Easy Herbed Bread Stuffing Recipe That Will Wow Your Guests

Megan

The Guardian of Family Flavors

October 21, 2025

There’s something unforgettable about the warm, fragrant embrace of herbed bread stuffing fresh from the oven. The moment I first combined crisp, golden cubes of bread with a medley of fresh herbs, sautéed onions, and savory broth, I knew I’d found a new favorite side that’s far from ordinary. Whether you’re craving a comforting addition to your holiday feast or simply want to elevate a weeknight dinner, this Herbed Bread Stuffing recipe is your go-to. It’s wonderfully easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and delivers that perfect balance of fresh herbs and buttery richness that keeps everyone asking for seconds. Let me show you how to transform simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing delight that will make your home-filled meals truly special.

Why choose Herbed Bread Stuffing recipe?

Simplicity at its best: This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for any home cook. Bursting with flavor: Fresh herbs and sautéed onions infuse every bite with a savory aroma. Versatile side dish: It complements holiday meals or adds a cozy touch to weeknight dinners. Crowd-pleaser guaranteed: Its buttery, herbaceous richness will have guests asking for seconds. Time-saving: Prepping ahead is a breeze, freeing you up on busy cooking days.

Herbed Bread Stuffing Ingredients

For the Bread Base

Day-old bread cubes – Use sturdy bread like sourdough or French to soak up flavors without becoming mushy.
Unsalted butter – Adds rich creaminess and helps brown the bread for that perfect texture.

For the Herb Mix

Fresh sage – The star herb; its earthy flavor defines the Herbed Bread Stuffing recipe’s signature taste.
Fresh thyme – Lends a subtle lemony note that brightens every bite.
Fresh parsley – Adds a fresh, slightly peppery balance to the herb blend.

For the Flavor Base

Yellow onions – Sautéed until translucent and sweet, they create a savory backbone.
Celery stalks – Provides a crisp texture and fresh vegetal flavor to contrast soft bread.
Garlic cloves – Minced for a punch of warmth and depth that rounds out the profile.

For Moisture & Seasoning

Vegetable or chicken broth – Gently moistens the bread, keeping the stuffing tender and flavorful.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in this Herbed Bread Stuffing recipe.

How to Make Herbed Bread Stuffing Recipe

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F for even cooking and generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

For the Veggie-Herb Base:

Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbling, then add diced onions, celery, and minced garlic, sautéing until soft, translucent, and aromatic (5–7 minutes).
Stir in herbs: Stir in fresh sage, thyme, and parsley, tossing for about 1 minute until herbs release their fragrant oils and infuse the vegetable mixture with bright, earthy flavors.
Combine bread and broth: Place the day-old bread cubes in a roomy bowl, then pour the warm veggie-herb mixture and hot broth over them, gently tossing to ensure each cube absorbs flavor and moisture.
Bake covered: Spread the moistened bread evenly into the prepared dish, cover tightly with foil, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until the edges start to set and the mixture feels just firm.
Brown topping: Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp, creating that delightful contrast between crunchy edges and soft interior.
Rest & fluff: Let the stuffing rest for 5 minutes out of the oven to set, then gently fluff with a fork, scoop onto plates, and serve warm to enjoy that comforting herbed aroma.

Optional: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant garnish.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Herbed Bread Stuffing?

Enhance your meal with delicious sides that perfectly complement the warm, buttery flavors of this delightful stuffing.

Roasted Turkey: The classic pairing! Juicy turkey adds a savory, rich flavor that balances the herbed stuffing beautifully.
Cranberry Sauce: Its tangy sweetness cuts through the richness, bringing a refreshing contrast to each bite of the creamy stuffing.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, these creamy potatoes provide a luscious texture that complements the bread stuffing perfectly.
Green Bean Almondine: Crisp-tender green beans tossed with toasted almonds add a delightful crunch and freshness to your meal.
Buttery Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm rolls are ideal for sopping up the flavors of both the stuffing and accompanying sauces.
Mixed Green Salad: A light, crisp salad featuring seasonal greens brings brightness and a palate-cleansing effect.
Gravy: A rich, aromatic gravy drizzled over both the turkey and stuffing ties the dish together, enhancing every savory component.
Sparkling Cider: Serve a chilled glass of sparkling cider for a bubbly, festive touch that pairs beautifully with your holiday feast.

