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
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.