There’s nothing like the comforting aroma of stuffing baking in the oven—it instantly feels like home. Growing up, I always looked forward to that moment when the buttery bread cubes and sautéed veggies filled the kitchen with cozy, holiday goodness. Now, I make this easy stuffing recipe year after year, and it’s become a family favorite. It’s simple, delicious, and brings everyone running to the table before I can even set down the serving spoon.
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Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy Sunday dinner, this stuffing always hits the spot. I’ve used it in so many ways—baked in a casserole dish, shaped into stuffing balls, or even tucked inside a turkey or chicken breast. No matter how it’s made, it turns out RIDIC-ULICIOUS every single time. I usually double the batch and freeze half to have on hand for quick meals or unexpected guests!
Table of contents
Why Do I Love This Stuffing Recipe?
This stuffing recipe combines simple ingredients—bread cubes, butter, onions, celery, herbs, and broth—for a classic side dish that’s full of flavor. It’s easy to make, versatile, and pairs beautifully with turkey, chicken, pork, or even meatloaf. You can bake it in a dish or shape it into individual stuffing balls. Plus, it freezes wonderfully, so you can make it ahead and reheat for future dinners!
Ingredients For Easy Stuffing Recipe
Bread slices cubed
Butter melted
Onion chopped
Celery diced
Chicken or vegetable broth
Salt and pepper
Step By Step Easy Stuffing Recipe Instructions
Prepare the Bread Cubes. Take your bread slices and cut them into bite-sized cubes. If the bread is a bit dry, that’s actually great for stuffing!
Dice the Veggies. Finely chop the onion and celery. A food processor makes this quick and easy.
Sauté the Veggies. In a skillet or saucepan by melting the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced celery. Let them cook until they’re nice and soft.
Mix It Up. In a big bowl, combine bread cubes, the poultry seasoning, sage, salt and pepper. Add the butter and veggies. Mix well.
Moisten the Mix. To ensure your stuffing is moist and packed with flavor, gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Mix as you pour, so the bread soaks up all the deliciousness. You want the mixture to be moist but not soggy.
Ready to Bake Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x 13 baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes for a golden, crisp top.
Let’s Eat! Once your kitchen is filled with the irresistible aroma of baked goodness and your stuffing looks golden and crispy, it’s ready to be enjoyed!
How To Store Stuffing
Refrigeration: If you plan to consume this easy stuffing recipe within a few days, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure the stuffing cools to below 40°F (4°C) within two hours before refrigerating. Properly stored, it can last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you won’t be eating the stuffing within a few days, it’s best to freeze it. Place the stuffing in airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty resealable plastic bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Label with the date to keep track of its freshness. Frozen stuffing should be consumed within 1-2 months for best quality.
Thawing: When you’re ready to use frozen stuffing, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw. This gradual thawing helps maintain its texture. It’s best to plan ahead and allow a day or two for the stuffing to thaw in the refrigerator.
Reheating: Reheat the stuffing thoroughly before serving. You can use the oven, microwave, or stovetop to reheat. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Moisture Check: Stuffing can become dry after being refrigerated or frozen. To restore moisture, you can drizzle a bit of chicken or vegetable broth over the stuffing before reheating. This helps prevent it from becoming too dry.
Making Stuffing Balls
If you’d like to turn this easy stuffing recipe into stuffing balls, it’s a breeze! After mixing your stuffing, let it cool slightly so it’s easier to handle. Scoop out portions with a large spoon or cookie scoop and gently roll them into balls. Place them on a greased baking sheet or in a lightly oiled baking dish, spacing them slightly apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25–30 minutes, or until the outsides are golden brown and lightly crisp. These bite-sized stuffing balls are perfect for serving at parties, buffets, or family dinners when you want a fun twist on a classic holiday favorite.
FAQ
Can I make stuffing ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffing up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake right before serving.
Can I use boxed stuffing mix instead of bread?
You can, but fresh or day-old bread gives the best texture and flavor. If you use boxed mix, reduce the salt since seasoning is already included.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version.
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Ingredients
- 8 cups bread cubes
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 TBSP poultry seasoning
- 1 TBSP ground sage
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees℉ Grease a 2 qt baking dish with butter.
- Dice onion and celery into small pieces. I use my food processor for this.
- Melt butter in a saucepan and add the diced celery and onion. Cook until tender.
- In a large bowl toss the bread cubes with the poultry season, ground sage, salt and pepper. Toss well to coat.
- Pour butter, celery, onion over bread cubes and toss to coat. Drizzle chicken broth over all tossing to moisten all the bread cubes, you want the bread to be moist not soggy.
- Place in baking dish or make into 12 balls and bake covered with foil for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes.