Easy Stuffing Recipe (2024)

This Easy Stuffing Recipe will complete just about any meal!

Celery and onions are cooked with butter, herbs and seasonings. It’s all tossed with dried bread cubes and broth, then topped with a bit more butter and baked until hot and golden.

Easy Stuffing Recipe (1)

I love mashed potatoes, but homemade stuffing is easily my favorite thanksgiving side dish.

Ingredients for Stuffing

Bread – You can use almost any kind of dry bread for stuffing or purchase dry bread cubes. I prefer to use half white bread and half wheat bread and set them out to dry for a few days before making this stuffing recipe.

Celery/Onions – These add lots of flavor to this recipe and should be cooked in butter until tender.

Seasoning – Poultry Seasoning is my first choice for this turkey stuffing recipe. It is a blend of savory spices like sage, thyme, and rosemary and it adds delicious flavor to soups, stews, and casseroles. You can replace poultry seasoning with ground sage if needed.

Broth – Chicken or turkey broth adds moisture and the amount needed will vary based on the type of bread used and how dry it is. See the recipe notes for more details.

Additions – I think a simple classic stuffing recipe is the best stuffing recipe, so the add-ins are kept to a minimum however you can add shredded carrots, raisins, dried cranberries, or even cooked sausage.

Easy Stuffing Recipe (2)

Bread for Stuffing

The key to making this homemade stuffing recipe the right consistency is to ensure that the bread is really dry before adding broth. This allows it to soak up the broth (and flavor) without becoming soggy.

If possible, purchase the bread a few days (or even weeks) early, tear it or cut it into cubes, and let it dry for a few days on the counter. Any kind of bread will do (like sourdough bread or half cornbread), I most often use a combination of brown and white.

You can use dried bread cubes from the store, they’ll work just fine in this recipe although they may require a little bit of extra broth.

How to Dry Bread for Stuffing

In a pinch, you can dry fresh bread cubes in the oven. Place them in a single layer at 300°F for about 10 minutes (be sure not to brown or toast it). If you dry fresh bread in the oven, you may need less broth.

Easy Stuffing Recipe (3)

How To Make Stuffing

I prefer to cook my stuffing in a casserole dish (which would technically make it dressing) or to make Crock Pot Stuffing. Cooking the turkey and stuffing separately ensures that they both reach the right temperatures without overcooking.

Make ahead – Stuffing can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge in a casserole dish.Prepare the stuffing without baking and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance. You may need to add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time.

Stuffing a Turkey – You can use this stuffing to stuff a turkey. Ensure that the stuffing has cooled in the fridge for at least 45 minutes.

Do not stuff the turkey until just before roasting or it can sit at an unsafe cooking temperature for too long. If stuffing a turkey, the center of the stuffing should reach 165°F as the drippings from the bird enter the stuffing.

Easy Stuffing Recipe (4)

To Make Ahead

Stuffing is a great side as it can easily be made ahead of time! Simply prepare as directed, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours.

To bake, remove it from the fridge at least 30 minutes before baking. Prepare as directed (you may need to add a few minutes extra if it’s still cold from the fridge).

How To Freeze Stuffing

Everyone loves turkey dinner leftovers. Turkey dinner stacksor hot turkey sandwiches are my personal favorite ways to enjoy them, but sometimes you can’t get to them by the time they will go bad. Fear not, as turkey stuffing freezes well! Just pop it in the freezer and it should last several months.

To reheat stuffing, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes with a little broth on it to keep it from drying out.

Easy Stuffing Recipe (5)

4.99 from 2222 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Easy Stuffing Recipe

This classic stuffing recipe will complete just about any meal! Celery, onions, and butter are tossed with dried bread cubes, then topped with broth and baked until hot and golden.

Save

ReviewPrint

Easy Stuffing Recipe (7)

Servings 12 servings

Easy Stuffing Recipe (8)

Author Holly Nilsson

Ingredients

  • 2 small yellow onions diced
  • 4 ribs celery diced
  • cup butter
  • 1 ½ teaspoons poultry seasoning or ½ teaspoon ground sage
  • black pepper
  • salt to taste
  • 12 cups dry bread cubes
  • 2 to 4 cups chicken broth see notes
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dry parsley
  • 1 tablespoon fresh herbs sage, thyme, and/or rosemary, or 1 teaspoon dry herbs

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.

  • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery and poultry seasoning (and rosemary if using). Reduce the temperature to medium low and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes. Cool slightly.

  • In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, onion mixture, parsley and fresh herbs.

  • Pour 1 cup of broth overtop and toss the cubes. Add the remaining broth, a little bit at a time until cubes are moist (but not soggy) and gently toss. You may not need all of the broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Place the bread mixture in a baking dish, dot with additional butter if desired, and cover.

  • Bake 35 minutes, uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes.

Video

Notes

Herbs: Use a total of 1 tablespoon total of fresh herbs. If using rosemary in the herbs, cook it along with the onions/celery. Fresh herbs can be substituted with 1 teaspoon dry herbs (total).

Bread: On average, you will need 13-16 slices of bread (can vary a bit by the type of bread) to make 12 cups. The bread should be measured after drying as you will lose about 20% volume once dried. If using purchased dried bread cubes, measure 12 cups of cubes.

Drying Bread:Cut the bread into cubes and dry it on the counter for 2 to 3 days. Alternatively, place the bread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake it at 300°F for 10 minutes or until dry. Cool before using.

*Broth: Add the broth a little bit at a time. If drying bread cubes at home, you may need closer to 2 to 3 cups depending on the type of bread. If using purchased dried cubes, you may need closer to 3 to 4 cups of broth. Add a little bit and let it rest for a few minutes, then add a little bit more as needed.

To Stuff Turkey: Stuffing must be cooled completely in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes. Stuff the turkey just before cooking, do not stuff the turkey ahead of time.

To Make Ahead: Prepare as directed without baking. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 48 hours.

To bake, remove from the fridge at least 30 minutes before baking. Prepare as directed (you may need to add a few minutes of extra baking time if it’s still cold from the fridge).

4.99 from 2222 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 185 | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 462mg | Potassium: 175mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 435IU | Vitamin C: 6.8mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 1.4mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Easy Stuffing Recipe (9) Course Dinner

Easy Stuffing Recipe (10) Cuisine American

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

REPIN this Super Stuffing Recipe

Easy Stuffing Recipe (11)
Easy Stuffing Recipe (12)
Easy Stuffing Recipe (13)

Categories:

Casseroles, Christmas, Easter, Main Dishes, Recipes, Side Dishes, Thanksgiving

Like our recipes?
Follow us on Pinterest!

Follow us on Pinterest

Easy Stuffing Recipe (14)

Recipes you'll love

30 Minute Dinner Rolls

Side Dishes

Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Side Dishes

Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Casseroles

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Pasta Salad

Cabbage and Noodles

Pasta and Pizza Recipes

Broccoli Rice Casserole from Scratch

Casseroles

About the author

Holly is a wine and cheese lover, recipe creator, shopping enthusiast and self appointed foodie. Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making deliciously comforting recipes for the everyday home cook!
See more posts by Holly

Follow Holly on social media:

pinterest facebook twitter instagram

Easy Stuffing Recipe (22)

Free eBook!

Subscribe to receive weekly recipes and get a FREE Bonus e-book: Quick & Easy Weeknight Meals!

You can unsubscribe anytime by clicking the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of emails you receive.

Latest & Greatest

How to Make Baked Potatoes

Side Dishes

Easy Fried Rice

Side Dishes

Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

Slow Cooker

Smashed Potatoes

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Frozen French Fries

Air Fryer

Cheese Grits

Side Dishes

Easy Stuffing Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is stuffing better with or without eggs? ›

It's all about personal preference. If you want a sturdier dressing, eggs can help do that. I don't use eggs in this recipe, though, because I like a lighter, more crumbly texture in my dressing.

What does egg do for stuffing? ›

Eggs: Two lightly beaten eggs help hold the dressing together and add moisture.

How many cups of stuffing do I need for 10 people? ›

In order to fill the cavity of the bird you are stuffing, you should make 3/4 cup of stuffing per person. You may not be able to fit all the stuffing into your turkey. If this is the case, then you can even make a casserole to fill up your guests!

