Moist and Savory Stuffing Recipe

The Best Moist and Savory Stuffing Recipe for Holiday Magic

Crafting the perfect moist and savory stuffing recipe brings comfort and nostalgia to any meal.

Memories of holiday gatherings flood back with each carefully chopped herb and crumbled bread cube.

Comfort foods connect us to cherished moments around the table.

Family recipes often carry deep emotional significance beyond simple ingredients.

Warm aromas of sage and thyme create an inviting kitchen atmosphere that welcomes everyone.

Rich, golden-brown edges promise a delightful texture that complements roasted meats beautifully.

Dive into this classic dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly magical.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible stuffing.

Why Moist and Savory Stuffing Deserves a Spot at Every Table

  • Unlock Flavor Fusion: Blend of butter-sautéed vegetables and seasoned stuffing mix creates a mouthwatering symphony of tastes that dance on your palate.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Satisfaction: Simple cooking steps make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, requiring just basic kitchen techniques.
  • Perfect Side Dish Companion: Versatile stuffing complements multiple main courses, from roasted turkey to baked chicken, making it a go-to recipe for family gatherings and holiday meals.
  • Quick Comfort Food: Preparation and cooking can be completed in under an hour, delivering a warm, hearty side dish that brings instant comfort to the dinner table.

What Goes into Moist and Savory Stuffing

Main Ingredients:
  • Seasoned Stuffing Mix: A dry blend of bread cubes with pre-mixed herbs and seasonings that forms the base of the stuffing.
  • Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that adds moisture and depth to the stuffing's overall taste profile.
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps bind the stuffing ingredients together.
Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Celery, Onion: Fresh vegetables that contribute a savory, aromatic foundation and enhance the stuffing's overall texture and taste.
Preparation Components:
  • Baking Dish: A standard 9x13x2-inch dish used for even cooking and serving the stuffing.

How to Prepare Moist and Savory Stuffing with Ease

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F, preparing it for the delicious stuffing adventure ahead.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In a roomy saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Add these delightful ingredients:
  • Chopped celery
  • Chopped onion

Cook the vegetables until they become soft and translucent, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Create Liquid Base

Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture and bring it to a gentle boil.

Once bubbling, remove the pan from heat.

Step 4: Blend Stuffing Mixture

Combine the seasoned stuffing mix with the warm broth and vegetable blend.

Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened and looks inviting.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Dish

Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased 9x13x2-inch baking dish.

Spread it evenly and cover with foil.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 30 minutes.

The stuffing is ready when it’s thoroughly heated and steaming.

Smart Tips for Making Moist and Savory Stuffing Shine

  • Achieve the perfect moisture by using fresh, high-quality chicken broth that enhances the overall flavor profile of the stuffing.
  • Chop celery and onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Add herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary for a more complex and aromatic stuffing experience.
  • For a gluten-free option, replace traditional stuffing mix with gluten-free bread cubes or quinoa.
  • Allow the stuffing to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and absorb remaining liquids, creating a more cohesive texture.

Fun Flavor Twists for Moist and Savory Stuffing

  • Herbed Mediterranean Stuffing: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, add chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Mix in crumbled feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Sausage and Apple Stuffing: Brown mild Italian sausage before adding to the base recipe. Incorporate diced Granny Smith apples and a sprinkle of sage for a sweet and savory combination.
  • Mushroom Wild Rice Stuffing: Substitute half the bread stuffing mix with cooked wild rice. Sauté mixed mushrooms like shiitake and cremini before adding to the mixture for an earthy, robust taste.
  • Cornbread Southwest Stuffing: Use cornbread stuffing mix instead of traditional bread.

What to Eat with Moist and Savory Stuffing

  • Elevate Flavor Harmony: Pair this moist and savory stuffing with roasted turkey or chicken for a classic thanksgiving combination that sings with complementary tastes.
  • Wine Companion: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to balance the rich, buttery notes of the stuffing and cut through its hearty texture.
  • Fresh Herbal Contrast: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with light vinaigrette dressing to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the dense, warm stuffing.
  • Gravy Enhancer: Drizzle homemade turkey or chicken gravy over the stuffing to intensify its moisture and add an extra layer of savory depth that makes each bite more satisfying.

Keeping Moist and Savory Stuffing Fresh Longer

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring food safety and maintaining texture.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled stuffing to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Frozen stuffing stays fresh for up to 1 month.
  • Microwave Reheating: Place stuffing in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of chicken broth to restore moisture. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread stuffing in a baking dish, drizzle with broth, cover with foil.

Moist and Savory Stuffing Questions, Answered

  • Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian version of the stuffing. It will provide similar moisture and flavor.

  • How do I know if the celery and onions are tender enough?

The vegetables should be soft and translucent, typically taking about 5 minutes of cooking. They should not be brown or crispy.

  • What type of seasoned stuffing mix works best?

Pre-packaged seasoned bread cubes from brands like Pepperidge Farm or Mrs. Cubbison’s work perfectly. Choose a classic herb or sage-flavored mix for traditional taste.

  • Can I prepare this stuffing in advance?

You can prepare the stuffing mixture a day ahead and refrigerate.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Moist and Savory Stuffing Recipe

Moist and Savory Stuffing Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Grandma’s secret moist and savory stuffing recipe brings classic comfort straight from Midwestern kitchens to your holiday table. Herbed breadcrumbs, fragrant sage, and delicate seasonings promise a nostalgic side dish you’ll savor with every warm, comforting bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 14 ounces (1 bag) seasoned stuffing mix
  • 4 cups Swanson® Chicken Broth

Aromatic Vegetables:

  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 cup celery, chopped

Fat/Seasoning:

  • 1/2 cup butter

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F, ensuring an even temperature for consistent cooking.
  2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, creating a rich base for the aromatic vegetables.
  3. Sauté chopped celery and onions until they soften and release their fragrant essence, approximately 5 minutes, stirring to prevent sticking.
  4. Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, bringing it to a gentle boil, then immediately remove from heat to preserve flavors.
  5. Gently fold the seasoned stuffing mix into the broth-vegetable blend, ensuring all breadcrumbs are evenly coated and moistened.
  6. Transfer the stuffing mixture into a well-greased baking dish, spreading it evenly to promote uniform heating.
  7. Cover the dish to trap moisture and prevent the stuffing from drying out during baking.
  8. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the stuffing is thoroughly heated and develops a slight golden crust on top.

Notes

  • Elevate moisture by using day-old bread, which absorbs liquid better and prevents soggy texture.
  • Customize flavor profiles by adding fresh herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary for deeper aromatic complexity.
  • Create vegetarian-friendly version by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensuring vegetarian bread cubes.
  • Prevent dryness by covering the dish during baking and checking moisture levels halfway through cooking process.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star