Each of these pairings offers a unique flavor and texture that elevates your meal, ensuring that your Herbed Bread Stuffing shines at the table.

Make Ahead Options

These Herbed Bread Stuffing recipe components are perfect for meal prep and can save you precious time on busy cooking days! You can sauté the vegetables and herbs, then combine them with the day-old bread cubes and broth up to 24 hours in advance. Simply refrigerate the mixture in an airtight container until you’re ready to bake. This allows the bread to soak up all those lovely flavors, ensuring each bite is just as delicious. When you’re ready to serve, transfer the stuffing to a generously buttered baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, then uncover to brown the top for an additional 10 minutes. Enjoy a stress-free mealtime with this make-ahead approach!

Tips for the Best Herbed Bread Stuffing Recipe

Use day-old bread: Stale bread soaks up broth without turning soggy, giving your herbed bread stuffing recipe the perfect texture balance.
Fresh herbs matter: Choose fresh sage, thyme, and parsley to ensure vibrant, aromatic flavor that dried herbs can’t match.
Sauté veggies thoroughly: Cook onions, celery, and garlic until soft and fragrant to build a savory foundation without bitterness.
Control moisture carefully: Add broth gradually to avoid a mushy stuffing—moist but not drenched is the goal.
Rest before serving: Allow your stuffing to rest five minutes post-baking to set flavors and ease fluffing for a light, airy texture.

How to Store and Freeze Herbed Bread Stuffing Recipe

Room Temperature: Store any leftover herbed bread stuffing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours after serving.

Fridge: To keep it fresh longer, transfer your stuffing to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, ensuring it stays moist.

Freezer: Freeze herbed bread stuffing in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.

Herbed Bread Stuffing Variations

Feel free to get creative and tailor this herbed bread stuffing to your taste buds and dietary needs!

Gluten-Free: Substitute day-old bread with gluten-free bread options; ensure any broth is also gluten-free for a perfect blend.
Vegan: Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter and use vegetable broth to create a deliciously plant-based stuffing that’s still full of flavor.
Savory Sausage: Add cooked and crumbled sausage of your choice for an extra layer of richness and heartiness, perfect for those who enjoy a protein kick.
Savory Nuts: Toss in some toasted walnuts or pecans for an unexpected crunch complemented by a nutty flavor profile that adds depth to your dish.
Dried Fruits: Incorporate chopped dried cranberries or apricots for a touch of sweetness and beautiful color, enhancing the stuffing’s appeal and taste.
Stuffed Peppers: For a unique twist, use the stuffing to fill bell peppers, bake until the peppers are tender, and serve as a vibrant side dish.
Cheesy Goodness: Mix in shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, before baking for a gooey, cheesy stuffing that elevates the comfort level.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a zesty variation that infuses your stuffing with a pleasant heat, perfect for the adventurous eater.

Experiment with these variations to find your perfect herbed bread stuffing, and enjoy the process of making it your own!

Herbed Bread Stuffing Recipe FAQs

What type of bread works best for Herbed Bread Stuffing recipe?
Day-old, sturdy breads like sourdough or French bread are ideal because they soak up the broth without turning mushy, maintaining the perfect texture throughout baking.

How should I store leftover herbed bread stuffing, and how long will it keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the stuffing moist and flavorful. At room temperature, don’t leave it out longer than 2 hours to ensure food safety.

Can I freeze this herbed bread stuffing? If so, how?
Absolutely! Freeze in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat covered in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. Adding a splash of broth before reheating helps restore moisture and freshness.

My stuffing turned out soggy; how can I prevent that?
The key is moisture control—add the broth gradually, so the bread is damp but not drenched. Using day-old bread helps absorb liquid well, and baking uncovered at the end crisps up the top perfectly, balancing soft interior with a golden crust.

Are there any considerations for dietary restrictions or pets?
This recipe uses butter and broth, which may not suit vegan or dairy-free diets, but you can substitute with plant-based butter and vegetable broth. Always avoid feeding stuffing to pets, as ingredients like onions and garlic are toxic to them and can cause serious health issues.