Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

This stuffing is more than just a side dish; Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing is a delightful blend of flavors that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner, this recipe delivers rich tastes and a comforting texture. With its buttery goodness and fragrant herbs, it’s perfect for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of fresh herbs and buttery goodness creates an irresistible taste.
• Versatile Use: Perfect as stuffing or dressing, it complements various main dishes beautifully.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple steps make this dish approachable even for novice cooks.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance and reheat for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to mix different types of bread for added texture and flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing, having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother. Gather these essentials before starting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet or Dutch oven
• 9×13 baking dish or larger foil roasting pan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine ingredients thoroughly.
• Skillet or Dutch oven: Ensures even cooking of the onion, celery, and garlic mixture, enhancing the flavor.
• 9×13 baking dish: Ideal size for baking the stuffing evenly, ensuring a perfect crust.

Ingredients

This is the best stuffing recipe ever! Served as stuffing or dressing, this buttery herb toasted bread dish is absolutely incredible!

Ingredients:
– 18 to 24 ounces bread cubes, (1.5 loaves of bread, or about 12 to 14 cups) (preferably toasted or stale)
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 3 cups diced sweet onion, (roughly 2 large onions)
– 2 cups diced celery
– 6 garlic cloves, (minced)
– kosher salt and pepper
– 3 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
– 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
– 2 large eggs
– A mixture of fresh herbs for sprinkling

How to Make Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cubes

• You have options here. Stale or toasty bread works best.
• Cut 1½ pounds of bread into cubes.
• Place in a large baking dish, loosely tent with foil, and let sit overnight.
• Alternatively, cut the cubes and toast them at 350 degrees F until they are like croutons, about 15 minutes.
• Store-bought toasted bread cubes are also an option.

Step 2: Mix Different Breads

• For better texture, consider using different types of bread (like sourdough and Italian) mixed together.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
• Brush a 9×13 baking dish with melted butter, olive oil, or nonstick spray.
• Place the bread in a large mixing bowl for easy stirring.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

• Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat until melted.
• Stir in diced onion, celery, and minced garlic with a pinch of salt and pepper – about ½ to 1 teaspoon each.
• Cook until softened (8 to 10 minutes), then add chopped sage, parsley, and rosemary. Cook for another minute before adding one cup of stock.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

• Pour the vegetable mixture over the bread cubes. Toss well to coat evenly.

Step 6: Whisk Stock and Eggs

• In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the remaining stock and eggs until combined.

Step 7: Mix Everything Together

• Pour the egg mixture into the bread cubes. Stir thoroughly until everything is well combined.

Step 8: Bake the Stuffing

• Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. If browning too much, tent with foil.

Step 9: Make Ahead Tip

• This stuffing can be made a day ahead. Just remove from the fridge one hour before reheating.

Step 10: Adjust Serving Sizes

• To serve four people: Halve this recipe exactly; bake in an 8×8 or 9×9 inch dish.
• To serve twelve to eighteen people: Double this recipe; use a larger baking dish or two separate dishes.

Now you’re all set to enjoy Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing, a delicious addition to any meal!

How to Serve Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing is a versatile dish that can complement many meals. Whether served as a side or as part of a festive feast, it brings warmth and flavor to any table.

Family Gatherings

• Serve it warm alongside your favorite roasted chicken or turkey for a classic pairing that everyone will enjoy.

Holiday Dinners

• This stuffing is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas! Pair it with cranberry sauce for a delightful contrast of flavors.

Potlucks

• Bring this dish to your next potluck. It’s easy to make in large quantities, and it travels well!

Weeknight Meals

• Enjoy it as a side with quick-cooking proteins like grilled chicken breasts or sautéed vegetables for a comforting weeknight dinner.

How to Perfect Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

To ensure your stuffing is the best it can be, consider these helpful tips.

• Use stale bread: Stale or toasted bread absorbs the flavors better and helps create the right texture.
• Mix bread types: Combining different breads like sourdough and Italian adds depth and variety to your stuffing.
• Don’t skip on herbs: Fresh herbs elevate the flavor profile. Be generous with sage, parsley, and rosemary!
• Adjust liquid wisely: If you prefer a moister stuffing, increase the stock slightly. Just be careful not to make it soggy.
• Bake until golden: Aim for a golden-brown top. This ensures the outside has a pleasant crunch while keeping the inside moist.
• Make ahead: Prepare the stuffing a day in advance. It reheats well without losing flavor!

Best Side Dishes for Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

Pairing side dishes with Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables tossed in olive oil and roasted until caramelized.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic for extra flavor.
3. Green Bean Almondine: Crisp green beans sautéed with almonds and lemon zest for brightness.
4. Cranberry Sauce: A sweet-tart cranberry sauce balances the savory flavors of the stuffing beautifully.
5. Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots glazed with honey offer a delightful contrast to the savory stuffing.
6. Creamy Spinach Salad: A fresh spinach salad with creamy dressing provides a refreshing crunch against rich flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect stuffing can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using fresh bread: Fresh bread can lead to a soggy stuffing. Opt for stale or toasted bread cubes for the best texture.
• Not seasoning enough: A lack of seasoning can make your stuffing bland. Don’t forget to add salt, pepper, and plenty of herbs for flavor.
• Overmixing the ingredients: Mixing too vigorously can break down the bread cubes. Gently toss the mixture to keep it fluffy.
• Skipping the resting time: Rushing to bake without allowing flavors to meld will compromise taste. Let your mixture rest for at least 15 minutes before baking.
• Ignoring internal temperature: Not checking the internal temperature can result in undercooked stuffing. Aim for 160 degrees F for safety.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

• Place cooled stuffing in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

• Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish, covering with a paper towel, for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about our recipe:

What is special about Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing?

This recipe stands out due to its mix of fresh herbs and buttery flavor that enhances every bite.

Can I customize Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or different herbs based on your preferences.

How do I ensure my stuffing is flavorful?

Season generously with salt and pepper, and use high-quality broth. Fresh herbs also elevate the taste significantly.

Can I make Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

What types of bread work best in stuffing?

A combination of stale sourdough and Italian bread creates great texture and flavor in your stuffing.

Final Thoughts

Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing is not just delicious; it’s versatile too. You can customize it with various ingredients to suit your taste. Whether served as a side dish or stuffed into poultry, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors!