Imagine a side dish so aromatic and delicious that it steals the spotlight from the main course. This Savory Bread Stuffing with Herbs is not just a recipe—it's a culinary masterpiece that transforms ordinary bread into a symphony of flavors. Packed with buttery, herb-infused goodness, this stuffing will have your family and friends begging for seconds (and maybe even the recipe). Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this foolproof recipe will elevate your holiday meal from good to absolutely unforgettable!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your stuffing cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Begin by preparing the bread. Take the loaf of bread and cut it into small cubes, about 1-inch in size. If your bread is fresh, you might want to leave the cubes out for a few hours to dry out slightly, or you can use day-old bread for the best texture.
- In a large skillet, melt the 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the celery is tender.
- Add the dried sage and thyme to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Allow the herbs to cook with the vegetables for about 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, sautéed onion and celery mixture, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together gently to ensure the bread is evenly coated with the butter and herbs.
- Slowly pour the 2 cups of chicken broth over the bread mixture, stirring gently as you do to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid without becoming too mushy. The mixture should be moist but not overly wet.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. You can use a 9x13 inch baking dish or any similar size that can hold the mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in during the initial baking phase. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Once done, remove the stuffing from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This savory bread stuffing pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or can be enjoyed on its own.
Tips
- Use day-old bread for the best texture—slightly stale bread absorbs flavors more effectively and prevents a soggy stuffing.
- Don't rush the sautéing process: Take your time caramelizing the onions and celery to develop deep, rich flavors.
- Control the moisture carefully: Add chicken broth gradually and mix gently to prevent the bread from becoming too wet.
- For extra crispiness, spread the stuffing in a wider baking dish to maximize the golden, crunchy top.
- Experiment with additional mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or cooked sausage to personalize your stuffing.
- Let the stuffing rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to settle and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
