Thanksgiving is my favorite time of year, and nothing says “holiday feast” quite like a pan of Classic Herb Stuffing fresh from the oven. I can still remember the delicious aroma wafting through my Nana’s kitchen as she carefully assembled the stuffing, mixing the savory herbs and toasted bread cubes with just the right amount of broth. It was a Thanksgiving tradition I looked forward to every single year.
As a kid, I’d hover by her side, eager to lend a hand and learn the secrets to creating the perfect Classic Herb Stuffing. Nana would let me tear the crusty bread into bite-sized pieces, inhaling the warm, earthy scent. Then she’d show me how to finely chop the onions, celery, and fresh herbs, patiently explaining that the key was to get each element just right. I’d watch, mesmerized, as she expertly combined the ingredients, her hands moving with practiced ease.
And of course, the best part was sneaking a taste straight from the pan – the savory, flavorful morsels melting on my tongue. I’d be hard-pressed to find a Thanksgiving feast that didn’t feature Classic Herb Stuffing as the star of the show. Even now, as an adult, it’s the dish I most look forward to each holiday season.
Table of Contents
Why This Classic Herb Stuffing Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Classic Herb Stuffing
This Classic Herb Stuffing recipe is truly the one you’ll want to keep in your back pocket year after year. What sets it apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures – the crisp, golden-brown top gives way to a soft, pillowy interior infused with aromatic herbs and a hint of richness from the butter. It’s the ultimate comfort food side dish that will have your guests raving.
The secret lies in the careful preparation and selection of ingredients. We’re talking freshly toasted bread cubes, sautéed aromatics, and a flavorful broth that’s slowly absorbed for maximum deliciousness. Plus, the combination of sage, thyme, and parsley lends a classic Thanksgiving taste that’s both familiar and irresistible.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bread cubes – Use a rustic, crusty bread like sourdough or French bread for the best texture.
- Onion – Finely chopped yellow or white onion adds depth of flavor.
- Celery – Crisp celery stalks provide a lovely crunch.
- Butter – Melted butter helps bind the stuffing and contributes richness.
- Chicken or vegetable broth – The liquid that brings everything together.
- Fresh sage, thyme, and parsley – These aromatic herbs are the key to that quintessential Classic Herb Stuffing taste.
- Salt and pepper – To season the stuffing to perfection.
Step-by-Step Classic Herb Stuffing Instructions
Preparing Your Classic Herb Stuffing
This Classic Herb Stuffing comes together in just about an hour, making it the perfect make-ahead side dish for your Thanksgiving feast. You’ll need a large baking dish, a skillet, and a few basic kitchen tools to get started.
1- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Spread the bread cubes out on a large baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10-12 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden brown and crisp.
2- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3- Remove the toasted bread cubes from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm broth over the top and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
4- Add the sautéed onion and celery mixture to the bowl, along with the fresh sage, thyme, and parsley. Season generously with salt and pepper, then use your hands to gently mix everything together until well combined.
5- Transfer the Classic Herb Stuffing to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use your hands to gently press and shape the stuffing into an even layer.
6- Bake the Classic Herb Stuffing for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy. Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
For the best results, be sure to use day-old or stale bread for the perfect texture. The drier the bread, the better it will soak up the broth without getting soggy. And don’t be afraid to season generously – the herbs and spices are what really make this Classic Herb Stuffing shine.
Serving and Storing Your Classic Herb Stuffing
Perfect Pairings for Classic Herb Stuffing
Classic Herb Stuffing is the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish, but it also pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even grilled salmon for a delicious weeknight meal. Serve it alongside your favorite autumn vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying feast.
And of course, no Thanksgiving table is complete without a generous helping of Classic Herb Stuffing! It’s the perfect accompaniment to a juicy roasted turkey, complementing the rich flavors perfectly.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of this Classic Herb Stuffing will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the unbaked stuffing for up to 3 months – just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
For make-ahead convenience, assemble the entire stuffing recipe up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. On the day of, simply pop it in the oven and you’re good to go!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Classic Herb Stuffing
Creative Classic Herb Stuffing Variations
Looking to change up the flavors a bit? Try adding sautéed mushrooms, toasted pecans, or a handful of dried cranberries for a seasonal twist. You can also substitute the herbs – rosemary, oregano, and marjoram all work beautifully in place of or alongside the classic sage, thyme, and parsley blend.
And for a truly showstopping presentation, bake the stuffing in a hollowed-out pumpkin or acorn squash for a beautiful and festive centerpiece.
Making Classic Herb Stuffing Diet-Friendly
To make this Classic Herb Stuffing recipe gluten-free, simply swap the bread cubes for gluten-free bread or cubed cornbread. For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Those following a low-carb or keto diet can enjoy this stuffing by using cauliflower rice in place of the bread cubes. The texture won’t be exactly the same, but the flavors will still be spot-on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
A: You can, but the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant. If using dried herbs, reduce the amounts by about half.
Q: How do I know when the stuffing is done baking?
A: The top should be golden brown and crispy, and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
Q: Can I stuff the turkey with this stuffing?
A: Absolutely! Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly and use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked through.
Q: How much stuffing does this recipe make?
A: This Classic Herb Stuffing recipe yields enough to fill a 9×13-inch baking dish, which serves 8-10 people as a side dish.
Q: My stuffing came out too dry. What went wrong?
A: If your stuffing seems too dry, add a bit more broth next time, about 1/4 cup at a time, until you reach the desired moisture level.
Classic Herb Stuffing
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Indulge in the classic flavors of this irresistible Herb Stuffing recipe. Featuring a blend of fragrant herbs, toasted bread cubes, and savory seasonings, this comforting side dish is a must-have for your holiday table.
Ingredients
– 8 cups cubed bread (day-old or stale)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 celery stalks, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2. In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes to combine.
3. 3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
4. 4. Stir in the garlic, thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. 5. Pour the vegetable mixture over the bread cubes and toss to coat evenly.
6. 6. Slowly add the broth, mixing gently until the bread is thoroughly moistened.
7. 7. Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
8. 8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a heartier stuffing, add cooked sausage or mushrooms. You can also use a combination of bread types, such as sourdough and whole wheat. If the stuffing seems dry, add a bit more broth before baking.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of Classic Herb Stuffing baking in the oven to get you in the Thanksgiving spirit. This easy, flavorful recipe is sure to become a staple on your holiday table year after year. With its perfect balance of textures and seasonings, it’s the ultimate comfort food side dish that will have your guests going back for seconds (and thirds!).
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a Thanksgiving masterpiece with this Classic Herb Stuffing. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out – be sure to leave a comment and let me know!
