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Buttery Herb Stuffing

Buttery Herb Stuffing

Buttery Herb Stuffing is a rich, aromatic side dish that combines creamy butter, fresh herbs, and savory toasted bread cubes to deliver warm, comforting flavors and perfect textures. Ideal for holiday meals or cozy weeknights, this versatile stuffing pairs well with poultry, beef, and vegetarian dishes, promising to elevate any dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread Base

  • 6 cups day-old bread cubes (about 1-inch pieces)

Butter and Aromatics

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 cup finely chopped celery
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs

  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Liquids and Seasoning

  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups warm chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread Cubes: Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden and slightly crisp, about 10-15 minutes. This ensures the bread absorbs flavors without becoming soggy.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add finely chopped onions, celery, and minced garlic, cooking and stirring occasionally until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This creates the flavorful aromatic base of the stuffing.
  3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables and fresh herbs (sage, thyme, parsley). Slowly pour in warm broth, tossing gently to moisten evenly without making the mixture soggy.
  4. Season and Transfer: Add salt and pepper to taste and mix gently. Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy while the inside remains tender and flavorful. Let the stuffing rest for a few minutes before serving for firmer slices.

Notes

  • Use stale or day-old bread to avoid mushiness; fresh bread should be dried out by toasting or leaving uncovered overnight.
  • Do not skimp on butter—it’s essential for richness and moisture.
  • Fresh herbs provide brighter and more complex flavors than dried.
  • Add broth gradually to avoid over-saturating the stuffing.
  • Allow the baked stuffing to rest briefly before serving for better texture and easier slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Buttery Herb Stuffing, Herb Stuffing, Holiday Side Dish, Gluten-Free Stuffing, Comfort Food