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Homemade Stuffing Recipe with Sage and Herbs Recipe

If you’re looking for that classic, cozy side to elevate your holiday meal or any comforting dinner, this Homemade Stuffing Recipe with Sage and Herbs Recipe is seriously a game-changer. I absolutely love how this turns out with the perfect blend of fresh herbs like sage and thyme that give it such a fragrant, mouthwatering aroma. Once you try this, you’ll find yourself making it again and again because it’s not just stuffing—it’s a little celebration of soulful flavors!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fresh Herb Flavor: The fresh sage, thyme, and parsley make every bite vibrant and savory.
  • Perfect Texture Balance: Toasting the bread cubes ensures a crispy outside with a tender, moist inside.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it a day early, which saves you so much stress on the big day.
  • Family Favorite: Every time I serve this, my family goes crazy for those comforting, herbaceous flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Homemade Stuffing Recipe with Sage and Herbs Recipe plays a crucial role in texture and flavor balance. I love using sturdy bread like Texas toast because it absorbs the broth perfectly while staying pleasantly chewy.

Flat lay of cubed toasted Texas toast bread piled loosely in a large white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl of melted unsalted butter, diced white onion in a neat pile, sliced celery stalks arranged in a small cluster, a small white ceramic bowl of minced fresh garlic, fresh sage leaves scattered beside minced fresh sage in a small white ceramic bowl, a small pile of minced fresh parsley, three whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of minced fresh thyme, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly cracked black pepper grains, all ingredients spaced evenly and symmetrically, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Homemade Stuffing with Sage and Herbs, Sage and Herb Stuffing, Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing, Fragrant Sage Herb Stuffing, Moist and Crispy Stuffing
  • Texas toast or French bread: Choose a sturdy bread with a good crust so it crisps up nicely without turning mushy.
  • Unsalted butter: Butter adds richness and helps soften the aromatics.
  • White or yellow onion: I prefer yellow onions for their mild sweetness when cooked.
  • Celery: Adds that classic crunch and freshness you expect in stuffing.
  • Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning without overpowering.
  • Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
  • Garlic (minced): Gives the stuffing a subtle savory kick.
  • Fresh sage: The star herb—its earthy aroma makes this stuffing unforgettable.
  • Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with a pop of green color and freshness.
  • Eggs: Help bind the stuffing so it holds together perfectly when baked.
  • Chicken broth: Adds moisture and deep savory notes; you can adjust the amount for preferred moistness.
  • Fresh thyme: Complements sage with a slightly minty herbal punch.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Homemade Stuffing Recipe with Sage and Herbs Recipe is so versatile—you can tweak it to your liking and always come away with a delicious side. Feel free to get creative with mix-ins or switch up the herbs based on what you have on hand.

  • Add sausage: Sometimes I brown some breakfast sausage with the onions and celery for a heartier, savory stuffing my family adores.
  • Vegetarian version: Simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep the flavors vibrant without meat.
  • Nutty twist: Toasted pecans or walnuts stirred in at the end give a lovely crunch and richness.
  • Apple & cranberry: For a touch of sweetness, add diced tart apples and dried cranberries—perfect for fall flavors.

How to Make Homemade Stuffing Recipe with Sage and Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Bread Cubes to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your oven to 300°F. Spread your cubed Texas toast or French bread evenly on a baking sheet. Toasting the bread gently dries it out so it soaks up the broth without turning soggy. I like to stir it every 8 to 10 minutes to ensure even crisping, which takes about 40 to 60 minutes. Once toasted, transfer to a large bowl and let them cool—this makes all the difference in texture.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics in Butter

Turn the oven up to 350°F. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onion, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Cook for about 4 minutes until everything softens and smells heavenly. These aromatics build that cozy base flavor that makes this stuffing stand out.

Step 3: Combine Bread, Herbs, and Seasonings

Pour the buttery vegetable mix over the toasted bread cubes. Toss gently to coat all the pieces. Now add the salt, pepper, fresh sage, and parsley. Toss once more so the herbs are evenly distributed—this is where the signature herbal aroma really shines!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Broth to Bind Everything

Whisk the eggs in a small bowl until smooth, then pour them over the bread mixture. Next, slowly drizzle the chicken broth in, stirring gently to evenly moisten without breaking the bread cubes apart. If you prefer your stuffing a little wetter, don’t hesitate to add up to half a cup more broth—I usually do! The eggs and broth bind it all so it holds together when baked.

Step 5: Bake to Golden-Brown Perfection

Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13 casserole dish and cover with foil. If you’re not baking immediately, refrigerate for up to 24 hours—this make-ahead trick is a lifesaver for busy holiday prep. When ready, bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the top is beautifully browned. Serve right away for the best flavor and texture.

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Pro Tips for Making Homemade Stuffing Recipe with Sage and Herbs Recipe

  • Toast Bread Low and Slow: I learned the hard way that toasting bread at a low temperature helps dry it out evenly without burning.
  • Don’t Skip Fresh Herbs: Using fresh sage and thyme truly elevates the flavor profile compared to dried herbs.
  • Adjust Broth Amount as You Like: If you like more moist stuffing, add broth slowly and test by squeezing the bread cubes gently.
  • Make Ahead to Save Stress: Preparing your stuffing mixture a day ahead lets the flavors mingle beautifully and frees you up on the big day.

