I’m thrilled to share my go-to recipe for a side dish that’s become a true family favorite. The aroma of fresh herbs mingling with rich butter as it bakes, creating those irresistible crispy edges and a tender, flavorful center, is pure comfort, making this Stuffing Recipe Herb Butter Everyday Side a standout. It transforms simple ingredients into something truly special for any meal, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want hearty, family-friendly food without all the fuss of a holiday meal. This tried-and-true family favorite brings comforting goodness to your table with minimal fuss.
Key Ingredients and Flavor Foundations
This Stuffing Recipe Herb Butter Everyday Side shines with simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, with smart swaps for different needs:
- 6 cups (approx. 450g) day-old bread, cubed: Sturdy bread, like rustic white or sourdough, holds up well. (Use gluten-free bread for a GF version.)
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter: Adds richness. (Plant-based butter is an easy swap for dairy-free.)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced & 2 stalks celery, diced: For savory aromatics and texture.
- 2 cups (475ml) chicken or vegetable broth: Provides moisture. (Swap to vegetable broth for a vegetarian Stuffing Recipe Herb Butter Everyday Side.)
- 1/4 cup fresh sage, 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: The signature fresh herb blend.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt & 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Essential seasoning.
Good artisanal bread and fresh herbs truly elevate this Stuffing Recipe Herb Butter Everyday Side, making it a comforting, easy dinner idea any time of year.
Cooking Method Made Simple
Making this Stuffing Recipe Herb Butter Everyday Side is straightforward, perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Prep Bread: Tear bread into 1-inch pieces (approximately 6 cups) and spread on a large sheet pan. Let air dry for 1-2 hours, or toast lightly in a 250°F (120°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until slightly firm but not hard. (Sensory: should feel dry to the touch.)
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large 10-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, becoming translucent. (Sensory: the vegetables will soften and release a sweet aroma.)
- Infuse Herbs: Stir in the chopped fresh sage, thyme, and parsley with the softened vegetables. Cook for 1 minute more until the herbs are incredibly aromatic. (Sensory: a burst of fresh herb scent will fill your kitchen.)
- Combine & Moisten: In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, sautéed vegetable-herb mixture, salt, and pepper. Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, mixing gently until all bread is moistened. (Sensory: bread should absorb liquid but not be soggy; it will look evenly coated.) If it looks dry, splash in 1-2 Tbsp more broth until just moist.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes. (Sensory: the top will turn golden brown and smell wonderfully savory.)
- Serve: Let the Stuffing Recipe Herb Butter Everyday Side rest for 5 minutes before serving for easy scooping. (Sensory: it will be piping hot with crispy edges and a tender interior.)
For a vegan Stuffing Recipe Herb Butter Everyday Side, use plant-based butter and vegetable broth. For high-protein, add a cup of cooked lean ground sausage or lentils to the mixture before baking. This specific recipe isn’t easily adapted to keto or paleo without significant ingredient changes beyond simple swaps.
Ideal Serving Moments and Pairings
This versatile Stuffing Recipe Herb Butter Everyday Side is perfect for quick weeknight dinners alongside roast chicken, a comforting addition to Sunday supper, or as an easy meal prep lunch component. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, lean ground turkey, or simple baked fish. It‘s great with green beans, cranberry sauce, or a drizzle of homemade gravy.
Store leftover Herb Butter Stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warm through, or in the microwave for quick meals.
Nutrition, Wellness & Everyday Benefits of Stuffing Recipe Herb Butter Everyday Side
This Stuffing Recipe Herb Butter Everyday Side supports a balanced plate, providing comforting carbohydrates for energy and plenty of fiber from vegetables like onions and celery. You can easily boost its value by adding lean protein, such as cooked chicken sausage, for a more complete meal. It naturally fits into healthy weeknight meals and is a budget-friendly recipe option, making it an excellent choice for family-friendly dinners. This recipe also offers great easy meal prep ideas for busy households.
