Keto Classic Homemade Bread Stuffing

Prep: 20 minCook: 55 min12 servingsmediumAmerican
Classic Homemade Bread Stuffing with Herbs and Butter

This traditional stuffing combines fresh and dried bread cubes with aromatic herbs, creating the perfect balance of textures. Sautéed celery, onion, and garlic form a flavorful base, while sage, thyme, and rosemary add classic holiday warmth. The mixture of fresh and dried bread ensures ideal moisture absorption, resulting in stuffing that's tender inside with a golden, slightly crispy top. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering where comfort food takes center stage.

Ingredients

12 servings
  • ½ pound sourdough or French baguette, cubed, fresh
    white bread1:1basic

    any sturdy bread works

    Full guide →
  • ½ pound sourdough or French baguette, cubed, dried
    white bread1:1basic

    any sturdy bread works

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, divided
    olive oil3/4:1dairy-freedairy-free

    reduces richness slightly

    Full guide →
  • 4 stalks celery, finely diced
  • 1 whole yellow onion, finely diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 ½ tablespoons sage, minced
  • 3 tablespoons thyme, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rosemary, minced
  • 2 cups chicken stock, warm
    vegetable stock1:1vegetarian

    for vegetarian version

    Full guide →
  • 2 whole eggs
  • salt, to taste(optional)
  • pepper, to taste(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Melt butter except for 2 tablespoons in large skillet over medium heat

  2. 2

    Add celery and onion and sauté for 10 minutes, season with salt and pepper

  3. 3

    Add garlic and herbs and continue sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes

  4. 4

    Combine fresh and dried bread cubes in large mixing bowl

  5. 5

    Add butter mixture to bread and toss until evenly combined

  6. 6

    Preheat oven to 350°F

  7. 7

    Pour stock over bread mixture and toss until combined, season with salt and pepper

  8. 8

    Let mixture rest for 30 minutes for bread to absorb liquids, then toss again

  9. 9

    Add eggs to bread mixture and mix thoroughly

  10. 10

    Rub baking dish with remaining butter

  11. 11

    Pour stuffing into baking dish

  12. 12

    Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until soft center with crispy top

Tips

Tip 1

Mix fresh and dried bread for optimal texture - fresh adds moisture while dried prevents mushiness

Tip 2

Let the mixture rest 30 minutes so bread fully absorbs the flavorful stock and butter

Tip 3

For extra crispy top, increase oven temperature to 375°F for the last 10 minutes

Good to Know

Storage

Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days, reheat covered at 325°F

Make Ahead

Assemble completely up to 1 day ahead, add 10 minutes to baking time

Serve With

Serve immediately while hot, pairs with turkey, ham, or roasted chicken

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip the resting time or bread won't absorb flavors properly

Watch

Avoid over-mixing after adding eggs to prevent dense texture

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

butter
olive oil3/4:1dairy-freedairy-free

reduces richness slightly

Full guide →

General Alternatives

chicken stock
vegetable stock1:1vegetarian

for vegetarian version

Full guide →
sourdough
white bread1:1basic

any sturdy bread works

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock. The flavor will be slightly milder but still delicious with all the herbs and aromatics.

What if my stuffing seems too dry?

Add warm stock gradually, 1/4 cup at a time, until mixture feels moist but not soggy. Different breads absorb liquid differently.

How long will leftovers keep?

Store covered in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in microwave or covered in 325°F oven until warmed through.