Oh, the holidays! There’s just nothing quite like the sizzle and aroma that fills the kitchen when you know a batch of Buttery Herb Stuffing is on its way. For me, stuffing isn’t just a side dish; it’s pure comfort food memory! I remember my grandma making this at Thanksgiving, and the smell alone was enough to make us all gather around the table way too early. It’s that perfect mix of savory herbs, rich butter, and just-right bread that makes it a winner, not just for the big holidays, but honestly, for any roast chicken dinner we have during the year. It’s so simple, yet it always feels so special.
Why You’ll Love This Buttery Herb Stuffing
Seriously, this stuffing is a dream! It’s one of those recipes that looks and tastes fancy but is ridiculously easy to whip up.
- Super Simple: You can go from pantry to oven in under an hour.
- Amazing Flavor: That buttery, herby goodness is just irresistible.
- So Versatile: Perfect for Thanksgiving, but fantastic with almost any weeknight dinner!
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s the side dish everyone asks for, every single time.
Ingredients for Perfect Buttery Herb Stuffing
Okay, let’s talk about what makes this Buttery Herb Stuffing recipe so darn delicious. It’s all about the quality of the ingredients and getting those simple things just right. You don’t need anything fancy, but trust me, using good stuff makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll want to grab:
- 1 cup unsalted butter – This is where a lot of that amazing flavor comes from!
- 1 large onion, chopped – You want it chopped up nicely, not too big, not too small.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped – For that classic stuffing crunch and freshness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic makes everything better, right?
- 8 cups stale bread cubes – Day-old bread is key here; it soaks up all that goodness without getting mushy.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley – Fresh herbs really punch up the flavor!
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage – A must-have for that classic savory stuffing taste.
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme – Adds a lovely, earthy note.
- 1 teaspoon salt – To bring all those flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – A little kick!
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth – This is what moistens everything up perfectly.
Equipment Needed for Buttery Herb Stuffing
You don’t need a whole fancy setup for this stuffing, just a few trusty kitchen basics. Having these ready makes the whole process so smooth! You’ll want a sturdy large skillet for sautéing those yummy veggies, a large mixing bowl to combine everything (make sure it’s big enough so you don’t make a mess!), and of course, a good baking dish to get that golden-brown crust.
How to Make Buttery Herb Stuffing: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get this stuffing party started! Making this Buttery Herb Stuffing really is pretty straightforward, and I promise, the results are SO worth it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful, golden-brown dish that’ll make everyone think you’re a culinary genius.
Prepping the Base for Buttery Herb Stuffing
First things first, get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab your largest skillet. You’re going to melt that lovely unsalted butter right in there over medium heat. Once it’s all melted and maybe a little bubbly, toss in your chopped onion and celery. Let them cook down until they’re nice and soft, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them tender, not browned. Then, give a quick stir to your minced garlic and let it cook for just about a minute more until it smells amazing – don’t let it burn!
Combining and Moistening the Buttery Herb Stuffing
Now, in your big mixing bowl, pile up your stale bread cubes. Sprinkle in that fresh parsley, sage, and thyme, along with your salt and pepper. Give it a quick toss to get those herbs and seasonings distributed. Next, add the yummy sautéed onion, celery, and garlic mixture right on top of the bread. Now comes the magic: gradually pour in the chicken broth. Here’s my little trick: toss everything really gently with a big spoon or your hands. You want the bread to get nicely moistened, but not so much that it turns into mush. We’re going for tender, not soggy!
Baking Your Buttery Herb Stuffing to Perfection
Once everything is combined and looks evenly moistened, scrape that glorious mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Now, it’s time to bake! Pop it into that preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color on top and around the edges. If you want it extra crispy, just leave it uncovered. That aroma will start to fill your house, and you’ll know it’s almost ready to be devoured. It’s also perfect to serve alongside a gorgeous herb butter roast turkey!
