This American Stuffing is very easy and is a classic bread stuffing recipe that uses a generous amount of chopped celery, onion, and seasonings and can be baked alone or inside a small turkey. It's simple and much tastier than stuffing mix.
Why I love this recipe
This simple from-scratch recipe takes only 5 minutes of prep, only uses 7 ingredients plus salt and pepper, and is completely ready in just 45 minutes. This small batch recipe is perfect for an intimate Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas, or as a side dish for two any night of the week. It's great for all holiday meals.
For more on the history and origins of stuffing, or dressing as it’s also known, read this article.
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Basic Ingredients
(amounts are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of the post)
stale bread
butter
onion
celery
chicken broth
dried thyme
ground sage
salt
black pepper
Substitutions
You can use chicken stock, chicken broth, or turkey broth.
The best type of bread is day-old white bread, sourdough bread, and crusty bread. Fresh bread will be a little too mushy.
Use two 10-ounce ramekins to make individual servings.
Equipment used for this recipe
18.6-ounce oven-safe casserole dish
How to make Stuffing for Two
Step 1 - Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Step 2 - Spray an 18.6 oz. oven-safe baking dish with non-stick spray.
Step 3 - On a cutting board, dice the onion and celery into small bite-sized pieces.
Step 4 - Heat a saucepan over medium heat, add the onion, celery, and broth. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
Step 5 - While the onions and celery cook, toast the bread slices until golden brown.
Step 6 - Spread each piece of toast with butter and cut the toast into bite-sized cubes.
Step 7 - In the same saucepan, stir in the thyme, sage, salt, and black pepper.
Step 8 - Place the toasted dried bread cubes in a medium bowl.
Step 9 - Add the sauteed onions, celery, and broth mixture to the bread cubes and toss gently to combine.
Step 10 - Pour the bread mixture into the prepared oven-safe baking dish.
Step 11 - Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 12 - Remove the foil and bake for 5 more minutes until lightly browned.
Pro Tips
Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Side dishes, main dishes, and desserts that go great alongside stuffing are turkey breast, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, and pumpkin pie.
Recipe FAQs
The best Stuffing or dressing recipe is made with bread, onion, celery, butter, and fresh herbs.
You may also enjoy
- Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
- Baked Pork Chops and Stuffing
- Stuffed Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Cheesy Mashed Potato Bake
- Baked Potatoes in Toaster Oven
American Stuffing
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 slices white bread (good quality day-old)
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion
- 1 stalk celery
- ⅓ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme
- ⅛ teaspoon ground sage
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Spray an 18.6 oz. oven-safe baking dish with non-stick spray.
- On a cutting board, dice the onion and celery into small pieces.
- In a covered saucepan over medium heat, cook the onion and celery in the broth for 5 minutes.
- While the veggies cook, toast the bread slices until golden brown.
- Spread each with the butter and cut the toast into cubes.
- In the saucepan, stir in the thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Place the toast cubes in a medium bowl.
- Add the onion and celery mixture to the bread cubes and toss gently.
- Pour the stuffing into the prepared baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for 5 more minutes until lightly browned.
Video
Notes
- Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Side dishes, main dishes, and desserts that go great alongside stuffing are turkey breast, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, and pumpkin pie.
Nutrition
Hi and welcome. I’m Zona and I have a passion for recipes. I share recipes, tips, tricks, and resources to help you cook for two. Eat, drink, and enjoy!
Sewqueen
Saturday 5th of February 2022
I've made this twice now. I love this scaled down recipe, thank you!
Zona
Saturday 5th of February 2022
Hi Sewqueen, so glad you are enjoying it! Thanks :)
Liz Rainwater
Thursday 26th of November 2020
I was searching for a recipe for 3 because it is just my husband and I. I read through this one and chose it as "The One". It looks so simple and way better than boxed (which he doesn't enjoy). Can't wait to make this to add to dinner tonight. Thank you so much!!!!!
Zona
Thursday 26th of November 2020
Hi Liz, I hope you enjoy it! Happy Thanksgiving :)
Mariana Cope
Wednesday 25th of November 2020
Fantastic recipe! It’s just me and my husband and was looking fir a small batch recipes, and here I am making this great one! Thanks for sharing
Zona
Thursday 26th of November 2020
Hi Mariana, you're welcome and Happy Thanksgiving!
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