Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing – Easy and Delicious Classic Recipe

Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing is the kind of side dish that steals the Thanksgiving show without even trying. Picture this: warm, buttery bread cubes perfectly crisp on the outside yet tender inside, kissed with the aroma of fresh sage, rosemary, and parsley. This recipe brings that comforting, homemade flavor that makes everyone hover around the oven just waiting for the timer to ding.

Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, this buttery herb stuffing recipe delivers on every front—it’s rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. If you’ve ever thought stuffing was just filler, this one’s here to prove you wrong. It’s the ultimate comfort food hug, baked golden to perfection. Pair it with your favorite turkey (or a juicy roast chicken if it’s a regular Sunday dinner), and you’ve got a meal that whispers “home” in every bite.

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What is Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing?

Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing is that classic Thanksgiving dish you dream about all year long. It’s a hearty mix of toasted bread cubes, sautéed onions, celery, garlic, and a medley of fresh herbs all bound together with rich butter and savory stock. The result? A golden, crisp-topped, and flavorful masterpiece that’s both rustic and elegant. Whether baked as a side or tucked inside your turkey, it’s everything you want in a holiday classic—simple ingredients, comforting aroma, and irresistible texture.

It’s also flexible enough for any table: make it vegetarian with vegetable stock, or double it for a crowd. You can even mix bread types (think sourdough with a hint of Italian) for extra flavor depth. This dish isn’t just food—it’s tradition baked in buttery bliss.

Reasons to Try Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

First, it’s ridiculously easy to make. No complicated steps, no special equipment—just a skillet, a big mixing bowl, and a baking dish. Second, it’s the kind of dish that fills your home with that nostalgic holiday scent that practically calls people to the kitchen. Third, it’s flexible enough for every family’s quirks—picky eaters, vegetarians, or those who like extra crunch.

Finally, leftovers taste just as good (some say even better!) the next day. If you’re already roasting turkey, try pairing this with Best Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing or even Crispy Smoked Spatchcock Turkey for a meal that’ll have your guests raving. This recipe isn’t just a side—it’s a star player.

Ingredients Needed to Make Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

• 18 to 24 ounces of bread cubes (about 12–14 cups, preferably toasted or stale)
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3 cups diced sweet onion (about 2 large)
• 2 cups diced celery
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• Kosher salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons each of chopped fresh sage, parsley, and rosemary
• 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 large eggs
• Extra herbs for sprinkling

Instructions to Make Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

Making Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing is a cozy, hands-on kitchen ritual that fills your home with the kind of aroma that makes everyone suddenly “check in” on dinner. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this buttery, herby masterpiece that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any comfort-filled evening.

Step 1: Prep the Bread Cubes (Step by Step for the Perfect Texture)
Start your step by step journey with the heart of any great stuffing: the bread cubes. You’ll need about 12 to 14 cups of bread, which equals roughly 1½ loaves. Choose sturdy bread like sourdough or Italian—something that can hold up to butter and broth without turning mushy.

You’ve got a few options here. If you plan ahead, cut the bread into cubes and let them sit uncovered overnight to dry out naturally. But if you’re pressed for time (because, hello, holiday chaos), you can toast them in the oven. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 15 minutes until they’re golden and slightly crisp—think rustic croutons. For more baking timing tips, you can check out my Best Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing guide. Once ready, set your bread cubes aside in a large mixing bowl or directly in the baking dish you’ll use later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics (Step by Step for Building Flavor)
Next up in our step by step process is all about the aromatics—the foundation of rich, comforting flavor. Melt 1 cup of butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your diced onions, celery, and minced garlic. Season generously with kosher salt and pepper.

As the vegetables soften, your kitchen will smell like pure holiday joy. Stir occasionally for about 8–10 minutes until everything turns tender and slightly translucent. Then, sprinkle in the chopped fresh herbs: sage, parsley, and rosemary. Give it all a stir and let the herbs bloom in the butter for about a minute. This small but powerful step infuses the entire dish with that cozy, homemade essence.

