Savory Holiday Stuffing
This easy healthy stuffing recipe is filled with hearty bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, and smoky beef, making it perfect as a fall dinner idea or the star side dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 cups cubed day-old bread (French, sourdough, or country loaf)
- 1.5 cups smoked beef, diced (ham substitution)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter 1 stick
- 2.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Herbs and Spices
- 2 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- Dice onion and celery into small, even pieces.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add smoked beef and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned.
- Add onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute to release the aromas.
- Place cubed bread in a large mixing bowl. Pour skillet mixture over bread and toss until evenly coated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk broth and eggs. Pour over bread mixture and gently mix — bread should be moist but not soggy.
- Spread stuffing into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.
Cooking
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until golden and slightly crisp on top.
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving — the inside should be moist and tender.
Notes
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven to keep it crispy. Substitute smoked beef with smoked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Assemble stuffing the night before and bake fresh on the day of serving. Serve with roasted turkey, baked chicken, or as a comforting side for any fall dinner.