Name: Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 18 to 24 ounces bread cubes (about 1.5 loaves or 12 to 14 cups), preferably toasted or stale; 1 cup unsalted butter; 3 cups diced sweet onion (roughly 2 large onions); 2 cups diced celery; 6 garlic cloves, minced; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh sage; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary; 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock; 2 large eggs; A mixture of fresh herbs for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 8 reviews

If you’re craving a side that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, look no further than Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe. This classic dish marries tender bread cubes soaked in a savory blend of fresh herbs, caramelized onions, garlic, and rich butter, all gently baked to golden perfection. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this stuffing stands out with its incredible aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture, making every bite feel like a warm hug from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A frying pan with a white base and a light blue handle holds two main layers of food. The bottom layer is made of small, soft pieces of cooked onion and pale green celery, mixed and spread evenly across the pan. On top, there is a pile of finely chopped dark green herbs placed near the center. The surface beneath the pan is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe begins with simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating its vibrant flavor and delightful texture. Fresh herbs bring brightness and earthiness, butter infuses everything with richness, and the bread cubes soak up these delicious layers, delivering both softness and a slight crunch.

18 to 24 ounces bread cubes: Preferably toasted or stale bread works best to absorb all the flavorful liquids without turning mushy.
1 cup unsalted butter: Adds that luscious, creamy richness and helps soften the veggies perfectly.
3 cups diced sweet onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth that balances the herbs and butter.
2 cups diced celery: Offers a fresh, slightly crunchy texture that brightens up the stuffing.
6 garlic cloves, minced: For a gentle punch of savory warmth that elevates every bite.
Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
3 tablespoons chopped fresh sage: The quintessential herb for stuffing that adds earthy, woodsy notes.
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Lends a fresh, slightly peppery element that lightens the dish.
3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary: Infuses a piney, aromatic quality that makes the stuffing memorable.
2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock: Moistens the bread and carries all the flavors together beautifully.
2 large eggs: Help bind the ingredients so the stuffing holds together without being heavy.
Fresh herbs for sprinkling: For garnish, adding color and a burst of herbal aroma when served.

How to Make Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Bread Cubes

First, the foundation of this recipe is perfect bread cubes. You have options here—stale bread left out overnight softens nicely, or you can toast cubes in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes until golden and slightly crunchy. My personal favorite is mixing two types of bread, like sourdough and Italian, to create layers of texture and flavor that sing inside the stuffing.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat that beautiful butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, celery, and garlic with a generous pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Let them soften and mingle for about 8 to 10 minutes until completely tender. Then, stir in the freshly chopped sage, parsley, and rosemary. Cooking the herbs for a minute releases their fragrance, creating that classic stuffing aroma you can’t resist. Pour in one cup of the stock to deglaze and capture every bit of that savory flavor.

Step 3: Combine Bread and Aromatics

Transfer your warm aromatic mixture over to the bread cubes. Gently toss everything together so each piece of bread gets lovingly coated in the buttery, herb-infused goodness. This step ensures every forkful is packed with flavor.

Step 4: Add Stock and Eggs

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk the remaining 1 ½ cups of stock with the eggs. This mixture is the binder that keeps the stuffing moist but nicely set after baking. Pour it over the bread and aromatics, then fold it carefully to combine without breaking up the bread too much.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Perfect

Pour your well-mixed stuffing into a buttered 9×13 inch casserole dish. Pop it in the oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’re aiming for a beautiful golden crust on top and a warm, moist interior. If the top looks like it’s browning too fast, just tent it loosely with foil to keep it perfect.

How to Serve Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with baked stuffing made of golden brown bread pieces mixed with small bits of cooked onion and celery, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs on top. The stuffing looks crunchy on the edges and soft inside, with a slightly uneven texture from the bread chunks. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a few green sage leaves scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped herbs like parsley, rosemary, or sage on top just before serving. Not only does it brighten the look, but the fresh herbal aroma right at the table brings your stuffing to life in a whole new way.

Side Dishes

This buttery herb stuffing pairs beautifully with classic roasted turkey or chicken, making it a must-have centerpiece at any festive gathering. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve this stuffing in hollowed-out acorn squash or individual ramekins for an elegant twist. You can also use the mixture as a flavorful stuffing for roasted mushrooms or bell peppers for an unexpected but delicious variation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers? Yes, please! Once cooled, cover your stuffing tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 3 days and still tastes amazing the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, place your cooled stuffing in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat stuffing in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, covered with foil to retain moisture, for about 20 to 25 minutes until warmed through. If you want to refresh the crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of heating.

FAQs

Can I use different types of bread for this stuffing?

Absolutely! Mixing bread types like sourdough and Italian adds texture and flavor variation. Just make sure the bread is stale or toasted well enough to soak up the liquids without turning mushy.

Is it possible to make this stuffing vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock and you’ve got a wonderful vegetarian version that’s just as flavorful and satisfying.

Can I prepare this stuffing ahead of time?

You can prepare the mixture a day before baking and keep it refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature before baking. This makes holiday meal prep way easier and keeps the flavors fresh.

How do I ensure my stuffing isn’t soggy?

The key is using the right ratio of stock to bread and choosing bread cubes that are firm enough to soak without falling apart. Toasted or stale bread prevents sogginess while keeping it moist and tender.

Can I stuff the bird with this recipe?

Yes, this recipe works beautifully as a bird stuffing. Ensure your bird is properly thawed and cooked to safe internal temperatures when using stuffing inside.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe to bring everyone to the table with smiles and full hearts. Its simple yet rich combination of butter, herbs, and tender bread cubes makes it a reliable hit for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own beloved family classic.