Description
This traditional savory Thanksgiving stuffing recipe features rustic country bread cubes combined with aromatic fresh herbs, sautéed leeks, celery, and garlic, then moistened with vegetable broth and baked to perfection. It's a heartwarming holiday side dish with a perfect balance of moist and crispy textures that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Stuffing Base
- 1 loaf of day-old rustic country bread (about 10 cups, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 leeks, thinly sliced (including some greens)
- 4 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Fats and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a rectangular baking dish thoroughly with butter, covering both the bottom and sides to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Bread Cubes: Cut the day-old rustic bread into approximately 1-inch cubes. Optionally, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake them until they are lightly browned to add extra texture and prevent sogginess.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add sliced leeks, diced celery, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the white parts of the leeks become translucent.
- Combine Bread and Vegetables: Transfer the softened vegetable mixture over the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped fresh sage, parsley, and rosemary, then toss together gently to combine all flavors evenly.
- Add Broth and Eggs: Pour 1 1/2 cups of vegetable broth over the bread and vegetable mixture, tossing again. If the bread appears dry, gradually add up to an additional 1/2 cup broth depending on your moisture preference. Finally, add the beaten eggs and toss the mixture thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients.
- Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the top with olive oil, then cover with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes to develop a golden crust on top.
Notes
- For extra moist stuffing, use the full 2 cups of broth; for a drier texture, use only 1 1/2 cups.
- Reheating tip: Add a splash of vegetable broth over leftover stuffing before warming to maintain moisture.
- You can substitute rustic country bread with brioche or sourdough for different flavor profiles.
- Fresh herbs are key for vibrant flavor; if using dried, reduce quantity to about 1 tablespoon total.