Homemade Stovetop Stuffing Recipe

Here’s a classic and comforting recipe for Homemade Stovetop Stuffing—a simple, savory dish that’s perfect for holidays or as a cozy side for a weeknight dinner. This recipe features a rich blend of sautéed onions, celery, garlic, and fresh herbs, tossed with hearty cubed bread and seasoned with just the right amount of spices. It’s cooked on the stovetop for easy preparation, making it a great alternative to oven-baked stuffing.

Homemade Stovetop Stuffing

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf (about 8 cups) day-old bread (preferably French bread, sourdough, or a sturdy white bread), cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (or turkey broth for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for added crunch)
• 1/4 cup milk (optional, for extra moisture, especially if using a drier bread)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Bread:
   • Cut your day-old bread into cubes (about 1/2-inch to 1-inch pieces). If you have time, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and let them sit out for a few hours or overnight to dry out a bit. If you’re in a hurry, you can bake them at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes to dry them out lightly, stirring halfway through.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Add the Herbs and Seasonings:
   • Stir in the dried sage, thyme, rosemary (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the mixture cook for another minute to bring out the flavors of the herbs.
4. Combine with Bread Cubes:
   • Add the bread cubes to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and herbs. Toss everything together so the bread is evenly coated in the butter and seasonings. If the bread seems a bit dry, add a tablespoon or two of additional butter.
5. Moisten the Stuffing:
   • Slowly pour in the broth, a little at a time, while gently stirring to incorporate. You want the bread to absorb the liquid but not become too soggy, so add just enough broth to moisten the mixture to your liking.
   • If you prefer a moister stuffing, you can also add 1/4 cup of milk for a richer texture.
6. Simmer and Cook:
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the stuffing simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the stuffing is evenly moistened and heated through.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If desired, stir in chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
7. Optional: Add Nuts:
   • If you like a bit of crunch, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans at the end of cooking, or sprinkle them on top for added texture.
8. Serve:
   • Serve the stovetop stuffing warm as a side dish with your favorite holiday meal, roast chicken, turkey, or a hearty beef roast.

Serving Suggestions:

• Main Dish Pairing: This stovetop stuffing is a perfect side for roasted chicken, turkey, pork chops, or beef tenderloin.
• Vegetarian Version: If you want to make this stuffing vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and omit any meat drippings if you have them.
• Gravy: This stuffing is delicious served with a drizzle of turkey or chicken gravy for extra flavor.

Tips:

• Bread Choice: The type of bread you use will impact the texture of the stuffing. For a heartier stuffing, go with a denser bread like sourdough or French bread. If you prefer a lighter, fluffier stuffing, use a white sandwich bread.
• Customize the Herbs: Feel free to add other herbs or seasonings like marjoram, sage, or parsley to suit your taste. Fresh herbs (like thyme and rosemary) will give the stuffing a fresher flavor than dried ones.
• Make-Ahead: You can prep the stuffing a day in advance. Simply store the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and broth separately in the fridge. When ready to cook, combine and proceed with the recipe, adding the final moisture and simmering to heat through.
• Leftovers: Leftover stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of broth or milk to keep it moist.

Customizations:

• Meat Add-ins: If you like a heartier stuffing, you can add cooked sausage, bacon, or chopped chicken for extra protein and flavor.
• Vegetable Add-ins: For more veggies, try adding sautéed mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers along with the onions and celery.
• Sweet Touch: For a sweeter version, consider adding a handful of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apples to balance the savory flavors.

This Homemade Stovetop Stuffing is quick to make, full of flavor, and easily customizable. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday dinner or a weeknight meal, this stuffing will become a family favorite!