with a delicious aroma that will permeate the stuffing.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread with the cooked vegetables. Add in the salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, and parsley. Toss everything together to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth and beaten eggs. Pour this mixture over the bread and herb blend, tossing gently to combine. This step ensures your stuffing stays moist and holds together well.

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it from drying out, then bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and let it bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is deliciously golden brown.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with straightforward steps.
  • Flexible enough to adapt to your taste and dietary needs.
  • Perfectly balanced flavors for a delightful aromatic experience.
  • Makes your kitchen smell like a cozy holiday celebration.

Ingredients

12 cups cubed day-old bread
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups chopped yellow onions
1 cup chopped celery
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 large eggs, beaten

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish.
2. Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and saute the onions and celery until soft, about 10 minutes.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread, cooked vegetables, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, and parsley.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth and eggs, then pour over the bread mixture and toss to combine evenly.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and cover with foil.
7. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown.
8. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.

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