If you’re craving the cozy, nostalgic taste of a holiday classic, this perfect homemade stuffing is exactly what you need. It’s buttery, full of herbs, and delivers the ideal balance of crisp and soft textures. Best of all, it’s easy to make and far better than any boxed version.
Why This Perfect Homemade Stuffing Belongs on Your Table
Not only is this stuffing rich with flavor, but it’s also endlessly adaptable. You can make it vegetarian, prep it ahead, or adjust it to your favorite add-ins. Plus, it’s a recipe you can count on every year, whether you’re hosting a crowd or planning a simple family meal.
Ingredients for Perfect Homemade Stuffing
Pantry & Fresh Staples
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Day-old sourdough or French bread, cubed | 10 cups |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup |
| Large onion, diced | 1 |
| Celery stalks, chopped | 3 |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Dried sage | 1 tablespoon |
| Thyme (fresh or dried) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Easy Swaps and Add-Ins
Need a vegetarian option? Simply use vegetable broth. Want extra flavor? Try adding sautéed mushrooms, dried cranberries, or chopped pecans. You can even swap in Garlic Bread Rolls as a base if you’re low on sourdough.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Perfect Homemade Stuffing
With a few simple steps, this dish comes together quickly and delivers consistent results. Let’s walk through the process.
- Prep Your Oven and Dish
First, preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning.
- Sauté the Veggies
Next, melt butter in a large skillet. Add diced onions and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until soft and fragrant, stirring often.
- Mix Bread and Broth
In a large bowl, combine bread cubes with the sautéed veggies. Slowly pour in broth while tossing gently. After that, season with sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer to your baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes for a crisp top.
Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Stuffing
To start, use day-old bread, it soaks up broth without turning to mush. Additionally, don’t be afraid to taste the mixture before baking. You can always adjust the seasoning. If you like crunch, bake your stuffing in a wider, shallower pan for more crispy edges.
Variations on Perfect Homemade Stuffing
Stuffing is all about versatility. For example, you can make it gluten-free with GF bread or dairy-free using olive oil. To explore a deeper flavor, add roasted garlic or caramelized onions. Another delicious spin is this Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing, which includes sausage and fresh herbs.
Serve Your Stuffing With These Favorites
This stuffing goes well with roast turkey, mashed potatoes, or green beans. If you’re building a full menu, try it alongside Root Vegetable Gratin or our Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe for a Southern-style twist.
Storage & Reheating Tips
According to the FDA, leftovers should be cooled quickly and stored in the fridge within 2 hours. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator and use within three days. For best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven with a splash of broth.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Each serving contains about 250 calories, 12g fat, 32g carbohydrates, and 4g protein. According to the NIH, balancing high-carb dishes with protein and veggies helps support healthy holiday eating.
FAQs About Perfect Homemade Stuffing
Use dried bread, flavorful broth, and cook your vegetables first. The texture should be moist but not soggy.
Too much liquid, using fresh bread, or overmixing. Let your bread absorb the broth gradually.
Great add-ins include mushrooms, sausage, nuts, apples, or cranberries. Herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme also enhance flavor.
According to the USDA, classic stuffing contains bread, broth, butter, onion, celery, and herbs like sage and thyme.
More Like This
Looking for more cozy sides? Try Garlic Bread Rolls to soak up gravy, Root Vegetable Gratin for creamy richness, Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe, or this nostalgic Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing.
Print
Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This perfect homemade stuffing is buttery, crisp on top, and tender inside—ideal for Thanksgiving or Sunday dinners.
Ingredients
- 10 cups day-old sourdough or French bread, cubed
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add onion and celery and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine the sautéed veggies with bread cubes in a large bowl. Pour in the broth gradually while tossing to evenly moisten. Season with sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer to your baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until golden on top.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread to avoid sogginess. Taste before baking and adjust seasoning. Add-ins like mushrooms or sausage work well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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