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+ servings
Close-up of a white baking dish filled with golden-brown homemade stuffing, featuring toasted bread cubes and herbs.

Homemade Stuffing

Learn how to make classic homemade stuffing with this easy, step-by-step recipe. Perfect for beginners and holiday meals.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Stuffing
  • 2 lb crusty country bread about 2 loaves, preferably sourdough, cut into 1 1/2" pieces
  • 6 Tbsp unsalted butter divided, plus more for dish
  • 1 large yellow onion chopped
  • 2 medium leeks tough outer layer removed, thinly sliced into half-moons
  • 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1.5 cups whole milk
  • 2 Tbsp mixed chopped fresh herbs such as sage, rosemary, and/or thyme

Equipment

  • baking sheets
  • Medium skillet
  • medium bowl
  • Large glass measuring cup
  • 13" x 9" baking dish

Method
 

  1. Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread pieces between two baking sheets.
  2. Bake the bread, tossing halfway through, until it is crispy, feels dry, and the edges are just starting to turn golden, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion and leeks, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Season with salt and black pepper. Let the mixture cool slightly.
  4. In a medium bowl or large glass measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, chicken broth, milk, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
  5. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 13" x 9" baking dish with a thin layer of butter.
  6. Transfer the toasted bread to a very large bowl. Add the cooked onion mixture and the egg mixture. Toss everything together to combine. Let the mixture sit for at least 10 minutes or up to 1 hour.
  7. Transfer the bread mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it in an even layer, ensuring all the liquid is in the dish. Cut the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter into small pieces and dot them over the top. Cover the dish with foil.
  8. Bake the stuffing for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake until the top is golden brown and crisp, about 25 to 30 minutes more. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

This stuffing recipe is designed to be straightforward and forgiving, making it ideal for any home cook. The resting time allows the bread to absorb the liquid, creating a perfect texture.

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