Dinner

Easy Bread Stuffing Recipe

Name: Easy Bread Stuffing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 Tablespoons butter; 3 stalks celery, sliced (about 1 cup); 1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup); 2 Tablespoons fresh herbs (sage, rosemary finely chopped, thyme, parsley) or 2 teaspoons dry poultry seasoning; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 16 slices fresh bread cut into cubes (approx. 1 loaf); 1 ½ cups chicken broth (plus more as needed); 1 cup pecans, chopped; 1 cup cranberries (dried or fresh)

ByClara Bennett December 3, 2025December 3, 2025

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Introduction

This easy bread stuffing is a classic side dish perfect for holiday dinners or any comforting meal. It combines soft bread cubes with savory herbs, sautéed vegetables, and optional nuts and cranberries for a flavorful and moist stuffing.

The dish is served in a white bowl filled with a mix of golden brown toasted bread cubes, dark dried cranberries, and small green parsley pieces scattered throughout. The bread cubes have a crispy texture with some areas showing a darker toast. Some nuts are mixed in, adding light tan and brown tones. The whole mixture is lightly glazed with a shiny sauce that gives it a slightly wet look. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth underneath and some green herbs nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons butter
3 stalks celery, sliced (about 1 cup)
1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup)
2 Tablespoons fresh herbs (sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley), finely chopped, or 2 teaspoons dry poultry seasoning
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
16 slices fresh bread, cut into cubes (about 1 loaf)
1 ½ cups chicken broth, plus more as needed
1 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
1 cup cranberries, dried or fresh (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or a similar size.
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced celery and diced onions, cooking until the vegetables are tender and the onions become translucent, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the fresh herbs and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat.
Step 4: If the skillet isn’t large enough for all the bread, transfer the cooked vegetable mixture to a large bowl. Add the bread cubes and mix well.
Step 5: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and toss to combine. Gradually add the remaining ½ cup of broth, a little at a time, until the stuffing is moist but not soggy. Fold in pecans and cranberries if using.
Step 6: Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Remove the cover and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the top is lightly browned and the stuffing is heated through.
Step 7: Alternatively, you can stuff the bread mixture inside your turkey cavity and bake along with the bird. For any leftover stuffing, place it in a small greased casserole dish, cover, and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for 15 minutes to finish.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old bread for better texture, as it absorbs broth without turning too mushy.
Substitute vegetable broth to make this stuffing vegetarian.
Add cooked sausage or mushrooms for extra flavor and heartiness.
Toast the pecans lightly to enhance their crunch and aroma.

Storage

Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a covered dish in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also freeze stuffing for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The dish is a baked stuffing in a white oval casserole dish, filled with roughly two layers of bread pieces that are golden-brown and toasted, mixed with chopped celery, herbs, and dark red dried cranberries scattered evenly throughout. The bread pieces vary in size and texture, some with slightly crispy edges, while bits of green herbs are sprinkled on top for color. The casserole is shown on a white marbled surface with a silver spoon resting on the right side inside the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this stuffing?

Yes, you can use white, whole wheat, sourdough, or even a mix of breads depending on your preference. Just make sure the bread is day-old or slightly stale for the best texture.

How do I keep the stuffing moist but not soggy?

Add the chicken broth gradually, mixing as you go, until the bread is moist but holds its shape. Avoid adding too much liquid at once to prevent a mushy consistency.