How to Serve Homemade Stuffing Recipe with Sage and Herbs Recipe

Homemade Stuffing Recipe with Sage and Herbs Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love garnishing this stuffing with a little extra fresh parsley right before serving—it adds such a lovely splash of color and brightness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a handful of toasted pecans on top for a crunchy contrast that my family really enjoys.

Side Dishes

This Homemade Stuffing Recipe with Sage and Herbs Recipe pairs brilliantly with roasted turkey or chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans almondine. I’ve also served it alongside glazed carrots and cranberry sauce for that ultimate holiday plate everyone goes back for seconds on.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to scoop the stuffing into individual ramekins and bake them until golden. It looks adorable at the table and gives each guest their own perfectly crisp-topped portion. You can also stuff it inside roasted veggies like bell peppers or acorn squash for an eye-catching presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your meal, store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually keep it for up to 5 days, and it reheats beautifully without losing its flavor or texture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze stuffing for future meals, place it in a freezer-safe container before baking. It keeps well for about 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the oven until warmed through and crispy on top.

Reheating

I find reheating stuffing in a preheated oven at 350°F covered with foil keeps it moist, then uncovering it for the last 5–10 minutes crisps the top back up. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect texture!

FAQs

  1. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh in this homemade stuffing recipe?

    Yes, you can substitute dried herbs if you don’t have fresh ones on hand, but the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh since dried herbs are more concentrated. For example, if the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons fresh sage, use about 2 teaspoons dried instead.

  2. Can I prepare the bread cubes ahead of time?

    Absolutely! Toasted bread cubes can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This is a great time saver, especially during busy holiday prep.

  3. What if I want a vegetarian version of this stuffing?

    Simply replace the chicken broth with a good quality vegetable broth, and all the other steps stay the same. You’ll retain a rich, savory flavor while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.

  4. How do I know when the stuffing is done baking?

    The stuffing should be hot and cooked through inside, usually after about 30 minutes covered. Then, uncover it and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. The aroma will be irresistible!

Final Thoughts

This homemade stuffing recipe with sage and herbs recipe holds a special place in my heart and on my family’s table—it’s the perfect balance of traditional comfort and fresh, vibrant flavor. I know you’ll appreciate how simple it is to make and how spectacular it tastes. Seriously, once you try this, it will quickly become your go-to stuffing for holidays and beyond. So go ahead, gather the ingredients, and get ready to impress your loved ones with a dish that’s bursting with warmth and love. Happy cooking!

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Homemade Stuffing Recipe with Sage and Herbs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 317 reviews
  • Author: Harper
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Best Homemade Stuffing Recipe combines crispy toasted bread cubes with a flavorful mixture of sautéed onions, celery, garlic, fresh herbs, eggs, and chicken broth, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a savory side dish for holiday meals or comforting family dinners, this stuffing balances moistness and texture beautifully.


Ingredients

Bread

  • 8 cups cubed Texas toast or French bread, about 1 loaf

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 2 cups white or yellow onion, diced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced into ¼ inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh sage
  • ½ cup minced fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme

Dairy & Eggs

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten

Liquids & Seasoning

  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper


Instructions

  1. Toast the Bread Cubes: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the cubed bread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 40 to 60 minutes, stirring every 8 to 10 minutes, until the bread is dry and crispy. Remove and let the cubes cool in a large bowl.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Increase oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). In a large stovetop skillet or pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onions, celery, and minced garlic, cooking for about 4 minutes until softened but not browned.
  3. Combine Bread and Vegetables: Pour the softened vegetable mixture over the toasted bread cubes. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat the bread. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, fresh sage, and parsley, then toss the bread cubes again to distribute the herbs and seasonings.
  4. Add Eggs and Broth: In a small bowl, whisk the eggs until light and frothy. Drizzle the beaten eggs evenly over the bread. Then pour the chicken broth over the cubes, stirring gently to coat all pieces without breaking them. For moister stuffing, you may add up to an additional ½ cup of broth.
  5. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the bread mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. If you’re not baking immediately, refrigerate the casserole for up to 24 hours before baking.
  6. Bake the Stuffing: Place the covered casserole on the middle rack of the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes until the top is nicely browned and slightly crisp. Serve hot immediately.

Notes

  • Storage: Place any leftover stuffing in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Make-Ahead: Prepare the stuffing mixture in advance but do not bake. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed.
  • Pre-Cubed Toasted Bread: To save time, use pre-cubed and toasted bread from the grocery store bakery section—use about 8 heaping cups of bread cubes. Adjust quantities if using more bread cubes.
  • Toasting Ahead of Time: You can toast the bread cubes a day in advance to streamline preparation.
  • Air Fryer Option: You can toast the bread cubes in an air fryer at 300°F (150°C), tossing every 5 minutes. It will take about 6 to 8 minutes per batch.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (about 150g)
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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