Savory Herb Bread Stuffing
This Savory Herb Bread Stuffing recipe has been a cherished family tradition for over three decades, passed down from my mother, and has become a staple at every Thanksgiving gathering. The delightful combination of tender onions and celery, infused with aromatic herbs, creates an irresistible flavor profile that complements turkey perfectly. Whether you choose to stuff the bird or bake it as flavorful stuffing balls, this dish is sure to impress your guests. The recipe yields enough to comfortably fill a 12-pound turkey, and it can easily be doubled to serve larger gatherings. As an added bonus, I’ve included tips for preparing and freezing stuffing ahead of the busy holiday season. Enjoy this comforting classic with your loved ones!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Finely chopped onion
3/4 cup (finely chopped)
Chopped celery (with leaves)
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
Chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
Butter
1 cup (melted)
Soft bread cubes
9 cups (cubed)
Salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
Dried sage
1 1/2 teaspoons (dried)
Ground sage
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon (dried)
Poultry seasoning
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the finely chopped onion and celery, stirring frequently, until the onion is tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Once the onion and celery are cooked, add about 1/3 of the soft bread cubes to the skillet. Stir well to combine, allowing the bread to soak up the buttery mixture.
3
Transfer the sautéed mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining bread cubes, fresh parsley, salt, dried sage, ground sage, thyme leaves, poultry seasoning, and black pepper. Gently toss the mixture until everything is evenly combined and the bread is fragrant.
4
To prepare the stuffing for the turkey, pack it loosely into the cavity just before roasting.
5
For stuffing balls, preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Shape the stuffing mixture into balls using about 1/2 cup of stuffing for each ball. Place the balls in a greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Herb Bread Stuffing?
It is a traditional holiday side dish made with soft bread cubes, butter, vegetables, and a blend of aromatic herbs.
How long has this recipe been in use?
This cherished family tradition has been passed down from the author's mother for over three decades.
Can this recipe be used to stuff a turkey?
Yes, it is designed to be packed loosely into the cavity of a turkey just before roasting.
What size turkey will this stuffing recipe fill?
The recipe yields enough stuffing to comfortably fill a 12-pound turkey.
Can I make a larger batch for big gatherings?
Yes, the recipe can easily be doubled to serve larger crowds or gatherings.
How do I make stuffing balls?
Shape the mixture into balls using about 1/2 cup for each, place in a greased dish, and bake.
What oven temperature is needed for stuffing balls?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (163°C) for baking stuffing balls.
How long do stuffing balls need to bake?
Bake them covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
Do I need to cover the stuffing balls while they bake?
Yes, cover the baking dish with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking to retain moisture.
Can this stuffing be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the recipe allows for preparation ahead of time to save effort during busy holiday seasons.
Is it possible to freeze the stuffing?
Yes, this stuffing can be frozen ahead of time for convenient holiday planning.
Is this stuffing recipe vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients list, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
What type of bread is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 9 cups of soft bread cubes.
How should the celery be prepared?
The celery should be chopped and include the leaves for maximum flavor.
What herbs are included in the savory blend?
The recipe uses fresh parsley, dried sage, ground sage, dried thyme, and poultry seasoning.
How much butter is required?
One cup of melted butter is used to sauté the vegetables and coat the bread cubes.
Why are the onions and celery sautéed first?
Sautéing them in butter ensures they are tender and translucent, creating a better texture in the final dish.
When should I add the bread cubes to the skillet?
Add about 1/3 of the bread cubes to the skillet once the onions and celery are tender to soak up the butter.
How do I ensure the bread cubes don't get smashed?
Gently toss the bread cube mixture in a large mixing bowl until the herbs and vegetables are evenly distributed.
How much onion is needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of finely chopped onion.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
What are the specific measurements for the sage?
You will need 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried sage and 1/4 teaspoon of ground sage.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
How long do I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the finely chopped onion and celery for approximately 5 to 7 minutes over medium heat.
Can I use this recipe for Christmas dinner?
Absolutely, while it is a Thanksgiving staple, its comforting flavors make it perfect for any holiday feast.
What is poultry seasoning?
It is a blend of aromatic herbs that complements the turkey and bread mixture; the recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon.
What is the key to the flavor profile of this stuffing?
The infusion of tender onions and celery with aromatic herbs like sage and thyme creates its irresistible taste.
Can I bake this stuffing in a regular baking dish?
Yes, while the instructions mention balls, you can also bake the mixture in a greased baking dish.
Is this a soft or crunchy stuffing?
By starting with soft bread cubes and baking covered, it remains moist, while the final uncovered bake adds a golden brown finish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including the bread, butter, vegetables, and various seasonings.