Oh, the holidays! The big roast is planned, the gravy is simmering, but if you’re anything like me, the side dishes keep you awake at night. We all need a few recipes we can trust implicitly when the in-laws walk in the door, right? That’s why I’m sharing my go-to, can’t-fail secret weapon: this Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays. Forget mushy bread! This recipe is all about getting that perfect texture—crispy on top, deeply savory, and just moist enough inside. I spent years fiddling with dry bread cubes until I landed on this exact mix of sourdough and herbs, and honestly, it changed Thanksgiving forever.
Why This Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays Works (E-E-A-T)
So, why sourdough? That tangy flavor cuts right through the richness of the roast dinner, and trust me, it makes all the difference. But the real secret to this Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays is texture, folks. We aren’t just mixing bread and broth here; we are building a foundation!
You absolutely have to dry out those cubes first. Toasting them in the oven until they are firm and slightly crunchy is non-negotiable. This step ensures they absorb that wonderful, herby broth without turning into complete soup. When you toast them right, you get that beautiful, golden cap while keeping the inside fluffy. It’s that contrast, that little savory crunch, that makes people ask for the recipe every single year!
Gathering Ingredients for Your Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays
Let’s talk about what you need to pull off this amazing Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays. Don’t stress, most of this is already hanging out in your pantry, but the quality matters! You’ll need about a pound of that glorious, day-old sourdough bread, cut into nice 1-inch cubes. We melt half a cup of unsalted butter—I never skimp on butter, do you? Then come the aromatics: two cups of yellow onion and two cups of celery, both chopped.
For the flavor bomb, we use a tablespoon of fresh sage, chopped up small, along with a teaspoon each of dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Finally, two large eggs need to be lightly beaten, and you’ll need two cups of good chicken or vegetable broth to bring it all together. It sounds simple, but that sourdough base elevates it!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays
Listen, if your sourdough isn’t truly stale—I mean, rock hard—you need to toast it extra well! That texture is everything. If you’re really going for peak flavor, skip the plain broth and use the drippings from your roast turkey if you have them. That just infuses so much extra love into every bite. It’s like cheating, but in a good way!
Also, using fresh sage is important here; dried sage can be overpowering. If you can’t find fresh sage, just dial back the amount if you use dried, maybe half a teaspoon. Remember, this is your holiday table, so feel free to check out other great stuffing ideas, like this Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon for a different texture!
Essential Equipment for Making Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays
Before you even think about cubing that bread, let’s make sure your kitchen is set up for success! You don’t need fancy gadgets for this Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays, but having the right pans makes cleanup a breeze.
First up, grab a nice big baking sheet—this is crucial for toasting those sourdough cubes evenly. You’ll also want a big skillet for softening all those onions and celery. The main event happens in a standard 9×13 inch baking dish. That’s it! Three main pieces of cookware, and you’re ready to make some holiday magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays
Okay, deep breaths! We’ve got the ingredients ready, the bread is toasted, and now we bring it all together. This is the easy part, honestly, as long as you follow the order of operations. First things first: get that oven warmed up to 350 degrees F. While it’s heating, make sure you grease up your 9×13 inch baking dish—we want a clean release later!
Remember those beautiful, dry sourdough cubes? Those need to go onto a baking sheet and into the oven first for about 10 to 15 minutes, just until they feel nice and brittle. We toast them way before we mix anything! Next up is building that incredible flavor base. Melt that half-cup of butter in a big skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and celery. You want them soft, sweet, and slightly golden, which usually takes about 8 minutes of gentle cooking.
Once the veggies are happy, toss in your herbs: the fresh sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir that around for just a minute until you can really smell that earthy, savory aroma rising up—it’s wonderful! Now, take those toasted cubes and dump them into a really large bowl. Add the skillet mixture right on top of the bread.
