Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing is the ultimate companion for any holiday feast or family gathering. This luscious stuffing recipe combines toasted bread, savory herbs, and rich butter to create a dish that elevates your meal to the next level. Whether served as a side or stuffed inside your turkey, this buttery herb stuffing is sure to impress. The unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a must-try for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor – The combination of fresh herbs and garlic creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will adore.
• Easy to Prepare – With straightforward instructions, even novice cooks can whip up this delicious stuffing with ease.
• Versatile Dish – Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you want to impress your guests with a homemade touch.
• Make Ahead Option – Prepare this buttery herb stuffing in advance and simply reheat it on the big day for stress-free entertaining.
• Customizable Ingredients – Feel free to mix different types of bread or add your favorite ingredients to make it truly your own.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment on hand will make the preparation process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet or Dutch oven
• Baking dish (9×13 or larger)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl – This allows you to easily combine all ingredients without spilling.
• Skillet or Dutch oven – Ideal for sautéing vegetables evenly, ensuring maximum flavor.
• Baking dish – A good quality dish ensures even cooking for that perfect golden-brown crust.

Ingredients

This is the best stuffing recipe ever! Served as stuffing or dressing, this buttery herb toasted bread dish is absolutely incredible!

Ingredients:
– 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

How to Make Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

Step 1: Choose Your Bread Cubes

Note about the bread cubes! You have options here. Stale or toasty bread works best. The first option is that you can cut 1 ½ pounds of bread into cubes, place it in a large baking dish, loosely tent with foil and let it sit overnight. You can also cut the cubes and put them in the oven, toasting them at 350 degrees F until they are like croutons, about 15 minutes or so. Finally, you can buy the toasted bread cubes in bags from the store. It’s your choice! You can also choose the size of your cubes. They can be small or larger for a more rustic stuffing.

Step 2: Mix Your Breads

My mom has always used a mixture of stale and fresh bread. Also, I like to use different kinds of bread (usually two), like sourdough and Italian, and mix the cubes. It provides great texture.

Step 3: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Brush a 9×13 baking dish (you can also use a larger baking dish or a larger foil roasting pan too!) with melted butter, olive oil or spray with nonstick spray. Place the bread in a large mixing bowl (this may be easier for you to stir!) or the baking dish that you will bake it in. You can also separate this into two baking dishes if it’s easier.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

Heat the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the onion, celery, and garlic with a big pinch of salt and pepper – at least ½ to 1 teaspoon each. Cook until the onions and celery soften, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the sage, parsley, and rosemary. Cook for another minute before adding in one cup of stock.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Pour the onion-celery mixture over the bread crumbs and toss well to coat.

Step 6: Add Stock and Eggs

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the remaining one and a half cups stock and two eggs.

Step 7: Mix Thoroughly

Pour that mixture into the bread cubes and stir until thoroughly combined. Bake the stuffing for about forty-five to fifty minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of at least160 degrees F. If it starts getting too browned on top, cover loosely with foil.

Step 8: Make Ahead Tips

I have successfully made this a day ahead of time and reheated it – it’s just as good! Remove the pan from the fridge sixty minutes before reheating it. You can also use this mixture to stuff your bird if you wish!

Step 9: Adjust Serving Size

To serve four people: Cut this recipe in half exactly and bake it in an eight by eight inch or nine by nine inch dish using the same bake time.
To serve twelve to eighteen people: Double this recipe exactly; bake it in a larger baking dish like a ten by fifteen roasting pan or two nine by thirteen dishes using roughly similar baking times but possibly fifteen minutes longer.

Enjoy making Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing as part of your next meal!

How to Serve Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

Serving our favorite buttery herb stuffing can elevate any meal, especially during the holidays or family gatherings. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this savory dish.

As a Side Dish

• Pair it with your favorite roast meats for a classic combination that complements flavors beautifully.

Stuffed in Poultry

• Use our stuffing as a filling for turkey or chicken, adding moisture and flavor to the bird.

With Gravy

• Drizzle homemade or store-bought gravy over the stuffing for an extra layer of richness.

As a Breakfast Bake

• Transform leftovers into a breakfast casserole by mixing with eggs and baking until golden brown.

In a Salad

• Toss leftover stuffing with greens, nuts, and vinaigrette for a hearty salad option.

With Cranberry Sauce

• A spoonful of tart cranberry sauce on top can balance the buttery richness wonderfully.

How to Perfect Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

To ensure your stuffing turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Stale Bread: Stale bread absorbs flavors better and creates the ideal texture. Toasting fresh bread works too!
• Mix Different Breads: Combine different types of bread, like sourdough and Italian, for added flavor and texture.
• Don’t Skimp on Herbs: Fresh herbs like sage, parsley, and rosemary bring vibrant flavor. Adjust quantities to your taste preference.
• Add Stock Gradually: Pour in stock slowly while mixing to avoid soggy stuffing. Aim for moist but not wet bread cubes.
• Check Internal Temperature: Ensure the stuffing reaches 160 degrees F for safety and optimal texture.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Let it sit in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving for convenience.

Best Side Dishes for Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

Our favorite buttery herb stuffing pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies, roasted until caramelized, adds color and nutrients to your plate.
2. Green Bean Almondine: Tender green beans sautéed with almonds provide a crunchy contrast to the softness of the stuffing.
3. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with gravy complement the richness of the stuffing beautifully.
4. Cranberry Sauce: This sweet-tart condiment brightens up the meal and balances savory flavors effectively.
5. Brussels Sprouts: Roasted or sautéed Brussels sprouts bring a slightly bitter note that pairs well with buttery dishes.
6. Sweet Potato Casserole: The sweetness of this dish contrasts nicely with savory stuffing while adding warmth to your table.
7. Cornbread Muffins: These fluffy muffins provide a lovely texture variation alongside your herb stuffing.
8. Stuffed Acorn Squash: For a seasonal touch, acorn squash filled with grains or nuts makes an attractive side dish option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making stuffing can seem simple, but several common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold Choice of Bread: Using fresh bread instead of stale or toasted can make your stuffing too soggy. Opt for stale or toasted bread cubes for the best texture.
• Bold Overcooking Vegetables: Cooking the onions and celery for too long can cause them to lose flavor. Cook just until softened to maintain their taste.
• Bold Ignoring Seasoning: Not seasoning your mix adequately can result in bland stuffing. Don’t forget to use salt and pepper generously.
• Bold Skipping the Stock: Omitting stock or using too little can dry out your stuffing. Ensure you add enough liquid to keep it moist.
• Bold Inconsistent Cube Size: Cutting bread cubes unevenly leads to uneven cooking. Aim for uniform-sized pieces for consistent texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

• Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes) until warm.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of stock or water in a skillet over low heat, stirring until heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing.

Can I make Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead and reheat it before serving for convenience.

What type of bread is best for stuffing?

Using a mix of stale or toasted breads like sourdough and Italian creates excellent texture and flavor.

How do I customize Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing?

Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or different herbs based on your taste preferences!

Can I use this stuffing recipe to stuff a turkey?

Absolutely! This buttery herb stuffing works wonderfully as a turkey filler, adding incredible flavor.

How long should I bake my stuffing?

Bake at 350°F for about 45-50 minutes, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

Final Thoughts

Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily modify it with various breads and spices to suit your taste. Whether served alongside a holiday meal or as a comforting side dish, this recipe promises satisfaction. Try it out, and enjoy customizing it to make it your own!