I’m a sucker for a delicious Thanksgiving stuffing dinner. Whether I’m hosting Thanksgiving or another gathering, there’s nothing better than a solid herb roasted stuffing recipe. From traditional Thanksgiving dressing to a completely customizable bread stuffing, you can’t go wrong with this recipe. If you’re in search of turkey sides for a holiday dinner, you won’t want to miss this one. This recipe is not only simple and straightforward, but it’s also extremely versatile. Even if you have picky eaters in the home or family, you can work a variety of ingredients that are palatable into this herb stuffing without a hassle.
So, if you’ve ever dreamed of making your very own stuffing, you’ll have the ability to do so after following this staple recipe. Since making this recipe, it has become a staple in my home. We not only make our own homemade stuffing during the holidays, but year-round. This herb roasted stuffing is one of the best sides whether you are cooking a turkey or if you have another main dish that is just right for this side dish. Even if you’re new in the kitchen, this recipe is suitable for all levels of cooking. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I promise you’ll love this recipe if you’re a fan of traditional Thanksgiving sides even if you’re not cooking for the holiday.
- Traditional – This is a traditional recipe that is extremely versatile in nature. Adding your own spices and ingredients is always possible.
- Simplistic – Rather than overcomplicating a recipe, this one is straightforward and easy to implement. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.
- Affordability – One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is that the ingredients used are staples and often some of the most affordable you can find.
- Versatility – You can add and remove ingredients as you see fit or based on your family’s dietary preferences.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Stuffing mix: You can choose any brand of stuffing mix you’re fond of to ensure the flavor is exactly what you want. Off-brand stuffing can also be used to save money in a pinch.
Cubed bread: Use your favorite type of bread to create your homemade stuffing. This can enhance your flavor if you’re interested in using breads such as a sourdough blend.
Onion: If you’re not a fan of onion in the home or if you have a texture-related issue with onion, swap it for onion powder or onion salt.
Bell pepper: If you have picky eaters in the home, you can omit the bell peppers entirely and enjoy this comfort food without the added spice and flavor. You can also use powdered spice, such as cayenne, if you want your stuffing to have a burst of spice.
Chicken broth: If you don’t have chicken stock or broth on hand, you can use powdered chicken bouillon if you have it available.
Tips for Success
I once made this dish without eggs and there was a noticeable difference, in both texture and flavor. Using eggs is always recommended as they act as a binder, allowing the stuffing to hold its shape. You can use preblended eggs if you prefer.
Storage & Reheating
Always allow your stuffing to cool or come to room temperature before choosing to store it for later. Follow traditional rules of storage when using airtight containers to keep your stuffing for later. You can store your leftover stuffing in an airtight container for up to 3 days in your refrigerator.
You can also choose to freeze your stuffing in freezer-safe airtight containers for up to 3 months. It’s always advisable to separate your servings and use individual containers to avoid thawing the entire stuffing mix at once (unless that is your intention).
This herb stuffing can be reheated and is best reheated in the oven. Set your oven to 325 Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes or until cooked through. Avoid the microwave, it’s still bread and you’ll need to eat it quickly to avoid noticing any major structural chemistry changes with the bread after microwave heat hits it.
Serving Suggestions
You can choose to serve this herb stuffing as a side dish to just about any meal you’re preparing in the kitchen. If you are preparing it for the Thanksgiving holiday, consider these turkey wings! You can also serve this stuffing with just about any chicken dish you prepare, as it’s one of the most versatile recipes around.
FAQs
Can I make ahead Thanksgiving Stuffing?
Yes, you can make this ahead of time. If you choose to do so, try to plan to make it the day before your dinner or gathering, to prevent the bread from becoming too soggy before it is cooked.
Notes
Try different packaged herb stuffing mixes to find one that’s perfect for your family’s taste buds!
Herb Roasted Stuffing
Ingredients
- 14 oz. Sourdough or French Bread cubed (day-old is best)
- 1 bag approx. 12 oz Herb-Seasoned Stuffing Croutons
- 1 cup 2 sticks Unsalted Butter
- 1 Large Sweet Onion finely chopped
- 3 stalks Celery diced
- 1 Red or Orange Bell Pepper diced (for a sweeter crunch)
- 2 Large Eggs lightly beaten
- 2 tsp Dried Poultry Seasoning
- 1 ½ tsp Garlic Powder or 2 cloves minced fresh garlic
- 2 cups Low-Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Broth
- 3 Tbsp Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley chopped
- Salt and Cracked Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Get your oven heating to 350°F. In an oversized mixing bowl, combine your fresh bread cubes with the seasoned stuffing croutons. Give them a quick toss so the textures are well-distributed.
- Melt the butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Drop in your chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté the medley until the vegetables are tender and the onions look glassy. Pro tip: If using fresh garlic, add it in the last 60 seconds of sautéing.
- Drizzle that warm, buttery vegetable mixture directly over your bread cubes. Use a large spatula to fold everything together until every piece of bread has a bit of shimmer from the butter.
- In a small bowl, whisk your eggs with the poultry seasoning and garlic powder. Pour this over the bread, followed by the fresh parsley. Slowly add the broth, tossing gently as you go. You want the bread to be hydrated and tacky, but not swimming in liquid.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish, spreading it out evenly without packing it down too tightly (this keeps it fluffy). Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top develops a golden-brown crust and the center is set.
