Name: Crispy Herb Stuffing
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 cups dried bread cubes; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 3 celery stalks, diced; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs, beaten

Crispy Herb Stuffing is the kind of side dish that makes you wish Thanksgiving came around more than once a year. With its golden, crunchy top and moist, savory center, it perfectly blends the comfort of homemade bread with fresh, fragrant herbs. The combination is rustic and nostalgic, yet full of vibrant flavor. Each bite has the perfect contrast between tender and crisp, making it an irresistible addition to your holiday spread or any roast dinner.

While most stuffing recipes lean heavily on simplicity, this one stands out for its textural balance and herbaceous depth. It uses dried bread cubes to soak up a rich, buttery broth, and then bakes to a golden crisp that’s simply addictive. The beauty is that it’s equally at home beside turkey, roasted chicken, or even as the centerpiece of a vegetarian meal.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Herb Stuffing

This stuffing is a crowd-pleaser with real substance. It satisfies both fans of soft stuffing and those who crave a crunch. The generous use of fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and parsley adds freshness and aroma that elevate the dish from basic to brilliant. It’s also incredibly customizable. Add sausage, mushrooms, or even dried cranberries to tailor it to your tastes. Best of all, it can be made ahead and baked when ready, saving you time on busy days.

What Kind of Bread Should I Use for Stuffing?

Great stuffing begins with the bread. For the best results, use a hearty, crusty bread that can hold up to broth without turning soggy. A mix of sourdough and French bread gives structure and a slight tang, but even rustic sandwich loaves work well when dried thoroughly. It’s best to cube and dry the bread a day or two in advance, either by air-drying or briefly toasting in the oven, to help it absorb flavor without becoming mushy.

Ingredients for the Crispy Herb Stuffing

To make a truly flavorful and texture-rich stuffing, every ingredient plays a purpose. The herbs, butter, and broth come together to coat the bread and bring it to life, while the onions and celery add crunch and aromatic depth.

Bread cubes
Unsalted butter
Yellow onion
Celery stalks
Fresh sage
Fresh thyme
Fresh parsley
Chicken or vegetable broth
Salt
Black pepper
Eggs

How To Make the Crispy Herb Stuffing

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Cube your bread and spread it out to dry overnight, or toast in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes until crisp but not browned.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, cooking until soft and fragrant. Stir in chopped sage, thyme, and parsley and cook for an additional minute.

Step 3: Mix the Stuffing Base

In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed herb mixture. Add broth gradually until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl and mix them in to bind the stuffing.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.

How to Serve and Store This Classic Stuffing

This stuffing feeds about 8 people as a generous side dish. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, especially poultry, and brings color and comfort to any festive table. If you’re hosting a smaller gathering, you can easily halve the recipe.

To store leftovers, let the stuffing cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through. To crisp the top again, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes.

What to Serve With Crispy Herb Stuffing?

Herb-Roasted Chicken

This classic roast pairs flawlessly with the stuffing’s earthy flavors.

Maple-Glazed Carrots

Sweet and tender, they balance the savory richness of the stuffing.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect buttery base to accompany every bite.

Green Bean Almondine

The crispness of green beans adds contrast and freshness.

Cranberry Sauce

That sweet-tart burst on the side makes every forkful more dynamic.

Turkey Gravy

Spoon it generously over the stuffing for ultimate indulgence.

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

These roasted greens add salt and depth for a complete plate.

Want More Holiday Side Dish Ideas?

If Crispy Herb Stuffing has your kitchen smelling like Thanksgiving, you’ll want to check out these other seasonal favorites from Mia Plates:

Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake for a creamy, golden crusted veggie dish.
Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey to pair perfectly with this stuffing.
Loaded Scalloped Potatoes when you need that extra-cheesy comfort.
Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers if you want a sweet-savory bite on the side.
Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf that’s made for sopping up gravy.

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Let me know in the comments if you added sausage, mushrooms, or something entirely different. I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. And if you have questions, don’t be shy!

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