How to Make Homemade Traditional Bread Stuffing
- Prep the Bread
Preheat your oven to 250°F. Cut a loaf of crusty bread into cubes. Spread the cubes on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 20–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until completely dry. This ensures the bread can absorb all the delicious liquid without turning mushy.
- Sauté the Vegetables
While the bread dries, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions, shallots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Turn off the heat and stir in chopped parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. - Mix the Bread and Veggies
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes with the buttery vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly so the bread is evenly coated with all that herby goodness. - Prepare the Liquid Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, chicken broth, water, and Better Than Bouillon if using. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread. Gently stir with a spoon, ensuring all cubes are moistened. - Assemble and Bake
Transfer the stuffing to a greased 13×9-inch casserole dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 30–40 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp. - Serve and Enjoy
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. The inside stays soft while the top offers the perfect crunch.
Tips to Perfect Your Bread Stuffing
- Don’t skip drying the bread: Even “stale” bread benefits from oven-drying. It improves texture and prevents sogginess.
- Sauté until tender: Soft vegetables blend better with the bread and help create a cohesive stuffing.
- Balance the herbs: Don’t overpower the dish with just sage. Use a mix for depth and freshness.
- Add broth slowly: Pour gradually and stir to ensure even absorption.
- Golden top tip: For extra crispiness, drizzle with melted butter before the second bake.
What to Serve with Traditional Bread Stuffing
• Pairs Perfectly With: Roasted turkey, glazed ham, or baked chicken. Add a side of Green Bean Casserole and Cranberry Orange Sauce to complete the feast.
• Make It Spicy: Stir in a bit of crushed red pepper or diced jalapeños.
• Sweet and Savory Version: Add dried cranberries, chopped pecans, or diced apples to the mix.
• Herb-Crusted Topping: Sprinkle extra fresh herbs and breadcrumbs on top before baking for an herbaceous crust.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the entire casserole (except the egg mixture) the night before. On the day of, add the egg and broth mixture before baking.
Helpful Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating in Oven: Let the dish come to room temperature for 30 minutes. Reheat covered at 350°F for 20–30 minutes until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked stuffing for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
