Best Stuffing Recipe

This is the stuffing recipe your Thanksgiving table has been waiting for. Golden and crisp on top, soft and buttery inside, and filled with aromatic herbs this classic homemade stuffing tastes like cozy holidays, family dinners, and everything we love about the season.

Inspired by traditional recipes and perfected with modern tips, this stuffing delivers the ideal balance of texture and flavor. Whether you call it “stuffing” or “dressing,” this version captures the nostalgic, comforting taste everyone remembers — and it never lasts long on the table.

If you want a truly foolproof, flavorful, crowd-pleasing stuffing that works every single time, you’ve found it.

Ingredients stuffing recipe

Main Ingredients

• 12–14 cups dried bread cubes (1.5 loaves, stale or toasted)
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3 cups diced onion
• 2 cups diced celery
• 4–6 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2½–3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 large eggs

Bread Options (Bread 101 for Stuffing)

The type of bread determines flavor and texture. Great choices:

• White sandwich bread → classic, soft, neutral
• Sourdough → tangy, chewy, rich
• Italian bread → sturdy, great with herbs
• Brioche or challah → buttery and soft

👉 The best stuffing uses two types of bread mixed together.

Instructions of stuffing recipe

1. Prep the Bread (Most Important Step)

Choose one method:

Oven-Dry (Fast & Best Texture)

• Spread cubes on a sheet pan.
• Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 40–50 minutes until completely dry.

Air-Dry Overnight

• Leave cubes on a large tray, uncovered, for 24 hours.

Store-Bought Cubes

• Use unseasoned varieties for full flavor control.

2. Sauté the Veggies

• Melt 1 cup butter in a large skillet.
• Add onion + celery + garlic.
• Cook 10 minutes until soft and fragrant.
• Stir in parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Add 1 cup of broth and simmer 1 minute.

3. Combine

• Place bread cubes in a large bowl.
• Pour the hot vegetable–butter mixture over the bread.
• Toss gently until coated.

4. Add Liquid

• Whisk 1½ cups broth with the eggs.
• Pour over bread while gently folding.
• If mixture seems dry, add up to ½ cup more broth.

👉 Perfect stuffing should feel moist but not soggy.

5. Bake

• Transfer mixture to a buttered 9×13 dish.
• Cover with foil.
• Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 30 minutes.
• Uncover and bake another 20 minutes to crisp the top.

Target internal temperature: 160°F (71°C).

Tips for Perfect Stuffing

• Use completely dried bread to avoid a gummy texture.
• Don’t skimp on butter — it creates golden, crispy edges.
• Use fresh herbs for maximum Thanksgiving flavor.
• Mix two types of bread for the best texture.
• Add broth gradually — it’s easier to add than remove!

Variations

Sausage Stuffing

• Cook 1 pound Italian sausage.
• Add to the bread mixture before baking.

Apple & Cranberry Stuffing

• Add:
  • 1 cup diced apples
  • ½ cup dried cranberries

Mushroom Herb Stuffing

• Sauté 2 cups chopped mushrooms with the onions.

Gluten-Free

• Use gluten-free bread and dry it very well.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

Store

• Refrigerate 3–4 days in an airtight container.

Freeze

• Freeze up to 3 months (before or after baking).

Reheat

• Bake covered at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
• Uncover to crisp the top.

Make-Ahead Instructions (Day Before Thanksgiving)

Option 1: Fully Bake & Reheat

1. Bake the stuffing fully.
2. Cool completely.
3. Refrigerate overnight.
4. Reheat covered at 300°F until warm, then uncover to crisp.

Option 2: Prep Components Separately

• Store dried bread and sautéed vegetable mixture separately.
• Combine with broth + eggs and bake fresh the next day.

Option 3: Assemble but Don’t Bake

• Refrigerate unbaked stuffing tightly covered.
• Remove from fridge 1 hour before baking.
• Bake normally.

Stuffing vs Dressing — What’s the Difference?

• Stuffing: cooked inside the turkey
• Dressing: cooked in a pan
  Modern cooks use “stuffing” for both. For food safety, baking in a pan is preferred.
  But yes — this recipe can be used to stuff the turkey.

What to Do with Leftover Stuffing (Viral Ideas!)

• Stuffing waffles (crispy & amazing)
• Breakfast skillet with eggs
• Thanksgiving leftover sandwich
• Stuffed bell peppers
• Mini stuffing muffins

These ideas perform exceptionally well on Pinterest!

FAQ

Conclusion

This is the stuffing recipe you’ll come back to year after year buttery, herby, crisp on top, soft inside, and filled with everything we love about Thanksgiving. It’s simple, flexible, and endlessly delicious, whether you’re hosting a big holiday dinner or making a cozy meal on a chilly night. Serve it with turkey, gravy, or your favorite sides, and watch it disappear quickly… stuffing always does!