Stuffing with Herbs & Celery: A Classic Holiday Side Dish

Introduction

No holiday table feels complete without a warm, savory dish of Stuffing with Herbs & Celery. This timeless recipe combines fresh aromatics, rustic bread cubes, and fragrant herbs to create a flavorful side that pairs beautifully with turkey, chicken, or even as a stand-alone vegetarian dish. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a Sunday family dinner, this stuffing guarantees comfort in every bite.

Ingredients for Stuffing with Herbs & Celery

To make a traditional yet flavorful Stuffing with Herbs & Celery, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and fresh herbs. This recipe makes about 8 servings.

Bread Base

• 1 loaf (about 1 pound) of day-old bread, cut into ¾-inch cubes (white, sourdough, or whole wheat)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for toasting, optional)

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 ½ cups celery, finely chopped

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 medium carrots, diced (optional, for added sweetness)

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Herbs

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)

• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Liquids

• 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (warm)

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins (for sweetness)

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for crunch)

• ½ pound cooked sausage (for a hearty version)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet

• Cutting board and sharp knife

• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Baking dish (9×13 inch)

• Aluminum foil

• Whisk

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Follow these clear steps to create your perfect Stuffing with Herbs & Celery:

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

1. If your bread is fresh, cut it into cubes and spread them on a baking sheet.

2. Toast in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15–20 minutes until dry and slightly crisp. This helps the bread absorb broth without turning soggy.

2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 8–10 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

4. Mix in the fresh herbs (parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary) along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat.

3: Mix the Stuffing

1. Place toasted bread cubes in a large mixing bowl.

2. Add the sautéed vegetable mixture. Toss gently to combine.

3. Whisk together the broth and eggs in a separate bowl.

4. Pour the liquid mixture slowly over the bread, mixing until evenly coated but not mushy.

5. Fold in optional add-ins like cranberries, nuts, or sausage if desired.

4: Bake the Stuffing

1. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.

3. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crisp.

5: Serve

Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, and serve hot as a side dish alongside roast turkey, chicken, or your favorite main.

Helpful Tips for the Best Stuffing with Herbs & Celery

• Use day-old bread: Fresh bread tends to get mushy. Dry, slightly stale bread absorbs flavors better.

• Adjust moisture: If you like softer stuffing, add more broth (up to 3 cups). For a drier texture, reduce slightly.

• Add protein: Browned sausage or bacon adds a hearty, savory layer to the dish.

• Go vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and skip the meat for a meat-free option.

• Make ahead: You can prepare the mixture a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

• Crispy topping trick: For extra crunch, drizzle melted butter over the top before the final 20 minutes of baking.

Nutritional Value (Approximate per Serving)

For a standard serving (1/8 of recipe, without sausage or nuts):

• Calories: 235 kcal

• Protein: 7 g

• Carbohydrates: 34 g

• Fat: 8 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sodium: 420 mg

Adding sausage, nuts, or extra butter will increase calorie and fat content, but also boost protein and richness.

Why You’ll Love Stuffing with Herbs & Celery

1. Classic Flavor: The combination of celery and herbs creates that nostalgic holiday taste everyone loves.

2. Versatility: Works as a side for poultry, beef, pork, or as a vegetarian centerpiece.

3. Customizable: Add dried fruit, nuts, or sausage to suit your family’s taste.

4. Crowd-Pleaser: A dish that appeals to all ages, making it perfect for gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this stuffing gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the bread cubes with your favorite gluten-free loaf.

2. Can I prepare stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the stuffing mixture, cover it, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Store baked stuffing in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

4. What type of bread works best?
Sourdough, French bread, or even cornbread add excellent flavor and structure.

5. Is stuffing the same as dressing?
Technically, stuffing is cooked inside poultry, while dressing is baked separately. This recipe is dressing-style but often called stuffing.

Conclusion

There’s something comforting about the aroma of herbs, butter, and celery mingling in the oven—it signals that the feast is ready and loved ones are near. This Stuffing with Herbs & Celery is more than just a side dish; it’s a tradition, a memory, and a flavorful companion to any festive meal. Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.