Traditional bread stuffing with celery, onion, and herbs
Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
1 hr 5 min
Servings
10
9x13 pan
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing
Traditional bread stuffing with celery, onion, and herbs
★4.5(21)
Old-fashioned bread stuffing loaded with celery, onion, and fresh herbs in every bite. Crispy on top and soft inside, this is the stuffing recipe everyone asks for.
20m
Prep Time
45m
Cook Time
65m
Total Time
10
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This classic stuffing uses cubed bread toasted until golden, then tossed with sauteed aromatics and fresh herbs. Baking it in a dish gives you both a crispy top and a moist, flavorful interior.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1 lb bread loaf, cubed and dried overnight
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Spread bread cubes on baking sheets and bake at 300°F for 15 minutes until dry and lightly toasted.
- 2
Melt butter in a large skillet. Saute celery and onion for 8 minutes until softened. Add sage, salt, and pepper.
- 3
Transfer bread cubes to a large bowl. Pour sauteed vegetables over the bread and toss to combine.
- 4
Drizzle chicken broth over the mixture, tossing gently until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy.
- 5
Transfer to a buttered 9x13 baking dish. Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Substitutions
White breadCornbread
Creates a Southern-style stuffing with a sweeter crumb
Fresh sagePoultry seasoning (1 tbsp)
A convenient blend of sage, thyme, and marjoram
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use a sturdy bread like sourdough or French bread that holds up to the broth without falling apart.
Add the broth gradually—you want moist stuffing, not bread soup.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Reheat covered at 350°F for 20 minutes, then uncover for 5 minutes to re-crisp the top.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (15mg) · 10 servings
Calories195
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein5g
Carbohydrates8g
Fat24g
Fiber520mg
Sugar2g
Sodium3g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I stuff the turkey with this?
- You can, but the turkey takes longer to cook and you must ensure the stuffing reaches 165°F inside the bird.
- Can I make it vegetarian?
- Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian version.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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