What can you use as a binder instead of eggs in stuffing? ›

16 egg substitutes
  1. Mashed banana. Mashed banana can act as a binding agent when baking or making pancake batter. ...
  2. Applesauce. Applesauce can also act as a binding agent. ...
  3. Fruit puree. Fruit puree will help bind a recipe in a similar way to applesauce. ...
  4. Avocado. ...
  5. Gelatin. ...
  6. Xanthan gum. ...
  7. Vegetable oil and baking powder. ...
  8. Margarine.
Mar 30, 2021

What can I substitute for eggs in stuffing? ›

Best Egg Substitutes
  • Flaxseed Meal. Flaxseeds have an earthy, nutty flavor and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. ...
  • Chia Seeds. ...
  • Mashed Banana. ...
  • Applesauce. ...
  • Silken Tofu. ...
  • Aquafaba. ...
  • Starches. ...
  • Vinegar + Baking Powder.

What makes stuffing unhealthy? ›

Typically high in fat, carbs and salt, stuffing can be made fresh or purchased chilled, frozen or dehydrated. Traditionally, a stuffing would use the giblets of the bird with the addition of sausage meat, a source of starch, such as bread, with some aromatics such as onion, herbs and spices.

Are you supposed to cook the stuffing before putting it in? ›

Fully cook raw meat, poultry, or seafood ingredients before adding to stuffing. Combine the ingredients and place them in your bird immediately before cooking. Don't stuff whole poultry with cooked stuffing. In addition to the turkey, the stuffing's center needs to reach 165 F.

Why is my stuffing so moist? ›

The stuffing should be moist but not wet. If there is a puddle of broth at the bottom of the bowl, you've added too much. Add more bread to soak up the excess moisture. If the mix is still dry and crumbly, add more liquid and toss gently until it starts to clump together.

Is stove top stuffing bad for you? ›

Like many convenience foods, Stove Top stuffing has gotten a bad rap in recent years, especially from people who have *opinions* about what is healthy to eat. It's got too much sodium, there are weird ingredients that you can't pronounce, and it's just better to make your own stuffing. But “better” is subjective.

Why is my stuffing gummy? ›

If the stuffing came out too wet and soggy (aka bread soup!) try not to over mix it, otherwise it'll turn into mush. Curtis Stone says to pour it on a large sheet tray and spread it out. Bake it on high heat to crisp it up, but make sure it doesn't burn.

What do southerners call stuffing? ›

But for the Thanksgiving side dish in the South, the term dressing was adopted in place of stuffing, which was viewed as a crude term, during the Victorian era. Although dressing and stuffing are interchangeable terms, the signature ingredient of this Thanksgiving side dish in the South is cornbread.

How much stuffing do I need for 4 people? ›

3/4 cup of stuffing per person should be plenty. There's enough division on the topic that some people may have seconds while others have none! If you have stuffing lovers in your home, better to round up to 1 cup person just in case.

How to tell when stuffing is done? ›

A food thermometer should be used to ensure that the stuffing reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F. If the stuffing is inside whole poultry, take the poultry out of the oven and let it stand 20 minutes before removing the stuffing. Refrigerate cooked poultry and stuffing within 2 hours.

How many pounds of stuffing do I need for 20 people? ›

The Amount
Quantity of StuffingSize of BirdNumber of Servings
6 cups8 to 10 pounds8 to 9
2 quarts10 to 12 pounds10 to 11
3 quarts12 to 15 pounds12 to 16
4 quarts15 to 20 pounds18 to 20
3 more rows
Nov 25, 2019

Is stuffing better moist or dry? ›

You want your stuffing moist but not soggy and certainly not dry. The bread in the stuffing absorbs moisture, but if it's dry (as it should be, see above), it takes some time for the liquid to settle in. I suggest adding a little at a time, say 1 cup of broth for every 4 cups of dry mix.

What are the two main differences in dressing and stuffing? ›

"Stuffing is cooked in the cavity of the turkey, so the juices soak into the ingredients, making it more flavorful. Dressing gets cooked on its own and needs extra liquid to make it flavorful." So stuffing is cooked inside the bird. Dressing is cooked outside the bird, usually in a casserole dish.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Twana Towne Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 5981

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Twana Towne Ret

Birthday: 1994-03-19

Address: Apt. 990 97439 Corwin Motorway, Port Eliseoburgh, NM 99144-2618

Phone: +5958753152963

Job: National Specialist

Hobby: Kayaking, Photography, Skydiving, Embroidery, Leather crafting, Orienteering, Cooking

Introduction: My name is Twana Towne Ret, I am a famous, talented, joyous, perfect, powerful, inquisitive, lovely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.