Name: Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf (about 1 lb) day-old French or sourdough bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 celery stalks, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp fresh sage, minced; 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves; 2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

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If you are searching for a show-stopping side that instantly conjures up memories of cozy holiday gatherings, it doesn’t get any better than Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing. Crisped on top, beautifully tender in the center, and bursting with the savory aroma of fresh herbs, this classic side dish is so much more than bread and butter—it’s the heart of the table. Whether you’re serving a Thanksgiving feast or looking for something comforting on a chilly evening, this recipe always earns rave reviews and, with its simple, honest ingredients, brings everyone back for seconds.

Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a handful of kitchen staples to create pure comfort. Each ingredient in Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing plays a starring role, building layers of flavor, texture, and color that will make you want to sneak bites straight from the pan.

Bread: Day-old French or sourdough bread is essential for its sturdy texture—fresh bread turns soggy, but yesterday’s loaf gives the stuffing that perfect balance of crispy and tender.
Butter: Unsalted butter infuses the bread cubes with rich, creamy flavor and helps the herbs bloom beautifully.
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds tone and sweetness, acting as the aromatic foundation of the dish.
Celery: Chopped celery gives the stuffing its irresistible crunch and a fresh, green note that pairs perfectly with herbs.
Garlic: Minced garlic brings depth and that unmistakable savory warmth.
Fresh Sage: Sage gives stuffing its iconic earthy taste—use it generously for the most nostalgic flavor.
Fresh Thyme: The tiny leaves of thyme bring brightness and subtle lemony undertones.
Fresh Rosemary: Rosemary lends a woodsy, evergreen aroma that is especially lovely for special occasions.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley provides herby freshness and a brilliant pop of color.
Salt: Enhances flavors and keeps the stuffing from tasting flat—don’t skip it!
Black Pepper: Just a touch for a gentle background heat and complexity.
Chicken Broth: Adds savory richness and moistens the bread; vegetable broth works great for a vegetarian version.
Eggs: Lightly beaten eggs act as a binder, giving the stuffing structure while keeping it fluffy.

How to Make Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

Step 1: Toast the Bread

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepping a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coat of butter or nonstick spray. Spread the cubed bread in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast it in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes. The goal here is to dry out the bread and get those edges ever-so-slightly crisp—it’s this step that lays the foundation for a stuffing that’s never mushy, always luscious.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Herbs

While the bread is toasting, melt the butter in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the onions and celery, stirring occasionally, and let them cook for 6 to 8 minutes until they’re soft and wonderfully fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic, sage, thyme, and rosemary, and let the heat wake up all those fresh herbs for another minute. You’ll know it’s ready when your entire kitchen smells like Thanksgiving.

Step 3: Combine Bread and Veggie Mixture

Once your bread cubes are toasty, transfer them to a big mixing bowl. Pour the buttery, herby vegetable mixture right on top, scraping the skillet to get every flavorful bit. Toss in the parsley, salt, and black pepper. Give it all a gentle toss so the bread starts soaking up those incredible flavors without breaking apart.

Step 4: Mix in Broth and Eggs

In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and eggs—this duo is key for moist, cohesive stuffing with a soft, pudding-like interior. Pour this mixture slowly over your bread and veggies, then gently fold everything together until all the bread is evenly moistened. If the bread looks a little dry, let it sit for just a bit to soak up more liquid.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the mixture into your prepared baking dish and cover it with foil to trap in the steam for the first part of baking. Bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes until the top is gorgeously golden and crispy. The result? A pan of Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing with a crust you’ll fight over and a center that melts in your mouth.

How to Serve Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra thyme leaves over the top makes the stuffing look as vibrant as it tastes. If you’re feeling fancy, a quick zest of lemon or a drizzle of melted butter adds a beautiful sparkle right before serving.

Side Dishes

Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing is the ultimate companion to roast turkey, juicy chicken, baked ham, or even a hearty vegetarian centerpiece. For a truly winning plate, pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, bright cranberry sauce, and roasted seasonal veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, serve individual portions using ramekins or muffin tins for perfectly crispy edges. Or, use Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing to fill roasted squash halves for a dramatic and delicious presentation that will impress every guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover stuffing by covering the dish tightly with foil or transferring to an airtight container. It will keep happily in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a fantastic option for next-day meals and sandwiches.

Freezing

If you want to extend the holiday flavor, Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep its texture and flavor for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat the stuffing in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to prevent it from drying out (about 20 to 25 minutes, or until hot). For a crispier top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes, and if needed, splash with a bit of broth to bring it back to life.

FAQs

Can I make Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the chicken broth for your favorite vegetable broth. The result is just as rich, fragrant, and satisfying.

Can I use different bread types?

You can! While French and sourdough are classic, this recipe also works with rustic country loaves or even multigrain bread. Make sure it’s a hearty, day-old loaf for the best texture.

Should the crusts be removed from the bread?

Not at all. Leaving the crusts on actually adds more texture and flavor to the stuffing, creating a lovely rustic bite throughout.

Can I prepare Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything up to a day before baking. Store it covered in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.

How do I keep the stuffing moist but not soggy?

Moisture is key, but it’s all about balance! Add the broth slowly and only until the bread is evenly moistened—some pieces should still feel slightly firm. Baking uncovered at the end helps keep the top crisp while the middle stays tender.

Final Thoughts

There’s a good reason Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing appears at our table every year—it’s pure comfort in a casserole, packed with fresh flavors and nostalgic aromas. If you’ve been searching for a stuffing that gets everyone talking (and reaching for seconds), this is the one. Give it a try and let it become one of your new holiday traditions.

Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Buttery Herb Stuffing recipe is a delicious classic side dish perfect for holiday meals. Made with a blend of aromatic herbs and rich butter, this stuffing is flavorful and comforting.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread:

1 loaf (about 1 lb) day-old French or sourdough bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Herb Mixture:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 celery stalks, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh sage, minced
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Binding:

2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

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Instructions

Preheat and Toast: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toast bread cubes on a baking sheet for 10–15 minutes until crisp.
Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion, celery until soft. Add garlic, sage, thyme, rosemary.
Combine Ingredients: Transfer toasted bread to a bowl, add vegetable mixture, parsley, salt, pepper. Pour broth-egg mixture, toss to moisten.
Bake: Transfer to greased baking dish, cover with foil. Bake 30 mins covered, then 20–25 mins uncovered until golden.