If you’re on the hunt for a soul-satisfying side dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table, you’re going to adore this Rustic Herb Stuffing Recipe. I absolutely love how this stuffing balances the bright freshness of herbs with the cozy comfort of buttery bread—it’s the kind of dish that makes every holiday or family dinner feel extra special. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so your stuffing turns out perfectly golden, fragrant, and irresistibly delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fresh Herb Explosion: Using a mix of oregano, sage, thyme, and parsley gives this stuffing a bright, earthy punch you don’t get with dried spices.
  • Perfectly Toasted Bread Cubes: Baking the bread cubes before mixing ensures your stuffing isn’t soggy, but delightfully textured.
  • Balanced Moisture: The combination of melted butter, chicken broth, and eggs creates a rich stuffing that’s moist but not mushy.
  • Family Favorite: Since I first served this, my family goes crazy for it every holiday season—and I bet yours will too!
The image shows many toasted bread cubes with a golden brown, crispy texture mixed with chopped green herbs and bits of cooked onion, sprinkled with coarse white salt flakes. The bread pieces have uneven, rough edges and a crunchy look, with some parts darker and well-toasted, giving a varied color of deep brown to light yellow. The ingredients seem closely mixed, filling the entire frame against a white marbled background. The light highlights the texture and colors, emphasizing the crispiness and seasoning on the bread cubes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Rustic Herb Stuffing Recipe comes down to using simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Choosing quality bread and fresh herbs is key—you’ll taste the difference, I promise.

  • Country-style French bread: A crusty loaf that holds up well when toasted and soaks up flavors without turning to mush.
  • Butter: The backbone of richness; don’t skimp here because it makes the veggies caramelized and flavorful.
  • Shallots: Milder than onions, they add a delicate sweetness when sautéed.
  • Celery: Gives a subtle crunch and classic stuffing flavor.
  • Green onions: Bring a fresh oniony bite that pairs great with the herbs.
  • Fresh Italian parsley: Bright, clean notes that balance the richness.
  • Fresh oregano, sage, and thyme: The holy trinity of stuffing herbs—each adding its own character.
  • Garlic: For that aromatic depth.
  • Coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning your stuffing perfectly.
  • Eggs: They help bind everything together so the stuffing slices nicely.
  • Chicken broth: Adds moisture and meatiness without overwhelming the herbs.
  • Parmesan cheese: This might be my secret weapon, adding a savory, nutty layer to the stuffing.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to keep this Rustic Herb Stuffing Recipe pretty classic, but it’s super easy to tweak depending on what you have or your personal tastes. Feel free to make it your own!

  • Adding Nuts or Fruit: One year, I threw in some toasted pecans and dried cranberries, and it gave the stuffing a lovely texture and subtle sweetness my guests raved about.
  • Vegetarian Version: Swap out chicken broth with vegetable broth and it’s just as flavorful—great for meatless meals!
  • More Herbs or Spices: If you’re bold, try rosemary or a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
  • Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread, and everything else stays the same; you won’t lose any of that rustic charm.

How to Make Rustic Herb Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Bread Cubes

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Spread your bread cubes on a large rimmed baking sheet and bake just until they’re dry and a little golden around the edges—about 15 minutes. This step is super important because it helps your stuffing hold its shape without getting soggy later. Let them cool while you move on to the veggies.

Step 2: Sauté the Specialty Veggies and Herbs

In a heavy skillet, melt the 10 tablespoons of butter over medium heat—this is where all the flavor starts. Toss in the shallots and celery first, sautéing them for about 5-6 minutes until they soften and smell amazing. Then add your green onions, parsley, oregano, sage, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring and cooking for 6-8 more minutes until the celery is tender and the herbs have infused the butter. I love how the kitchen smells at this point—it’s just heavenly!

Step 3: Combine the Stuffing Ingredients

Put the toasted bread cubes in a very large bowl—trust me, you need plenty of space to mix everything well. Pour that warm veggie-herb mixture over the bread and toss gently to coat each cube. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and 3/4 cup of chicken broth, then add this to your bread mixture. Toss again until every piece of bread is nicely moistened. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for that extra savory touch. If it feels a little dry, add an extra 1/2 to 3/4 cup chicken broth—your stuffing should be moist but not wet.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Grease your baking dish or skillet generously with butter to keep things from sticking. Transfer the stuffing mixture into the dish, cover it with buttered foil to keep the moisture in, and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake another 30 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it near the end so it doesn’t burn. That crunch on top with the soft, herb-filled inside? Absolute magic.

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Pro Tips for Making Rustic Herb Stuffing Recipe

  • Use Fresh Herbs: I learned early on that using fresh herbs—not dried—makes a huge difference in flavor and freshness.
  • Don’t Skip Toasting Bread: Toasting your bread cubes until just dry, not burnt, prevents mushy stuffing and boosts texture.
  • Butter the Foil: Buttering the foil you cover your stuffing with keeps moisture sealed in and prevents sticking when you remove it.
  • Adjust Broth Gradually: Add broth little by little so you don’t end up with a too-wet mixture that won’t bake right.

