Baking dish filled with golden-brown classic holiday stuffing made with herbs, onions, and bread cubes

Classic Homemade Stuffing Recipe

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Golden, herby, and full of cozy flavor

This Classic Homemade Stuffing Recipe is the heart of every cozy holiday meal — golden, aromatic, and packed with buttery herbs and toasty bread cubes. Forget the boxed mix; this made-from-scratch version is easy, customizable, and tastes like pure comfort. Perfect alongside roast chicken, turkey, or even as a standalone casserole, it’s fluffy on the inside and crispy on top. The best part? You can make it ahead and bake it fresh before serving — ideal for busy cooks and holiday hosts! With just a few pantry staples and a handful of herbs, you’ll have a side dish that brings warmth, nostalgia, and the perfect savory bite to every plate.

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Servings: 8

Ingredients List

  • 10 cups day-old bread cubes (French, sourdough, or sandwich bread)
  • 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary (or Italian seasoning mix)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
  2. Toast bread: If bread isn’t dry, spread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes until lightly crisp.
  3. Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, melt butter. Add onion, celery, and garlic. Cook 5–6 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
  4. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, toss bread cubes with sautéed veggies and herbs. Pour in broth and eggs. Mix until evenly moistened — not soggy.
  5. Bake to perfection: Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes, then uncover and bake 15 minutes more for a golden top.

Pro Tips

  • Bread Matters: Day-old or lightly toasted bread gives the best texture — never soggy!
  • Make-Ahead: Assemble up to a day early and refrigerate; bake before serving.
  • Flavor Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, cooked chicken, or chopped apples for a twist.
  • Serving Idea: Drizzle with pan drippings or turkey gravy for extra richness.

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 cup2306g26g10g2g4g