Time for the liquid! In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk those two eggs together and pour in your two cups of broth. This mixture needs a quick whisk to avoid scrambling the eggs when they hit the heat later. Pour this egg/broth mixture over the bread and vegetables. Mix it gently! I mean it—toss it using your hands if you have to, but don’t mash it. We need every piece of sourdough coated, but we aren’t making bread soup!
Once everything is coated evenly, scoop it into your greased baking dish. Pop it into that 350-degree oven for 30 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden brown top and a center that’s heated all the way through. If you’re looking for alternative cooking methods, you can read about how my friend makes a fantastic Cornbread Dressing, but for this sourdough version, baking in the pan is key.
Tips for Success with Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays
The biggest trap with stuffing is sogginess, so a couple of extra tips here. When you pour that egg mixture over the bread, be patient. Toss it gently until almost all the liquid is absorbed, but if you see puddles at the bottom of the bowl, stop adding liquid! The bread should be moist, not swimming. That excess liquid will make your wonderful sourdough turn gluey.
Now, for the crowning achievement: crispiness! The recipe says bake for 30 to 40 minutes, right? Well, for the last 10 minutes, I always pull the foil off—if you used foil—or just leave it uncovered. That blast of dry oven heat creates that perfect, slightly chewy crust on top. That crust is the best part, I swear!
Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays
This Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays is ready to shine, but it needs friends! This savory side dish goes incredibly well with almost any roasted bird, obviously. It’s hearty enough that it stands up beautifully next to a big roast turkey or that gorgeous slow-roasted ham you’ve been dreaming about. I even served it last year alongside some simple roasted root vegetables, and it was the star of the plate, no contest.
It also pairs surprisingly well with something bright, like a Homemade Cranberry Sauce, which cuts the richness of the butter and sourdough. Honestly, serve it hot, right out of that baking dish, and you’ve won the side dish war for the year.
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftover Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays
If you are lucky enough to have any leftover Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays—which is rare in my house—storage is simple. Let it cool down completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to an airtight container. It keeps perfectly well in the fridge for about three to four days. I wouldn’t push it past four, just to be safe!
Reheating is best done in the oven! Pop the leftovers in a dish, maybe add a tiny splash of broth or just a teaspoon of water over the top to wake it up, cover it loosely with foil, and bake at 350 degrees F until heated through—maybe 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re desperate, the microwave works, but you’ll lose all that fantastic crispiness on top, so only use the microwave if you plan to eat it right away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays
Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is inherently vegetarian if you just stick to vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The herbs and the sourdough provide all the deep, earthy flavor you need. I’ve made it meat-free many times when friends couldn’t eat poultry, and people never noticed anything was missing!
What if I don’t have sourdough bread? Can I use regular white bread?
You totally can, but wow, you’ll miss out! That slight sour tang from the sourdough balances the savory herbs so beautifully. If you must use regular white bread, make sure you use a hearty, day-old loaf, and maybe add a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar to the broth mixture to mimic some of that needed acidity. Don’t forget to check out this Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls if you want to try a different bread base next time.
How far ahead of time can I prepare this stuffing?
This is a great stress-saver! You can toast the bread cubes the day before—keep them sealed tightly in a bag at room temperature so they don’t absorb any moisture. Better yet, you can mix the entire dish together—bread, veggies, and liquid—the night before! Cover it and keep it in the fridge. Just remember that if you bake it straight from the fridge, you’ll need to add about 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time so it gets thoroughly heated.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays
Now, I always tell people not to worry about the numbers when it comes to holiday food, but for those of you tracking things, here’s a quick snapshot of what my testing showed for this Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays. Please remember this is just an estimate based on the ingredients I listed, especially the butter content!
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g (with 10g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 12g
Share Your Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays Experience
I am so excited for you to try this recipe! It’s truly the best! Once you pull that golden, fluffy, magnificent stuffing out of the oven, please come back and let me know how it went. Did the sourdough crust crisp up just right? Star this recipe for next year! I love hearing how this recipe becomes part of your family traditions, just like my Ultimate Fall Spice Latte has become part of my morning routine!
Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays
This Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays is ready to shine, but it needs friends! This savory side dish goes incredibly well with almost any roasted bird, obviously. It’s hearty enough that it stands up beautifully next to a big roast turkey or that gorgeous slow-roasted ham you’ve been dreaming about.
I even served it last year alongside some simple roasted root vegetables, and it was the star of the plate, no contest. It pairs surprisingly well with something bright, like a irresistible cranberry turkey stuffing balls recipe, which cuts the richness of the butter and sourdough. Honestly, serve it hot, right out of that baking dish, and you’ve won the side dish war for the year!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftover Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays
If you are lucky enough to have any leftover Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays—which, let’s be honest, is sometimes a miracle in my house—storage is super easy. Just let it cool down completely first! Seriously, don’t put a hot dish straight into the fridge; it’s not safe. Once it’s room temperature, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or scoop it into an airtight container. It stays fantastic in the fridge for about three to four days. I stick to four days maximum, just to keep everything tasting its best.
When it’s time for round two—and trust me, leftover stuffing is amazing—the oven is your best friend for keeping that texture! Preheat your oven to about 350 degrees F. Transfer the stuffing to a fresh baking dish, add just a tiny little splash of chicken broth, maybe a teaspoon, to wake it up, and cover it loosely with foil. Bake it for about 15 to 20 minutes until it’s heated right through to the middle. If you dump it in the microwave, you’ll lose all that beautiful, crispy top layer we worked so hard for, so save the microwave for warming up coffee!
Frequently Asked Questions About Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays
Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is inherently vegetarian if you just stick to vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The herbs and the sourdough provide all the deep, earthy flavor you need. I’ve made it meat-free many times when friends couldn’t eat poultry, and people never noticed anything was missing!
What if I don’t have sourdough bread? Can I use regular white bread?
You totally can, but wow, you’ll miss out! That slight sour tang from the sourdough balances the savory herbs so beautifully. If you must use regular white bread, make sure you use a hearty, day-old loaf, and maybe add a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar to the broth mixture to mimic some of that needed acidity. Serving this with a bright sauce, like my homemade cranberry sauce, really brightens up the whole plate!
How far ahead of time can I prepare this stuffing?
This is a great stress-saver! You can toast the bread cubes the day before—keep them sealed tightly in a bag at room temperature so they don’t absorb any moisture. Better yet, you can mix the entire dish together—bread, veggies, and liquid—the night before! Cover it and keep it in the fridge. Just remember that if you bake it straight from the fridge, you’ll need to add about 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time so it gets thoroughly heated.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays
Now, I always tell people not to worry about the numbers when it comes to holiday food, but for those of you tracking things, here’s a quick snapshot of what my testing showed for this Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays. Please remember this is just an estimate based on the ingredients I listed, especially the butter content!
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g (with 10g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 12g
Share Your Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe For The Holidays Experience
I am so excited for you to try this recipe! It’s truly the best! Once you pull that golden, fluffy, magnificent stuffing out of the oven, please come back and let me know how it went. Did the sourdough crust crisp up just right? Star this recipe for next year! I love hearing how this recipe becomes part of your family traditions, just like my Ultimate Fall Spice Latte has become part of my morning routine!
Print
Delicious Sourdough Stuffing Recipe
- Total Time: 60 min
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A straightforward recipe for savory sourdough stuffing suitable for holiday meals.
Ingredients
- 1 pound day-old sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups chopped yellow onion
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the bread cubes on a large baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until lightly toasted and dry. Set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery. Cook until softened, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in the sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes and the cooked vegetable mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and broth. Pour this liquid mixture over the bread and vegetables. Toss gently until the bread is evenly moistened.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is heated through.
Notes
- For a crispier top, uncover the dish for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- You can substitute turkey broth for chicken broth if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 40 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
- Cholesterol: 80
Keywords: sourdough stuffing, holiday side dish, bread stuffing, savory stuffing, Thanksgiving side