If you are looking to make a comforting classic that brings warmth and incredible flavor to your holiday table, this Savory Holiday Stuffing Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines simple, fresh ingredients like bread, butter, aromatic herbs, and savory broth to create a dish that’s both delightfully fluffy and perfectly seasoned. Each bite bursts with the taste of fresh sage and rosemary, making it an irreplaceable companion to your festive roast or turkey. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this stuffing recipe is sure to wow your holiday guests and become a beloved tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each contributing to the taste, texture, or color of the dish. From the buttery richness to the fresh herbs, every element works in harmony to create the perfect balance in your stuffing.
- 1 lb bread: Day-old bread works best to absorb flavors without becoming mushy.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness; olive oil can be a lighter substitute.
- 2 cups chopped yellow onion: Provides sweetness and depth of flavor; shallots can enhance sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups chopped celery: Brings a fresh crunch; celery leaves add a subtle herbal note.
- 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley: Offers a fresh, bright color; thyme is a flavorful alternative.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage: A classic flavor that is essential in a great stuffing.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary: Adds a piney, earthy aroma; dried rosemary works if fresh isn’t available.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme: Complements the other herbs and rounds out the flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt: Use carefully; kosher salt is less salty than table salt.
- Ground pepper: Freshly ground offers the best peppery warmth to taste.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the stuffing together; a flaxseed mixture is a vegan option.
- 2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth: Moistens and melds flavors beautifully; vegetable broth is a great vegetarian choice.
How to Make Savory Holiday Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by cutting your day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. Using bread that’s a bit stale is key because it absorbs the butter and broth without falling apart, giving your stuffing the perfect texture: airy but moist.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and celery with a pinch of salt, cooking gently until soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. This step builds the foundational flavors and gives your stuffing that irresistible aroma.
Step 3: Mix the Herbs and Seasonings
Stir in the fresh parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme to the sautéed veggies, cooking for another minute or two to release their fragrant oils. This fresh herb blend is what makes this a truly savory holiday stuffing recipe that will linger in your memory.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Transfer your bread cubes into a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm butter and herb mixture over the bread. Add the eggs, kosher salt, freshly ground pepper, and pour in the chicken broth. Gently toss everything together until the bread is evenly coated and moist but not soggy.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the mixture into a buttered baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crispy. That golden crust signals that your savory holiday stuffing recipe is ready to dazzle.
How to Serve Savory Holiday Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra whole sage leaves on top after baking not only adds a pop of green but also freshens up each serving. For a touch of elegance, a drizzle of melted browned butter over the stuffing creates a beautiful glossy finish.
Side Dishes
This stuffing pairs exceptionally well with traditional holiday staples like roast turkey, glazed ham, or herb-crusted chicken. Serve alongside roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dish, making your holiday feast perfectly harmonious.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking individual servings inside hollowed-out acorn squash or mini pumpkin bowls for an impressive presentation. You can also stuff the mixture inside bell peppers or mushrooms for a bite-sized twist on the classic recipe. These ideas make your savory holiday stuffing recipe both festive and fun to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffing should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoyed within 3-4 days. This dish retains its flavors well, and reheated leftovers taste almost as good as fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover baked stuffing by placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It’s best to consume within 2 months for optimal taste and texture. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your savory holiday stuffing recipe in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20-25 minutes. For a crispier top, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes. Microwaving works for a quick option, but the oven method keeps the texture dreamy.
FAQs
Can I make this stuffing recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter, swap eggs for a flaxseed and water mixture, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This way, you keep all the flavors while making it plant-based.
Is it better to use fresh or dried herbs?
Fresh herbs are preferred for their brightness and aromatic qualities, which elevate the stuffing beautifully. However, dried herbs work in a pinch; just use about one-third of the amount called for fresh herbs.
Can I prepare this stuffing ahead and bake it later?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffing a day in advance and refrigerate it covered. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What type of bread is best for stuffing?
Day-old, crusty bread like French bread or a rustic sourdough works best. It’s sturdy enough to soak up all the buttery, herb-infused broth without turning to mush.
Can I add other ingredients like sausage or nuts?
Definitely! Cooked sausage adds wonderful depth and richness, while toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts offer a pleasant crunch. Just add these extras when combining the ingredients before baking.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Savory Holiday Stuffing Recipe a try because it has the power to transform your holiday meal into something truly special. It’s a dish that’s comforting, packed with flavor, and sure to bring smiles around the dinner table. Once you make it, I bet it’ll become a treasured part of your holiday traditions, loved by all your guests!
