Irresistible Stuffing

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Golden, toasty, and packed with savory herbs—Irresistible Stuffing is the soul-warming side dish that steals the spotlight at every holiday table. This classic stuffing is a nostalgic blend of crusty bread cubes, caramelized onions, celery, and fragrant sage, all baked to crispy-topped, soft-centered perfection. It’s a dish that brings together warmth, comfort, and a burst of traditional flavors in every bite.

Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving feast, a festive gathering, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this stuffing delivers the ultimate comfort with every forkful. Made with simple ingredients and timeless technique, it’s hearty enough to be a standalone star or the perfect companion to turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based roast.

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Stuffing

• It’s packed with herbaceous flavor and texture—from crunchy tops to tender centers.
• Easily customizable with add-ins like sausage, mushrooms, or dried fruit.
• A crowd-pleasing classic that suits holiday tables and weeknight dinners alike.
• Can be made ahead and reheated, making it a stress-free side dish.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking, you’ll want to gather the right tools to streamline the process. A large skillet is essential for sautéing the onion and celery until aromatic and golden, unlocking a deep, savory base. A large mixing bowl helps combine all the ingredients evenly. Use a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board for dicing vegetables and cubing the bread. Lastly, a large casserole or baking dish ensures even baking and that coveted crisp top layer. An optional but helpful tool is a bread knife to cut uniform cubes, especially if using crusty artisan bread.

Preparation Tips

Start by using day-old bread—it holds up better and soaks in the broth without becoming soggy. If you’re short on time, cube the bread and bake it for about 15 minutes at 300°F to dry it out. Sauté your vegetables slowly to bring out their natural sweetness and flavor. Don’t skip the herbs; fresh sage, thyme, and parsley elevate the stuffing from simple to sensational. Taste your mixture before baking—season generously, especially with salt and pepper, as bread can soak up a lot of flavor. Lastly, if you prefer a moister stuffing, increase the broth slightly before baking.

Ingredients for this Irresistible Stuffing

• 1 loaf (about 1 lb) day-old French or sourdough bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (approximately 10 cups)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional but recommended)
• 2 to 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• 2 large eggs, beaten (for binding and richness)
• Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the baking dish)

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Step 1: Prep the Bread

Cut your bread into small cubes and leave them out overnight to dry. Alternatively, you can toast them in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes until dry but not browned. This helps them absorb broth without becoming mushy.

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Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

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Step 3: Add Herbs and Seasoning

Stir in the parsley, sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes more to release the herb aromas. Remove from heat and let slightly cool.

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Step 4: Mix It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetable-herb mixture. Whisk together the eggs and 2 cups of broth in a separate bowl, then pour over the stuffing mixture. Toss gently to combine, ensuring all bread is moistened. Add more broth if needed for desired consistency.

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Step 5: Transfer and Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Transfer the stuffing mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

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Step 6: Uncover and Crisp the Top

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. If you prefer a moist stuffing throughout, leave it covered a bit longer and skip the final browning.

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Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with a few fresh herb sprigs like sage or thyme for presentation. Serve warm and enjoy with your favorite holiday dishes or as a standalone savory side.

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Notes

Irresistible Stuffing is one of those classic dishes where small tweaks can make a big difference. Using day-old bread not only gives better texture but also prevents sogginess. Don’t shy away from seasoning—bread absorbs a lot of flavor, so tasting the mix before baking is key. If you’re going for a vegetarian version, opt for vegetable broth and skip any meat add-ins. You can also customize the recipe with chopped apples, sausage, mushrooms, cranberries, or even nuts for added texture and taste.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using fresh bread: This often leads to a soggy stuffing. Always use stale or toasted bread for better structure.
• Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoned stuffing can taste bland. Season generously before baking.
• Too much broth too soon: Over-saturating the bread can make the stuffing mushy. Add broth gradually.
• Skipping the crisping step: Baking uncovered at the end gives the dish that delicious crunchy top.
• Overbaking: This can dry out your stuffing. Check after the recommended time and adjust.

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Storage Instructions

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. For longer storage, stuffing can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 10 servings)

• Calories: 230
• Total Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 470mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 26g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 6g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate it. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I freeze stuffing?

Absolutely. Bake it first, cool it completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to one month.

How do I make this stuffing vegan?

Use plant-based butter and vegetable broth. Skip the eggs or use a flaxseed egg substitute.

Can I add meat to this stuffing?

Yes. Cooked sausage, bacon, or pancetta can be stirred into the mixture before baking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can use gluten-free bread to make it so.

What kind of bread works best?

Crusty, hearty breads like sourdough or French bread work best. Avoid overly soft breads.

How moist should the stuffing be before baking?

It should be moist but not soggy. The bread should feel soft but not drenched.

Can I bake this inside a turkey?

Technically yes, but it’s safer and more reliable to bake it separately in a dish.

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Conclusion

This Irresistible Stuffing is a tried-and-true favorite for a reason. It’s versatile, flavorful, and brings a homemade touch to any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside a Thanksgiving turkey or making it the centerpiece of a cozy dinner, it delivers on both taste and texture. With thoughtful preparation and a few simple ingredients, you can create a stuffing that truly lives up to its name.

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