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Close-up of a white baking dish filled with golden-brown homemade stuffing, garnished with fresh parsley.

How to Make Stuffing Recipes Like a Pro (2025)

Learn to make delicious stuffing with this guide. It covers ingredient selection, preparation steps, and common mistakes to avoid for a perfect holiday side dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Drying Bread 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Stuffing Base
  • 8 ounces Homemade garlic croutons (about 6 cups)
  • 4 tablespoons Butter (57g)
  • 1 medium Onion chopped
  • 1 stalk Celery chopped
For the Flavor
  • 1.75 cups Chicken or vegetable broth (415ml)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh herbs chopped (sage, thyme, parsley)
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Poultry seasoning
Optional Additions
  • Ground sausage
  • Cornbread

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Large bowl
  • Baking dish

Method
 

  1. Prepare your bread cubes. Leave them out for 1-2 days to dry, or toast them in an oven at 250°F (120°C) for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until dry. This ensures a light and fluffy stuffing.
  2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a large bowl. Add the dry bread cubes, chopped fresh herbs (sage, thyme, parsley), salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Mix gently to combine.
  4. Gradually add chicken or vegetable broth, starting with 1/2 cup, mixing until the stuffing is moist but not soggy. Add more broth if needed, up to 1 cup.
  5. If stuffing the turkey, fill the cavity loosely just before roasting. For baked stuffing, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
  6. Bake the stuffing in a dish at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown and heated through, about 30-40 minutes. If stuffed in the turkey, ensure the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Notes

Avoid using fresh bread, as it can make the stuffing too wet. Do not over-moisten the stuffing; start with less liquid and add more as needed. Ensure your stuffing is well-seasoned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

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