Crispy Herb Stuffing

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When the scent of toasty bread, caramelized onions, and fragrant herbs fills the air, you know something comforting is about to hit the table. This Crispy Herb Stuffing is the golden, savory side dish your holiday table (or any dinner, honestly) is craving. Each bite delivers crispy edges, soft herb-infused centers, and layers of flavor that taste like home.

Perfectly browned bread cubes soak up buttery goodness and earthy herbs in this easy-to-make stuffing that works equally well in a turkey or on its own. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can stand proudly next to your mains and even shine as the unexpected favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Crispy Herb Stuffing

• Golden & crispy: Every cube is baked to a crunchy, toasty perfection with a soft, flavorful middle.
• Herb-packed: Fresh rosemary, sage, thyme, and parsley bring depth and aroma to the dish.
• Customizable: Works beautifully with sourdough, French bread, or cornbread.
• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble a day before and bake when ready.
• No soggy bites: Perfect ratio of broth to bread keeps the texture spot-on.

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What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

For a stuffing with real structure and flavor, go with a hearty, day-old loaf. French bread, sourdough, or a rustic Italian loaf are all excellent. Avoid soft sandwich bread—it tends to get too mushy. Dry bread is key to soaking up all the broth and butter without turning to mush.

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Ingredients for the Crispy Herb Stuffing

Each ingredient here has its role in delivering a savory, herby stuffing that’s both crisp and tender:

• 1 loaf (16 oz) French bread, cubed and dried — This forms the base, giving the stuffing structure and crunch.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter — Adds richness and helps crisp the edges.
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped — Builds a sweet-savory flavor base.
• 3 celery stalks, finely chopped — Adds crunch and traditional flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced — Adds depth and aroma.
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped — Earthy and classic in stuffing.
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped — Fragrant and woodsy.
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves — Lends a light, lemony herb note.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped — Brightens everything up.
• 1/2 tsp salt — To balance flavors.
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper — Just a little bite.
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth — Moistens the bread without making it soggy.
• 1 large egg, beaten — Helps bind everything together.

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How To Make the Crispy Herb Stuffing

Step 1: Dry Out the Bread

Cube the French bread into 1-inch pieces and let them sit out overnight to dry, or bake at 300°F for 20 minutes until crisp but not browned.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and celery, and cook until softened, about 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic, sage, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the dried bread cubes and pour the sautéed mixture over the top. Toss to coat evenly. Add the chopped parsley.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth and beaten egg. Pour over the bread mixture and gently toss until evenly moistened.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

Transfer the stuffing into a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp.

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How to Serve and Store Crispy Herb Stuffing

This recipe yields about 8 servings, making it ideal for medium gatherings or holiday spreads.

To store: Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To reheat: Bake at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 15-20 minutes. For a crispier top, uncover for the last 5 minutes.

You can also freeze cooked stuffing in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Reheat directly from frozen, adding a splash of broth if needed.

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What to Serve With Crispy Herb Stuffing?

Roast Chicken or Turkey

A classic pairing that brings out the herbaceousness in the stuffing.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Balance the crisp texture with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes.

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet and savory together? Absolutely delicious! See full recipe

Cranberry Sauce

Bright and tart, cranberry sauce cuts through the richness.

Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers with Goat Cheese

Add vibrant color and creamy texture to your plate See recipe

Gravy

Spoon it generously over the stuffing for extra moisture and flavor.

Green Beans Almondine

Fresh green beans offer a crisp, nutty contrast to the dish.

Chicken Stuffing Casserole

Pair it with this cozy casserole for the ultimate comfort meal. Try this recipe

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Stuffing Ahead of Time?

Yes! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. Add 5 extra minutes to baking time straight from the fridge.

Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh?

You can, but the flavor will be milder. Use one-third the amount (e.g., 1 tsp dried rosemary instead of 1 tbsp fresh).

Can I Make It Vegan?

Absolutely. Swap the butter for vegan butter, use vegetable broth, and skip the egg. The texture will be looser but still delicious.

What’s the Best Way to Dry Bread for Stuffing?

Leave it out overnight uncovered, or bake in the oven at 300°F for 20 minutes until dry.

How Do I Keep Stuffing from Getting Mushy?

Use dry bread, add broth gradually, and don’t overmix. Bake uncovered at the end to crisp it up.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms? Use cornbread instead? Try a spicy twist?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

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Conclusion

Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving or just want a warm, satisfying side dish, Crispy Herb Stuffing is a comforting classic that always delivers. It’s easy to make, customizable, and turns simple ingredients into something deeply satisfying. For more cozy recipes to round out your menu, don’t forget to check out my collection on Meals We Share.

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