Recipe Advantages for Different Needs
A homemade Stuffing Recipe Herb Butter Everyday Side offers several advantages: it saves money over store-bought alternatives, gives you full control over ingredients for healthier eating, and its quick prep time makes it ideal for busy schedules. This dish provides a satisfying and comforting alternative to routine sides like mashed potatoes, utilizing common pantry staples with minimal effort. It‘s also easily scalable to fit any family size.
Expert Tips, Flavor Boosts, and Adaptations
For best texture, use slightly stale bread as it absorbs the broth better. Bake the stuffing covered initially for about 20 minutes to keep it moist, then uncover for the last 15-20 minutes to achieve a beautifully golden, crispy top.
To make this a kid-approved side, dice the onions and celery extra small so they blend seamlessly. For a simple guest-ready touch, I sometimes add a sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving. For a holiday feel, stir in a handful of dried cranberries or toasted pecans.
For allergies, use gluten-free bread for celiac or gluten sensitivity, and swap butter for a dairy-free alternative if you have lactose intolerance.
Common Questions About Stuffing Recipe Herb Butter Everyday Side
Can I make Herb Butter Stuffing ahead for meal prep?
Yes, assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve, allowing a few extra minutes if baking from chilled.
What’s the healthiest way to prepare this Herb Butter Stuffing?
Use whole wheat or whole grain bread and low-sodium broth. You can reduce butter slightly and boost vegetables by adding extra celery, carrots, or sautéed mushrooms.
Which stores or online shops carry quality bread for Stuffing Recipe Herb Butter Everyday Side?
Most grocery stores have bakery sections with good quality, often day-old, bread perfect for this. Artisan bakeries are also a fantastic source for superior texture.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for the Herb Butter Stuffing?
Yes, you can. As a general rule, use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh for similar flavor. For example, I‘d use 1 teaspoon dried for every 1 tablespoon fresh specified.
How do I prevent my Stuffing Recipe Herb Butter Everyday Side from being too dry?
Ensure enough broth is added. If it looks dry before baking, add another splash. Covering it during the initial bake also helps retain moisture and prevents drying out.
Is this Stuffing Recipe Herb Butter Everyday Side freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Cooked and cooled stuffing freezes very well. Portion into freezer-safe containers. Reheat from frozen or thawed, covered, in the oven or microwave until warm.
This Herb Butter Stuffing Recipe is truly an everyday hero—easy, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to bring comfort to your table. If you‘re looking for healthy weeknight meals or easy meal prep ideas, bookmark this delicious side now and save it on Pinterest!
Stuffing Recipe Herb Butter Everyday Side
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This Stuffing Recipe Herb Butter Everyday Side is a comforting, family-favorite dish featuring fresh herbs and rich butter baked to create crispy edges and a tender, flavorful center. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, transforming simple ingredients into something special without the fuss of a holiday meal.
Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (about 450g)
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter (113g)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (475ml)
- 0.25 cup fresh sage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep Bread: Tear bread into 1-inch pieces (approximately 6 cups) and spread on a large sheet pan. Let air dry for 1-2 hours, or toast lightly in a 250F (120C) oven for 15-20 minutes until slightly firm but not hard.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large 10-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, becoming translucent.
- Infuse Herbs: Stir in the chopped fresh sage, thyme, and parsley with the softened vegetables. Cook for 1 minute more until the herbs are incredibly aromatic.
- Combine And Moisten: In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, sautéed vegetable-herb mixture, salt, and pepper. Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, mixing gently until all bread is moistened. If it looks dry, splash in 1-2 tablespoons more broth until just moist.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake uncovered at 375F (190C) for 30-40 minutes.
- Serve: Let the stuffing rest for 5 minutes before serving for easy scooping.
Notes
For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and vegetable broth. For high-protein, add a cup of cooked lean ground sausage or lentils to the mixture before baking. This recipe is not easily adaptable to keto or paleo diets.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 46 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150 g)
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: stuffing, herb butter, side dish, comfort food, family favorite, easy dinner, weeknight, savory, baking