Ingredients
Bread
- 12 cups Stale White Bread – cut into 1 inch cubes (approx 1 lb 4 oz loaf of bread)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 large yellow or white onion, chopped
- 2 cups celery, chopped (including stalks and leaves)
- 3 tbsp fresh sage, chopped (heaping)
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped (Curly or Italian)
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1/2 tsp marjoram
Other Ingredients
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp butter (divided)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock
Instructions
- Prepare Stale Bread Cubes: Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. To stale the bread, either leave the cubes out on a sheet pan overnight at room temperature or quickly dry them in a preheated 250°F oven for 30 minutes, tossing every 5-10 minutes for even drying.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Set the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish generously with butter or oil. If doubling the recipe, use a 9×13 or 10×15 dish.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt 3/4 cup butter. Add chopped onions and celery, cooking slowly until completely softened, about 20-30 minutes, allowing flavors to develop.
- Season Vegetables: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in kosher salt, black pepper, poultry seasoning, marjoram, fresh sage, and parsley, combining well with the softened vegetables.
- Mix Eggs and Broth: In a small bowl, whisk together the two eggs and 1 cup of chicken broth until fully blended.
- Combine Bread and Vegetable Mixture: Place the stale bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the seasoned vegetable mixture over the bread and stir to incorporate. Then add the egg and broth mixture, stirring until the bread absorbs the liquid evenly.
- Assemble Stuffing in Baking Dish: Transfer the stuffing mixture into the buttered baking dish. Cube the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and dot the top of the stuffing evenly.
- Bake Stuffing: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes. For an extra crispy topping, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately while warm and flavorful.
Notes
- Using stale bread is essential to prevent the stuffing from becoming soggy. If fresh bread is used, use the oven drying method to crisp it up.
- Fresh herbs add brightness and depth; dried herbs can be substituted but reduce quantity by half.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Butter quantity can be adjusted for dietary preferences, but it adds richness and flavor.
- To store leftovers, cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American