Simple Sourdough Stuffing

OVERVIEW

• Skill Level: Beginner
• Component Used: Sourdough Bread

This easy recipe combines sourdough bread and fresh herbs making it the best stuffing! For this recipe, you can use homemade sourdough bread or store-bought. You can also add sausage if you prefer sausage stuffing!

Variation Ideas

Vegetarian: To make this recipe vegetarian, simply change the chicken/turkey broth to veggie stock.

Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and leave out the egg (no substitutions needed). Replace the butter with 2/3 cup of canola oil or vegan butter.

Other Bread Types: You don’t have to use sourdough bread with this recipe. Try challah, sandwich bread, baguettes, cornbread or even store-bought dried bread cubes.

Sausage and Apple Stuffing: Apple goes so well with sausage! Simply add 1 pound of cooked ground sausage to the mix and add 1-2 cored and chopped tart apples (like Granny Smith) to the bowl with the bread, sausage, and veggies. This variation is a great way to elevate your Thanksgiving meal.

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing

Gather all of the remaining ingredients. Dice the onion, celery, and garlic. Grate the carrot. Chop the fresh parsley, sage, and rosemary.

In a large skillet on medium heat, melt the butter and cook the onions and celery for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the carrot and garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the chopped sage and rosemary and cook for a couple more minutes until you start to smell the fragrance from the fresh herbs. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Stuffing

In a large bowl add the dried bread cubes and the entire pan of butter and veggies. Sprinkle the fresh parsley, salt, and pepper over the top. Gently stir to combine.

Add in the beaten eggs and slowly start to pour in the chicken broth. Do not pour it all in at once. Start with the lesser amount listed and stir to combine. I suggest using 2 large spoons to gently toss the mixture like a salad or toss by hand. Add in just enough broth to moisten every bread cube but not soak them. You may or may not need the entire amount listed.

Pour the stuffing mixture into an oil-sprayed baking dish and top with aluminum foil. I suggest placing the dish in the refrigerator overnight (or up to 2 days) before baking so that the flavors combine and become more intense. It also helps the bread to stick together and not fall apart after baking.

Step 4: Bake the Stuffing

Bake the stuffing with aluminum foil on top for 30 minutes on 350°F/ 175°C. Remove the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes to get a golden brown, crispy top. Serve warm.

FAQ

What’s the difference between stuffing and dressing?

Stuffing and dressing are essentially the same thing as they are made with the same ingredients: bread, vegetables, broth, and herbs. The only difference is that stuffing is literally stuffed inside a poultry cavity before baking and dressing is served on the side.

For this recipe, I’m calling it a “stuffing” even though it’s not stuffed inside a bird because it tends to be the more common term for this Thanksgiving dish.

Can you use any bread for stuffing?

There are several types of bread you can use for stuffing. It just needs to be a high-quality bread like sourdough, French, Italian, challah, brioche, or even cornbread! Some say that fluffy white sandwich bread is to be avoided because it’s too soft but as long as you properly dry it out, white sandwich bread can make a great stuffing.

Can I bake the stuffing immediately after assembling?

You can bake stuffing immediately, however, I suggest storing it in the refrigerator overnight or longer. This gives the bread time to fully soak in the broth and start to stick together.

Make-Ahead Sourdough Stuffing

How to prep ahead: Stuffing only benefits from prepping ahead! In fact, I recommend it. Make the stuffing as written but do not bake it. Cover it in aluminum foil and place in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before baking. This step helps the flavors to come together and allows the bread to adhere to each other.

How to store in the freezer: You can freeze unbaked or baked stuffing for up to 3 months. It does not need to thaw before baking. In fact, I suggest you do not thaw it as it can affect the texture of the bread and become soggy. It’s best to bake it straight from frozen! Because of this, do not freeze in a glass or ceramic casserole dish as moving it from the freezer to the oven will cause thermal shock. Instead, use a metal baking pan.

Unbaked stuffing can go in the freezer wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. When ready, remove the plastic wrap and replace with aluminum foil and bake from frozen. Bake on 350°F/ 175°C for 40 minutes, remove foil, and bake another 15-20 minutes.

Baked stuffing can go in the freezer after it’s been completely cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When ready, remove the plastic wrap and add aluminum foil and refresh in the oven. Bake on 325°F/ 163°C for 15 minutes, remove foil, and bake another 5 minutes.

MORE RECIPES FROM BAKER BETTIE!

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might like to try these other recipes for your holiday table.

• Soft Yeast Rolls
• Orange Cranberry Jam
• Butternut Squash Casserole
• Creamy Pumpkin Pie
• Dutch Pear Pie
• Cranberry Apple Pie