There’s something special about a classic stuffing recipe that brings families together during the holidays. ✨ I’ve perfected this Good Housekeeping-inspired version that delivers timeless flavor and comforting warmth to your holiday table.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. You’ll start with crusty bread, which provides the perfect base for absorbing the savory herb mixture. I use a blend of aromatic vegetables, fresh herbs, and just the right amount of seasoning to create a deliciously balanced flavor profile.
As you mix everything together, the aroma alone will get everyone excited for the big meal. This stuffing cooks to golden-brown perfection, with a crispy top and a moist, tender interior. It’s the perfect complement to your roasted turkey and other holiday favorites.
Let’s get started on this comforting classic that’ll become a new family tradition. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a delicious homemade stuffing that’ll be the star of your holiday spread.
Ingredients for good housekeeping stuffing
Gather these simple ingredients to create a classic holiday stuffing that’ll become a family favorite.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crusty Bread 🍞 | 4 cups | Cubed, day-old preferred |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | 6 tbsp | Melted for sautéing |
| Onion 🧅 | 1 whole | Finely chopped |
| Celery 🥕 | 2 stalks | Diced finely |
| Fresh Sage 🌿 | 2 tbsp | Chopped, fresh preferred |
| Fresh Thyme 🌿 | 1 tbsp | Chopped, fresh preferred |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | Kosher or sea salt |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
| Chicken Broth 🍲 | 2 cups | Low-sodium, warmed |
| Dried Sage 🌿 | ½ tsp | Rubbed, for extra depth |
| Poultry Seasoning 🧂 | ½ tsp | Optional, but recommended |
| Eggs 🥚 | 2 whole | Beaten, for binding |
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For the best flavor, use high-quality ingredients like fresh herbs from your local farmer's market or trusted grocery stores like Whole Foods. Choose day-old bread for better texture—stale bread absorbs the broth beautifully without getting mushy. Look for low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level in your stuffing.
If you don't have fresh sage or thyme, you can substitute with dried herbs at one-third the amount called for. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also customize with your favorite herbs or add-ins like dried cranberries or chopped nuts.
Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered, until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked stuffing for up to 1 month—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic Good Housekeeping Stuffing
Let me guide you through preparing this timeless holiday stuffing recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
👨🍳 Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Aromatics
Start by cubing the 4 cups of crusty bread into 1-inch pieces. I prefer using day-old bread as it holds up better to the wet ingredients. Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet and let them dry out for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the aromatics.
Finely chop the 1 whole onion and 2 stalks of celery. I like to use a food processor with the slicing attachment to make quick work of this task. You’ll need 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh sage and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme. Make sure to chop these herbs just before using to preserve their flavor and aroma.
🍳 Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics in Butter
In a large skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and celery. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and lightly browned. You’ll know they’re ready when they release a fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen.
Stir in the chopped fresh sage and thyme, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the herbs are fragrant. Be careful not to burn the herbs, as this can quickly make your stuffing taste bitter. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
👨🍳 Step 3: Combine Bread, Aromatics, and Seasonings
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, sautéed aromatics, 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, 0.5 teaspoon of dried sage, and 0.5 teaspoon of poultry seasoning. Toss gently until the bread is evenly coated with the aromatics and seasonings.
I like to use my hands or a large silicone spatula to mix everything together, ensuring that all the bread is coated. The mixture should be fragrant and evenly distributed. If you’re preparing this ahead, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
🥘 Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients and Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of warmed low-sodium chicken broth and 2 beaten eggs. Pour this mixture over the bread mixture and toss until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy. The bread should be coated but still retain some texture.
Be gentle when mixing to avoid breaking up the bread cubes. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a bit more chicken broth, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The mixture should hold together when squeezed gently in your hand.
🔥 Step 5: Bake the Stuffing
Transfer the prepared stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If cooking inside a turkey, loosely fill the turkey cavity. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
The stuffing is done when it’s heated through and the top is nicely browned. If you’re cooking it outside the turkey, you can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center – it should come out warm. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Good Housekeeping’s classic stuffing recipe is a staple for the holidays, and for good reason. This tried-and-true recipe has been a family favorite for generations, and its timeless flavors are sure to become a tradition in your household as well. 🍞
Preparing the Ingredients 🔪
To start, you’ll need a few simple ingredients, including bread, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings. You’ll want to cube 4 cups of bread and toast it until it’s lightly browned. Meanwhile, sauté 2 cups of chopped celery and 1 cup of chopped onion in butter until they’re softened. Add in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- 4 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1 tsp sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Assembling the Stuffing 🥘
In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread, sautéed vegetables, and herbs. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 2 beaten eggs. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and toss until the bread is evenly coated. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. 💡
Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and heated through. ⏰
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Good Housekeeping Stuffing
These tried-and-tested tips will help you achieve perfect results with this classic holiday stuffing recipe every time.
Bread Preparation: In Step 1, when cubing the bread, using day-old bread is crucial as it holds up better to the wet ingredients. If you’re using fresh bread, try to dry it out for at least 30 minutes to achieve the right texture. 🔥
Aromatic Enhancement: When sautéing the onion and celery in Step 2, cook them until they’re softened and lightly browned. This brings out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor, which is essential for a rich stuffing.
Mixing Technique: In Step 4, when combining the bread with the wet ingredients, be gentle to avoid breaking up the bread cubes. Use a large silicone spatula or your hands to mix everything together, ensuring the bread is evenly coated without becoming mushy.
Make-Ahead Strategy: You can prepare the stuffing mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. 💡
Nutrition Facts
320kcal
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Trained in classic French technique but raised on slow-cooked ribs and spicy rubs, she blends culinary skill with smoke and soul.
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