This classic homemade bread stuffing is a flavorful side dish that complements any holiday meal. Made with simple ingredients like bread, herbs, and broth, it brings a comforting taste to your table.
The recipe is easy to follow and can be customized with your favorite additions, such as sausage, nuts, or dried fruits, to enhance the flavor.
Creating the Perfect Bread Stuffing
Homemade bread stuffing is a classic side dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. The combination of golden-brown bread cubes, sautéed onions, and celery creates a delightful flavor profile that enhances the overall dining experience.
When preparing this dish, using day-old or toasted bread is essential. It ensures that the bread can absorb the flavors of the broth and herbs without becoming overly soggy. The result is a stuffing that is moist yet holds its shape beautifully when served.
Essential Ingredients for Flavor
The key to a successful bread stuffing lies in its ingredients. Fresh vegetables like onions and celery provide a savory base, while herbs such as sage and thyme add depth to the flavor.
Don’t hesitate to customize your stuffing with additional ingredients. Options like cooked sausage, nuts, or dried fruits can elevate the dish, making it uniquely yours. Each addition contributes its own character, allowing for a personal touch.
Preparation Steps Made Simple
Preparing bread stuffing is straightforward and can be completed in about 45 minutes. Start by cubing the bread and allowing it to dry out. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.
Next, sauté the onions and celery in butter until they are tender. This step not only softens the vegetables but also infuses the butter with their flavors, creating a rich base for the stuffing.
Moisture Matters
Once the vegetables are ready, combine them with the bread cubes, herbs, and seasonings in a large bowl. Gradually add broth to moisten the mixture, ensuring that it is evenly soaked but not drenched. This balance is key to achieving the perfect stuffing consistency.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, cover it with foil, and bake. The initial covered baking allows the stuffing to steam, while removing the foil towards the end gives it that desirable golden-brown finish.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, let the stuffing cool slightly before serving. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses, making it a versatile addition to your table.
For a festive presentation, serve the stuffing in a rustic baking dish, garnished with fresh parsley. A wooden spoon resting beside it adds a charming touch, inviting guests to help themselves.
Creating a Festive Atmosphere
The setting in which you serve your homemade bread stuffing can enhance the overall experience. Consider a table adorned with seasonal decorations, which can evoke a sense of warmth and celebration.
Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual family dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit. Its inviting aroma and comforting flavors will leave a lasting impression on your guests, making every meal memorable.
Easy Bread Stuffing Recipe
This bread stuffing features cubed bread mixed with sautéed onions, celery, and a blend of herbs, all soaked in broth for moisture. The recipe takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
- 10 cups bread cubes (day-old or toasted)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: 1 cup cooked sausage, nuts, or dried fruits
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Cube the bread and let it dry out for a few hours or toast it in the oven.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper. If using, add the cooked sausage, nuts, or dried fruits.
- Moisten the Mixture: Gradually pour in the broth, mixing gently until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy.
- Bake: Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let the stuffing cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it as a side dish with your favorite main course.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g