Homemade Stuffing Recipe

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There’s something undeniably magical about the scent of stuffing wafting through the house, isn’t there? I remember the first time I crafted my own homemade stuffing; it was a crisp autumn afternoon, and the leaves were putting on a spectacular show outside my kitchen window. The sunshine poured through, illuminating my mixing bowl full of cubed stale bread, fresh herbs, and savory sautéed onions. As I stirred it all together, I could almost hear the joyful chatter of family gatherings echoing around me – laughter, stories, and those heartwarming moments that only come to life when we share a meal.

Oh, how I loved that first bite! The stuffing was warm, buttery, and bursting with the flavors of sage and parsley. It was as if the flavors were wrapping me in a cozy blanket, each mouthful telling a story of comfort and togetherness. This dish became a beloved staple at all our family feasts, and I’m overjoyed to share it with you today! Trust me, once you try this homemade stuffing, you’ll never look at store-bought options the same way again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm, Cozy Flavors: A delightful mix of fresh herbs and spices makes every bite feel like a hug.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, you can whip this up anytime you crave comfort food.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy night in—everyone will be asking for seconds!
• Customizable: Easily adjusted to fit your tastes with various herbs and add-ins.
• Freezes Beautifully: Make a big batch and save some for later—perfect for those busy nights!

Ingredients

• 12 cups Stale White Bread – Cut into 1-inch cubes (approx. a 1 lb 4 oz loaf of bread). Using stale bread ensures the perfect texture that won’t get mushy.
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp Butter – Divided. Butter gives richness, flavor, and that irresistible golden texture.
• 1 large Yellow or White Onion – Chopped. Onions are the MVP for flavor; they become caramelized and sweet as they cook.
• 2 cups Celery – Chopped (stalks and leaves!). Adds crunch and a subtle earthiness that complements the herbs beautifully.
• 1 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt – Adjust to taste; salt brings out all the other flavors in the stuffing.
• 1 tsp Black Pepper – A must for a little warmth; feel free to add more if you like it spicy!
• 1 tsp Poultry Seasoning – An aromatic blend that speaks of cozy family meals.
• 1/2 tsp Marjoram – A lovely herb that adds a hint of sweetness.
• 3 Tbsp (heaping) Fresh Sage – Chopped. The star of the show! Its earthy flavor makes the stuffing sing.
• 1/3 cup Fresh Parsley – Chopped (Curly or Italian will work). Brightens up the dish with a fresh note.
• 2 Eggs – Acts as a binder to hold everything together beautifully.
• 1 cup Chicken Broth or Stock – Use low-sodium for better control over the salt content; this adds moisture and depth of flavor.

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Step 1: Prepare the Stale Bread Cubes

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread those lovely stale bread cubes on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 15 minutes or until they’re lightly toasted. This step will help them soak up all that flavorful broth without getting mushy. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell divine!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

While the bread is toasting, melt 1/2 cup of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re softened and the onions are translucent. The sweet, buttery aromas will start to fill your kitchen, making it feel like a warm hug of comfort.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the toasted bread cubes, sautéed veggies, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, marjoram, sage, and parsley. Give it a good toss—feel free to use your hands to get everything nicely combined!

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Broth

In a small bowl, lightly beat the eggs and stir in the chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the bread mixture, tasting as you go to adjust the seasonings. You want it moist, but not soggy!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer everything to a greased baking dish. Dot with the remaining butter, and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown on top. The tantalizing smell as it bakes will have everyone peeking in the oven for a taste!

Pro Tips for Success

• Use Stale Bread: Fresh bread absorbs too much moisture and will ruin your stuffing’s texture.
• Don’t Skip the Herbs: Fresh herbs truly elevate the flavor; their aroma while cooking is heavenly.
• Customize the Texture: If you prefer your stuffing a little crunchier, bake it uncovered for a few extra minutes.
• Taste Throughout: Always taste your mixture as you go, adjusting spices and seasoning.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to get creative! You can add sautéed mushrooms for earthy flavors, dried cranberries for a hint of sweet tartness, or even chopped pecans for some crunch. Seasonal vegetables like carrots or bell peppers can add a vibrant twist, too!

Serving Suggestions

Serve your stuffing alongside roast turkey or chicken, or scoop some next to a salad for a hearty meal. A splash of gravy never hurt, nor does a glass of chilled white wine. Plate it up with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that visual pop!

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prepare the stuffing a day before your event and just bake it when you’re ready to serve. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Leftovers

Psst! Don’t let those leftovers go to waste! They can be transformed into tasty stuffing muffins—simply mix with egg and bake in muffin tins—or add to soups for extra flavor.

Freezing

Yes, this stuffing can be frozen! Just pack it in an airtight freezer-safe container and it will last for up to 3 months. When it’s time for a hearty meal, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale?
Absolutely, but you’ll want to toast it first until it’s dried out a bit for the best texture.

What if I can’t find fresh sage?
Dried sage can be used in a pinch! Use about 1/3 the amount called for fresh since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Certainly! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and keep it packed with flavorful veggies!

How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free bread! There are some great options available that hold up well in stuffing.

Final Thoughts

As you gather around the table with loved ones, may this homemade stuffing fill your home with warmth and deliciousness! Cooking should be about joy, laughter, and bringing people together, and there’s no better way to do that than with a big bowl of my homemade stuffing. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the smells, and let’s create some beautiful memories together! Happy cooking, friends!