If you’re searching for the perfect comforting side to bring back all those cozy holiday memories, this Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe promises nostalgia and timeless flavor in every bite. Toasted bread cubes soak up savory herbs, golden onion, and celery, with just the right amount of buttery richness and a crisp golden crust. Whether you’re prepping for the biggest feast of the year or just craving something delightfully classic, this recipe delivers all the beloved tradition and warmth you could hope for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s a special kind of beauty in these simple ingredients—each one is essential for building the unforgettable taste and texture that define the Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe. As you gather your materials, take comfort in their familiarity and the way they all come together to create magic.
- Day-old white or French bread: Dry, cubed bread is the foundation for stuffing’s absorbent, fluffy center and crisp top.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies for a deeper flavor.
- Large onion: Brings sweetness and aromatic undertones that fill every bite.
- Celery stalks: Offers a fresh crunch and bright green color for classic texture.
- Garlic: Infuses the entire dish with mouthwatering savory notes.
- Poultry seasoning: A fragrant blend that channels holiday comfort in every forkful.
- Dried sage: Gives that unmistakable old-school stuffing aroma and savory lift.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the layered flavors.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Provides moisture and depth—use more for softer stuffing, less for drier.
- Large eggs: Bind the stuffing, holding everything together with a tender touch.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Finishes everything off with a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Bread Cubes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread cubes out in an even layer on a large baking sheet and toast them for 10-15 minutes. You’re aiming for a dry, lightly crisp texture that will soak up all the delicious flavors later without turning mushy. Let these cubes cool before moving on.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Herbs
In a spacious skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it sizzles gently. Toss in your finely chopped onion and celery, stirring now and then for about 8-10 minutes, until they’re soft and glossy. Add the minced garlic, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper, cooking for just one more fragrant minute so the flavors bloom without burning.
Step 3: Mix the Bread and Veggies
Scoop the toasted bread cubes into a giant mixing bowl (trust me, you’ll want some elbow room!). Pour that golden, aromatic vegetable mix over the bread, and give everything a gentle toss, so every cube is kissed by buttery, herby flavor.
Step 4: Add Broth and Eggs
Whisk your broth and beaten eggs together in a separate bowl. Gradually drizzle this liquid ambrosia over your bread and veggie mixture, stirring gently after each addition. Start with 2 1/2 cups of broth—add more if needed to achieve stuffing that’s moist but not soggy. You want every piece deliciously moistened but still holding its shape.
Step 5: Bake It to Perfection
Transfer your stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist as it bakes for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and let it finish baking uncovered for another 15-20 minutes. That top layer should transform into a beautiful golden—and irresistibly crisp—crust.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
If you’d like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and a hint of brightness at serving time. Now all that’s left is to dish up and enjoy your homemade Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprig of fresh parsley, a dusting of cracked black pepper, or even a sprinkle of fresh sage can bring out both beauty and a fresh lift in your Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe. For extra flair, try a few pomegranate seeds or toasted pecans for crunch and festive color.
Side Dishes
There’s nothing better than offsetting the richness of stuffing with bright, vibrant sides. Roasted root vegetables, tangy cranberry sauce, or a crisp green salad are wonderful companions. Of course, it’s practically required to serve this stuffing alongside juicy turkey or savory mushroom gravy for the ultimate feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Stuffing isn’t just for a big casserole! Try packing the mixture into individual muffin tins for adorable stuffing “cups,” or spoon it into roasted bell peppers as an edible vessel. If you want to impress, serve stuffing in a hollowed-out pumpkin or bake small portions in ramekins for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of your Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making those leftovers even more tempting for a next-day lunch or snack.
Freezing
This stuffing freezes surprisingly well. Once cooled, pack portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Properly stored, it’ll keep up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat your stuffing in a covered baking dish at 350°F until it’s piping hot—usually about 20 minutes. If it seems dry, splash a little broth over before reheating. Individual portions can also be microwaved, though the oven method keeps the top nice and crisp.
FAQs
Can I add meat or extras to the Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe?
Absolutely! For a heartier twist, stir in browned sausage, crisp bacon, or even diced apples and dried cranberries for sweetness. This recipe is a fantastic base for all your favorite add-ins.
Can I make the Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe vegetarian?
Definitely—simply use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. Omit any non-vegetarian add-ins, and you’ll have a deliciously meat-free stuffing everyone will devour.
What’s the best bread for this stuffing?
Day-old white bread or French bread works perfectly, but you can also experiment with sourdough or whole wheat for different textures and flavor. Just make sure the bread is dry enough to absorb moisture without becoming mushy.
Can I prepare this stuffing in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the entire stuffing a day ahead and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply bring it back to room temperature and follow the baking instructions. It’s a lifesaver during busy holiday prep!
How do I make sure my stuffing isn’t too soggy or too dry?
The trick is to add broth gradually and stop when the bread is moistened but not swimming in liquid. Once baked, the stuffing should be tender inside with a crisp top. If you like a moister stuffing, add a splash more broth while baking.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe is a labor of love that always brings people together around the table. It’s hearty, fragrant, and the very definition of homey comfort food. I hope you’ll give it a place in your next celebration—or even a weeknight dinner—so you can relish all the charm and flavor of this enduring classic.
Print
Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A classic Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe that is perfect for Thanksgiving or as a side dish for any meal. This savory stuffing is made with toasted bread cubes, aromatic vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, creating a comforting and delicious dish.
Ingredients
Bread Cubes:
- 1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old white bread or French bread (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
Vegetable Mixture:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 3 celery stalks (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Liquid and Binding:
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Toast the bread cubes until crisp.
- Cook Vegetable Mixture: Saute onion, celery, garlic, and seasonings in butter until softened.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix toasted bread cubes with vegetable mixture in a bowl.
- Add Liquid: Whisk broth and eggs together, then pour over bread mixture.
- Bake: Transfer stuffing to a baking dish, cover, and bake. Uncover to crisp the top.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Enhance with cooked sausage, apples, or cranberries for more flavor.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
