Elevate your holiday table with this incredibly Easy Garlic and Herb Stuffing, a delicious homemade side dish bursting with fresh flavors and simple ingredients.

Easy Garlic and Herb Stuffing: The Ultimate Homemade Holiday Side Dish

As the holiday season approaches, the quest for the perfect side dish often begins. Look no further than this exquisite Garlic and Herb Stuffing recipe. Far from being an intimidating culinary challenge, this dish is a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create extraordinary flavor. Forget the box mixes; preparing homemade stuffing is a deeply satisfying experience that yields a vastly superior result, leaving you to wonder why you don’t indulge in it more often than just during the holidays.

This recipe focuses on pure, unadulterated taste, showcasing a delightful blend of aromatic garlic and vibrant fresh herbs. It’s a classic bread-based stuffing, perfect for those who prefer a meat-free option, allowing the natural goodness of the herbs and savory broth to truly shine. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering, this stuffing promises to be a memorable addition to your feast, offering comfort and a touch of gourmet elegance with every bite.

Why Homemade Stuffing is a Must-Try for Your Holiday Table

There’s a unique satisfaction that comes with serving a homemade dish, especially during the holidays. Our Easy Garlic and Herb Stuffing isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to experience the true essence of traditional comfort food. The aroma alone, as the herbs and garlic meld together and bake to perfection, will fill your home with an irresistible festive scent. Unlike pre-packaged alternatives, this homemade version allows you complete control over the ingredients, ensuring only the freshest, highest-quality components make it to your plate.

The texture is another distinguishing factor. While many store-bought options can be dense or bland, our recipe guarantees a stuffing that is wonderfully moist on the inside with a delightful golden, slightly crispy crust. This perfect balance is achieved through careful selection of bread and the ideal amount of savory chicken stock, bound together by eggs for that classic, comforting consistency. Plus, customizing this stuffing is incredibly easy; you can adjust the herbs to your preference or even incorporate other vegetables for added depth. Once you try this homemade delight, you’ll understand why it’s worth the minimal effort and why it deserves a permanent spot on your holiday menu.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic and Herb Stuffing

What is the difference between stuffing and dressing?

Traditionally, “stuffing” refers to a mixture cooked inside a bird, such as a turkey, to absorb its juices. “Dressing,” on the other hand, is cooked in a separate baking dish. For safety reasons, especially concerning salmonella risk, it is now widely recommended to cook stuffing outside the bird. Many people use the terms interchangeably, but technically, if it’s baked in a pan, it’s a dressing. In the American Southeast, “dressing” often implies a cornbread base, while “stuffing” more commonly refers to a bread-based version.

What is stuffing usually made of?

The foundation of most traditional stuffings includes dried bread cubes, a blend of poultry seasonings (often sage, thyme, rosemary), aromatic vegetables like celery and onion, eggs to bind, and a flavorful liquid such as chicken or vegetable broth. This versatile base allows for endless variations, where additional ingredients like nuts, fruits, or even meats can be incorporated to suit individual tastes and regional preferences.

Do you always put eggs in stuffing?

Yes, most stuffing recipes, especially homemade ones, call for eggs. Eggs serve as a crucial binding agent, helping to hold all the ingredients—the bread, vegetables, and herbs—together. Without eggs, the stuffing might crumble and lack its characteristic moist, cohesive texture. While homemade stuffing naturally has a looser consistency compared to some denser commercial versions, the eggs ensure that it’s delightfully spoonable and doesn’t fall apart on the plate.

What type of bread is best for this stuffing recipe?

For this Garlic and Herb Stuffing, we highly recommend using French bread. Its slightly crusty exterior and soft, airy interior provide the perfect texture when dried and baked. However, you have flexibility! An Italian loaf, sourdough, ciabatta, or other artisan breads work wonderfully. Even regular sandwich bread or dinner rolls can be used, as long as the total weight matches the recipe. The key is ensuring the bread is day-old or properly dried, as fresh, soft bread will result in a soggy stuffing.

How do I dry out the bread effectively?

Drying out the bread is a critical step to prevent soggy stuffing. There are two primary methods:

1. Overnight Air Drying: Tear your bread into bite-sized pieces and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Leave them uncovered on your kitchen counter overnight. This allows the bread to naturally dry and become stale.
2. Oven Drying: For a quicker method, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Arrange the torn bread cubes in a single layer on baking sheets. Bake for 15-minute intervals, tossing the cubes gently between intervals, until they are completely dried out and slightly firm, usually taking up to 1 hour. Make sure they are cooled completely before proceeding with the recipe.

