When it comes to comfort food, few dishes feel as essential and beloved as a classic stuffing. This Easy Buttery Herb Stuffing Casserole Recipe is everything you want in a side dish: savory, rich, packed with fresh herbs, and perfectly golden brown on top. It’s the kind of dish that makes any meal feel like a special occasion, whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple Sunday dinner. Forget the boxed mixes; this homemade version is straightforward, incredibly flavorful, and will have everyone asking for the recipe.
We’re using simple, wholesome ingredients to create a truly memorable side. The combination of sourdough bread, fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, and parsley, and a generous amount of butter creates a texture that’s soft and moist on the inside with just the right amount of crispy edges. It’s one of those amazing oven stuffing recipes that fills your whole house with the most incredible aroma while it bakes. Let’s get started on what might just become your new favorite Classic Stuffing Recipe.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? This stuffing casserole hits all the right notes. It’s incredibly comforting and satisfying, making it the perfect companion for roasted chicken, turkey, or pork. The use of fresh herbs, instead of dried, makes a world of difference, bringing a vibrant, aromatic flavor that you just can’t get from a box. It’s a fantastic make-ahead dish, which is a lifesaver when you’re preparing for a big holiday meal. You can assemble it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
This recipe is also wonderfully versatile. You can stick to the classic version or customize it with your favorite additions like sausage, mushrooms, or cranberries. It’s a great way to use up day-old bread, turning something simple into a spectacular dish. Plus, the process is so easy to follow. You’re basically sautĂ©ing some veggies, tossing everything together, and letting the oven do all the hard work. It’s one of those foolproof stuffing recipes that delivers impressive results every single time, making you look like a kitchen hero.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this amazing dish. The fresh herbs are really the star here, so try to use them if you can! They add a depth of flavor that dried herbs just can’t replicate.
- 20 ounces Sourdough or French Bread (about 12-13 cups, cut into cubes and preferably a day or two old)
- 1 cup Butter
- 2 large Onions, diced
- 5 Celery Stalks, diced (about 2 cups)
- 5 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons Fresh Rosemary, finely chopped
- 4 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
- 3 Tablespoons Fresh Sage, finely chopped
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups Chicken or Vegetable Stock
- Optional: 2 Tablespoons melted butter for drizzling on top
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to make the best stuffing of your life? Follow these simple steps for a perfect casserole every time. The key is to build the flavors as you go, from sautéing the veggies in butter to folding everything together gently.
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Bread
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a good spray with non-stick cooking spray, or you can generously coat it with butter for extra richness. Place all your cubed bread into a very large mixing bowl and set it aside. You’ll need the space to toss everything together later!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Herbs
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the full cup of butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and shimmering, add the diced onion and celery. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and translucent. You want them tender, not browned. Now, add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until you can smell its wonderful aroma. Sprinkle in the salt and pepper, followed by all those fragrant fresh herbs—rosemary, parsley, and sage. Give it all a good stir to combine everything. Finally, pour in 1 cup of the stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Carefully pour the hot vegetable and herb mixture from the skillet all over the bread cubes in your large bowl. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss everything together until the bread is evenly coated. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk the two large eggs together with the remaining 1 1/2 cups of chicken stock. Pour this egg mixture over the bread and fold it all together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the stuffing can become dense. If it seems a little dry, feel free to add that extra 1/2 cup of stock.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the stuffing mixture into your prepared baking pan and spread it out into an even layer. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 40-48 minutes. For a perfectly moist stuffing with a crispy top, I suggest covering the pan with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking time. This prevents the top from getting too dark while the inside finishes cooking. When it’s done, the top should be golden brown and delicious-looking. For an extra touch of decadence, you can drizzle a couple of tablespoons of melted butter over the top right before serving. This is a great trick for a perfect Turkey Stuffing Casserole!
How To Store Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing them is a breeze. Let the stuffing cool completely to room temperature first. Then, you can either cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for a minute or two. For a larger amount, the oven is your best bet to revive that crispy top. Place the stuffing in an oven-safe dish, maybe add a splash of chicken stock to keep it moist, and warm it at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Conclusion
And there you have it—a truly exceptional Easy Buttery Herb Stuffing Casserole Recipe that is sure to become a staple in your home. It’s the perfect blend of savory flavors and comforting textures, bringing a touch of homemade magic to any meal. This recipe proves that you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to create a show-stopping side dish. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or just because, this classic stuffing recipe is a reliable and delicious choice that will never disappoint. Enjoy every single bite!
FAQ
Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh?
You can, but the flavor will be different. Fresh herbs provide a brighter, more aromatic taste. If you need to use dried herbs, a good rule of thumb is to use one-third the amount of fresh. So, for this recipe, you would use about 1-2 teaspoons of dried rosemary, 1 tablespoon of dried parsley, and about 1 tablespoon of dried sage. Taste and adjust as needed!
Can I Prepare This Stuffing Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This is one of the best things about this recipe. You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance. Just follow the instructions up to the point of baking, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Kind of Bread Works Best for Stuffing?
A sturdy, dry bread is ideal because it soaks up all the liquid without turning to mush. Sourdough or a crusty French loaf works beautifully. It’s best to use bread that is a day or two old, as it’s drier. If your bread is fresh, you can cube it and toast it lightly in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) for about 15-20 minutes to dry it out before you start.
Can I Add Sausage or Other Ingredients?
Of course! This is a great base recipe for customization. If you want to add sausage, cook about 1 pound of bulk sausage, drain the fat, and add it to the vegetable mixture. Sautéed mushrooms, chopped pecans, or dried cranberries are also wonderful additions. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!
