Imagine a side dish so irresistibly delicious that it becomes the star of your holiday table, outshining even the main course. Our Super Simple Traditional Stuffing is that magical recipe that transforms ordinary bread into a heavenly, flavor-packed masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you'll create a comforting, aromatic stuffing that connects generations and brings warmth to any meal.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Cut the loaf of bread into small, uniform cubes, approximately 1/2 inch in size. Spread the bread cubes on a large baking sheet and let them air dry for about 1-2 hours, or alternatively, toast them lightly in the oven for 10 minutes to help them absorb the liquid better.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery, cooking until the vegetables become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add dried sage, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine and cook for an additional minute to release the herbs' aromatics.
- Transfer the dried bread cubes to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sautéed vegetable mixture over the bread cubes.
- Gradually add chicken broth to the bread mixture, stirring gently to ensure even moisture distribution. The bread should be moist but not soggy.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to create a crispy golden top.
- Remove from oven and let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the stuffing to set.
Tips
- Bread Matters: Use day-old bread or slightly stale bread for the best texture. If your bread is fresh, cube it and let it dry out for a few hours or lightly toast it to help it absorb the liquid without becoming mushy.
- Don't Oversoak: Add chicken broth gradually and gently fold it into the bread. You want the mixture moist but not wet - think of a damp sponge, not a soggy mess.
- Flavor Boost: Feel free to customize by adding chopped herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary, or mix in some cooked and crumbled sausage for extra richness.
- Crispy Top Secret: Removing the foil in the last 5-10 minutes of baking ensures a perfectly golden, crispy top that adds delightful texture to your stuffing.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this stuffing a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 353kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 36mg
