Print

Crispy Savory Holiday Stuffing Recipe – Ultimate Thanksgiving Side

crispy holiday stuffing - featured image

This crispy, savory holiday stuffing features toasted bread cubes, fresh herbs, and sautéed vegetables for the perfect Thanksgiving side. The top is golden and crunchy, while the inside stays soft and flavorful—comfort food at its best.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 cups (about 1 lb) day-old French bread, sourdough, or rustic white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, divided
  • 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
  • 4 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced (optional)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional)
  • 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread bread cubes on a large baking sheet, drizzle with half the melted butter, toss, and toast for 10-15 minutes until lightly golden and crisp.
  2. Heat remaining butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and carrots; sauté for 8-10 minutes until soft. Add garlic, parsley, sage, and thyme; cook for 2 more minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, sautéed veggies, and herbs. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Gradually add broth while tossing until bread is moist but not soggy. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  4. Drizzle beaten eggs over the mixture and toss gently to combine.
  5. Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon stuffing into dish, spread evenly, and drizzle with extra melted butter if desired.
  6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until top is crispy and golden. For extra crunch, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
  7. Let stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF bread. For vegan, use vegetable broth and flax eggs. Toasting the bread is key for crispiness. Add-ins like sausage, bacon, apples, or dried cranberries are delicious. Taste and adjust seasoning before baking. If prepping ahead, assemble and refrigerate, then bake before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffing, Thanksgiving, holiday, crispy, savory, side dish, bread, herbs, comfort food