Holiday Stuffing with Herbs

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Holiday Stuffing with Herbs wafting through your kitchen during the festive season. This classic dish brings together the warmth of fresh herbs, the heartiness of whole grain bread, and the savory richness of turkey bacon to create a perfect side that complements any holiday feast. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying your hand at holiday cooking for the first time, this recipe offers a simple, flavorful, and satisfying stuffing that everyone will love. Get ready to impress your guests with a dish that feels both traditional and fresh, filled with herbs that brighten every bite.

What Makes This Recipe Special

The magic of this Holiday Stuffing with Herbs lies in its balance of textures and flavors. Using whole grain bread adds a nutty depth and hearty chew, while the turkey bacon brings a subtle smoky note without overpowering the herbs. Speaking of herbs, fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary infuse the stuffing with an unmistakable aroma and earthy complexity that truly elevates the dish.

Another standout feature is the use of vegetable broth combined with beaten eggs, which binds everything together beautifully, ensuring the stuffing is moist but not soggy. Plus, this recipe uses olive oil for sautéing the vegetables, adding a silky richness and a touch of Mediterranean flair. It’s a wholesome, flavorful alternative to traditional stuffing recipes that often rely on butter and white bread.

If you love pairing sides with your holiday meals, this stuffing goes wonderfully alongside a crisp, tangy Fresh Herb Potato Salad. And for a complete feast, try whipping up some Cheddar Scallion Buttermilk Biscuits to round out the table.

Shopping List

• 1 loaf whole grain bread, cubed (about 10-12 cups)
• 1 cup turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten

Cook’s Kit

• Large mixing bowl – for combining all the ingredients.
• Large skillet – to sauté the onion, celery, and turkey bacon.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy with herbs and broth.
• Baking dish (9×13-inch works well) – to bake the stuffing.
• Sharp knife and cutting board – for chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Whisk or fork – to beat the eggs.

The Method for Holiday Stuffing with Herbs

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cubes

Start by cubing your whole grain bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. For the best texture, use slightly stale bread or toast fresh bread cubes in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until lightly crisp. This helps the bread absorb the broth without becoming mushy.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon until crisp. Remove from the skillet and crumble into bite-sized pieces. Set aside. Turkey bacon provides a savory backbone to the stuffing without overwhelming the delicate herbs.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and celery, sautéing until translucent and tender, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the foundational flavor for the stuffing.

Step 4: Mix the Herbs and Seasonings

In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh sage, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The fresh herbs bring an aromatic freshness that distinguishes this stuffing from simpler versions.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

To the herb mixture, add the sautéed onion and celery, crumbled turkey bacon, and bread cubes. Pour in the vegetable broth gradually, stirring gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid evenly. Pour the beaten eggs over the mixture and toss well to bind everything together.

Step 6: Bake the Stuffing

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to develop a golden, crispy top. This dual baking ensures a perfect moist interior with a delightful crust.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm as the centerpiece of your holiday side dishes. This stuffing pairs exceptionally well with roasted vegetables, gravy, or alongside your favorite protein.

Variations for Dietary Needs

• Vegetarian: Omit turkey bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or toasted walnuts for depth.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread cubes in place of whole grain bread.
• Low Sodium: Use low-sodium vegetable broth and reduce added salt.
• Egg-Free: Replace eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) for binding.

Problems & Prevention

• Stuffing Too Dry: Make sure to add broth gradually and stir to check moisture levels. If it looks dry before baking, add a bit more broth.
• Soggy Stuffing: Use stale or toasted bread cubes to prevent excess sogginess. Avoid adding too much broth at once.
• Under-seasoned: Taste your stuffing mixture before baking and adjust salt and herbs accordingly.
• Uneven Cooking: Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish and cover with foil for moist cooking, uncovering at the end to crisp the top.

Prep Ahead & Store

You can prepare the bread cubes and sautéed vegetables a day in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine everything and bake on the day of your celebration for the freshest flavor. Leftover stuffing keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheats beautifully in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?

Yes, you can substitute regular bacon if you prefer. Just make sure to cook it until crisp and crumble it before adding it to the stuffing. The smoky flavor will be more pronounced but equally delicious.

What type of bread works best for this stuffing?

Whole grain bread adds a nutty flavor and firm texture that holds up well to the broth. Slightly stale bread or bread toasted beforehand prevents the stuffing from becoming soggy.

Is it possible to make this stuffing vegan?

Absolutely! Replace eggs with a flax egg or other plant-based binder, use a vegetable broth, and omit the turkey bacon or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or vegan bacon alternatives.

How do I make stuffing ahead of time?

Prepare all components up to the point of baking and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake the day of serving to maintain freshness and optimal texture.

Don’t Miss These

• Fresh Herb Potato Salad – a vibrant side with crisp potatoes and fresh herbs perfect alongside stuffing.
• Cheddar Scallion Buttermilk Biscuits – flaky, cheesy biscuits that complement any holiday meal.

Next Steps

Now that you have this foolproof recipe for Holiday Stuffing with Herbs, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking. Remember, the secret to a memorable stuffing is fresh herbs, good-quality bread, and patience during the baking process. Once you master this, you’ll have a versatile side dish that can be adapted for many occasions beyond the holidays. Don’t forget to check out the Fresh Herb Potato Salad for a refreshing contrast, and serve it all with warm Cheddar Scallion Buttermilk Biscuits for a truly festive table.

With this recipe in your arsenal, your holiday dinner will be bursting with flavor, warmth, and the joy of home-cooked goodness. Enjoy every bite!

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