Serves 8, ready in 80 minutes (25 prep, 45 cook, 10 rest). This Traditional Christmas Stuffing with Fresh Herbs combines toasted bread, butter, onion, celery, and aromatic herbs like sage and thyme for a rich, festive flavor. Perfect alongside roast turkey or as a vegetarian side, delivering golden crisp edges and a moist, savory center that captures the essence of a classic holiday feast.
Festive Herb Stuffing for a Classic Holiday Dinner
A Savory Christmas Side Dish with Aromatic Flavor
Aromatic bread cubes infused with fresh herbs, sautéed vegetables, and comforting spices bring the essence of a traditional holiday feast straight to your table. This Christmas stuffing is crafted to balance warm, rich flavors with natural freshness, pairing perfectly with roasted turkey, goose, or as a stand-alone dish for a festive vegetarian spread. The foundation of this recipe lies in lightly dried or toasted bread, which absorbs savory broth while retaining a tender, slightly crisp texture around the edges—one of the defining features of a truly authentic holiday stuffing.
Fresh parsley, thyme, sage, and rosemary work together to highlight seasonal notes and connective flavors across your Christmas menu. When combined with buttery onions, carrots, celery, and a touch of garlic, these herbs brighten the stuffing without overwhelming the dish. This approach ensures a harmonious combination of traditional earthy goodness and palate-cleansing freshness—ideal for heavy holiday meals.
How the Ingredients Shape the Dish
Seasoned bread provides structure and mild sweetness. The type of bread determines the richness: white bread keeps things classic and neutral, while sourdough or rustic country loaves add tang and depth. Butter enhances every flavor and provides moisture, while broth brings balance and assists the stuffing in achieving its signature fluffy interior. Herb selections are essential—sage stands out as the most beloved herb for Christmas stuffing, offering a distinctively warm, pine-like aroma.
A Brief Look at the History
Stuffing is one of the oldest recorded holiday dishes, dating back to ancient Roman recipes that filled poultry with vegetables, herbs, and grains. In medieval Europe, bread-based stuffings became the standard, often enriched with spices brought through trade routes. By the 19th century, the dish became synonymous with festive meals in the West, especially in the United States and England, where regional variations emerged using cornbread, chestnuts, or wild rice. Today, traditional herb stuffing remains an essential part of a classic Christmas table, blending centuries of culinary evolution into one familiar and comforting dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creates a perfect balance of soft and crisp textures
- Features fresh herbs that enhance the festive flavor profile
- Works with roasted turkey, chicken, goose, or vegetarian mains
- Flexible enough for personalized ingredient swaps
- Ideal for preparing ahead of time and reheating without loss of quality
Smart Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This stuffing can be prepped in two stages—drying/toasting the bread and cooking the aromatics. Store dried bread cubes in an airtight container for up to 3 days before assembly. Vegetables and herbs can be sautéed a day ahead and refrigerated. Once baked, leftovers should be cooled completely and stored in sealed containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, transfer to a baking dish, splash with a small amount of broth to revive moisture, and bake until warmed through. Freezing is possible if wrapped airtight—freeze before the final bake for up to a month, then bake from frozen until golden and hot throughout.
Holiday Flavor Guide: Classic Essentials for Perfect Stuffing
- Bread type and texture
- Fresh versus dried herbs
- Vegetable sauté base
- Broth quality and fat content
- Baking time for crisp edges and soft center
We recommend exploring more festive recipes to complete your holiday menu:
Discover more sweet and seasonal holiday treats with these recipes:
Mince Pie Recipe: Easy and Delicious
Creamy Christmas Eggnog Recipe – Classic Holiday Drink
Soft Gingerbread Recipe – Moist, Spiced, and Easy Holiday Favorite
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- Prepare the bread:
Spread 10 cups (500 g) of cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15 minutes until dry and lightly golden. Let cool completely so the bread absorbs liquid properly later. - Sauté the vegetables:
Melt 1 cup (225 g) of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cups (300 g) onion, 1.5 cups (150 g) celery, 1 cup (120 g) carrot, and 3 minced garlic cloves (9 g). Cook for 8 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. - Combine bread and herbs:
Transfer toasted bread cubes to a large mixing bowl. Add sautéed vegetables along with 2 tbsp (8 g) parsley, 1 tbsp (4 g) sage, 1 tbsp (4 g) thyme, 1 tsp (2 g) rosemary, 1 tsp (6 g) salt, 0.5 tsp (1 g) black pepper, and 0.5 tsp (1 g) poultry seasoning. Mix gently to combine. - Add liquid ingredients:
Pour in 2.5 cups (600 ml) chicken broth and gently fold until the bread is evenly moistened but not mushy. Add 2 beaten large eggs and fold again. If the mixture feels dry, add an extra 0.25 cup (60 ml) broth. - Prepare the baking dish:
Brush a 9×13 inch (33×23 cm) baking dish with 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil. Transfer stuffing mixture into the dish and spread evenly without pressing down too firmly. - Bake the stuffing:
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp. If not golden, bake 5 minutes longer. - Rest before serving:
Remove from the oven and let rest 10 minutes before serving so the stuffing sets and slices cleanly. The center should be soft and the edges slightly crisp.
