Crispy Herb Stuffing

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Golden, toasty, and bursting with aromatic herbs, this Crispy Herb Stuffing is the ultimate savory side dish your table needs. Made with crusty bread cubes, caramelized onions, fresh herbs, and just the right amount of butter, it offers a balance of crunch and moist, buttery softness inside.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or simply craving comfort food, this stuffing delivers on all fronts. It pairs beautifully with turkey, chicken, or a rich mushroom gravy, making it a versatile must-have for gatherings or weeknight indulgence.

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Why You’ll Love This Crispy Herb Stuffing

This stuffing skips the sogginess and delivers crispy, golden edges with rich flavor in every bite. Fresh rosemary and thyme create a cozy, fragrant base while the browned bits offer texture that everyone at the table fights over. It’s vegetarian-friendly, oven-baked, and easy to prep ahead. Truly a no-fail side that complements nearly anything you serve.

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What Kind of Bread Should I Use for Stuffing?

A sturdy, crusty loaf is ideal—think sourdough, Italian, or French bread. Day-old or lightly toasted bread cubes soak up the butter and broth without turning mushy. Avoid soft sandwich bread, which breaks down too easily and results in a soggy texture.

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Ingredients for the Crispy Herb Stuffing

• Crusty bread: This is the heart of your stuffing, providing structure and that craveable crisp top.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps crisp the bread without making it greasy.
• Yellow onions: Slowly cooked until golden, they build a deep, sweet flavor base.
• Celery: Brings freshness and a tender crunch to contrast the bread.
• Fresh rosemary and thyme: Infuse the dish with warm, woodsy aromas.
• Parsley: Adds brightness and color at the end.
• Salt and pepper: For balanced seasoning throughout.
• Vegetable broth: Moistens the bread just enough to soften the interior while allowing the top to crisp beautifully.

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How To Make the Crispy Herb Stuffing

Step 1: Prep the Bread

Cut the crusty bread into 3/4-inch cubes. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 300°F for 25 minutes until dry and golden. Let cool.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery. Cook for 10-12 minutes until softened and golden. Stir in rosemary and thyme; cook another minute.

Step 3: Combine with Bread

In a large bowl, toss toasted bread cubes with the sautéed mixture and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle in warm vegetable broth while tossing until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Press gently into an even layer. Bake at 375°F for 40-45 minutes until the top is deeply golden and crisp.

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How to Serve Crispy Herb Stuffing

This recipe yields about 8 generous servings, perfect for a holiday gathering or hearty dinner. Serve it alongside turkey, roasted chicken, or vegetarian mains. It also holds its own with mushroom gravy, roasted vegetables, or even as a stuffing for bell peppers or squash.

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Storing Crispy Herb Stuffing

Let leftovers cool completely before covering. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat and retain crispness, spread the stuffing in a baking dish and warm in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which softens the texture.

For longer storage, freeze portions in sealed freezer bags for up to one month. Reheat from frozen in a covered dish at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything the day before and refrigerate unbaked. On serving day, bring to room temp and bake.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs are ideal for brightness, but you can use dried—just reduce the quantity by half.

What kind of bread works best?
Sourdough, Italian, or French bread with a sturdy crust works best. Avoid sandwich bread.

Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based butter and ensure your broth is vegan. The texture and flavor will still shine.

How do I get the stuffing extra crispy?
Use a wide, shallow baking dish and don’t over-moisten the bread. You can also broil for the last 2 minutes.

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Want More Side Dish Ideas?

If you loved this Crispy Herb Stuffing, try one of these cozy sides from the Life With Livia kitchen:

• Creamy Baked Onions with Asiago Cheese for a rich, cheesy twist.
• Cheesy Creamed Spinach if you want classic comfort in a skillet.
• Parmesan Garlic Potato Wedges for a crispy, crowd-pleasing starch.
• Mama’s Cornbread Dressing for Southern-style soul food.
• Crispy Parmesan and Gruyere Potato Gratin when you’re in the mood for indulgence.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms? Maybe a splash of white wine? I’d love to hear your twists or answer any questions you have—we’re all about making your kitchen time rewarding.

For more daily ideas and behind-the-scenes peeks into my kitchen, follow along on Life With Livia.

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