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Golden brown traditional stuffing recipe with crispy edges and herb garnish in white baking dish

Perfect Stuffing Recipe

This ultimate stuffing recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with the perfect balance of crispy edges and tender interior. A Thanksgiving essential, it’s packed with fresh herbs, buttery bread cubes, and optional sausage for extra depth. Perfect whether you’re hosting your first holiday meal or perfecting a family tradition.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10 -12 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 282
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large loaves bread about 2 lbs, preferably day-old white, ciabatta, or French bread, cubed
  • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 large onion finely diced (about 3½ cups)
  • 2 cups celery diced
  • 8 oz mushrooms sliced (optional)
  • 1 lb breakfast sausage optional
  • ¼ cup fresh sage chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tsp poultry seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 –3 cups chicken or turkey broth
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 200°F. Spread bread cubes on baking sheets and dry 45–60 minutes until firm but not hard.
  2. In large skillet, melt 1 stick butter. Add onion, celery, and mushrooms (if using). Cook 8–10 minutes until golden and soft.
  3. If using sausage, add and brown fully. Stir in herbs, poultry seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Transfer bread cubes to a large bowl. Add vegetable/sausage mixture and toss gently.
  5. In separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and 2 cups broth. Pour over bread, folding gently until evenly moistened (not soggy). Add more broth as needed.
  6. Transfer to greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Dot with remaining butter. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
  7. Uncover and bake 15–20 minutes more until top is golden brown and crispy. Serve warm.

Notes

Make-ahead tip: Assemble unbaked stuffing up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10–15 minutes extra bake time from cold. Leftovers keep 4 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen. Reheat with a splash of broth to restore moisture.