Easy Classic Stuffing
This easy classic stuffing recipe is made with simple ingredients and only a few minutes of prep work. It’s a cozy and delicious side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any time of year!
Stuffing is often the unsung hero of many holiday tables. It’ll never be the star of the show, but who can resist spooning heaps of it onto their plate and smothering it with homemade gravy? Definitely not me.
It just wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without it!
This stuffing recipe is simple and uncomplicated, just the way I like it. You can keep your loaded up, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink stuffing, this classic version is all I’ll ever need. There’s artisan bread, lots of veggies, fresh herbs, butter, and flavorful broth, and the whole thing is a cinch to put together. And that right there might be my favorite thing about it.
It’s both easy and delicious— a perfect combination!
What makes this easy classic stuffing so delicious?
This stuffing is classic and traditional, with just a few ingredients. But the right combo of quality ingredients makes this simple dish shine.
- Artisan bread— Use whatever small loaf of artisan bread you’d like! It doesn’t have to be day-old
- Lots of butter— It’s in there for good reason, and makes such good flavor
- Plenty of onions and celery— This is one of the few times where I feel like more celery is better
- Fresh herbs— Don’t even try to substitute dried herbs, fresh is the only way to go! Look for the “poultry herb blend” which will come with rosemary, thyme and sage all in one package together
- Flavorful broth— You can use turkey, chicken, or vegetable
- A few eggs— Eggs add richness and structure, holding everything together
How to make classic stuffing
It’s so simple!
- Toast cubed bread in a 225°F oven until dried out.
- Cook vegetables and herbs in butter.
- Toss bread with the vegetables and spread into a greased baking dish.
- Whisk broth and eggs together and pour over the bread mixture.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for about 15 minutes more until golden brown.
Use this recipe as starting point!
Do you prefer your stuffing loaded up with all the things? Good news! You can definitely use this recipe as a jumping off point to create whatever stuffing recipe you crave.
- Use sourdough, brioche, cornbread, or other artisan loaf of bread
- Add up to 1/2 lb sausage, bacon or ham, fully cooked
- Replace some of the vegetables in this recipe with other veggies like mushrooms, leeks or roasted butternut squash
- Add 1/2-1 cup fruit like dried cherries or cranberries, or fresh diced apples
- Add up to 1/2 cup nuts like pecans, walnuts or sliced almonds
How to make this classic stuffing in advance
Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas are busy, and if you’re like me you try to prepare as much food in advance. This stuffing keeps well in the fridge and is the perfect side dish to make ahead.
Bake as directed, then cool completely. Cover and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bake covered at 350°F until warmed through, about 30 minutes.
What to serve with this stuffing to make it a complete meal
- Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
- The Best Mashed Potatoes
- Buttery Garlic Green Beans
- Mushroom and Brussels Sprout Casserole
- Soft White Dinner Rolls
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Easy Classic Stuffing
Ingredients
- 1 lb loaf of bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 onion , chopped
- 4 ribs celery , chopped
- 2 garlic cloves , minced
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 heaping teaspoon fresh chopped rosemary
- 1 heaping teaspoon fresh chopped thyme
- 1 heaping teaspoon fresh chopped sage
- 2 cups turkey, chicken, or vegetable broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Cut bread into 1/2 inch cubes.
- Spread out evenly on a sheet pan. Toast in a 225°F oven for 30 minutes until dried out.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and celery, season with salt and pepper, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and herbs and cook for 1 minute more.
- Combine toasted bread and vegetables in a large bowl and then transfer to a grease 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Whisk together broth and eggs and pour over bread mixture. Pour slowly and try to moisten all the cubed bread.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 15-20 minutes more until golden brown.
Notes
- To make ahead: Bake as directed, then store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes or until warmed through.
