The Best Simple Stuffing

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Elevate your holiday meals with this easy and delicious Best Simple Stuffing recipe. Made with fresh herbs, savory broth, and wholesome bread, this classic dish brings comfort and flavor to your festive gatherings. Perfect as a side for turkey, chicken, or even as a satisfying vegetarian option, it's a recipe every home cook needs in their collection. Your family will love the cozy, homey taste that pairs beautifully with any main dish.

Sam Johnson

Created by

Sam Johnson

Last updated on 2025-11-17T07:07:13.744Z

Discover the delightful flavors of this simple stuffing that brings warmth and joy to any holiday table.

A Classic Comfort Food

Stuffing is a quintessential part of holiday feasts across many cultures. Often served as a side dish, it complements rich main courses like turkey and chicken, bringing a unique blend of flavors that enhance each bite. The combination of herbs and broth used in this Best Simple Stuffing recipe infuses the bread with a cozy aroma that signals warmth and togetherness. When prepared correctly, stuffing can become the star of the meal, delighting your guests and family alike.

This recipe stands out due to its simplicity and versatility. With just a loaf of bread and a handful of fresh ingredients, you can create something truly delightful. Unlike store-bought stuffing mixes, this homemade version allows you to control the flavors and ingredients, ensuring that every bite is delicious and made to your preference. Plus, this stuffing can be easily adapted to cater to dietary needs, making it a fantastic choice for everyone at the table.

An Easy Recipe for Everyone

Even if you're new to cooking, this straightforward stuffing recipe makes it easy to impress your holiday guests. The steps are clear and uncomplicated, guiding you through the process without overwhelming you. From toasting the bread to sautéing the vegetables, each task is manageable and provides an opportunity to enjoy the cooking experience. You’ll find that preparing stuffing can be a joyful part of your festive preparations.

Additionally, this Best Simple Stuffing can be prepared ahead of time, saving you stress on the day of your celebration. Just make the stuffing a few hours in advance, keep it covered, and bake it just before serving. This is a game-changer when you have other dishes to prepare, allowing you to focus on creating a wonderful meal without last-minute chaos.

Elevate Your Holiday Gatherings

Holidays are the perfect time to gather with loved ones and share meals filled with love and gratitude. The Best Simple Stuffing is more than just a side dish; it's a centerpiece of the dining experience, fostering togetherness and conversation. Its aroma wafting through your home will create an inviting atmosphere, welcoming friends and family alike.

Consider pairing this stuffing with seasonal sides such as roasted vegetables or cranberry sauce to create a well-rounded holiday table. With its delightful flavors and comforting texture, this stuffing will not only enhance your main dish but will also leave your guests raving about it long after the meal is over.

Ingredients

Stuffing Ingredients

  • 1 loaf of bread, cubed
  • 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Make sure to use day-old bread for the best texture.

Instructions

Prepare the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until golden brown, about 10 minutes.

Cook the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread, cooked vegetables, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the broth gradually until the mixture is moist but not soggy.

Bake the Stuffing

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Making Ahead of Time

Preparing stuffing ahead of time is a fantastic way to lighten your workload on the big day. You can assemble everything a day before and simply store it in the fridge. Just remember to pour in the broth right before baking. This will help to maintain the right texture without making it too soggy. When ready to serve, pop it in the oven to reheat and get that golden top that everyone loves.

Making stuffing ahead allows the flavors to meld together even more, giving you a richer taste when it’s finally baked. Plus, it frees you up to enjoy time with family and friends without being stuck in the kitchen!

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers after your holiday feast, don't worry! Stuffing can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth to enhance its texture.

Alternatively, stuffing can also be frozen for up to a month. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it into a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, you can relish the flavors of the holiday even after the celebrations have ended.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the stuffing a day before and store in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving.

The Best Simple Stuffing

Elevate your holiday meals with this easy and delicious Best Simple Stuffing recipe. Made with fresh herbs, savory broth, and wholesome bread, this classic dish brings comfort and flavor to your festive gatherings. Perfect as a side for turkey, chicken, or even as a satisfying vegetarian option, it's a recipe every home cook needs in their collection. Your family will love the cozy, homey taste that pairs beautifully with any main dish.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Sam Johnson

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 6 servings

What You'll Need

Stuffing Ingredients

  1. 1 loaf of bread, cubed
  2. 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
  3. 1 onion, chopped
  4. 2 celery stalks, chopped
  5. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  6. 1 teaspoon dried sage
  7. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  8. Salt and pepper to taste
  9. Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until golden brown, about 10 minutes.

Step 02

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 03

In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread, cooked vegetables, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the broth gradually until the mixture is moist but not soggy.

Step 04

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 200
  • Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Protein: 5g