Easy Stuffing Recipe

If there’s one dish that embodies pure comfort on a Thanksgiving table, it’s this Easy Stuffing Recipe. Soft bread cubes, golden and buttery, packed with fresh herbs and a rich savory aroma—this classic stuffing is blissful in its simplicity and flavor. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or the designated holiday chef, this recipe comes together quickly and always earns raves. It’s a go-to side that never fails to bring everyone back for seconds, making it a must-have for gatherings and weeknight roasts alike.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Stuffing Recipe lies in a handful of humble ingredients, each playing an important role. Every component brings its own magic, contributing flavor, color, or that can’t-resist texture you want in every forkful.

• Bread cubes: Day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes, absorb the flavor and bake up with the perfect soft-and-crisp balance.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps to brown the veggies, giving a mouthwatering aroma at every step.
• Yellow onion: Delivers mellow sweetness and depth that’s essential to a great stuffing.
• Celery: Brings a gentle crunch and fresh, herbal notes that balance all that rich bread and butter.
• Garlic: Adds a subtle background warmth that enhances every other flavor in the dish.
• Chicken or vegetable broth: Moistens the bread and infuses stocky, savory flavor throughout every bite.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the stuffing and adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Fresh sage and thyme: Classic stuffing herbs, these give the dish its trademark Thanksgiving perfume and taste.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every bite just right.
• Eggs: Help the stuffing come together and set nicely when baked so you get just enough structure.

How to Make Easy Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Bread

Start by cubing your bread into bite-sized pieces—ideally using bread that’s a day or two old, which holds up better and soaks up all those flavors. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast briefly in a preheated oven until just golden and dry, about 10-15 minutes. This step is key for that irresistible mix of tender inside with slightly crisp edges.

Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then toss in diced onions and celery. Sauté until soft and translucent, letting the veggies develop sweetness and flavor. Stir in the garlic and cook for a minute more, filling your kitchen with the scent that signals “holiday meal in progress.”

Step 3: Layer in Herbs and Seasoning

Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley, sage, and thyme over the sautéed vegetables. Add a generous pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. The warm butter mixed with aromatic herbs will be the flavor backbone of your stuffing.

Step 4: Mix Bread and Broth

In a large bowl, combine your toasted bread cubes and sautéed aromatics. Slowly pour over the broth, gently tossing so each cube is coated but not soggy. In a small bowl, beat the eggs and drizzle them in, stirring carefully so the stuffing gets that tender, custardy texture throughout.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the mixture into a lightly buttered baking dish. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven so everything melds beautifully. For the last 15 minutes, remove the foil to let the top turn perfectly golden and slightly crisp. Let rest a few minutes before serving so every scoop stays together.

How to Serve Easy Stuffing Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle the finished stuffing with extra chopped parsley or a few reserved herbs to boost both color and freshness. A drizzle of browned butter or even crunchy fried onions on top makes it feel extra special for holidays or weeknight dinners.

Side Dishes

This Easy Stuffing Recipe pairs perfectly with classic roasts like turkey, chicken, or pork. It’s also fabulous beside roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, and tangy cranberry sauce for a beautiful dinner spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking individual servings in muffin tins for a fun and easy-to-serve twist—great for buffets or potlucks. For family style, serve straight from the casserole dish with a big, inviting spoon, letting everyone dig in. You can even use leftovers to create a savory bread pudding or breakfast hash the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Easy Stuffing Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It actually gets even more flavorful after a day or so, making leftovers something to look forward to.

Freezing

This stuffing freezes like a dream! Let it cool completely, portion it out, and stash in zip-top bags or freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to two months, making it easy to grab a taste of holiday comfort any time.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm in a 350°F oven, covered with foil until heated through. Add a splash of broth if needed to revive moisture. If you’re in a hurry, a quick microwave zap works too—just keep it loosely covered so it doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Stuffing Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap out the chicken broth for veggie broth. It’s just as hearty and delicious, perfect for serving a crowd with plant-based eaters.

What type of bread works best?

A sturdy, crusty bread holds up best, like French, Italian, or sourdough. Avoid super-soft sandwich breads, which can get mushy. Mixing in some whole wheat or cornbread gives fun flavor, too.

Can I add extras like sausage or apples?

Go for it! Browned sausage, sautéed mushrooms, diced apples, or dried cranberries will add extra layers of flavor and texture. This Easy Stuffing Recipe is the perfect canvas for your favorite add-ins.

How do I keep stuffing moist but not soggy?

The trick is to gradually add broth, tossing as you go, and stopping once the bread is moist but not wet. Different breads soak up liquid differently, so pay attention to texture as you mix.

Can I assemble this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep everything and keep the assembled—but unbaked—stuffing, covered, in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving for fresh-from-the-oven aroma and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s the highlight of your holiday menu or a weeknight meal sidekick, this Easy Stuffing Recipe brings comfort and joy to every table. I hope you’ll give it a try—even once and it might just become a new tradition in your kitchen!

Print