The goal is stale bread cubes, as they absorb the flavorful liquid without turning mushy during baking.

Can I substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs?

Absolutely! While fresh herbs impart a vibrant, unparalleled flavor, dried herbs are a perfectly acceptable substitute, especially if fresh ones are not readily available. Remember that dried herbs are significantly more potent than their fresh counterparts. A good general rule of thumb is to use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs specified in the recipe. Adjust to your taste preferences, starting with a little less and adding more if needed.

Can Garlic and Herb Stuffing be made ahead of time?

Yes, this stuffing is an excellent candidate for make-ahead preparation, a huge advantage during busy holiday cooking! You can assemble the entire dish, including topping with butter slices and covering with foil, up to two days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the initial covered baking time to ensure it heats through completely before uncovering to brown the top.

Can stuffing be frozen?

Indeed! Cooked stuffing freezes wonderfully, making it ideal for managing leftovers or preparing portions for future meals. Allow any leftover stuffing to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe, airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave until heated through. Alternatively, store leftovers in a lidded container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Essential Ingredients for Your Flavorful Stuffing

Crafting this savory Garlic and Herb Stuffing requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way these core components come together to create a harmonious burst of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• French Bread: Approximately 1 pound, day-old, torn into bite-sized pieces. This forms the hearty base of our stuffing.
• Unsalted Butter: 1 stick (1/2 cup), divided for sautéing aromatics and topping the stuffing.
• Onion: 1 large, finely diced, providing a sweet and pungent depth.
• Celery Stalks: 4, diced, adding a crucial earthy crunch and savory note.
• Garlic Cloves: 4, minced, for that unmistakable aromatic foundation.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 Tablespoons, finely chopped, for bright, herbaceous freshness.
• Fresh Rosemary: 1 Tablespoon, finely chopped (use leaves, not stalks), offering a piney, fragrant essence.
• Fresh Thyme: 1 Tablespoon, finely chopped, for its delicate, earthy aroma.
• Fresh Sage: 2 teaspoons, finely chopped, delivering the classic poultry seasoning flavor profile.
• Chicken Stock: 2 ½ cups, providing the moistness and savory liquid base. Vegetable stock can be used for a vegetarian option.
• Large Eggs: 2, serving as the essential binder.
• Kosher Salt: 1 ½ teaspoon, to enhance all the flavors.
• Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon, for a touch of warmth and spice.

Using fresh herbs is highly recommended for the most vibrant flavor profile, but feel free to refer to our FAQ section for guidance on substituting with dried herbs if needed.

How to Make Easy Garlic and Herb Stuffing: Step-by-Step

Creating this delicious homemade stuffing is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a perfectly flavored and textured side dish that will impress everyone at your table.

1. Prepare Your Bread

   Start by drying out your French bread. Tear the 1 pound of bread into roughly bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). Spread these pieces evenly across one or two large baking sheets in a single layer. You have two options for drying: either leave them uncovered on your kitchen counter overnight to become stale, or use the oven method. For oven drying, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Bake the bread pieces for 15-minute intervals, tossing them gently between each interval, until they are completely dried out and feel firm, which typically takes up to 1 hour. Once dried, remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely before proceeding. This crucial step prevents your stuffing from becoming soggy.

   

2. Sauté the Aromatics

   While your bread is cooling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it well with cooking spray; set aside. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons (half a stick) of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and celery to the pan. Cook these vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they have softened and become translucent, which usually takes about 5-8 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the sautéed vegetables to cool slightly. This step develops the savory base of your stuffing.

   

3. Prepare the Liquid Binder

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs and 2 ½ cups of chicken stock until they are well combined and smooth. This mixture will provide the necessary moisture and act as a binder for your stuffing, ensuring a tender and cohesive final product.

   

4. Combine All Ingredients

   Add the cooled dried bread cubes to the large bowl with the egg and stock mixture. Sprinkle in the finely chopped fresh parsley, rosemary, thyme, sage, 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Finally, add the cooled sautéed onion, celery, and garlic mixture to the bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients together using a large spoon or your hands until the bread cubes are evenly coated with the liquid and all components are well distributed. Ensure no dry spots remain.

