The ultimate traditional stuffing to pair with your holiday turkey
This sage-infused stuffing brings cozy holiday memories to life with its fragrant herbs, buttery texture, and perfect balance of crunch and moisture. It's the traditional side that completes your turkey dinner.
Whether you're hosting a Christmas feast or preserving family traditions, this stuffing is a must-make. Its earthy sage, toasted bread cubes, and caramelized celery create a flavor profile that pairs perfectly with roasted turkey.
The recipe is designed for make-ahead convenience, with a browning technique that ensures golden edges and a moist interior. We'll show you how to achieve that perfect texture every time.
This dish is more than a side—it's a holiday tradition in a bowl. Let's dive into why this recipe will become your new favorite.
From the first bite of warm, herb-scented bread to the final crunch of caramelized edges, this stuffing will become the star of your festive table.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Time-Saving Make-Ahead
Prepare the stuffing mixture 24 hours in advance. The resting time allows flavors to meld while the bread absorbs moisture for perfect texture.
💰 Budget-Friendly
Uses basic pantry staples like bread, celery, and butter while delivering restaurant-quality results.
👥 Scales Perfectly
Easily adjusts from a small family dinner to a large holiday feast with simple quantity adjustments.
🌟 Flavor Profile
Balances the earthy sage, savory turkey stock, and sweet caramelized celery for a depth of flavor that's unforgettable.
Sage-Infused Stuffing Recipe
Traditional comfort food with a perfect balance of crunch and moisture
🛒 Ingredients
- - 6 cups cubed day-old bread (French or sourdough)
- - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- - 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
- - 1/2 cup chopped celery
- - 1/2 cup chopped onion
- - 3/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- - 1/2 teaspoon salt
- - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
👨🍳 Instructions
Toast Bread Cubes: Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss bread cubes with 1 tablespoon butter. Spread on a baking sheet and toast for 10-12 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp. Let cool completely.
💡 Use day-old bread for best texture. Avoid over-toasting as it will dry out the final dish.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt remaining butter. Add onion, celery, and sage. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
💡 Add a splash of broth if the mixture starts to stick.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooled bread cubes with sautéed vegetables. Add remaining ingredients (broth, salt, pepper, parsley). Toss until evenly moistened.
💡 The mixture should be moist but not soggy. Add more broth if needed.
Bake Stuffing: Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Dot with remaining butter. Bake for 45 minutes, uncovered, until golden and crisp on top.
💡 For extra browning, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Bread
Day-old sourdough or French bread provides the best texture. Avoid soft sandwich bread which becomes gummy.
Substitutions: Stale buns, cornbread, or gluten-free bread for dietary needs.
Sage
Fresh sage is essential for that earthy holiday flavor. Dried sage is a last-minute alternative.
Substitutions: Thyme or rosemary for a different herb note.
Broth
Chicken broth adds richness, but vegetable broth works for a lighter flavor.
Substitutions: Water + bouillon cube for a vegetarian option.
Parsley
Fresh parsley adds brightness. Omit if unavailable.
Substitutions: Chopped fresh thyme or dill.
Pro Tips for Perfect Sage-Infused Stuffing
🍁 Toasting Technique
Spread bread cubes in a single layer. Watch closely to avoid burning - they'll toast quickly at 350°F.
🥄 Moisture Control
The mixture should cling slightly when squeezed. Add broth 1 tablespoon at a time to avoid sogginess.
🧈 Butter Application
Dot the top with cold butter pats before baking for golden, crispy edges.
🔥 Final Browning
Use the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end to create a beautiful golden crust.
Variations & Customizations
Herb Medley
Add thyme, rosemary, or marjoram to the sage for a more complex flavor profile.
Vegetable Boost
Include diced carrots, mushrooms, or parsnips with the celery for extra texture and nutrition.
Protein Addition
Mix in crumbled cooked sausage or bacon for a heartier version.
Dairy-Free Option
Substitute vegan butter and use vegetable broth for a plant-based version.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roast turkey with gravy (perfect classic pairing)
- Cranberry sauce (fresh or homemade)
- Green beans with bacon
- Mashed potatoes
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a dry Riesling, Chardonnay, or a spiced red wine like Zinfandel.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the bread cube mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator. Add broth just before baking.
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
Freezer Storage
Freeze unbaked stuffing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheating Instructions
For best results, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave to restore the crispy texture.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My stuffing is too dry. What did I do wrong?
A: This usually happens when the bread was over-toasted or too much broth was used. Next time, toast the bread less and add broth gradually.
Q: Can I make this without a bread recipe?
A: Yes! Use store-bought bread cubes or stale rolls. Just make sure they're not too soft.
Q: How can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free bread and check that your broth is certified gluten-free. Avoid using flour as a thickener.
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Yes, but thaw them first and pat dry to prevent excess moisture. Frozen peas or corn work well.
Final Thoughts
This sage-infused stuffing is more than just a side dish—it's a tradition that brings warmth and comfort to every holiday table. Its perfect balance of crunch and moisture, along with the fragrant herbs, make it an unforgettable part of your Christmas feast.
Whether you're a seasoned chef or a first-time holiday cook, this recipe will become a cherished family favorite. The make-ahead option makes it perfect for busy hosts, while the traditional flavors connect generations through the magic of food.
