The Ultimate Easy Stuffing Recipe: Crispy, Savory & Foolproof for Holidays
Crispy on the outside, tender inside—this foolproof stuffing is packed with herbs, buttery bread, and savory aromatics for the perfect holiday side.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 pound day-old white bread cubes (about 12 cups)
¾ cup unsalted butter (1½ sticks)
2 cups yellow onion, diced (about 2 medium onions)
1½ cups celery, diced (about 4–5 stalks)
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage, minced (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2–2½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions
Prep bread: Cut bread into ½-inch cubes. Leave out overnight or bake at 250°F for 30–45 minutes until dried. Place in a large bowl.
Preheat oven: Heat to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook aromatics: In a skillet, melt butter. Sauté onions and celery for 6–8 minutes until softened. Add garlic; cook 1–2 minutes more.
Combine: Pour butter mixture over bread cubes. Add herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
Moisten stuffing: Pour in broth and beaten eggs. Mix carefully until evenly moistened (add extra broth if needed).
Bake: Transfer to prepared dish. Cover with foil; bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15–20 more minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Rest & serve: Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add 10–15 minutes extra baking time.
Variations: Add cooked sausage, mushrooms, apples, or dried cranberries and nuts for flavor twists.
Broth tip: Adjust broth for preferred moistness (drier for crisp edges, wetter for softer texture).