Tips for the Best Buttery Herb Stuffing
You know, even with a simple recipe like this Buttery Herb Stuffing, there are a few little tricks that can really elevate it from good to absolutely fantastic. It’s all about paying attention to those little details that make a big difference. Trust me, these tips will have your stuffing tasting like it came right out of a gourmet magazine!
Choosing the Right Bread for Buttery Herb Stuffing
The biggest secret to stuffing that isn’t mushy? Day-old bread, for sure! I always use a good sturdy bread like a French baguette, sourdough, or even a challah if I want something a little richer. You want bread that’s a bit dry and firm, not super soft and squishy, so it can soak up all that amazing buttery broth without falling apart. Just let your bread sit out on the counter for a day or so, or pop it in a low oven for a bit to dry it out.
Herb Variations for Your Stuffing
While parsley, sage, and thyme are the classic trio that I adore, don’t be afraid to play around! A little bit of fresh rosemary, chopped very finely, adds a wonderful piney note that’s just divine, especially with turkey. Or maybe some marjoram for a slightly sweeter, milder flavor. You can even mix and match! Just remember to start with smaller amounts if you’re trying something new, because fresh herbs can be pretty potent.
Serving Suggestions for Buttery Herb Stuffing
This Buttery Herb Stuffing is seriously versatile, you know? It’s not just for Thanksgiving! It’s the perfect sidekick for so many meals. Imagine it alongside a perfectly roasted chicken or a juicy roast turkey – pure bliss! It also makes creamy garlic mashed potatoes taste even better. Honestly, it’s pretty much a guaranteed hit with any comforting dinner you serve!
Make-Ahead and Storage for Buttery Herb Stuffing
You know, one of my favorite things about this Buttery Herb Stuffing is how easy it is to prep ahead! You can totally get the stuffing mixed up (everything except the broth) the day before and keep it covered in the fridge. Then, just add the broth and bake when you’re ready. Leftovers? They’re amazing! Just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I like to warm it up in a covered baking dish with a little splash of broth until it’s nice and hot all the way through. It’ll still be wonderfully moist!
Frequently Asked Questions About Buttery Herb Stuffing
Got questions about whipping up the perfect batch of my Buttery Herb Stuffing? I’ve got you covered! Here are a few things people often ask:
Can I make this Buttery Herb Stuffing vegetarian?
Absolutely! It’s super easy to make this vegetarian. Just swap out the chicken broth for a good quality vegetable broth. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same, and it’s just as delicious!
What kind of bread is best for Buttery Herb Stuffing?
For the best results, you really want to use bread that’s a day or two old. This means it’s a bit dry and won’t get too mushy when you add the broth. Sturdy, hearty breads like a good sourdough, French baguette, or even a simple country loaf work wonderfully. Avoid anything too soft or airy!
How do I get my Buttery Herb Stuffing crispy?
Oh, for that perfect crispy top, it’s all about baking it uncovered! If you like a nice crunchy exterior, just make sure you don’t cover the baking dish while it’s in the oven. You can even pop it under the broiler for a minute or two right at the end, but watch it like a hawk so it doesn’t burn!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a little heads-up: the nutritional info below is an estimate, because every kitchen is a little different! It’s based on a serving size of about 1/6th of the recipe. Things like the exact brand of broth or the type of bread you use can change things up a bit. Here’s a general idea of what you’re getting:
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 7g
Share Your Buttery Herb Stuffing Creations!
Alright, bakers, I’ve shared all my secrets for this amazing Buttery Herb Stuffing, and now it’s your turn! I would absolutely LOVE to see what you create in your own kitchens. Did you try different herbs? Did you add anything special? Please drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out, or even better, share a photo of your stuffing masterpiece! It’s always so inspiring to see your delicious results!
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Buttery Herb Stuffing
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic buttery herb stuffing recipe perfect for holidays or any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups stale bread cubes
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and celery, cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked onion, celery, and garlic mixture to the bread cubes.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth, tossing gently until the bread is moistened.
- Transfer the stuffing to a baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
Notes
- For a crispier stuffing, bake uncovered.
- You can add other herbs like rosemary or marjoram.
- Use day-old bread for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
