If there’s one dish that instantly whisks me back to family gatherings and the cozy warmth of holidays, it’s this Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe. Picture golden, crisp-topped bread cubes with a buttery, herb-infused aroma, softly nestled around hearty bites of onion and celery. With a texture that balances moistness and crunch in every forkful, this classic side dish pairs beautifully with just about anything on your Thanksgiving or Sunday lunch table. From the very first taste, it’s like a hug on a plate, and every ingredient plays its part in crafting that old-school comfort — it’s a recipe you’ll want to hand down for generations!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings a subtle touch: from the bread’s hearty base to the aromatic herbs and a finishing sprinkle of parsley that brightens everything up.
- Bread: Choose a day-old white or French loaf for the best mix of crisp and tender texture in every bite.
- Unsalted butter: This adds richness and helps develop those savory flavors as the veggies sauté.
- Onion: Chop it fine for sweet, aromatic notes that lay the flavor foundation.
- Celery: It adds a delicate crunch and classic stuffing flavor.
- Garlic: Just enough to give a subtle depth without overwhelming the herbs.
- Poultry seasoning: This blend of dried herbs is a shortcut to stuffing perfection — it’s earthy and warming.
- Dried sage: Sage is the secret to that “classic” taste you remember from childhood stuffing.
- Salt: Essential for amplifying all the savory flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds just a hint of warmth and complexity.
- Chicken broth: Use just enough to moisten the bread without making it soggy — for veggie lovers, a flavorful vegetable broth works, too.
- Eggs: These help bind the stuffing and give it a light, custardy texture underneath the crunchy top.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal burst right at the finish line.
How to Make Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cubes
Start by cutting your day-old bread into even, half-inch cubes. If you have time, spread them out on a baking sheet and let them dry overnight — this is a secret to that classic stuffing texture. If you’re short on time, a quick toast in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes at 350°F will crisp them up beautifully.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In your largest skillet, melt a generous cup of butter over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and celery and let them cook gently for about 8 minutes, stirring now and then, until they’re soft and their sweet aroma fills the kitchen. Just before the veggies are done, add the garlic, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and black pepper, giving everything a good stir — your kitchen will smell like the holidays!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Transfer the crisp bread cubes to a huge mixing bowl. Pour the buttery onion-celery mixture evenly over the bread, then toss gently until every cube is touched with flavor. In another bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs; pour this liquid slowly over your bread mixture, stirring gently. You want everything moist but not soggy — add a little more broth if needed.
Step 4: Bake the Stuffing
Spoon your assembled stuffing into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake in your preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes to lock in moisture. Then, ditch the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. This final stretch is where magic happens: the top turns golden and crisp, while inside stays moist and tender.
Step 5: Add Freshness and Serve
When the stuffing is out of the oven and piping hot, scatter the chopped fresh parsley over the top. This little pop of color and freshness is the finishing touch that makes this Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe as beautiful as it is delicious!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
After baking, don’t skip a lavish sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. For a rustic, autumnal look, add a pinch of extra sage or a drizzle of browned butter. If you’re feeling festive, pomegranate seeds or even some toasted nuts will add a fun, colorful flair.
Side Dishes
This stuffing is a superstar alongside roast turkey or chicken, but it’s also lovely with beef or a hearty vegetarian main. Pair with bright, zingy cranberry sauce, gravy, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded plate. Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic companion, soaking up every last bit of flavor from your Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of a casserole, try baking the stuffing in individual ramekins for personal servings — everyone loves their own little golden-topped portion! Or, use it to stuff roasted vegetables like squash or bell peppers for a festive twist. You can even bake it in a bundt pan for a dramatic table centerpiece that guests can slice!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffing is a true gift. Once cooled, transfer your Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors only deepen as it sits, making it perfect for sandwiches or a midnight snack!
Freezing
If you want to savor your stuffing down the road, let it cool completely, then portion it into zip-top freezer bags or airtight containers. It’ll keep its charm in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, just leave it in the fridge overnight — so easy!
Reheating
Reheat leftover stuffing in a covered dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry. For individual portions, use the microwave (with a damp paper towel over the top) to keep everything steamy and soft, while a quick blast under the broiler crisps up the top!
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat or sourdough bread instead of white or French bread?
Definitely! Both whole wheat and sourdough will add their own hearty flavor and a slightly different texture to your Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe. Just be sure to dry the bread thoroughly so it absorbs all the delicious seasonings and broth.
Is it possible to make this stuffing completely vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply swap the chicken broth for a rich, homemade or store-bought vegetable stock. The stuffing will still have all the classic comfort you crave.
Can I add meat or extra ingredients to customize?
Yes! Stir in cooked sausage for a savory lift, or try add-ins like sautéed mushrooms, diced apples, or dried cranberries for a sweet and savory twist. These extras make your Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe uniquely your own.
How do I keep my stuffing from becoming soggy?
The key is to add the broth gradually. Stop when your bread is nicely moistened, but not mushy — remember, you can always add a bit more, but you can’t take it away once it’s soaked in.
Can I make this stuffing the day before?
Yes, this Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe is a dream for make-ahead plans. Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake just before serving, adding a few minutes to the bake time since it’ll be cold going in the oven.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe brings tradition and comfort straight to your table — every bite is like coming home. I hope you’ll make it part of your own celebrations, and maybe even start a new holiday tradition with the people you love. Happy cooking!
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Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Old Fashioned Stuffing recipe is a classic holiday side dish perfect for Thanksgiving. Made with a blend of bread, aromatic vegetables, and savory seasonings, it’s a comforting addition to any festive meal.
Ingredients
Bread Cubes:
- 1 loaf (about 14–16 ounces) day-old white or French bread (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
Vegetable Mixture:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 3 celery stalks (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast until crisp.
- Saute the vegetables: In a skillet, cook the onion and celery in butter until softened. Add garlic, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: Place the toasted bread cubes in a bowl, pour the onion mixture over, and toss gently. Whisk together broth and eggs, then pour over the bread mixture. Stir gently to moisten.
- Bake the stuffing: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake. Remove foil and bake until golden brown. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes
- This stuffing can be made a day ahead and baked before serving.
- For added flavor, stir in cooked sausage, chopped apples, or dried cranberries.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
