Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

If you’re looking for a dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table, you’ve come to the right place! Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing is more than just a side dish; it’s a cherished recipe that evokes memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations. The combination of buttery toasted bread and aromatic herbs creates an unforgettable flavor that pairs beautifully with any meal. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a big holiday feast, this stuffing is bound to impress!

What makes this recipe even better is how versatile it is. You can easily make it ahead of time, leaving you free to enjoy your time with loved ones. So, let’s dive in and discover why this stuffing has become my go-to favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe comes together smoothly, allowing you to whip up a delicious side without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: The rich flavors and comforting texture make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it the day before, making your cooking on the big day a breeze.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of fresh herbs and buttery goodness makes this stuffing irresistible!
• Customizable: Feel free to mix and match different types of bread or herbs to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! For Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing, you’ll need the following:

• 18 to 24 ounces bread cubes (1.5 loaves of bread, or about 12 to 14 cups) (preferably toasted or stale)
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3 cups diced sweet onion (roughly 2 large onions)
• 2 cups diced celery
• 6 garlic cloves (minced)
• kosher salt and pepper
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 large eggs
• A mixture of fresh herbs for sprinkling

Variations

One of the best things about stuffing is its flexibility! Here are some fun ideas to customize Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing:

• Mix in some veggies: Add chopped mushrooms or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition!
• Add nuts or dried fruits: Toss in some walnuts or cranberries for a delightful crunch and sweetness.
• Experiment with breads: Try using whole grain or gluten-free bread for different textures and tastes.
• Herb swap: If you don’t have one of the herbs on hand, feel free to substitute with what you have—thyme works wonderfully too!

How to Make Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

Step 1: Prepare Your Bread Cubes

Note about the bread cubes! You have options here. Stale or toasty bread works best. You can cut your bread into cubes and let them sit overnight in a baking dish, covered loosely with foil. Alternatively, toast them in an oven at 350 degrees F until they resemble croutons—about 15 minutes will do! Buying pre-toasted bread cubes is also an option if you’re short on time.

Step 2: Mix Your Bread Types

I love mixing different kinds of bread—like sourdough and Italian—to add great texture. My mom always used a combination of stale and fresh bread, which adds depth to the flavor.

Step 3: Sauté Your Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. In a skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt your unsalted butter. Add in the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic along with a generous pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Cook until they soften—about 8 to 10 minutes. Stirring in the fresh sage, parsley, and rosemary adds wonderful aromas!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour that savory onion mixture over your bread cubes and mix well so every piece gets coated in deliciousness.

Step 5: Whisk Together Stock & Eggs

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the remaining chicken or vegetable stock with two eggs until combined. This mixture will help bind everything together.

Step 6: Bake It Up!

Pour that egg-stock mixture over the bread cubes and fold gently until combined. Transfer everything into your prepared baking dish—it’s okay if it looks a bit messy! Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees F. If it’s browning too quickly, cover it lightly with foil.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

I love making this stuffing ahead of time; just reheat it before serving! It’s perfect alongside roasted vegetables or as part of a festive spread. Enjoy every buttery, herby bite!

Pro Tips for Making Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

Making the perfect stuffing can be a game-changer for your holiday meals, and with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your guests!

• Use a mix of bread types: Combining different kinds of bread, like sourdough and Italian, not only adds depth of flavor but also creates an appealing texture that makes every bite interesting.
• Don’t skip toasting: Toasting or using stale bread helps to absorb the moisture from the stock without becoming too mushy. This gives you that delightful contrast between crispy and soft textures.
• Season generously: Be bold with your salt and pepper as well as your herbs. A good seasoning is essential for bringing out all those lovely flavors in your stuffing. Taste as you go!
• Let it rest before baking: Allowing the stuffing to sit for about 15 minutes after mixing gives the bread time to soak up all the delicious flavors from the broth and spices.
• Make ahead for convenience: Preparing your stuffing a day in advance not only saves time on the big day but often enhances the flavors. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before baking!

How to Serve Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

When it comes to serving this heavenly stuffing, presentation can make all the difference. Here are some ideas to elevate your dish at mealtime!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: Sprinkling some extra chopped parsley or rosemary on top just before serving will add a vibrant touch and enhance that fresh herb aroma.
• Toasted nuts: A handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts can add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the buttery richness of the stuffing.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetables: A colorful mix of roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes adds not only vibrant color but also a hearty complement to the stuffing’s rich flavors.
• Green Salad: A light, crunchy green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the stuffing, providing a refreshing contrast that brightens up your plate.
• Cranberry Sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce offers a sweet-tart element that pairs beautifully with savory stuffing. It’s perfect for cutting through richness!
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a comforting choice. Their smooth texture pairs nicely with the aromatic stuffing, making each bite feel indulgent.

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’re ready to create a memorable meal featuring our favorite buttery herb stuffing! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing is perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it in advance, making your holiday cooking or family dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffing to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate.
• It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 5 days.

Freezing

• Allow the cooked stuffing to cool completely.
• Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label and date your containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen stuffing in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
• Spread the stuffing in a baking dish, add a splash of stock if it seems dry, and cover with foil. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about our recipe.

Can I make Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for binding, or simply omit them if you’re looking for an egg-free version.

How do I customize Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as diced carrots or bell peppers, and experiment with different bread types for unique flavors. Dried herbs can also be used if fresh ones aren’t available.

Is Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free bread cubes instead of regular bread. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock in Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing?

Certainly! Vegetable stock is a great alternative and will enhance the herb flavors in the stuffing while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing as much as my family does! It’s a comforting dish that brings everyone together around the table. Whether you serve it at Thanksgiving or any family gathering, this recipe is sure to become a cherished tradition. Happy cooking!