Classic Bread Stuffing: The Thanksgiving Staple You’ll Love!
Thanksgiving just isn’t Thanksgiving without a delicious side of stuffing! This classic bread stuffing recipe is a family favourite, passed down through generations. It’s simple, flavourful, and perfect for even the pickiest eaters. We’re talking a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Get ready to create a warm, comforting, and delicious side dish that will undoubtedly become a Thanksgiving tradition!
Why You’ll Love This Classic Bread Stuffing
- Easy to make, perfect for beginner cooks.
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Can be made ahead of time to reduce Thanksgiving Day stress.
- Incredibly flavorful with savory herbs and vegetables.
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that complements any thanksgiving menu.
- Freezes well, making it ideal for leftovers.
Ingredients for Classic Bread Stuffing
- 1 loaf day-old bread, cubed (French bread, sourdough, or Italian bread work best)
- 1 cup butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegan thanksgiving option)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Substitutions: For a gluten free thanksgiving option, use gluten-free bread. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth. You can also add sausage or bacon for extra flavor!
How to Make Classic Bread Stuffing
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly toasted and dried out. This helps prevent the stuffing from becoming soggy. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step – softened, fragrant vegetables are key to incredible flavour.
- Add the Seasonings: Stir in the dried sage, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Make sure the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the vegetable mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes and the sautéed vegetables. Pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture and gently toss to coat evenly. Add salt and pepper to taste, and parsley if using. Be careful not to oversoak the bread.
- Bake the Stuffing: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stuffing to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on top.
- Let it Rest: Let the classic bread stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t use fresh bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread works best for stuffing. It absorbs the broth better without becoming mushy.
- Toast the bread cubes: Toasting the bread before adding the wet ingredients helps maintain texture and prevents sogginess.
- Don’t over-mix: Gently toss the ingredients together to avoid breaking down the bread cubes.
- Add sausage: Brown 1 pound of Italian sausage and add it to the vegetable mixture for a heartier stuffing.
- Vegan variation: Use vegetable broth and vegan butter for a delicious vegan thanksgiving recipes dish. Feel free to add chopped mushrooms for an earthy flavour.
Serving Suggestions
This classic bread stuffing is a perfect side dish for any Thanksgiving feast! Serve it alongside:
- Roasted Turkey (check out our thanksgiving turkey recipes)
- Mashed Potatoes
- Cranberry Sauce
- Green Bean Casserole
- Sweet Potato Casserole
Storage & Reheating
To Store: Store leftover classic bread stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Freeze cooled stuffing in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To Reheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Add a tablespoon or two of broth to the stuffing to moisten it. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQ about Classic Bread Stuffing
Q: Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the stuffing a day or two ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Add the broth just before baking. This is a great tip for easier thanksgiving entertaining ideas!
Q: What kind of bread is best for stuffing?
A: French bread, sourdough, or Italian bread are all great choices. Choose a bread that is slightly dense and can hold its shape when soaked in broth. For gluten free thanksgiving recipes, gluten-free bread works well, too!
Q: Can I add sausage to this stuffing?
A: Absolutely! Brown 1 pound of Italian sausage and add it to the vegetable mixture for a heartier and more flavorful stuffing.
Q: How do I prevent my stuffing from being soggy?
A: Toast the bread cubes before adding the wet ingredients and avoid over-soaking the bread with broth. This ensures the perfect consistency for your thanksgiving stuffing.
Final Thoughts on Classic Bread Stuffing
This classic bread stuffing recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a warm hug on a plate! It’s a reminder of family, tradition, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal. Now that you know how easy it is to make, it’s time to impress your family this Thanksgiving. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for easy access, leave a comment below to share your experience, and subscribe to our newsletter for even more delicious and easy recipes!. Happy cooking, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving thanksgiving feast!
Classic Bread Stuffing
Equipment
- oven
- Baking sheet
- Large Skillet or Pot
- Large bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish,
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf day-old bread, cubed (French bread, sourdough, or Italian bread work best)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegan option)
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly toasted and dried out. This helps prevent the stuffing from becoming soggy. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step – softened, fragrant vegetables are key to incredible flavour.
- Add the Seasonings: Stir in the dried sage, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Make sure the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the vegetable mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes and the sautéed vegetables. Pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture and gently toss to coat evenly. Add salt and pepper to taste, and parsley if using. Be careful not to oversoak the bread.
- Bake the Stuffing: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stuffing to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on top.
- Let it Rest: Let the classic bread stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.
