If you’re craving that cozy, comforting side dish that perfectly complements any holiday or family meal, look no further than this Homemade Stovetop Stuffing Recipe. It’s a heartwarming blend of crispy toasted bread cubes, tender vegetables, and fragrant herbs all bathed in savory broth. Every bite sings with nostalgia yet feels fresh and wholesome. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a weeknight dinner, this stuffing is a star that wins over taste buds and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
As simple as they are essential, the ingredients in this recipe bring together texture, flavor, and even a splash of color that make the dish truly memorable. Each one plays a distinct role that’s easy to appreciate as you cook.
- 5 slices sourdough sandwich bread: Provides sturdy cubes with a slight tang that hold their shape well when toasted.
- 5 slices potato or buttermilk sandwich bread: Adds a soft, buttery crumb for balance and richness.
- ½ cup butter: Brings velvety richness and helps tenderize the vegetables.
- 1 ½ cups diced onion: Offers natural sweetness and depth once softened.
- 1 ½ cups diced celery: Gives that classic crunch and fresh, herbal notes.
- ½ cup diced carrot: Adds subtle sweetness and a pop of orange color.
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic: Infuses a warm, aromatic punch.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley: Lifts the flavors with brightness and freshness.
- 1 teaspoon dried sage: Essential for that beloved earthy, woodsy stuffing flavor.
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning: A perfect blend that harmonizes the herbs together.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Adds subtle floral complexity.
- ½ teaspoon dried marjoram: Offers gentle sweetness and a hint of mint.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Delivers just the right amount of spice and warmth.
- 2 to 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: Provides moistness while complementing the savory notes.
How to Make Homemade Stovetop Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F so it’s ready when your bread is cut. Stacking a few slices together makes it easy to cut them into uniform ¼-inch cubes that toast evenly, ensuring each piece crisps up beautifully without falling apart.
Step 2: Toast the Bread Cubes
Spread all the cubes out on a rimmed baking sheet to give them room to toast without steaming. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until they’re a gorgeous golden brown. The toasty crunch adds a fantastic texture that’s the foundation of this stuffing.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
While the bread is toasting, melt your butter in a large Dutch oven or deep pot over medium-high heat. Toss in diced onions, celery, and carrots, stirring frequently until tender and fragrant—about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the heat so the butter or veggies don’t brown too much. Next, stir in minced garlic and fresh parsley for a burst of aroma.
Step 4: Add Herbs and Combine
Lower the heat to medium and sprinkle in your poultry seasoning, dried sage, thyme, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so the herbs coat the vegetables evenly. Now it’s time to add your crispy toasted bread cubes and pour in 2 cups of broth, gently tossing to combine. Add a bit more broth if you want a moister stuffing. Cover your pot, remove from heat, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to soak in all those flavors.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Remove the cover and give your stuffing a good gentle fluff with a spoon. Look at those golden cubes, tender veggies, and herby goodness all mingling so perfectly. It’s ready to be enjoyed as a heartwarming side dish everyone will love.
How to Serve Homemade Stovetop Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a vibrant green contrast and a fresh scent that brightens each bite. For a touch of indulgence, a few crispy fried sage leaves make for a stunning and tasty garnish to wow your guests.
Side Dishes
This Homemade Stovetop Stuffing Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, baked chicken, or even a rich mushroom gravy for a vegetarian twist. Roasted root vegetables or steamed green beans round out the plate with complementary textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, consider serving your stuffing in small ramekins topped with a pat of melted butter or grated Parmesan. Alternatively, stuffing-stuffed mushrooms or crispy-edged baked cups make charming bite-sized delights perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover stuffing in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy your favorite dish even after the big meal.
Freezing
If you want to save your Homemade Stovetop Stuffing Recipe for longer, freezing is a great option. Pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat stuffing gently in a covered dish in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. You can add a splash of broth or butter if it seems a little dry to keep it moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this stuffing?
Absolutely! While sourdough and potato bread bring great texture and flavor, you can experiment with French bread, whole wheat, or even gluten-free varieties based on your preference. Just make sure to toast the cubes well to avoid sogginess.
Is it possible to make this stuffing vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and swap butter for a plant-based alternative like vegan margarine or olive oil. This keeps all the hearty, savory qualities intact without animal products.
How can I make this stuffing ahead for a big holiday meal?
You can prepare the stuffing up through Step 4, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to serve, gently warm it on the stovetop or oven before fluffing and serving.
What if I like my stuffing crispier?
For extra crispy edges, spread the prepared stuffing in a buttered baking dish and bake uncovered at 350 degrees F for about 20-25 minutes after fluffing. This adds a wonderful golden crust on top.
Can I add meat or other mix-ins to this stuffing?
Definitely! Cooked sausage, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or sautéed mushrooms make excellent additions that customize the stuffing to your liking and add layers of taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
Nothing brings people together quite like a plate of this Homemade Stovetop Stuffing Recipe. It’s warm, comforting, and utterly delicious—all the qualities you want when sharing a meal with loved ones. Go ahead and try it for your next gathering or cozy night in; I promise it’ll become one of your cherished classics too!
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Homemade Stovetop Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Stovetop Stuffing recipe delivers a perfect blend of toasted bread cubes, savory herbs, and sautéed vegetables, all combined with flavorful broth for a classic side dish that complements any holiday meal or comforting dinner. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, this stuffing is moist, fragrant, and full of traditional flavors with a homemade touch.
Ingredients
Bread
- 5 slices sourdough sandwich bread
- 5 slices potato or buttermilk sandwich bread (I used Oroweat Country Style Potato Bread)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 ½ cups diced onion
- 1 ½ cups diced celery
- ½ cup diced carrot
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Other
- ½ cup butter
- 2 to 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Bread Cubes: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Stack 2 or 3 slices of each bread type on a cutting board, slicing them into ¼-inch thick slices, then cut these slices crosswise into ¼-inch cubes. Repeat with all the bread to yield approximately 10 to 11 cups of bread cubes.
- Toast the Bread Cubes: Spread the cubed bread evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes until the cubes are golden brown and well toasted, tossing halfway through to ensure even toasting. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Sauté Vegetables: While bread is toasting, melt butter in a Dutch oven or large deep pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, celery, and carrot, cooking and stirring frequently for 8 to 10 minutes until tender. If veggies or butter start to brown too quickly, reduce heat slightly.
- Add Flavors and Combine: Stir in minced garlic and fresh parsley, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes more. Lower heat to medium and add dried sage, poultry seasoning, thyme, marjoram, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly. Add toasted bread cubes along with 2 cups of the broth and gently toss to combine. Add remaining broth as needed to reach your preferred consistency.
- Rest and Serve: Cover the pot and remove it from heat. Let the stuffing sit for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb flavors and moisten properly. Finally, uncover, fluff with a spoon, and serve warm.
Notes
- Using a mix of sourdough and potato or buttermilk bread adds depth of flavor and texture to the stuffing.
- Adjust the broth quantity to achieve your desired stuffing consistency—less broth for drier stuffing, more for moist.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried ones at a ratio of three times more fresh than dried.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, you can replace some broth with turkey drippings.
- To prepare ahead, you can toast the bread cubes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container.
