Stuffing is a classic side dish that brings warmth and comfort to any holiday table. This 10×15 stuffing recipe is designed to serve a generous crowd, making it ideal for family gatherings or festive dinners. Its perfect balance of savory herbs, tender bread, and flavorful broth ensures a moist, flavorful stuffing every time, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite add-ins.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (1 pound) of French or Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups celery, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- Optional: 1 cup cooked sausage, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or chopped apples
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until lightly golden and crisp. Remove and set aside to cool.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, cooking until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the garlic, parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes to release their aromas.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables and herbs. If adding cooked sausage, nuts, cranberries, or apples, fold them in now.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Gradually pour this mixture over the bread mixture, tossing gently to combine until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Let the stuffing rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve warm alongside your main dishes.
Tips
- Substitutions: Use gluten-free bread if needed, or swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
- Prevent sogginess: Toasting the bread beforehand helps achieve a crispy crust and prevents the stuffing from becoming mushy.
- Customize: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or beef. Serve it as a side dish alongside mashed potatoes, glazed vegetables, and a fresh salad for a complete holiday meal. It also works well as a standalone comfort dish for casual family dinners.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add more hearty vegetables like mushrooms or roasted carrots.
- Wild Rice Stuffing: Replace part of the bread with cooked wild rice for a nutty flavor and extra texture.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the sautéed vegetables for a spicy variation.
- Herb-Heavy: Increase the amount of fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary for a more aromatic stuffing.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, transfer to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but the oven method helps maintain a crispy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking for even cooking.
Is this stuffing suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. Check labels on broth and seasonings to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I freeze leftover stuffing?
Yes, you can freeze cooked stuffing in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until hot and crispy.
How do I make stuffing crispy on top?
Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown. You can also sprinkle a little extra butter or breadcrumbs on top before baking for added crunch.
What if my stuffing is too dry or too moist?
If too dry, add a bit more broth or an extra egg to bind ingredients. If too moist, bake uncovered longer or add more toasted bread cubes to absorb excess moisture.
Can I add cheese to this stuffing?
Yes, shredded cheese like Parmesan, Gruyère, or cheddar can be stirred in before baking for a cheesy twist. Add it towards the end of baking to prevent over-melting.
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