FAQ questionCan I make Christmas stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it 1–2 days ahead. Toast the bread cubes, sauté the vegetables, and mix everything except the broth and eggs. Store covered in the fridge, then add liquids before baking. This ensures your stuffing stays light and not soggy when baked fresh.
FAQ questionWhat bread works best for traditional stuffing?
Use day-old white or sourdough bread. The slightly dry texture helps absorb broth without turning mushy. Avoid soft sandwich bread—it becomes heavy. For more flavor, mix different types like country loaf or brioche.
FAQ questionHow can I make this stuffing gluten-free or vegan?
For a gluten-free version, substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread cubes. Replace butter with plant-based margarine and chicken broth with vegetable broth. To make it vegan, use 0.25 cup (60 ml) of unsweetened applesauce instead of eggs to bind ingredients naturally.
FAQ questionWhy did my stuffing turn out too dry or soggy?
Too dry means not enough broth—add more liquid until the bread feels soft but not soaked. If it’s soggy, reduce broth slightly or bake uncovered longer to let moisture evaporate. The top should be golden and crisp, while the center remains tender.
FAQ questionCan I freeze leftover stuffing?
Yes, stuffing freezes well for up to 1 month. Let it cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and freeze before the final bake. When ready to serve, bake from frozen at 350°F (180°C) until hot and crisp, about 30–35 minutes.
FAQ questionHow long does stuffing last in the fridge?
It keeps for up to 4 days when stored in a sealed container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) with a splash of broth to restore moisture. Avoid microwaving—it softens the texture and removes the crisp top.
FAQ questionWhat are the best ways to serve and decorate Christmas stuffing?
Serve in a rustic ceramic dish or spooned beside roast meats. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs or a drizzle of melted butter for shine. For vegetarian menus, plate it with roasted vegetables and cranberry sauce for color and balance.
I’ve made countless versions of Christmas stuffing throughout my career, testing everything from rustic sourdough to brioche cubes until I perfected this balance of flavor and texture. My focus has always been on preserving the traditional taste while enhancing freshness with real herbs and quality butter.
PEKIS – professional chef and recipe developer with over 25 years of experience, specialized in European and international cuisine.
Key Benefits of This Traditional Christmas Stuffing
The heart of this traditional Christmas stuffing lies in its balance of texture and flavor. Golden, crisp edges give way to a tender, moist center filled with fresh herbs, buttery vegetables, and perfectly seasoned bread cubes. The recipe complements roasted meats, acts as a satisfying vegetarian side, and adapts easily for gluten-free or vegan diets. With a total time of 80 minutes, including prep and bake, it fits seamlessly into busy holiday cooking schedules.
Simple Method with Reliable Results
This stuffing follows a straightforward process: toast the bread, sauté the vegetables, mix with herbs, add broth and eggs, then bake until golden. Each step includes sensory cues like aroma and color changes, ensuring it’s easy to follow even for beginners. Clear instructions and precise quantities remove guesswork while preserving creative flexibility in choosing bread types or herb combinations.
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
The dish can be assembled in advance, refrigerated, or frozen before baking, making it an excellent choice for holiday meal planning. Leftovers store well for several days and reheat beautifully in the oven, keeping their crisp texture. These attributes make the stuffing ideal for batch cooking, large gatherings, or festive meal prep.
Perfect for Holiday Menus
Whether served with roast turkey, ham, or as part of a vegetarian feast, this stuffing adds classic comfort to the table. The herb-forward flavor and soft, satisfying texture make it an essential side during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any winter celebration. It elevates traditional menus, pairs well with seasonal sauces, and looks beautiful when served in a rustic dish.
Why This Stuffing Stands Out
A blend of fresh herbs, buttery vegetables, and thoughtfully toasted bread sets this version apart from boxed mixes or quick shortcuts. It delivers both nostalgia and culinary satisfaction, making every bite feel like a celebration. Best served on holiday tables, family gatherings, or special winter dinners where comfort food shines.
Allergens:
Contains: Gluten (bread), Dairy (butter), Eggs
May contain traces of soy if bread was factory-produced.
Substitution tips:
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread cubes in the same amount.
- Replace butter with plant-based margarine and use vegetable broth to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Replace eggs with 0.25 cup (60 ml) unsweetened applesauce for a vegan alternative.
Vitamins and minerals (per serving):
- Vitamin A: 45% DV – supports immune function and vision
- Vitamin K: 18% DV – helps blood clotting and bone health
- Folate: 12% DV – important for energy production and cell repair
- Iron: 9% DV – supports oxygen transport in the blood
- Potassium: 6% DV – aids in maintaining healthy blood pressure
Antioxidants (per serving):
- Beta-carotene: 2.1 mg – supports skin health and protects cells from oxidative damage
- Rosemary extract compounds: 0.4 mg – help reduce inflammation and provide digestive support
- Parsley flavonoids: 0.3 mg – contribute to immune defense and detoxification
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