If you’ve ever wanted to elevate your holiday meals or Sunday dinners with a cozy, comforting side dish that brings the whole table together, this Easy Traditional Bread Stuffing Recipe is here to win your heart. It captures the nostalgic flavors of buttery sautéed onions and celery combined with tender, flavorful bread soaked just right in savory chicken broth. This dish is the kind of classic you’ll find yourself craving year-round—warm, inviting, and effortlessly delicious.

Easy Traditional Bread Stuffing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, timeless ingredients is all it takes to create stuffing that bursts with flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role, from the crunch of celery to the rich depths of chicken broth, making this recipe a true staple you can always rely on.

6 cups day-old bread: Using slightly stale bread helps it absorb the broth perfectly without turning mushy.
1 onion: Adds sweetness and a lovely aromatic base when sautéed.
2 celery stalks: Brings a refreshing crunch and earthy notes to balance the richness.
2 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that moistens the bread and ties everything together.
Butter: Essential for sautéing and imparting a silky richness.
Salt and pepper: To season and enhance all the natural flavors perfectly.

How to Make Easy Traditional Bread Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by finely chopping the onion and celery, then melt a generous amount of butter in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the veggies until they become soft and slightly golden, releasing those irresistible aromas that hint at the comfort to come.

Step 2: Combine Bread and Flavor

Place the day-old bread cubes in a large bowl and pour the sautéed onion and celery right on top. Slowly add the chicken broth to the mixture, tossing gently to ensure every piece of bread soaks up just enough liquid to be perfectly moist without falling apart.

Step 3: Season Well

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. This is your moment to taste and adjust, making sure the seasoning is just right to complement the mildness of the bread and the savoriness of the broth.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the mixture into a buttered baking dish and spread it evenly. Pop it into the oven preheated to 350°F and bake for 30 minutes. The result? A golden crusted, warm-in-the-middle stuffing that offers a delightful contrast of textures every time.

How to Serve Easy Traditional Bread Stuffing Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or sage right before serving adds a pop of color and a fresh burst of flavor that beautifully complements the savory stuffing.

Side Dishes

This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a hearty vegetable stew. The moist, flavorful bread mixture balances rich main courses wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try stuffing this bread mixture inside hollowed-out squash or roasting it in cupcake tins for individual servings. It’s a creative way to serve the classic recipe and delight your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover stuffing to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making perfect next-day side dish options easy and convenient.

Freezing

You can freeze this Easy Traditional Bread Stuffing Recipe for up to 2 months. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags before baking for a ready-to-go meal addition that saves time on busy days.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the edges crisp back up. This helps restore the delightful texture and taste like it was freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?

While fresh bread can be used, day-old bread is preferred because it soaks up the broth without becoming too soggy, resulting in better texture and flavor.

Is it possible to make this Easy Traditional Bread Stuffing Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the chicken broth for a good-quality vegetable broth, and you’ll still enjoy all the comforting flavors without any meat products.

Can I add other ingredients like sausage or nuts?

Definitely! Adding cooked sausage, chopped nuts, or dried fruits can add exciting flavors and textures, making the stuffing uniquely yours.

How do I keep the stuffing moist but not soggy?

Adding broth gradually and mixing gently helps control moisture levels, so the bread is perfectly soft without becoming a mushy mess.

Is this stuffing suitable for Thanksgiving?

Yes, this Easy Traditional Bread Stuffing Recipe is a classic choice that complements a Thanksgiving feast beautifully, offering familiar flavors everyone loves.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Traditional Bread Stuffing Recipe is a simple yet spectacular way to bring warmth and nostalgia to your table. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy meal with loved ones, this dish promises to be a cherished favorite that you’ll reach for time and time again. Trust me, once you try it, stuffing won’t ever be the same!

Easy Traditional Bread Stuffing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 59 reviews

Author: Elina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Easy Traditional Bread Stuffing recipe is a classic, comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals or any family dinner. It features day-old bread pieces combined with sautéed onions and celery, moistened with savory chicken broth, then baked to golden perfection. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a timeless staple that complements roasted meats and festive spreads.

Ingredients

Scale

Produce

1 onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped

Dry Ingredients

6 cups day-old bread, cubed

Liquids

2 cups chicken broth

Dairy

Butter, amount as needed for sautéing (about 2-3 tablespoons)

Spices

Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare Vegetables: Chop the onion and celery stalks into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the bread.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté until they become tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, releasing their natural sweetness and aroma.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion and celery with the cubed day-old bread. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring gently to moisten the bread evenly but avoid making it soggy. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Transfer the stuffing mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake Stuffing: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes. The top should turn golden brown, and the stuffing will be heated through with a moist but slightly crisp texture on the top.
Serve: Remove from oven and let the stuffing rest for a few minutes. Serve warm as a delicious side dish alongside roasted poultry or other main courses.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like sage, thyme, or parsley when combining ingredients.
Day-old bread is preferable as it absorbs the broth better and maintains texture when baked.
You can adjust the amount of chicken broth for desired moisture: less broth for drier stuffing, more for moister.
This recipe can be made vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth and using vegetable-based butter or oil.
Leftover stuffing can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.