Plan your next Thanksgiving dinner with this classic bread stuffing for turkey recipe, and your whole table will thank you! It is one of the easiest traditional dishes to make with simple, flavorful ingredients.

Recipe Information

  • Approximate prep time: 15 minutes
  • Approximate cooking time: 1 hour
  • Servings: 10 -12 cups

Required Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large skillet
  • Large bowl
  • Baking dish

Ingredients

Here's the complete list of ingredients for classic bread stuffing:

  • A loaf of freshly dried white bread or sourdough bread
  • 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
  • 3 cups finely chopped onions
  • 2 cups finely chopped celery ribs
  • Finely chopped celery leaves (1/2 cup)
  • Celery seeds (1/2 tablespoon)
  • 4 sliced celery stalks
  • 1 minced garlic clove
  • Freshly chopped parsley (1/2 cup)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly chopped thyme leaves or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly chopped sage or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper ( 1/2 teaspoon)
  • 2 cups turkey or chicken broth
  • 1 cup turkey stock

Preparation Directions

  • Step 1: Prepare your favorite bread by slicing it into 1/2-inch cubes (about 10 cups). Place the cubes in a large bowl and let them dry out overnight. If you cannot wait that long, then you should bake the bread on a baking sheet. Well, baking at 3750F for 15-20 minutes will do.
  • Step 2: Melt four tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet. While still maintaining medium heat, add the onions and celery (leaves, stalks, and seeds) into the melted butter. Let the mixture cook while occasionally stirring until celery is soft and onions turn golden (5-8 minutes).
  • Step 3: Remove the pan from the heat. Then, add salt, thyme, sage, garlic, and parsley. Stir and heat for about a minute. Take the skillet from the heat and season the mixture with pepper.
  • Step 4: Transfer the mixture into a large bowl. Add the freshly dried bread cubes and toss to combine.
  • Step 5: Pour turkey broth and the remaining butter (after melting it) over the bread mixture. Toss enough to coat the stuffing.
  • Step 6: You either cook the stuffing in the turkey cavity or bake it directly in a casserole. Or, you can do both if the bird cooks before the stuffing.
  • When cooking inside a turkey, make sure the stuffing is loosely packed and roast it to about 1650F.

 If you opt for baking in the oven, you will need to:

  • Preheat the oven to 3500F
  • Put the stuffing over a 9x13-inch or 10x15 baking dish (ensure the contents get spread evenly)
  • Pour a cup of turkey stock over the stuffing
  • Cover with foil
  • Bake for approximately half an hour
  • Remove the foil and bake uncovered for 15-30 minutes, or crunchy and golden

How to Serve and Garnish This Classic Bread Stuffing Dish

If you cook the stuffing in a turkey, remove it from the bird while hot. Let the stuffing cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. The same applies to oven-baked stuffing. Please note this dish can be refrigerated.

Well, you can garnish this classic bread stuffing with baby greens.