If you love this kind of aromatic foundation, you’ll adore my Harvest Delight Pumpkin Sage Bisque—it uses similar herbs and delivers the same comforting flavor profile. Finally, pour in one cup of chicken or vegetable stock to deglaze the pan and create a savory, buttery mixture that ties everything together.

Step 3: Combine the Bread and Butter Mixture (Step by Step for Perfect Coating)
Now it’s time for the magic to happen. Pour your hot, buttery herb and veggie mixture over the bowl of toasted bread cubes. Using a big spoon—or your clean hands for a more tactile approach—toss everything together until the bread cubes are evenly coated. You want every single piece to soak up that buttery goodness.

For the next part of this step by step recipe, whisk together the remaining 1½ cups of stock with two eggs in a small bowl or measuring cup. Pour that mixture over your seasoned bread cubes and gently fold it in until well combined. The goal is evenly moistened bread that holds together but isn’t soggy. If the bread looks too dry, drizzle in an extra splash of stock. If it feels too wet, add a few more cubes. Trust your instincts—stuffing is wonderfully forgiving.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection (Step by Step Baking Tips)
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish (or two smaller ones if you’re feeding a crowd). Spread the mixture evenly, but don’t press it down too tightly—you want those craggy, uneven edges to crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes, until the top turns golden and crunchy while the inside stays moist and buttery. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil halfway through. The internal temperature should reach around 160°F, signaling it’s ready to serve.

For a full turkey-and-stuffing pairing, try it alongside Crispy Smoked Spatchcock Turkey—they complement each other like a dream.

Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve (Final Step by Step for Serving Success)
When your stuffing comes out of the oven, let it rest for 10–15 minutes. This step allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier. Sprinkle the top with extra fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm, right next to your main dish.

If you’re making it ahead, let it cool, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to reheat, take it out about an hour before baking, then rewarm at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until hot throughout. It’s just as heavenly reheated—maybe even better.

And if you’re hunting for the perfect sweet finish to follow this savory dish, try my Orange Ginger Honey Cake—it’s light, citrusy, and pairs beautifully with this buttery herb feast.

What to Serve with Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

This stuffing pairs perfectly with any roast—turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian main. Try it with Juicy Garlic Herb Roast Turkey Breast or go cozy with Harvest Delight Pumpkin Sage Bisque. Add a vibrant side like Parmesan Garlic Roasted Carrots and finish with a sweet bite of Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies. You’ll have a meal that feels like the holidays no matter what time of year it is.

Key Tips for Making Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

Use a mix of bread types for depth and texture—sourdough and Italian are perfect partners. Always toast your bread cubes; soggy stuffing is no one’s friend. Don’t skip the fresh herbs—they make a huge difference in flavor and aroma. If you like extra crispy bits, bake uncovered; for a softer texture, cover halfway through. Taste as you go—season with enough salt and pepper to make it sing. And here’s a little secret: drizzle some melted butter on top before baking for that golden, buttery finish that’ll make your guests swoon.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also warm individual servings in the microwave for a quick fix, but baking keeps that crispy texture. To freeze, let it cool completely, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Honestly, it tastes just as good reheated—because buttery, herby bread never goes out of style.

FAQs

Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely—just swap chicken stock for vegetable stock.
Can I stuff this in my turkey? You sure can! Just make sure it reaches 165°F inside the bird.
Can I use dried herbs? Fresh is best, but dried works too—use about one-third the amount.
Can I make it gluten-free? Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free bread cubes, and it’ll still be amazing.

Final Thoughts

Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing is more than just a side dish—it’s a memory maker. Every bite takes you home to the smell of butter sizzling with herbs and bread soaking up every drop of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this stuffing delivers comfort in its most delicious form. For more cozy, holiday-worthy recipes, check out Orange Ginger Honey Cake or Roasted Autumn Vegetable Pot Pies. After all, nourishing well isn’t just about food—it’s about moments shared around the table.

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