If you’re craving a comforting and truly timeless side dish, this Old Fashioned Herb Stuffing Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with fresh herbs and the rich, buttery flavors of sautéed onions and celery, this classic stuffing brings a perfect blend of moist, savory, and slightly crisp textures that make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create pure, nostalgic deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in crafting a stuffing that’s bursting with flavor and perfect texture. From the soft, aromatic herbs to the crunchy toasted bread, every component adds something special.
- 1/2 cup salted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies, creating that buttery base we all love.
- 1 medium white onion, diced: Brings a sweet, savory depth when sautéed perfectly.
- 1 1/2 cups sliced celery: Offers a fresh crunch and subtle herbal note that balances the richness.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Keeps the stuffing wonderfully moist and infuses it with savory goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of warmth and spice.
- 1 pound French bread, cubed: The star base of the stuffing—stale or toasted to soak up all the delicious flavors.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage: Imparts that iconic herbiness that defines classic stuffing.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary: Adds a fragrant pine-like aroma and subtle earthiness.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme: Complements the other herbs with its gentle lemony aroma.
How to Make Old Fashioned Herb Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your stuffing doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly golden and crisp on top.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then melt the salted butter. Add your diced white onion and sliced celery, cooking them for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the veggies soften slightly and fill your kitchen with that comforting, savory aroma. Stir often to avoid browning too much — just tender and fragrant is the goal.
Step 3: Make the Broth Mixture
Pour in the chicken broth along with salt and pepper, then bring everything up to a gentle boil. This warm, seasoned broth will soak into the bread, giving your stuffing its moist and delicious texture. Once it boils, remove the skillet from heat to avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Prepare the Bread Cubes
Cut your French bread into cubes. If your bread isn’t already stale, lightly toasting the cubes is a great idea—it helps the bread hold up when soaked and adds a subtle crunch after baking. Toss these cubes into a large mixing bowl as your base.
Step 5: Add Fresh Herbs to the Bread
Mix in the minced sage, rosemary, and thyme with your bread cubes. These fresh herbs bring that signature aromatic punch that makes this an Old Fashioned Herb Stuffing Recipe, setting it apart from any ordinary stuffing.
Step 6: Combine Broth with Bread and Herbs
Slowly pour the hot broth mixture over the bread and herbs, tossing gently to coat all the cubes evenly. Be patient and gentle here; you want to moisten every piece without turning the mixture into mush.
Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the moistened bread mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. This ensures your stuffing will cook through evenly and develop that perfect golden crust on top.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the stuffing at 425°F for 30 minutes. As it bakes, the top will turn a gorgeous golden brown, and the flavors will meld beautifully. Once done, serve it hot for a comforting, herbaceous delight.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Herb Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a few sprigs of thyme right before serving to add a pop of fresh green color and a subtle herbal aroma that brightens each bite of this old-fashioned treat.
Side Dishes
This Old Fashioned Herb Stuffing Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a simple roasted chicken. Add some steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts to round out that classic holiday plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this stuffing in small ramekins for individual portions or stuff it inside roasted squash for a stunning presentation. You can even crumble it on top of casseroles as a crispy topping for an inventive twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your feast, place leftover stuffing in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining its savory flavor and moist texture.
Freezing
This Old Fashioned Herb Stuffing Recipe freezes beautifully. Allow the stuffing to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, spread the stuffing in a baking dish and cover it loosely with foil. Warm it in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through, removing the foil in the last 5 minutes so the top crisps back up nicely.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While French bread is traditional, you can use sourdough, whole wheat, or even brioche for a slightly different flavor and texture. Just make sure the bread is stale or toasted to avoid sogginess.
Can I make this Old Fashioned Herb Stuffing Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll still get a wonderfully flavorful stuffing full of herbaceous goodness.
Is it okay to prepare the stuffing ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the stuffing the day before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just bake it fresh before serving for the best texture and flavor.
How do I make the top of the stuffing crispier?
For an extra-crispy top, you can broil the stuffing for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, and you’ll get a lovely golden crust.
Can I add sausage or nuts to this stuffing?
Yes, adding cooked sausage or toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts is a fantastic way to personalize this Old Fashioned Herb Stuffing Recipe with extra flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Herb Stuffing Recipe is truly a heartwarming dish that brings people back to cherished family traditions. Its simple ingredients and straightforward process make it approachable, yet every bite feels lovingly crafted and special. I encourage you to try it for your next meal and watch as it becomes a favorite that everyone asks for year after year.
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Old Fashioned Herb Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Old Fashioned Stuffing recipe features a savory blend of sautéed onions and celery, fresh herbs, and cubes of French bread soaked in flavorful chicken broth. Baked to a golden brown perfection, this stuffing is a traditional favorite for holiday meals or any comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 1 1/2 cups sliced celery
Liquids & Fats
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
Bread
- 1 pound French bread, cubed (or any stale bakery-style bread)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for baking the stuffing.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter, diced onion, and sliced celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are slightly softened and fragrant.
- Add Broth and Seasoning: Stir in the chicken broth, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately remove from heat.
- Prepare Bread Cubes: Cube the French bread. If the bread isn’t already stale, toast it lightly to ensure it absorbs the broth without becoming mushy. Transfer the cubes to a large mixing bowl.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Toss the cubed bread with minced fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme, mixing well to distribute the herbs evenly.
- Moisten Bread: Slowly pour the hot broth and vegetable mixture over the bread and herbs. Stir gently to ensure all pieces are well moistened but not soggy.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the bread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top of the stuffing is golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove and serve hot.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old or stale bread to prevent the stuffing from becoming too mushy.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, but adjust dietary preferences accordingly.
- Feel free to add cooked sausage, cranberries, or nuts for variations on this classic recipe.
- Leftover stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
