Easy Stuffing

My easy stuffing recipe is the best-no fuss homemade stuffing recipe you’ll ever find! This easy stuffing recipe is not only simple to make but also brings a comforting, home-cooked feeling to any meal. This traditional stuffing recipe is perfect for your Thanksgiving menu, but also makes a wonderful side dish for any meal!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Stuffing Recipe

There are several reasons why this easy stuffing recipe will become a favorite in your household. First, it’s not fancy at all, making it ideal for anyone, regardless of their cooking experience. Also, it’s versatile – you can serve it with various main dishes, not just during the holidays but all year round. This dish comes together so quickly that it will save you a ton of time on Thanksgiving day!

What is Easy Stuffing

Stuffing, sometimes referred to as dressing, is a seasoned bread mixture often used to stuff the cavity of a turkey. However, it can also be baked in a casserole dish, which is the method we’ll be using in this recipe. The key to a great stuffing is the perfect balance of moistness and flavor, achieved through a combination of broth, herbs, and sautéed vegetables. This classic stuffing recipe will be your new go-to holiday side dish. I promise! 

How to Make Easy Stuffing

Making this easy stuffing is a breeze. You start with basic ingredients like dried bread, celery, onions, and seasonings, then mix them with broth to create a moist, flavorful dish. Let’s get into the specifics:

Ingredients

• 1-lb. loaf of dried bread, cubed (½ to 1 inch)
• 1 ½ cups celery, diced small
• 1 large onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
• ⅔ cup butter (11 tablespoons)
• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon pepper
• 1 ½ to 2 ½ cups broth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step One: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, take a 13×9 inch baking dish and lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray.

Step Two: Place your dried bread cubes in a large bowl. This is the base of your stuffing, and using day-old bread or dried bread cubes ensures that it will absorb the flavors well without becoming too soggy.

Step Three: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Then, add the diced celery and onion. Cook these until they’re tender, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. The key here is to cook them just enough so they’re soft but not browned.

Step Four: Stir in the poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper until well blended with the celery and onion. This step is where you infuse the base flavors into your stuffing.

Step Five: Pour this sautéed mixture over your bread cubes, tossing everything to coat evenly. Gradually drizzle in the chicken broth, adding just enough to moisten the bread without making it soggy.

Step Six: Once your bread mixture is evenly moistened, spread it out in your prepared baking dish. Cover it with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Substitutions and Variations

• Bread: You can use different types of bread such as sourdough bread, french bread, or even simple sandwich bread. Each type of bread offers a unique flavor and texture. I use simple white sandwich bread (Wonder Bread) when I make this recipe. Honestly, you’d be surprised how delicious this recipe turns out with a basic loaf of white bread!
• Broth: Chicken broth is commonly used, but you can also use turkey or vegetable broth for different flavors.
• Add-ins: Feel free to add ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, Italian sausage, or even dried cranberries for a twist on the classic recipe.
• Herbs: While poultry seasoning is a classic choice, experimenting with fresh herbs like rosemary, fresh parsley, thyme, or sage can add a fresh touch. This is the best stuffing recipe as-written, but if you’re a sucker for those fresh herbs, by all means go to town!

Best Tips

• Dry the Bread Properly: For the best stuffing, use a loaf of bread that’s been dried out for a day or two. This helps it absorb the flavors and broth better.
• Don’t Over-Moisten: Be cautious with the amount of broth you add. The bread should be moist but not soggy.
• Bake Covered, Then Uncovered: Covering the stuffing initially keeps it moist, and baking uncovered towards the end achieves a crispy top.
• Season Well: Don’t skimp on the seasonings. The right amount of herbs and spices brings out the best in the stuffing.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to add your favorite ingredients to customize the flavor according to your preference.

How to Store Easy Stuffing

To store leftover stuffing, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should keep well for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffing for up to a month. When reheating, add a little broth or butter to bring back its moisture. If you’re reheating in the oven, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent drying out, then remove the foil towards the end to crisp up the top. Microwaving is also an option for quick reheating, though it won’t crisp the top like an oven would.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it on the day you plan to serve it.

Is it possible to make stuffing in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Making stuffing in a crock pot is a great option if you’re short on oven space. It keeps the stuffing moist and frees up your oven for other dishes. To make this stuffing recipe in a slow cooker, first, prepare the bread cubes and sauté the celery and onion with butter, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper as instructed. Once the vegetables are tender, mix them with the bread cubes in a large bowl. Gradually add 1 ½ to 2 ½ cups of chicken broth to the mixture, ensuring the bread is moistened but not soggy. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the stuffing is heated through and the top is slightly crispy. This method is perfect for keeping your oven free for other dishes and ensures a moist, flavorful stuffing.

Can I stuff this mixture into a turkey?

Yes, you can use this recipe to stuff a turkey. Just remember to cook the turkey until the center of the stuffing reaches a safe temperature.

What’s the best way to dry out bread for stuffing?

You can cube the bread and leave it out on a rimmed baking sheet overnight, or dry it in a low oven for a few hours.

Can I use fresh bread instead of dried bread?

It’s best to use dried or day-old bread as fresh bread can become too mushy when mixed with the broth and cooked.

How do I know how much broth to use?

The amount of broth needed can vary depending on the type of bread used. Start with the lesser amount, and add more as needed. The bread should be moist, not soggy.

Can I add meat to this stuffing?

Yes, adding cooked sausage or bacon can add a rich flavor to the stuffing. Make sure the meat is fully cooked before adding it to the bread mixture.

Is this stuffing vegetarian?

As it is, the recipe is not vegetarian due to the chicken broth. However, you can easily make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead.

This easy stuffing recipe is not only simple to prepare but also brings a delicious and comforting element to your meals. Whether you’re making it for a holiday dinner or as a tasty side dish, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of homemade stuffing any time with this easy and versatile recipe.