There's something comforting about the classic bread stuffing recipe. It's a staple firmly etched into our collective memories, woven into family meals and festive celebrations.
Ingredients
In every great recipe, there's a synergy of flavors, but what makes a traditional bread stuffing so special is its simplicity. It's astounding how ordinary ingredients like dry bread cubes, chopped onion and celery, butter, dried herbs, and broth bring to life a side dish that truly warms the heart.
The Bread
At the heart of this side dish are 8 Cups of Dry Bread Cubes. While white bread is recommended, use whatever bread you have on hand. Whole grain, sourdough, or rustic loaf could offer complex flavors.
The Aromatics
Onion and celery add a textural crunch and aromatic depth to this dish, sautéed gently in butter until they soften, providing the mixture with a flavorful foundation.
The Seasoning
As for the seasoning, this recipe takes us back to our aromatic roots. Dried Sage and Thyme lend a distinctive warmth and earthiness. Then, Salt and Black Pepper, attentive to the seasoning balance, and Garlic Powder can be added for an optional dash of flavor.
The Broth Magic
Our final player, the chicken or vegetable broth (choose between 1 ½ to 2 Cups, depending on your stuffing preferences), binds these ingredients into a harmonized medley. The broth moistens the bread and infuses it with a soulful savoriness that screams comfort.
Instructions
Cooking this classic bread stuffing is as simple as its ingredients. It involves a step-by-step process centered around careful preparation, attentive cooking, and patience.
Preparation begins with the les mise en place, including preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish for the final step. The sautéing of the onion and celery (Step 2) and the addition of the dried herbs and seasonings (Step 3) form an affectionate concoction that is mixed with the dry bread cubes (Step 4). This mixture is gradually moistened with broth to reach your desired stuffing consistency (Step 5) before being transferred to the baking dish, covered with foil, and baked to golden perfection (Steps 6 and 7).
Serving Suggestions
Once your stuffing is golden and crispy, it will be unveiled alongside your chosen main course. This classic bread stuffing recipe pairs beautifully with many dishes, serving 8-10 people.
Consider serving it as a side to a roasted turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, it harmonizes well with a stuffed butternut squash or accompanies a hearty beetroot and pumpkin salad. Other suggestions include serving it alongside a juicy baked ham for a non-traditional twist or as part of a festive holiday spread. Regardless of its pairing, this classic bread stuffing seals its status as a side dish superstar, enveloping your dining table in a cloud of aromatic nostalgia.
In writing this culinary journey, it's clear how integral this classic bread stuffing recipe is to our culinary heritage. It's a dish with humble ingredients that come together in a beautiful symphony of flavors and textures, providing a poignant reminder that, sometimes, simplicity offers the richest taste. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
📖 Recipe
Classic Bread Stuffing
Ingredients
- 8 Cups of dry bread cubes (You can choose any bread. White bread is often used, but feel free to try your favorite one)
- 1 Cup of chopped onion
- 1 Cup of chopped celery
- ½ Cup of unsalted butter
- 1 ½ Teaspoons of dried sage
- 1 ½ Teaspoons of dried thyme
- 1 Teaspoon of salt
- ½ Teaspoon of ground black pepper
- ¼ Teaspoon of garlic powder (You can skip this if you want)
- 1 ½ to 2 Cups of chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish that's 9x13 inches.
- In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery. Cook them until they're soft. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the dried sage, dried thyme, salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder (if you're using it). Stir everything together and let it cook for one more minute.
- Put the dry bread cubes in a big bowl. Pour the onion and celery mixture onto the bread. Stir gently until the bread is coated evenly.
- Slowly pour chicken or vegetable broth over the bread, stirring gently as you do. Keep adding broth until the bread is as moist as you like it. The amount you need might depend on the kind of bread you're using and how moist you want your stuffing.
- Put the stuffing into your greased baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake it in the oven for 30 minutes. Then, take off the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. It's ready when the top is golden brown and crispy.
- This recipe makes enough bread stuffing to serve as a side dish for 8-10 people. Enjoy your meal!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 339Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 599mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 16g
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