   

5. Assemble and Bake

   Pour the entire stuffing mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Take the remaining 4 tablespoons (half a stick) of unsalted butter and slice it into thin pats. Arrange these butter slices generously over the top of the stuffing mixture. This will contribute to a rich flavor and a beautiful golden crust. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 40 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and crispy, and the stuffing is heated through. If you prepared it ahead of time and it was refrigerated, you might need an extra 10-15 minutes of covered baking time.

   

6. Serve and Enjoy!

   Once baked to perfection, remove the stuffing from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve. Scoop generous portions onto plates and savor the incredible homemade taste of this Easy Garlic and Herb Stuffing. It pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, chicken, or any holiday main course.

   

Tips and Variations for Your Perfect Stuffing

While our Easy Garlic and Herb Stuffing recipe is fantastic as is, here are some tips and variations to help you customize it to your liking and ensure flawless results every time:

• Herb Customization: Feel free to experiment with the herb ratios. If you love a stronger sage flavor, add a little extra. You can also incorporate other fresh herbs like marjoram or chives for subtle variations.
• Broth Alternatives: While chicken stock is specified, vegetable stock can be perfectly substituted for a vegetarian version. For an even richer flavor, consider using turkey or beef broth, depending on your main course.
• Adding a Touch of Sweetness: For a delightful contrast, consider adding 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or chopped apples to the stuffing mixture along with the vegetables.
• Nutty Crunch: Toasted pecans or walnuts (about 1/2 cup) can add a wonderful textural element and earthy flavor. Add them when you combine all the ingredients.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne can give your stuffing a subtle warmth if you enjoy a little heat.
• Pre-Baking for Potlucks: If you’re bringing this stuffing to a potluck, you can bake it completely at home. Reheat it in a covered dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, then uncover for the last few minutes to crisp up the top if needed.
• Preventing Dry Edges: If you find the edges of your stuffing are getting too crispy, you can lightly mist the exposed edges with a bit more cooking spray or brush with melted butter during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

More Delicious Recipes to Complete Your Feast

Looking for more inspiration to round out your holiday meal or find comforting dishes for any occasion? Explore these other fantastic recipes:

• Crock Pot Stuffing
• Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
• Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing Dinner
• Turkey and Stuffing Crescent Ring
• Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Bundles
• Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Green Bean Casserole (with no cream soups)
• Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
• Black Eyed Peas
• Fried Turkey
• Air Fryer Turkey Breast
• Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup

Garlic and Herb Stuffing

This Easy Garlic and Herb Stuffing is a delicious holiday side dish that uses fresh ingredients for maximum flavor!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings: 15

Author: Brandie Skibinski

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Ingredients

• 1 pound French bread, torn into bite-sized pieces (day-old or dried)
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, divided use
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 celery stalks, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 Tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (leaves only)
• 1 Tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh sage, finely chopped
• 2 ½ cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare Bread: Tear French bread into bite-sized pieces. Spread on a baking sheet and either let sit overnight to dry, or bake in a 250°F (120°C) oven for 15-minute intervals (tossing in between) for up to 1 hour, until completely dried out. Let cool completely.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add diced onion and celery; cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-8 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Whisk Liquid: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and chicken stock until well combined.
4. Combine: Add the dried bread, fresh parsley, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and the cooled sautéed vegetables to the bowl with the egg mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
5. Bake: Pour the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish. Slice the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter into thin pats and arrange them over the top of the stuffing. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
6. Bake Covered: Bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the stuffing is heated through.
7. Serve: Allow the stuffing to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade stuffing!

Notes

• Vegetable stock can be substituted for chicken stock for a vegetarian option.
• This stuffing can be frozen; see FAQ section for detailed instructions.
• When substituting dried herbs for fresh, use 1 teaspoon dried herbs for every 1 tablespoon fresh herbs.
• Can be prepared up to 2 days in advance; store covered in the refrigerator.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Nutrition Information (Estimated)

Calories: 170 kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Sodium: 456mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g

Nutritional Disclaimer

Please note that this nutritional information is an estimate. It is not provided by a certified dietician or nutritionist. Calorie counts and other nutritional values can vary significantly based on the specific brands and exact quantities of ingredients used. If precise nutritional values are important to you, we recommend using an online nutritional calculator with your exact ingredients.

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