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.