Traditional Savory Stuffing

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Stuffing is the heart and soul of any holiday feast, and this Traditional Savory Stuffing recipe is just the ticket. With a classic blend of herbs and simple ingredients, it embodies the warmth and comfort of home cooking. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a first-time host, this dish will make your meal memorable.

Ingredients for Traditional Savory Stuffing

The star of this dish is day-old French bread, which provides the perfect texture for soaking up all those delicious flavors. Using bread that's a little stale ensures it holds up well to the broth and doesn't turn mushy. Unsalted butter adds richness and depth, while onion and celery bring a savory base to the stuffing. Chicken broth keeps everything moist and flavorful. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, while salt, pepper, dried sage, and dried thyme provide that classic stuffing flavor we all crave. Finally, eggs help bind everything together.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a more pronounced flavor, try using homemade chicken broth.
  • If you prefer a bit more texture, add some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
  • Make it vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth.
  • Prepare the stuffing a day in advance and bake it just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, making it the ideal side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas. It also complements a pork roast or beef tenderloin. For a complete meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes and green beans. A fresh cranberry sauce can add a delightful tartness that cuts through the richness of the stuffing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
It's best to use day-old bread to achieve the right texture. If using fresh bread, cut it into cubes and let it sit out for a few hours to dry out.
Can I make this stuffing gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the French bread with your favorite gluten-free bread.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crisp texture.

Traditional Savory Stuffing Recipe Walkthrough

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that's happening, lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish — nothing sticks, and cleanup is a breeze. Next, take your cubed bread and spread it out on a baking sheet. A quick 10-minute toast in the oven will give you a beautiful golden brown color and a slightly crisp texture, setting the stage for a perfect stuffing.

While the bread is toasting, melt your butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the onions and celery, letting them cook until soft, about 8 minutes should do it. This step is crucial as it releases the sweetness in the onions and makes the celery tender.

Once your veggies are ready, it's time to mix. In a large bowl, combine your toasted bread cubes with the sautéed onion and celery. Add the parsley, salt, pepper, sage, and thyme. This is where the magic begins — everything starts to smell incredible.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Pour this mixture over the bread and veggie combo, tossing gently to ensure everything gets evenly coated. You want every piece of bread to soak up that rich, flavorful broth.

Transfer everything to your prepared baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep the moisture in and pop it in the oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for another 15 minutes. This final step gives you that coveted crispy top while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Classic flavors with a perfect balance of herbs and spices.
  • Easy to prepare, making it perfect for holiday stress-busting.
  • Uses simple, accessible ingredients that you probably already have.
  • Crispy on the outside, tender and moist on the inside.
  • Perfect for making ahead, freeing up time on the big day.

Ingredients

1 loaf (1 lb) of day-old French bread, cubed
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced celery
2 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp dried sage
1 tsp dried thyme
2 large eggs, beaten

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast lightly in the oven for about 10 minutes until golden brown.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onions and celery until soft, about 8 minutes.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, parsley, salt, pepper, sage, and thyme.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk the chicken broth with the beaten eggs, then pour this mixture over the bread and vegetables, tossing gently to coat evenly.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and cover with foil.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the top is crisp and golden.

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