There’s nothing quite as comforting as a big baking dish bubbling away with the aroma of an Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe, especially when the holidays roll around. Good stuffing is about simple ingredients, pure flavors, and a touch of nostalgia—think golden, toasted bread cubes mingling with fragrant herbs, buttery sautéed veggies, and just enough tenderness to hold together without getting soggy. Whether you’re feeding a houseful or planning a small, cozy dinner, this dish will brighten your table and bring everyone back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For an exceptional Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe, it all begins with a carefully chosen list of basic ingredients. Each item plays a unique role: the bread soaks up flavor, the onions and celery deliver crunch and sweetness, and the classic blend of herbs gives that unmistakable homemade touch.
- Day-old white bread: Provides a sturdy base that absorbs all the delicious flavors while holding its shape.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich taste and ensures the veggies sauté beautifully without overpowering saltiness.
- Yellow onion: Contributes a mellow, savory sweetness that permeates the entire stuffing.
- Celery stalks: Brings freshness and a subtle crunch for textural balance.
- Garlic: Infuses every bite with warm, aromatic depth that makes this dish truly crave-worthy.
- Dried sage: Delivers that traditional stuffing flavor we all know and love—herbal, earthy, and comforting.
- Dried thyme: Offers a soft, woodsy background note that lifts the other herbs.
- Dried rosemary: Provides a fragrant, piney accent that rounds out the herbal blend.
- Salt: Enhances and unifies all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Black pepper: Gives just a hint of gentle heat for balance.
- Chicken broth: Moistens the bread and infuses the stuffing with richness (substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version).
- Eggs: Bind everything together, creating a sliceable, cohesive dish.
- Fresh parsley: Adds pops of color and freshness, making the finished stuffing bright and inviting.
How to Make Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay out your bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them for 10 to 15 minutes. You’re aiming for pieces that are dry and lightly golden—perfect for soaking up all those wonderful flavors without turning mushy. Once toasted, transfer the bread cubes into a large mixing bowl, setting the stage for their flavor transformation.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Herbs
Now, melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and celery, cooking for 7 to 10 minutes until they soften and start to look translucent. Add in the minced garlic, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper, letting everything cook for about a minute until the kitchen smells incredible. This is how you build that signature savory backbone in an Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe.
Step 3: Combine and Moisten
Pour your sautéed vegetable and herb mixture over the toasted bread cubes. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) with your beaten eggs. Gradually pour this liquid over the bread and veggie mixture, stirring gently so everything is moistened but not soggy. Depending on how dry your bread is, you might not need all the broth—so add it slowly! Finish by stirring in the fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spoon the stuffing mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; then, remove the foil and bake another 15 to 20 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and crisp. The house will smell incredible, and you’ll know it’s time to gather everyone around the table. Serve the Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe warm, straight from the oven.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
Top your finished stuffing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a lively green finish. If you’re feeling festive, a few rosemary sprigs or tiny edible flowers add a beautiful touch. A light drizzle of melted butter before serving brings a glossy, mouthwatering look that’s worthy of your table.
Side Dishes
This Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe begs to be surrounded by holiday favorites! Pair it with roast turkey, glazed carrots, tangy cranberry sauce, and creamy mashed potatoes for a classic feast. It also plays nicely with roasted chicken, ham, or even as a comforting vegetarian centerpiece—just use veggie broth and plenty of savory sides.
Creative Ways to Present
While a big, family-style casserole is always a winner, consider portioning the stuffing into individual ramekins for an elegant twist. Or, try spooning it into hollowed-out squash or bell peppers for a fun, rustic presentation. Leftovers? Press them into a muffin tin for irresistible stuffing “cups” that make perfect next-day snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe will keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Simply cover the baking dish with foil or transfer the stuffing to an airtight container. The flavors tend to meld and deepen overnight, making this a meal-prep hero you’ll look forward to enjoying again.
Freezing
If you’re planning ahead, the stuffing can be frozen either before baking (unbaked) or after (baked and cooled). Wrap well in foil and then plastic wrap, or use a freezer-safe, airtight container. It will last up to two months and makes pulling together a special meal incredibly easy!
Reheating
To reheat, bring the Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe to room temperature and bake, covered, at 350°F until hot—about 20 to 30 minutes. You can add a splash of broth to keep it moist. Individual servings can be microwaved, but reheating in the oven keeps the top extra-crisp and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While this Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe shines with white bread, it also works with French, sourdough, or even challah. Just make sure the bread is dry or slightly stale to avoid mushiness.
What’s the best way to make this recipe vegetarian?
It’s super simple: just swap out the chicken broth for your favorite vegetable broth. All the classic flavors remain, and it becomes a delectable vegetarian option for everyone at the table.
Can I add extras like sausage or mushrooms?
Definitely! Browned sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or even dried cranberries can be added during the vegetable step for a fun spin on the Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe. Each addition brings a new flavor profile—so feel free to get creative!
How do I know when the stuffing is done baking?
The stuffing is ready when the top is deeply golden and crisp, and the center is set but still moist. You’ll see some gentle browning and, if you insert a knife, it should come out clean without any runny egg mixture.
Can I make Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the entire stuffing up to one day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to heat through.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe is truly the taste of tradition—easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to fill your home with warmth and laughter. Whether you follow every step to the letter or make it your own, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe year after year. Make it, share it, and watch just how quickly those leftovers disappear!
Print
Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe is a classic side dish perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal. Made with simple ingredients like bread, herbs, vegetables, and broth, this savory stuffing is a must-have on your table.
Ingredients
Bread Cubes:
- 1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old white bread cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Vegetable Mixture:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Liquid and Garnish:
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Toast bread cubes for 10-15 minutes.
- Sauté vegetables: In a skillet, sauté onion, celery, garlic, and seasonings in butter until softened.
- Combine ingredients: Mix sautéed vegetables with toasted bread cubes. Add broth and eggs, then stir in parsley.
- Bake: Transfer stuffing to dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
Notes
- You can prepare the stuffing a day ahead and bake before serving.
- Enhance with cooked sausage, mushrooms, or dried cranberries for added flavor.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
