Description

This classic herb stuffing recipe features tender bread cubes mixed with sautéed celery, onions, butter, and aromatic herbs, then baked until golden and crispy. It’s the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you’re craving comfort food. Easy to make, completely customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

For the Stuffing:

1 cup butter (2 sticks)
2 cups chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons dried thyme (or 2 tablespoons fresh thyme)
1½ teaspoons poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
12 cups dry, unseasoned bread cubes
4 cups chicken broth

Notes on Substitutions:

Butter: You can use half butter and half olive oil if you prefer, but butter gives the richest flavor
Bread: White bread, sourdough, or French bread all work beautifully
Broth: Vegetable broth works great for a vegetarian version
Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: If using fresh thyme, triple the amount (about 2 tablespoons)

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Get your oven going at 375°F. Grab your 13×9 baking dish and grease it up with some butter or spray. If your bread cubes are still squishy at all, throw them on a baking sheet for 10 minutes while the oven heats up. Nobody wants mushy stuffing.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Sauté Vegetables

Dump that whole cup of butter in your skillet over medium heat. Once it’s melted and doing its thing, toss in the celery and onion. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring every now and then. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions look see-through and your kitchen smells incredible.

Step 3: Add the Herbs and Seasonings

Now throw in the thyme, poultry seasoning, seasoned salt, and pepper. Stir it around for maybe a minute. This is when my kids start wandering into the kitchen asking when dinner’s ready.

Step 4: Combine with Bread Cubes

Get all those bread cubes in your big bowl. Pour that veggie and herb mixture over them, then add the chicken broth. I usually just use my hands to mix it all up because spoons don’t really cut it here. Mix until everything looks coated but don’t go crazy – you’re not kneading bread dough.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Scoop everything into your greased dish and spread it around so it’s kind of even. Don’t pack it down hard – leave it a little loose and fluffy. Those uneven bits on top are gonna get crispy and golden, which is exactly what we want.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Stick it in the oven for 35 minutes. You’re looking for the top to be golden brown and a little crispy on the edges. If your oven runs hot and the top starts getting too dark, just lay some foil over it loosely.

Notes

Make Your Own Bread Cubes — Cut a loaf of bread into ¾-inch cubes and let them sit out overnight, or bake at 250°F until completely dry. This is way more economical than store-bought!
Season in Layers — Taste your broth before adding it. If it’s low-sodium, you might need extra salt in the stuffing mixture.
The Butter Matters — Don’t substitute margarine here. Real butter creates that rich, restaurant-quality flavor.
Avoid Overmixing — Once you add the broth, toss gently. Aggressive stirring breaks down the bread and creates a dense, gummy texture.
Test the Texture — Before baking, squeeze a handful. It should clump together but still feel light and fluffy, not wet and heavy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American