Looking for the best herb stuffing recipe for your Thanksgiving feast? You’ve found it! This classic dressing recipe is packed with savory herbs, perfectly toasted bread, and a rich, flavorful broth. It’s the perfect side dish to complement your turkey and all your other holiday favorites. Forget bland, dry stuffing – this recipe guarantees moist, flavorful goodness that will have everyone coming back for seconds. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor and a texture that’s both soft and slightly crispy.
What is Best Herb Stuffing?
Herb stuffing, often called dressing when cooked outside of a bird, is a quintessential Thanksgiving side dish. It’s essentially a savory bread pudding, typically made with stale or toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, herbs, and broth. This particular version elevates the classic with a generous mix of fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary, creating a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. The key to great stuffing lies in balancing moisture and flavor, ensuring each bite is both satisfying and delicious.
Beyond its delicious taste and comforting textures, the Best Herb Stuffing embodies warmth, and celebration. This humble dish has the power to evoke feelings of nostalgia, bringing people together over shared meals while creating new, lasting memories. In this recipe, you will be learning about how to make this perfect Thanksgiving side dish and more! Ready to create the ultimate Thanksgiving sidekick? Let’s get started!
Key Ingredients for Best Herb Stuffing:
Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredible herb stuffing:
- 1 loaf (approximately 1 pound) Sourdough or French Bread: Day-old, cut into 1-inch cubes and dried out overnight or toasted for about 30-40 minutes at 300°F to dry out. Drying the bread is crucial for preventing soggy stuffing.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor; can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter option.
- 1 large Yellow Onion: Diced, provides a sweet and savory base.
- 2-3 Celery Stalks: Diced, adds a crunchy texture and subtle flavor.
- 4 cloves Garlic: Minced, brings a pungent and aromatic element.
- 1 cup Chicken Broth: Low-sodium preferred, flavors the stuffing; vegetable broth can be used for vegetarians.
- 1/2 cup Fresh Parsley: Chopped, adds fresh, herbaceous notes.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Sage: Chopped, a classic Thanksgiving herb.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Thyme: Chopped, contributes an earthy, slightly lemony flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Rosemary: Chopped, adds a piney, aromatic touch.
- 2 large Eggs: Lightly beaten, help bind the stuffing together.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture, 1/2 cup dried cranberries for sweetness, or 8 ounces of cooked crumbled sausage for heartiness.
How to Make Best Herb Stuffing:
This herb stuffing recipe is surprisingly easy to make, and the results are incredibly satisfying. It boasts a delightful combination of savory herbs, perfectly toasted bread, and a moist, flavorful texture. The best part? It takes about an hour from start to finish, including prep and bake time. Get ready to impress your guests with this standout side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread: The day before, or at least a few hours in advance, prepare the bread. Cut your sourdough or French bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread the cubes on a large baking sheet and either allow them to air dry overnight or toast them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until dried out but not browned. Set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Ingredients: In a very large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables (including the melted butter from the skillet), chopped parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary. Toss gently to evenly distribute the herbs and vegetables throughout the bread.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture, tossing gently to moisten. In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the eggs and then pour them over the bread mixture. Toss again to ensure everything is well combined. Be careful not to over-mix the bread and make it soggy.
- Season: Season the stuffing with salt and pepper to taste. Add any optional ingredients, such as chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or sausage, at this point. Gently fold them in.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Rest: Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the stuffing to set slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the warm, fragrant herb stuffing as a delightful side dish to your Thanksgiving or holiday meal. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Best Herb Stuffing:
This best herb stuffing recipe has several things going for it, starting with its incredible flavor. The combination of fresh herbs creates a symphony of savory notes that perfectly complement the toasted bread and rich broth.
Making stuffing at home is also a huge money-saver compared to buying pre-made versions, which are often less flavorful and more expensive. Finally, the flavorful herbs in this stuffing – sage, thyme, rosemary, and parsley – take it to the next level, creating a truly memorable side dish. Compared to basic bread stuffing recipes, this one offers a much more complex and satisfying flavor profile. So, ditch the store-bought stuff and try this homemade version!
What to Serve Best Herb Stuffing With:
This herb stuffing is the perfect accompaniment to any traditional Thanksgiving or holiday meal. Here are a few suggestions for what to serve it with:
- Roasted Turkey: Of course, the classic pairing! The savory stuffing perfectly complements the richness of the turkey.
- Gravy: A generous drizzle of homemade gravy (turkey or vegetarian) adds extra moisture and flavor.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting contrast to the slightly crunchy stuffing.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce balances the savory flavors of the stuffing and turkey.
- Green Bean Casserole: A classic side dish that rounds out the meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness and vibrancy to the plate.
Health Benefits of Best Herb Stuffing:
While herb stuffing is traditionally a rich and indulgent dish, it can offer some nutritional benefits as well. The herbs themselves provide vitamins and antioxidants, with sage, thyme, and rosemary all known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Celery adds fiber, and if nuts are included, they contribute healthy fats and protein.
Choosing whole-grain bread and using low-sodium broth can further enhance the healthfulness of the dish. Even though this is traditionally a richer dish, small modifications can significantly improve the nutritional profile when compared to the standard recipe.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffing in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of broth to moisten it, and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy.
- Freezing: You sure can freeze the Best Herb Stuffing for a great Christmas dinner or any other festivity you want it at! To freeze, let the stuffing cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as described above.
Final Thoughts:
This best herb stuffing recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its flavorful herbs, perfectly toasted bread, and moist texture, it’s set to be a holiday highlight. Enjoy creating this classic side dish and sharing it with your loved ones!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Best Herb Stuffing FAQs:
- Can I use gluten-free bread? Yes, you can substitute gluten-free bread cubes for the sourdough or French bread. Just be sure to dry them out properly before using.
- Can I make this vegetarian or vegan? Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the eggs. To replace the eggs, you can use 1/4 cup of applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water).
- Can I add sausage to the stuffing? Yes, you can add cooked and crumbled sausage for a heartier stuffing. Brown the sausage separately and add it to the bread mixture before baking.
- How can I prevent the stuffing from being soggy? The key is to dry out the bread cubes thoroughly before using them. Also, don’t over-mix the stuffing after adding the wet ingredients.
- Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, dried herbs can be substituted in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herb for every tablespoon of fresh herb.