There are few things more comforting than a warm, fragrant bowl of traditional stuffing. Whether it’s served alongside a juicy roast turkey or on its own as a side dish, stuffing is a beloved staple at family gatherings, especially during the holidays. Its combination of bread, herbs, and savory ingredients makes it the perfect accompaniment to a hearty meal. In this article, we’ll walk you through a traditional stuffing recipe that’s simple to prepare yet packed with flavor, ensuring your stuffing becomes the star of your next holiday spread.
What You Need for Traditional Stuffing Recipe
To make this delicious stuffing recipe, you don’t need to be a master chef—just a few basic ingredients and some patience. The heart of this dish is a loaf of hearty bread, so make sure to pick one that can hold up to being soaked and baked. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of bread (about 12 cups of cubes): A rustic white bread, French bread, or sourdough works well. For a more traditional approach, day-old or slightly stale bread is ideal since it absorbs the broth without becoming too mushy.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the stuffing.
- 1 medium onion, diced: A classic base flavor for any stuffing.
- 2-3 celery stalks, diced: Adds crunch and freshness to balance the richness of the bread.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For added depth and savory flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried sage: The quintessential herb for stuffing, sage adds a savory, earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Another staple herb that brings warmth and a hint of piney flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth: The key to moist, flavorful stuffing.
- 1 large egg (optional): Some recipes call for an egg to bind the stuffing together and add structure, but it’s entirely optional.
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley (optional): Chopped parsley adds color and a bit of brightness.
How to Make Traditional Stuffing
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to make the stuffing. This recipe is simple to prepare but incredibly rewarding, and it can be made in advance for convenience.
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by cutting your bread into 1-inch cubes. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out by spreading the cubes on a baking sheet and letting them sit out for a few hours, or you can dry them in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping once to ensure even drying. The goal is for the cubes to be firm enough to absorb the broth without falling apart. Once they’re dry and crispy, set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and garlic, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t brown. Add the dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute to allow the herbs to release their flavors.
Step 3: Combine the Bread and Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, add your dried bread cubes. Pour the sautéed vegetables, including the butter, over the bread, and toss everything together to combine. This ensures the bread gets evenly coated with the savory, buttery vegetable mixture.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Egg
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the bread and vegetable mixture. Stir gently until the bread absorbs the liquid. If you’re using an egg, lightly beat it in a small bowl, then add it to the mixture. The egg helps bind the stuffing together for a slightly firmer texture, but if you prefer a looser stuffing, you can skip it.
Taste your stuffing mixture and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Bake the Stuffing
Transfer the stuffing mixture to a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the top to become golden and crispy.
If you like your stuffing extra crispy, you can broil it for a few minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your stuffing is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and enjoy alongside your favorite holiday dishes!
Tips for the Best Traditional Stuffing Recipe
While this recipe is straightforward, there are a few tips to help ensure your stuffing is perfectly moist and flavorful:
- Use the Right Bread: For the best texture and flavor, opt for a sturdy, rustic bread like sourdough or French bread. Avoid soft, fluffy loaves like sandwich bread, as they won’t hold up well when soaked in the broth.
- Don’t Skip the Herbs: Sage and thyme are the classic herbs for stuffing, and they truly make the dish. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preferences, or even add a pinch of dried rosemary for extra depth.
- Moisture is Key: Be sure to add enough broth so the bread absorbs it but doesn’t become soggy. The stuffing should be moist throughout, but not overly wet.
- Make Ahead: Stuffing can be made a day or two in advance. After assembling, cover and refrigerate the uncooked stuffing. When you’re ready to bake it, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
- Customize Your Stuffing: While this recipe is a classic, you can easily personalize it. Add cooked sausage for a heartier stuffing, or stir in some dried cranberries for a hint of sweetness. For a veggie-friendly version, skip the sausage and add mushrooms or roasted chestnuts for extra flavor.
Variations on Traditional Stuffing
While this traditional stuffing is perfect as is, there are many ways to switch things up depending on your taste. Here are a few ideas:
- Sausage Stuffing: Add about 1/2 pound of cooked sausage (Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, or any variety you prefer) to the vegetable mixture. This adds richness and flavor.
- Apple and Cranberry Stuffing: For a slightly sweet stuffing, add diced apples and dried cranberries to the mixture. The sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory herbs.
- Mushroom Stuffing: For a more earthy flavor, sauté mushrooms along with the onions and celery. Mushrooms add depth and richness to the stuffing.
- Gluten-Free Stuffing: Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Make sure the broth you use is also gluten-free.
Traditional stuffing is the epitome of comfort food—fragrant, savory, and perfect for holiday dinners or any time you crave a warm, hearty side dish. This easy-to-make recipe combines simple ingredients with classic flavors, resulting in a stuffing that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you stick with the traditional version or add your own twists, you’ll have a dish that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. So go ahead, try this recipe the next time you’re cooking for a crowd, and enjoy the comforting taste of a homemade stuffing that’s just as satisfying as it is delicious.