Easy Herbed Stuffing – Flavorful and Buttery
The Ultimate Side Dish: Easy Herbed Stuffing
When I think of the ultimate side dish, Easy Herbed Stuffing is usually a must-have. Full of aromatic veggies, sagey goodness, and buttery flavor, it’s the kind of dish that makes any meal feel special. Growing up, our holiday meals always included stuffing, and let me tell you, I often preferred it over the meat at the table. It was so full of flavor that every bite left me craving more. Whether it’s the earthy herbs or the comforting texture, this stuffing has a way of stealing the show every time. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s easy to make, but the taste is anything but ordinary.
The Best Simple Herbed Stuffing for Thanksgiving (or Dressing—Whatever You Call It!)
There are so many types of stuffing out there, some with oysters, others loaded with veggies, but what I enjoy most is a Simple Herbed Stuffing. It’s a versatile, classic dish that pairs perfectly with almost any meat and is easy to adapt to your specific tastes. Growing up, we’d alternate between calling it stuffing or dressing, depending on our mood. (I know, dressing can also refer to salad dressing, but let’s not overthink it!) Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, one thing's for sure: it’s a must-have for your holiday table. If you’re reading this recipe, chances are you love it too, and you’ve come to the right place for a truly delicious version!
Choosing the Right Bread for Perfect Stuffing
Let’s start off by talking about the most important part of this recipe: the bread. I like to use French or Italian bread and dry it out myself whenever possible. If you’re in a pinch, though, you can easily find pre-dried bread cubes at most grocery stores, or even try making your own with this easy French Bread recipe. While I haven’t experimented with other types of loaf bread, I have used those holiday-season dried bread cubes from the store, which often include a mix of different bread types. Growing up, my mom would use a combination of sandwich bread and those store-bought cubes, and I swear her stuffing was always the best!
The only downside with store-bought cubes is that they’re rock-hard, so you need to add plenty of broth or juices to make sure your stuffing doesn’t turn out too crunchy on the inside. I love a crispy top, but the inside should stay nice and moist. If you want to add some extra flair, try mixing dried cornbread with your bread cubes for a little Southern twist!
How to Dry Bread for Stuffing: Two Easy Methods
Drying your bread properly is key to achieving perfect stuffing, helping it soak up all the flavorful broth and seasonings. Here are two easy methods to dry your bread for stuffing:
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Air Drying Method
- Cut Bread into Cubes: Cut French or Italian bread into 1 1/2-inch cubes.
- Spread Out: Lay the bread cubes out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Leave Uncovered: Allow the bread to air dry for 1-2 days at room temperature. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel to keep dust off.
- Check Readiness: The bread is ready when it's completely dry and feels hard to the touch.
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Oven Drying Method
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Cut and Spread: Cut the bread into 1 1/2-inch cubes and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the bread is dry and crisp.
- Cool: Let the bread cool completely before using it in your stuffing recipe.
By drying the bread, it will better absorb the broth and seasonings, giving you that perfect moist stuffing with a crispy top!
Adding Flavor to Your Stuffing: Customize It to Your Taste
Now that we’ve got our bread ready, it’s time to add some flavor! This is where your personal preferences come into play. Personally, I love a stuffing that’s heavy on garlic and sage, but the recipe as written provides a balanced, crowd-pleasing flavor. The best part? There’s plenty of room to make it your own! If you love lots of celery, add more. Want it extra garlicky? Go for it. Prefer a more herb-forward dish? Feel free to add extra herbs.
Another key component that can change the entire flavor of your stuffing is the broth. I typically use chicken broth, but when I’m roasting a turkey, I like to boil the neck and gizzards to make a rich, homemade broth. I’ll even add the shredded turkey meat and gizzards into the stuffing for extra depth. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, veggie broth is also an excellent choice and offers a different but delicious flavor twist!
Simple Herbed Stuffing
Ingredients
- 2 Loaves of French or Italian Loaf Bread cut in 1 1/2-inch cubes
- 3 stalks of celery diced
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 ½ stick of butter
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 3 tsp rubbed sage
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried marjoram
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground pepper
- 2 cups of chicken or turkey broth
Instructions
- Prepare Bread Cubes: Dry the bread cubes by leaving them covered in a bowl for two days or baking them in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 20 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced celery and sauté for a few minutes. Add diced onions and minced garlic, and continue to sauté until all vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper.
- Season Bread Cubes: While vegetables are cooking, add your preferred spices to the dried bread cubes.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix the sautéed vegetables with the bread cubes. Add broth gradually until the mixture reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add Eggs: Mix in the beaten eggs thoroughly.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, cover, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the top to brown.
Notes
Add Extra Richness (Optional): For an extra rich taste, melt unsalted garlic butter (made with minced garlic and butter) and pour over the finished dish.
Finishing Touches: Elevate Your Stuffing with Garlicky Butter and Add-Ins
Once the stuffing is done baking, I like to finish it off with a drizzle of garlicky butter. Don’t worry about the guilt, how often do you make stuffing anyway? Go ahead and splurge a little! If you’re looking to really “take it up a notch,” there are plenty of delicious additions you can mix in. Try adding country sausage for a savory kick or sweeten it up with fruits and nuts like apples, walnuts, chestnuts, or cranberries. These ingredients add texture and a burst of flavor that will make your stuffing unforgettable. Create this dish today and prepare for happy, satisfied bellies all around!
The Perfect Pairing: Southern Collard Greens and Herbed Stuffing
Want to know what goes best with this stuffing? Try my Southern/Soulfood Collard Greens. The two together are like the perfect marriage, rich, flavorful, and a true comfort food combo. The savory goodness of the herbed stuffing paired with the tender, smoky collard greens create a balanced, soul-satisfying meal that will keep your guests coming back for more. Trust me, these two are like the perfect couple. Create both today and you will thank me later.
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Hey, if you tried this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! A quick rating helps others out too, and if you added your own twist, let’s talk about it!