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American Stuffing

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.

American Stuffing from scratch with a spoon lifting some out.
American Stuffing

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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

cutting board

saucepan

aluminum foil

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.

onion, celery and chicken broth cooking in a pan.

Step 5 – While the onions and celery cook, toast the bread slices until golden brown.

3 slices of bread toasting in a toaster oven.

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.

thyme, sage, salt, and pepper added to stuffing veggies cooking in a pan.

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.

stuffing from scratch mixed in a bowl.

Step 10 – Pour the bread mixture into the prepared oven-safe baking dish.

classic bread stuffing added to an 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.

American Stuffing from scratch in a dish.
American Stuffing

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

What is traditional stuffing made of?

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

Yield: Serves 2

American Stuffing

American Stuffing from scratch in a dish.

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 a stuffing mix.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 slices white bread (good quality day-old)
  • 3 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 stalk celery
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground sage
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Spray an 18.6 oz. oven-safe baking dish with non-stick spray.
  3. On a cutting board, dice the onion and celery into small pieces.
  4. In a covered saucepan over medium heat, cook the onion and celery in the broth for 5 minutes.
  5. While the veggies cook, toast the bread slices until golden brown.
  6. Spread each with the butter and cut the toast into cubes.
  7. In the saucepan, stir in the thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
  8. Place the toast cubes in a medium bowl.
  9. Add the onion and celery mixture to the bread cubes and toss gently.
  10. Pour the stuffing into the prepared baking dish.
  11. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  12. Uncover and bake for 5 more minutes until lightly browned.

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 Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 300Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 521mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 6g

Nutrition information is a guideline only, is calculated automatically by third party software, and absolute accuracy is not guaranteed.

Did you like this recipe?

Please leave a comment on this post and pin this recipe on Pinterest.

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!

Easy Homemade Stuffing Web Story

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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Tuesday 26th of November 2019

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