Looking for a quick dinner idea that feels cozy, classic, and incredibly satisfying? This crispy herb stuffing is the perfect answer. Made with day-old bread, fresh herbs, and plenty of buttery flavor, it delivers golden crunch on top with a tender, savory center. Whether you’re cooking a quick lunch, an easy dinner for two, or a comforting side dish, this recipe comes together with minimal prep and big payoff.
Why You’ll Love This Herb Stuffing
- Quick & easy: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps
- Crispy texture: Perfectly golden on the outside, soft inside
- Family-friendly: No alcohol, no pork, just classic flavors
- Versatile: Works as a side dish or a light main for lunch or dinner
- Great for two: Easily scaled without waste
This stuffing proves you don’t need a holiday to enjoy warm, herby comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 loaves day-old bread, cubed
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
How to Make Herb Stuffing (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Cut the day-old bread into bite-sized cubes. If it isn’t fully dry, spread it on a baking sheet and toast lightly in the oven until just crisp.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, cooking until soft and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Add Herbs & Seasoning
Mix in parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Let the herbs bloom in the butter for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Combine with Bread
Transfer bread cubes to a large bowl. Pour the herb-butter mixture over the bread and toss gently.
Step 5: Add Broth
Slowly add broth, tossing until the bread is moist but not soggy.
Step 6: Bake Until Crispy
Spread the mixture into a baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp.
Tips & Variations
- Extra crunch: Bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes
- Dried herbs: Use one-third the amount if fresh herbs aren’t available
- Butter swap: Olive oil or plant-based butter works well
- Bread options: Sourdough or whole-wheat bread adds depth
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this crispy herb stuffing alongside roasted vegetables, chicken, or a simple salad. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
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Herb Stuffing | Crispy Side Dish Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Herb Stuffing is a buttery, golden side dish made with day-old bread, fresh herbs, and sautéed onion, celery, and garlic. It’s crunchy on top, tender in the middle, and perfect for a quick lunch or easy dinner for two.
Ingredients
2 loaves day-old bread, cubed
1 cup unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 stalks celery, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Prep the bread: Cut bread into cubes. If bread isn’t dry, spread on a sheet pan and toast at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes, stirring once, until lightly crisp.
2. Sauté veggies: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery; cook 6–8 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic + herbs: Stir in garlic; cook 30 seconds. Add parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper; stir 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Combine: Add bread cubes to a large bowl (or keep in the pan if it’s big enough). Pour the herb-butter mixture over bread and toss to coat.
5. Moisten: Slowly pour in broth, tossing as you go, until bread is evenly moist but not soggy.
6. Bake: Transfer to a baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
7. Serve: Let cool 5 minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
For extra crispiness, bake uncovered the whole time and broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely).
No fresh herbs? Use dried: parsley 2 tsp, rosemary 1 tsp, thyme 1 tsp.
For a lighter option, replace half the butter with olive oil.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat in the oven to bring back the crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~320 | 6g | 34g | 18g | 3g | 620mg |
Final Thoughts
This crispy herb stuffing is proof that comfort food can be quick, simple, and incredibly flavorful. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed lunches, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.