A timeless holiday side dish that’s easy to prepare ahead of time.
This classic bread stuffing is a holiday tradition that combines crispy bread cubes with savory herbs and butter. Perfect for Christmas dinner!
This make-ahead recipe ensures your holiday table is stress-free. The stuffing can be prepared the day before, chilled, and baked fresh on the big day.
Whether you’re serving turkey, ham, or a vegetarian roast, this stuffing’s golden crust and aromatic herbs will impress your guests.
With simple pantry ingredients and no special equipment, this recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
Why This Recipe Works
Time-Saving Make-Ahead
Prep the mixture the night before, saving time on the day of the feast.
Budget-Friendly
Uses stale bread and pantry staples to create a luxurious side.
Customizable
Add nuts, dried fruit, or seasonal vegetables to suit your taste.
Family-Favorite Flavor
The blend of sage, thyme, and butter creates a comforting aroma.
Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe
A make-ahead holiday staple with golden herbs.
Ingredients
- - 6 cups cubed stale bread
- - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- - 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- - 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- - 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- - 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- - 1 tsp salt
- - 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Prepare Bread Cubes: Toss cubed bread with melted butter. Let sit for 10 minutes to absorb moisture.
💡 Use day-old bread for best texture.
Sauté Vegetables: Cook celery and onion in a pan until softened. Add herbs, salt, and pepper.
💡 Add a splash of broth for extra moisture.
Combine Ingredients: Mix bread cubes with vegetable mixture. Transfer to a baking dish.
💡 Cover and refrigerate overnight for best flavor.
Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until golden and crisp.
💡 Brush with additional butter before baking for extra richness.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Stale Bread
Use day-old bread for optimal texture. Sub with fresh bread if necessary, but toast cubes beforehand.
Substitutions: Sourdough, brioche, or cornbread.
Butter
Adds richness and helps bread crisp. Use olive oil for a lighter option.
Substitutions: Olive oil, ghee.
Herbs
Sage and thyme are traditional, but experiment with rosemary or parsley.
Substitutions: Dried herbs, oregano, marjoram.
Pro Tips for Perfect Bread Stuffing
Texture
Toast bread cubes for 5 minutes before baking for extra crispiness.
Herb Infusion
Steep herbs in warm broth for 10 minutes before mixing for deeper flavor.
Make-Ahead
Assemble up to 24 hours ahead. Store covered in fridge.
Serving
Serve warm, with a drizzle of gravy for extra moisture.
Variations & Customizations
Vegetarian Twist
Add diced carrots, celery, and dried cranberries for a festive, meat-free version.
Crunchy Upgrade
Mix in toasted pecans or walnuts for a nutty, crunchy texture.
Citrus Zest
Add lemon or orange zest to the vegetable mixture for a fresh, bright flavor.
Cheesy Delight
Stir in grated Parmesan or Gruyère during baking for a rich, melty topping.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roast turkey with herb gravy
- Herb-roasted ham with cloves
- Vegetarian lentil loaf
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a buttery Chardonnay or a spiced red wine like Zinfandel.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble the stuffing mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Refrigerator Storage
Store cooked stuffing in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer Storage
Freeze unbaked stuffing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My stuffing is too dry. What can I do?
A: Add 1/4 cup broth or milk to the mixture before baking.
Q: Can I use fresh bread?
A: Yes, but toast the cubes for 5 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Q: How do I prevent a soggy bottom?
A: Line the baking dish with parchment paper and preheat it for 5 minutes.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Use vegan butter and omit dairy-based ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This classic bread stuffing is a make-ahead holiday tradition that brings comfort and flavor to any festive table. With its golden crust and aromatic herbs, it’s a side dish that never goes out of style.
Save this recipe for your next holiday gathering and customize it to suit your family’s tastes. For best Pinterest visibility, post this recipe as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: start with the main dish, followed by complementary sides, and finish with a dessert pin.
