Name: Crispy Herb Stuffing
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 loaves day-old bread, cubed; 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 3 stalks celery, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 2 to 2 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

Golden, crunchy, and packed with savory flavor, Crispy Herb Stuffing is a must-have on any holiday table. This side dish brings the warmth of home-cooked tradition with the satisfying texture of oven-crisped bread cubes. Each bite bursts with the earthy notes of fresh herbs, the sweetness of sautéed onions, and a buttery richness that perfectly complements turkey, chicken, or even roasted vegetables.

Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just want a cozy addition to a Sunday dinner, this stuffing delivers big comfort in every spoonful. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prep and can be made ahead—leaving your kitchen stress-free and your guests asking for seconds.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the recipe, having the right tools makes a world of difference in texture and flavor.

Large Skillet: Crucial for sautéing onions, celery, and herbs to deepen their flavors before combining with the bread.
Mixing Bowl: Needed for tossing the toasted bread cubes with the buttery herb mixture evenly.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For cleanly chopping onions, celery, garlic, and fresh herbs.

Sheet Pan or Baking Dish: Ensures even baking, helping the stuffing crisp up perfectly without burning.
Silicone Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Helps in gently folding ingredients together without crushing the bread.

Equipped with these, you’re ready to create a stuffing that’s deliciously golden on the outside and full of soft herbaceous goodness on the inside.

Ingredients for the Crispy Herb Stuffing

Day-old Bread Cubes: The foundation of the stuffing, dried bread ensures a crisp exterior and a tender center once baked.
Butter: Adds richness and helps toast the bread while binding the mixture.
Yellow Onion: Brings sweetness and depth of flavor after caramelizing.

Celery: Offers a crunchy contrast and subtle bitterness to balance the dish.
Garlic: Infuses the mix with aromatic warmth.
Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary, Parsley): These herbs define the stuffing’s earthy, fragrant profile.

Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Moistens the bread just enough without making it soggy.
Salt and Pepper: Enhances all the other flavors and brings balance.

How To Make the Crispy Herb Stuffing

Step 1: Prep and Toast the Bread

Cut your day-old bread into 1-inch cubes and toast them on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven until golden and crisp, about 20-25 minutes. Let them cool completely.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced onions and celery, cooking until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in chopped herbs and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed mixture. Pour in the broth slowly, stirring to combine, until the bread is moistened but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish. Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until the top is crispy and golden brown. If needed, broil for an extra 1-2 minutes for additional crunch.

Serving and Storing Crispy Herb Stuffing

Crispy Herb Stuffing is best served warm, straight from the oven, with its crispy top and tender interior. Pair it with roasted turkey, pork loin, or a hearty fall salad.

To store leftovers, let the stuffing cool completely and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven to retain its crispness or in the microwave for a quicker option.

For freezing, portion the stuffing into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven covered with foil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this stuffing gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute the bread with your favorite gluten-free loaf. Make sure it’s slightly stale or toasted to achieve the best texture.

What type of bread works best?

A hearty white bread, sourdough, or French loaf works wonderfully. Avoid overly soft sandwich bread.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the stuffing and refrigerate it (unbaked) a day in advance. Just bake it right before serving.

How do I keep the stuffing from getting soggy?

Use dry bread and add the broth gradually, stopping once the cubes are just moistened.

Can I add sausage or other mix-ins?

Definitely. Cooked sausage, cranberries, mushrooms, or nuts can all add delicious twists to the basic recipe.

Want More Side Dish Ideas?

If you love this Crispy Herb Stuffing, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a rich, creamy vegetarian option.
Scalloped Corn Casserole if you’re craving something sweet and savory.
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for a full meal twist on this classic side.

Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce if you’re looking for a luxurious pairing.
Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot to serve alongside your stuffing centerpiece.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or sausage? Try a cornbread twist?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Crispy Herb Stuffing

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 10 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy Herb Stuffing is the ultimate holiday side dish—golden on top, tender in the center, and infused with aromatic herbs. This savory classic pairs perfectly with poultry, roasts, or vegetables, and brings comforting flavor to every bite. Easy to prepare and even easier to love!

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F. Cut the day-old bread into 1-inch cubes and spread on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced onion and chopped celery. Cook for 8-10 minutes until soft.

3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted bread cubes with the sautéed mixture. Slowly pour in broth while stirring until bread is moistened but not soggy.

5. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a greased baking dish.

6. Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. Broil for an additional 1-2 minutes if extra crunch is desired.

7. Serve warm or store and reheat as needed.