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If you’re on the hunt for that perfect dish to steal the spotlight at your next festive gathering, look no further than this Savory Holiday Stuffing Recipe. It combines comforting aromas, rich buttery flavors, and fresh herbs in a way that instantly evokes warmth and celebration. Whether you’re a holiday novice or a seasoned host, this recipe dances beautifully between tradition and vibrant taste, making your table feel extra special and your guests eager for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Savory Holiday Stuffing Recipe is in the simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—adding layers of texture, bursts of herbal freshness, and that beloved golden finish that makes stuffing irresistible.
- 1 lb bread: Day-old bread works best to soak up flavors without turning mushy, giving your stuffing wonderful texture.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter: Rich and creamy, this binds the mix and adds depth; olive oil is a lighter substitute.
- 2 cups chopped yellow onion: Provides a mellow sweetness that balances the savory herbs beautifully.
- 1 1/2 cups chopped celery: Adds a fresh crunch and subtle earthiness; don’t toss the celery leaves—they’re packed with flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley: This bright green herb lends freshness and a pop of color; thyme is a great alternative.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage: The star herb that brings that unmistakable, classic stuffing aroma.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary: Earthy and fragrant, rosemary ties the whole dish together.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme: A gentle, floral note that rounds out the herb trio perfectly.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt: Essential seasoning, with a milder texture than table salt—adjust accordingly.
- Ground pepper: Freshly ground offers the best warmth and subtle heat.
- 2 large eggs: These bind everything together; flaxseed eggs work for vegan versions.
- 2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth: Keeps things moist and flavorful—vegetable broth is the way to go for vegetarians.
How to Make Savory Holiday Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Bread
Start by cutting your day-old bread into roughly 1-inch cubes. This ensures each piece soaks up the luscious flavors without collapsing during baking. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden and dried out. This step builds that perfect crispy-chewy texture that stuffing enthusiasts adore.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, stirring frequently to soften them without browning—this gentle cooking brings out their natural sweetness and keeps the stuffing bright and fresh. This is where your kitchen starts to smell like pure holiday magic.
Step 3: Add the Fresh Herbs
Mix in the chopped parsley, minced sage, rosemary, and thyme into the skillet. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing these fragrant herbs to infuse the vegetables. Fresh herbs are key here to elevate the dish beyond basic stuffing and fill your home with cozy aromas that guests will rave about.
Step 4: Combine Everything in a Large Bowl
Transfer the toasted bread cubes to a big mixing bowl. Pour the savory vegetable and herb mixture over the bread. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, then gently toss everything together so each piece gets coated. This step is where the flavors start to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Add the Eggs and Broth
In a small bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth and then stir them into the bread mixture. Slowly add the reduced sodium chicken broth (or veggie broth), tossing gently as you go. You want the bread to absorb plenty of liquid without becoming soggy—this balance is what makes this Savory Holiday Stuffing Recipe a standout.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the stuffing into a buttered casserole dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes until the top turns golden and crisp, creating a delightful contrast to the soft, flavorful inside. Now your stuffing is ready to delight!
How to Serve Savory Holiday Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few whole sage leaves on top for a festive look. A light drizzle of melted butter right before serving enhances the mouthwatering aroma and adds extra shine.
Side Dishes
This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or a holiday ham, but don’t forget to add some roasted root vegetables, cranberry sauce, or a crisp green salad to round out your feast with color and texture contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try stuffing pears or hollowed-out acorn squash with this mixture for personalized servings. Alternatively, bake the stuffing inside a pumpkin shell and bring it to the table for a charming centerpiece that doubles as a dish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Savory Holiday Stuffing Recipe, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. It will keep well for up to three days while maintaining much of its charm.
Freezing
This stuffing freezes wonderfully. After baking and cooling completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It stores for up to three months, making it perfect for prepping early or saving holiday leftovers for future comfort meals.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Remove foil in the last five minutes to crisp up the top again. You’ll love how it tastes fresh and cozy, just like the first day.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this stuffing?
Absolutely! While white or sourdough bread works beautifully, you can experiment with multigrain, whole wheat, or even a rustic French boule to add unique textures and flavors. Just make sure the bread is slightly dried out for the best results.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and replace the eggs with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal plus 3 tablespoons water, let sit to gel). You can also swap butter for olive oil or a vegan butter alternative, and you’ll have a delightful plant-based version.
Can I prepare this stuffing ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare the entire stuffing up to the baking stage, then refrigerate it, covered, overnight. When ready to serve, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed since the mixture will be cold.
How do I make sure my stuffing is moist but not soggy?
The key is balancing the broth liquid and bread quantity carefully. Use day-old bread for absorption and add broth gradually, gently tossing as you incorporate it. The bread should be soaked but still hold some structure when baked.
Can I add other ingredients like sausage or nuts?
Yes, this Savory Holiday Stuffing Recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Cooked sausage, toasted pecans, cranberries, or mushrooms can add exciting textures and flavors, but be mindful to adjust seasoning and moisture levels accordingly.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about a truly good stuffing that wraps up all the warmth and comfort of the holidays in one dish, and this Savory Holiday Stuffing Recipe does exactly that. I promise once you try it, it will become your go-to recipe, a trusted favorite to bring people together and make every holiday meal truly memorable. So roll up your sleeves—your best stuffing ever awaits!
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Print
Savory Holiday Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic, savory stuffing recipe perfect for holiday gatherings, featuring a blend of fresh herbs, sautéed vegetables, and day-old bread for the ideal texture. This recipe is flavorful, comforting, and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 lb day-old bread, cubed
Vegetables & Herbs
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (or substitute with olive oil)
- 2 cups chopped yellow onion (or a mix of onion and shallots)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped celery (including celery leaves if desired)
- 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley (or fresh thyme)
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary (or dried rosemary)
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
Seasoning & Liquids
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs (or flaxseed meal mixed with water as vegan substitute)
- 2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread Cubes: Cut the day-old bread into uniform cubes for even cooking and allow it to dry out slightly if needed to ensure a perfect texture in the stuffing.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, cooking until softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Seasoning: Stir in the chopped Italian parsley, minced sage, rosemary, thyme, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes so the flavors blend well with the sautéed vegetables.
- Combine with Bread Cubes: Transfer the toasted bread cubes to a large mixing bowl. Pour the vegetable and herb mixture over the bread and toss gently to combine thoroughly.
- Add Eggs and Broth: Beat the eggs and add them along with the reduced sodium chicken broth to the bread mixture. Stir gently until the bread is moistened but not soggy. Adjust broth quantity if necessary.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the Stuffing: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy, and the stuffing is heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving as a perfect side dish for your holiday meal.
Notes
- Using day-old bread is essential to absorb the liquids well without becoming mushy.
- Substitute unsalted butter with olive oil for a slightly different flavor and dairy-free option.
- For a vegan version, replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Feel free to add nuts like pecans or cranberries for texture and flavor variations.
- Adjust salt quantity carefully, especially when using table salt instead of kosher salt, as table salt is saltier.
