Classic Bread Stuffing
Introduction
Classic bread stuffing is a comforting, savory dish that embodies the essence of home-cooked meals. With its buttery, herby goodness and soft texture, it’s the perfect accompaniment to roasted meats or a stand-alone delight during festive gatherings. This versatile stuffing can be easily customized to suit your taste, making it a must-have for any holiday table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This stuffing is a comforting favorite that evokes memories of family gatherings and holiday feasts. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner but can also elevate any weekday meal. The combination of herbs, butter, and rich broth creates an irresistible flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Key Ingredients
- Bread: Stale or day-old bread works best for the ideal texture; use white, whole grain, or sourdough.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
- Onions: Provides sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Celery: Adds crunch and freshness.
- Garlic: Enhances the savory taste.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Keeps the stuffing moist and flavorful.
- Herbs: Fresh or dried thyme, sage, and parsley bring aromatic flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
How to Make Classic Bread Stuffing
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Bread: Cut the bread into cubes and let it sit out to dry for a few hours, or toast them in the oven until golden and dry.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper. Gradually add broth, stirring until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the stuffing into a greased baking dish and cover it with foil.
- Bake: Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
Tips & Tricks
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the stuffing a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
- Add-ins: Consider adding cooked sausage, dried fruits, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Broth: Adjust the amount of broth to achieve your desired consistency—drier for stuffing inside a turkey, moister for a side dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this classic stuffing alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. It’s also fantastic with a side of cranberry sauce or gravy for added flavor. Perfect for holiday dinners or any family gathering!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh bread instead of stale? Yes, but it’s best to dry it out slightly to prevent sogginess.
- Is it possible to freeze stuffing? Absolutely! Freeze it before baking and simply reheat it in the oven.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Yes! Use vegetable broth and skip any meat add-ins for a delicious vegetarian option.
Classic bread stuffing is a timeless dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s sure to be a hit at your table. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experience! Happy cooking!
Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 loaf about 1 pound of day-old bread (white or sourdough), cubed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup onion diced
- 1 cup celery diced
- 2-3 garlic cloves minced
- 2-3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped, optional
- 1 egg beaten, optional
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the bread:
- Place the cubed bread in a large bowl. If the bread isn’t stale, you can dry it out by spreading it on a baking sheet and toasting it in the oven for 10-15 minutes.
Cook the vegetables:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Combine the mixture:
- Pour the vegetable mixture over the cubed bread. Add the sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley (if using). Mix well to combine.
Add the broth:
- Gradually add chicken or vegetable broth to the bread mixture, stirring until the bread is moistened but not soggy. If you’re using an egg, stir it in at this point for added richness.
Transfer to the baking dish:
- Spoon the stuffing into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy.
Serve:
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