How to Serve Rustic Herb Stuffing Recipe

A big white oval dish filled with golden brown bread cubes topped with green herbs and small bits of melted butter or cheese, creating a crispy and soft texture mix; a gold spoon rests partially inside the dish on the right side, surrounded by scattered herbs and coarse salt on a dark wooden surface, with a small white bowl of crushed nuts or spices by the top and a blue plate at the bottom right corner; the whole setting is on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh parsley or thyme leaves on top just before serving—it adds a pop of green and fresh aroma. Sometimes, a light drizzle of good olive oil right before serving can also elevate the flavors.

Side Dishes

This Rustic Herb Stuffing Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or even a succulent roast chicken. I find that simple green beans almondine or a crisp salad complement it nicely and balance all the richness on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For Thanksgiving, I’ve lined individual ramekins with bacon strips and filled them with this stuffing—guests love the presentation and the bacon adds an unexpected smoky touch. You can also bake this stuffing inside hollowed-out squash for an autumnal vibe that’s both rustic and festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

My favorite way to store leftovers is in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 3 days. The flavor actually deepens overnight, so I often make the stuffing a day ahead just to let everything soak in.

Freezing

Believe it or not, this Rustic Herb Stuffing Recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags before baking, and then thaw in the fridge overnight when I’m ready to use it. Baking after thawing works just as well, and it tastes almost freshly made!

Reheating

Reheating works best in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to keep moisture in, for 15-20 minutes. If you want to revive a crisp top, remove foil for the last 5 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch, but you might lose some of that beautiful texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Rustic Herb Stuffing Recipe vegetarian?

    Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for a good-quality vegetable broth, and skip the Parmesan if you want it vegan—though I recommend a vegan cheese alternative to keep that savory depth.

  2. How do I know when the bread cubes are perfectly toasted?

    When the bread is dry and lightly golden on the edges but not browned or crispy hard, it’s just right. They should feel firm but still a little soft—not brittle or burnt.

  3. Can I prepare the vegetable mixture ahead of time?

    Yes! You can sauté the veggies and herbs a day in advance, then store them in the fridge. Warm them slightly before tossing with the bread and other ingredients to keep your stuffing fresh and flavorful.

  4. What if my stuffing feels too dry before baking?

    Add broth a little at a time until the bread cubes feel moist but still hold their shape. The mixture should be damp but not soggy—this will give you that perfect texture after baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Rustic Herb Stuffing Recipe a try soon—it’s become one of my all-time favorites because it’s both comforting and elegant without any fuss. You really can count on it to be a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone to the table with big smiles. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy dinner, you’ll enjoy making this your go-to stuffing recipe time and time again.

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Rustic Herb Stuffing Recipe

4.5 from 104 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This Rustic Herb Stuffing is a savory, homemade side dish featuring crusty country-style French bread cubes toasted to perfection and combined with a flavorful sauté of shallots, celery, green onions, and fresh herbs. Enhanced with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and rich butter, the stuffing is moistened with chicken broth and baked until golden and irresistibly aromatic, making it the perfect complement to any holiday feast or comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Bread and Butter

  • 1 loaf country-style French bread with crust, cut into 1-inch cubes (roughly 8 cups)
  • 10 tablespoons butter

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 2 shallots, finely sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 2 bunches green onions, thinly sliced
  • 3/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Dairy

  • 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups chicken broth (plus additional 1/2 to 3/4 cup as needed)
  • 4 ounces coarsely grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Toast the bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the bread cubes on a large rimmed baking sheet and bake until the bread cubes are dry and lightly toasted, about 15 minutes. Remove and let cool.
  2. Sauté the aromatics and herbs: In a heavy, large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and chopped celery, and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until starting to soften. Stir in the green onions, chopped parsley, oregano, sage, thyme, minced garlic, coarse kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Continue to sauté for 6 to 8 more minutes until the celery is tender and the mixture is fragrant.
  3. Combine bread and vegetable mixture: Generously grease a large skillet or baking dish to prevent sticking. Place the toasted bread cubes into a very large bowl. Add the warm sautéed vegetable and herb mixture, tossing well to distribute evenly.
  4. Prepare the egg and broth mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and 3/4 cup of the chicken broth until fully combined.
  5. Mix stuffing ingredients: Pour the egg and broth mixture over the bread and vegetable mixture. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the bread cubes evenly. Stir in the coarsely grated Parmesan cheese. If the stuffing appears dry at this point, add additional chicken broth (about 1/2 to 3/4 cup) gradually until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
  6. Bake the stuffing: Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish with buttered foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven at 375°F for 30 minutes.
  7. Finish baking uncovered: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking the stuffing until the top is golden brown and crisp, about 30 more minutes. Remove from oven and let rest slightly before serving.

Notes

  • This stuffing recipe is perfectly flavorful without needing nuts, sausage, or mushrooms—ideal for those who prefer a classic herb-based side dish.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • Ensure bread cubes are properly toasted to prevent sogginess in the final dish.
  • Feel free to adjust the herb quantities according to taste preference.
  • Make-ahead tip: Prepare the bread cubes and the sautéed vegetable mixture a day in advance; assemble and bake before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 368 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 1498 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 13 g
  • Cholesterol: 113 mg
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Hi, I’m Julia! A foodie who believes in keeping cooking simple, fun, and full of flavor. From quick weeknight meals to tasty treats, I’m here to share recipes that make life a little easier—and a lot more delicious. Let’s get cooking!

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