If you’re dreaming of the perfect side dish to complete your holiday feast, look no further than this Thanksgiving Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe. It’s everything you want in a stuffing—comforting, flavorful, and packed with aromatic herbs that bring out the best in every bite. The combination of toasted bread cubes soaked in savory broth, buttery sautéed vegetables, and fresh parsley creates a dish that feels homemade with a touch of love, guaranteed to be a star on your Thanksgiving table year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the deep, rich flavor and comforting texture of this stuffing. From the crispy toasted bread cubes to the fragrant blend of herbs, every component is essential to making this dish unforgettable.
- Day-old French bread or sourdough (about 14–16 oz): Using stale bread helps the cubes absorb the broth perfectly without turning mushy.
- Unsalted butter (1 stick or ½ cup): Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables for that warm, comforting base.
- Medium onion (diced): Brings sweetness and depth when cooked down softly.
- Celery stalks (3, diced): Provides a subtle crunch and classic stuffing flavor.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Adds a fragrant punch that elevates the whole dish.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the seasoning.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): For a touch of gentle heat and complexity.
- Dried sage (1½ teaspoons): The hallmark herb for Thanksgiving stuffing, delivering earthy warmth.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle herbal note that complements the sage beautifully.
- Dried rosemary (½ teaspoon): Provides a fragrant, pine-like hint to lift the savoriness.
- Fresh parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Brightens and freshens each bite with vibrant green color.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (2½–3 cups): Moistens the bread cubes and infuses them with comforting flavor.
- Large eggs (2, beaten): Help bind the mixture together for that perfect stuffing texture.
- Nonstick spray or butter for greasing: To ensure your stuffing doesn’t stick and comes out beautifully golden.
How to Make Thanksgiving Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Bread Cubes
Start by preheating your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread your bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and toast them for 20 to 25 minutes. You want them dried out but not browned, which creates that ideal texture for soaking up all the delicious flavors later on. This step transforms simple bread into the backbone of a memorable stuffing.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Herbs
While the bread is toasting, melt your butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Toss in the diced onion and celery, letting them soften and turn translucent—about 8 to 10 minutes. Then stir in the garlic along with salt, black pepper, dried sage, thyme, and rosemary, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to let those wonderful aromas bloom. This mixture is the flavor powerhouse of your Thanksgiving Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in a Large Bowl
Once the bread cubes and sautéed vegetables are ready, it’s time to bring everything together. In a large bowl, mix the dried bread cubes with the vegetable mixture and fresh parsley. Then add the beaten eggs. Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, starting with 2½ cups and adding more if needed. The ideal consistency is moist but not soggy, ensuring each bite is satisfying without being mushy.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Transfer your stuffing mixture into the dish and cover it tightly with foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes to heat it through, then remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes to let the top develop a beautiful golden, slightly crisp finish. This is where your Thanksgiving Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe truly shines—crispy on top and tender inside.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra charm and flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top just before serving. You can also add a few toasted pecans or walnuts for a subtle crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft stuffing. A light drizzle of melted butter can make it shimmer and add even more indulgence.
Side Dishes
This stuffing loves company! It pairs beautifully with your roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole. Its comforting texture and herbal notes complement the rich meats and sweet sides traditionally served at Thanksgiving.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fresh twist, try stuffing it inside hollowed-out roasted butternut squash or bell peppers. You can also prepare individual stuffing muffins using a muffin tin, perfect for charming individual servings. These ideas add flair to your table and make serving even more fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep them airtight in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent your stuffing from drying out, cover it well with plastic wrap or foil and consider adding a splash of broth before reheating to maintain moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze this Thanksgiving Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe by placing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
The best way to reheat stuffing is in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 20 minutes). Removing the foil in the last few minutes crisps up the top just like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this stuffing?
Absolutely! While French bread or sourdough works beautifully, you can use whole wheat, country white, or even a combination of your favorites. Just be sure the bread is day-old or toasted well to absorb the broth perfectly without becoming mushy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version that still bursts with flavor from the herbs and sautéed vegetables.
Can I add meat or other ingredients to this stuffing?
Definitely. Adding cooked sausage, crumbled bacon, diced apples, or dried cranberries can elevate this Thanksgiving Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe into something uniquely yours. These add-ins enhance flavor and texture, making it even more special.
How far in advance can I prepare this stuffing?
You can assemble the stuffing up to a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. This is a great way to save time on Thanksgiving day, just be sure to bake it before serving.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
No worries! You can substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley flakes, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. The fresh parsley, however, adds a lovely burst of brightness to this Thanksgiving Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe is truly a comforting hug on your holiday plate, combining timeless flavors with a texture that hits all the right notes. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own personal tweaks, it’s sure to become a cherished part of your family tradition. Give it a try this Thanksgiving—you’ll be so happy you did!
Print
Thanksgiving Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Thanksgiving stuffing recipe features toasted bread cubes combined with sautéed onions, celery, garlic, and fragrant herbs, all moistened with broth and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a savory side dish for your holiday feast, it delivers comforting flavors and a crispy top texture.
Ingredients
Bread and Butter
- 1 loaf (about 14–16 oz) day-old French bread or sourdough, cut into ½-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Other Ingredients
- 2½–3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Nonstick spray or butter for greasing
Instructions
- Toast the Bread Cubes: Preheat the oven to 300°F. Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until they are dried out but not browned. Remove from the oven and set aside. Increase the oven temperature to 350°F.
- Sauté the Vegetables and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced onion and celery and sauté for 8 to 10 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried sage, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Combine the Stuffing Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, fresh parsley, and beaten eggs. Gradually pour in 2½ cups of broth, stirring gently to moisten. Add more broth if necessary to achieve a moist but not soggy consistency.
- Transfer and Bake: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. Transfer the stuffing mixture into the dish and cover tightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and Crisp the Top: Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes until the stuffing’s top is golden brown and slightly crisp. Remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, stir in cooked sausage, chopped apples, or dried cranberries before baking.
- This stuffing can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake.
