If you’re craving a rich, comforting side that tastes like a warm hug, then you have to try Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe. This classic dish brings together perfectly toasted bread cubes, a fragrant medley of fresh herbs, and a generous amount of butter that creates a golden, crispy crust with a tender, flavorful interior. It’s the kind of stuffing that makes every holiday and cozy family dinner unforgettable because each bite bursts with buttery, herby goodness that simply melts in your mouth. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients are easy to find but make all the difference in creating a stuffing that is rich in flavor and perfect in texture. Each component plays an essential role—from the savory aroma of fresh herbs to the moist, buttery bread that delivers a satisfying bite every time.
- Bread cubes (18–24 oz): Using stale or toasted sourdough or Italian bread ensures the right texture and helps the stuffing absorb all those delicious flavors.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Butter adds the rich, creamy flavor that makes this stuffing irresistibly luscious.
- Diced sweet onion (3 cups): Provides a sweet, savory base flavor that softens beautifully when cooked.
- Diced celery (2 cups): Adds a fresh crunch and a hint of earthiness to balance the richness.
- Minced garlic (6 cloves): Brings a fragrant warmth that enhances the herbal notes.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season perfectly to taste, highlighting all the flavors without overshadowing them.
- Fresh sage, parsley, and rosemary (3 tbsp each): These herbs infuse the stuffing with a signature aromatic essence that’s fresh and comforting.
- Chicken or vegetable stock (2 1/2 cups): Moistens the bread and layers in savory depth for a cohesive, tender result.
- Large eggs (2): Helps bind the stuffing together, giving it structure while keeping it fluffy.
- Fresh herbs for garnish: A final pop of color and extra flavor to brighten the dish before serving.
How to Make Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cubes
Start by choosing your bread—whether stale from the day before or freshly toasted. If using stale bread, cut it into cubes and allow them to sit loosely covered overnight to dry out perfectly. For toasted bread, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until lightly crisp. This step is crucial because it ensures the bread soaks up the flavorful butter and stock without turning mushy, making the texture just right.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt your butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions, celery, and minced garlic along with a generous pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Sauté for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. This slow cooking releases their natural sweetness and lays a rich foundation for the stuffing.
Step 3: Add the Fresh Herbs and Stock
Once the vegetables have softened, stir in the chopped sage, parsley, and rosemary. Allow the herbs to cook with the vegetables for another minute to release their vibrant flavors. Then add 1 cup of your chosen stock, stirring everything to combine beautifully. This aromatic mixture will be the heart of your stuffing’s flavor.
Step 4: Combine the Stuffing
Place the toasted or stale bread cubes into a large mixing bowl or directly into the greased baking dish. Pour the vegetable and herb mixture over the bread, tossing gently but thoroughly to coat every cube with flavor.
Step 5: Add the Egg Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 ½ cups of stock with the eggs. This blend not only enriches the stuffing but also helps everything hold together perfectly during baking. Pour the mixture evenly over the coated bread cubes and stir gently to combine without breaking up the bread too much.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 160°F and the top is beautifully golden brown. If the top starts to brown too quickly, simply tent it loosely with foil to avoid burning. This baking step marries all the flavors and textures into the ultimate buttery herb stuffing that we all crave.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle the stuffing with fresh herbs for an inviting look and an extra burst of aroma. Serve your beautiful creation hot to your eager guests and watch it disappear fast!
How to Serve Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh, chopped herbs like parsley, rosemary, or sage sprinkled on top immediately brighten the dish and add a lovely pop of green. A light drizzle of melted butter right before serving also enhances the buttery richness and gives the stuffing an irresistible sheen.
Side Dishes
This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, making it a must-have for holiday meals. It’s also fantastic alongside mashed potatoes, green beans, or glazed carrots, rounding out a comforting and festive plate full of classic flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the stuffing in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for a charming touch at your dinner table. You can even stuff it inside roasted vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for a fun, elegant presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover stuffing to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This maintains the freshness and flavor, making it easy to enjoy later without losing any of that buttery herb goodness.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover stuffing by placing it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label it so you’ll remember to enjoy it within its prime deliciousness window.
Reheating
Reheat stuffing in the oven at 350°F, covered loosely with foil, until warmed through—this usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes. For extra crispiness, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of reheating. You can also microwave individual portions, but reheating in the oven preserves the texture best.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free bread for Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your gluten-free bread is sturdy enough to toast nicely or dry out overnight, as this helps it soak up the butter and stock without getting too soggy.
Is it better to use fresh or dried herbs?
Fresh herbs are the star in this recipe because they impart a vibrant, fragrant flavor that dried herbs can’t quite match. However, if you only have dried herbs, use about one-third the amount and consider adding a bit more for seasoning.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, swap chicken stock for vegetable stock and omit the eggs if preferred. For a vegan version, use a flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water) and vegan butter. The result will still be flavorful and satisfying.
What bread works best for stuffing?
Sourdough and Italian breads are favorites because of their sturdy crumb and ability to hold texture after soaking. A mix of different breads can add more depth to the flavor and texture as well.
How do I keep the stuffing moist but not soggy?
The key is balancing the amount of stock and butter and using stale or toasted bread that will absorb moisture evenly. Tossing gently so the bread absorbs liquid without falling apart is also crucial for perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe that’s both timeless and deeply comforting. It’s a dish that invites everyone to slow down, savor every bite, and share in the joy of good food made with love. Give it a try at your next gathering—you’ll find it quickly becomes a treasured classic in your own kitchen.
Print
Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight if using stale bread drying)
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (not including bread drying time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic, buttery herb stuffing recipe featuring a savory blend of fresh sage, parsley, and rosemary combined with tender onions, celery, and garlic. This delicious stuffing uses toasted or stale bread cubes soaked in flavorful chicken or vegetable stock and baked to golden perfection, making it the perfect side dish for holiday meals or comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Bread
- 18–24 oz bread cubes (1.5 loaves, about 12–14 cups) stale or toasted (sourdough, Italian, or preferred combination)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 3 cups diced sweet onion (about 2 large onions)
- 2 cups diced celery
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh sage
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
Liquids and Others
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 large eggs
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread Cubes: Cut stale bread into cubes and let them sit loosely covered with foil overnight to dry out. Alternatively, preheat the oven to 350°F and toast bread cubes on a baking sheet for about 15 minutes until slightly crisp.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter, olive oil, or nonstick spray.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced onions, celery, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Stock: Stir in chopped sage, parsley, and rosemary, cooking for 1 more minute to release their aromas. Pour in 1 cup of the stock and stir well to combine.
- Combine the Stuffing: Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl or directly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the vegetable and herb mixture over the bread cubes, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Mix Egg and Stock: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1½ cups of stock with the eggs until fully blended.
- Incorporate Egg Mixture: Pour the egg and stock mixture over the bread cubes and vegetable mixture, stirring gently to ensure even coating and moisture absorption.
- Bake the Stuffing: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle additional fresh herbs over the stuffing. Serve hot and enjoy the buttery, herb-infused flavors that perfectly complement any meal.
Notes
- Use stale or lightly toasted bread cubes to achieve the best texture; fresh bread can make the stuffing too soggy.
- Feel free to substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.
- Adjust the amount of fresh herbs based on preference for stronger or milder herb flavor.
- The eggs help bind the stuffing but can be omitted if making it vegan; consider using a flax egg or vegan binder instead.
- If you prefer crispier edges, increase baking time slightly but watch carefully to avoid drying out the stuffing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
