Name: Herb Butter Stuffing Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 18 to 24 ounces bread cubes (1.5 loaves of bread, or about 12 to 14 cups), preferably toasted or stale; 3 cups diced sweet onion (about 2 large onions); 2 cups diced celery; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh sage; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary; 1 cup unsalted butter; Kosher salt and pepper (at least 1 teaspoon each, divided); 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock; 2 large eggs; A mixture of fresh herbs for sprinkling

There’s just something so comforting about a golden, buttery, herb-packed stuffing fresh from the oven. This Herb Butter Stuffing Recipe is the one I turn to year after year—it’s rich, fluffy, and bursts with fresh herb flavor that feels both fancy and homey. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want it on your holiday table and beyond.

A white baking dish filled with a golden brown stuffing, showing small chunky pieces throughout with a mix of light and darker toasted edges. The stuffing has visible bits of celery and herbs scattered evenly, giving it a varied texture with both soft and crispy parts. The top layer looks crunchy and uneven, with a rich color variation from light beige to deep golden brown. The white marbled surface underneath adds a clean contrast to the dish’s warm tones. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Herb Butter Stuffing Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Herb Butter Stuffing Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Herb Butter Stuffing Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this Herb Butter Stuffing Recipe because it’s the perfect balance of savory herbs, creamy butter, and tender bread cubes. It’s not fussy but feels so indulgent. Plus, it’s versatile enough to make ahead or customize however you like.

Rich, buttery goodness: The generous amount of butter gives it that melt-in-your-mouth texture that just feels like a warm hug.
Fresh herbs that brighten: Sage, rosemary, and parsley add a vibrant, garden-fresh aroma and flavor throughout.
Flexible bread options: I love mixing sourdough and Italian bread cubes—whether stale or toasted—to get a great texture.
Make ahead friendly: It holds and reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it freshly baked or prepped in advance.

The image shows a close-up view of a dish filled with several layers of golden-brown toasted bread pieces mixed with small bits of green celery and seasoning black pepper sprinkled on top. The textures vary from crunchy and crispy to soft, with a few shiny herb sprigs, including rosemary and thyme, placed on the top left side of the dish. The food sits inside a simple white bowl, and the background is a smooth white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This herb butter stuffing recipe combines simple ingredients that play together beautifully—the sweetness of onions and celery, the richness of butter, herby brightness, and the perfect bread texture all come together to make magic. Picking fresh herbs is key here, and choosing your bread type and dryness helps you get just the right bite.

Flat lay of a mix of fresh sourdough and Italian bread cubes, a small white ceramic bowl of unsalted butter chunks, a small white ceramic bowl of diced sweet onion, a small white ceramic bowl of diced celery, six peeled garlic cloves, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of chopped fresh sage, a small white ceramic bowl of chopped fresh parsley, a small white ceramic bowl of chopped fresh rosemary, a small white ceramic bowl of golden chicken stock, and a small white ceramic bowl with a scattering of fresh herb sprigs, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bread cubes: Stale or toasted bread absorbs the flavorful broth without turning soggy; mixing two types like sourdough and italian adds depth.
Unsalted butter: The base of the flavor—controls salt and lets you build flavors without overpowering.
Sweet onion: Adds subtle sweetness and softness after sautéing, balancing the savory herbs.
Celery: Gives a fresh, slight crunch and aromatic earthiness that brightens the stuffing.
Garlic cloves: A gentle punch of warmth and depth—don’t skip it!
Fresh sage, parsley, rosemary: These herbs bring the classic, fragrant complexity that defines great stuffing.
Chicken or vegetable stock: Moistens the bread and infuses it with savory flavor—choose your favorite.
Eggs: They help bind everything together for that perfect, cohesive texture.
Kosher salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance and balance all the flavors.
Fresh herbs for sprinkling: Adds a beautiful touch before serving and amps up that fresh, herbal aroma.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Herb Butter Stuffing Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your tastes. I’ve played around with different breads, tossed in extra veggies, or added nuts for crunch depending on the occasion. It’s your canvas—make it your own!

Variation: Once, I swapped out half the celery for chopped mushrooms and it added a lovely earthiness without overpowering the herbs—definitely worth trying if you like a deeper flavor profile.
Dietary tweak: For a vegetarian version, just use vegetable stock and double up on butter or olive oil for richness.
Seasonal twist: During the holidays, I like to sprinkle in toasted pecans or dried cranberries for texture and festive color.
Texture preference: If you want a crunchier topping, hold back some bread cubes to toast and scatter on top before baking.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Herb Butter Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Bread Cubes With Care

Start by cutting your bread into cubes. I like to mix sourdough and Italian bread for texture and flavor. Either leave them out overnight to dry naturally or toast them in a 350°F oven for around 15 minutes until they’re crisp but not burnt. This step is key because the drier bread soaks up the butter and stock without turning mushy later on.

Step 2: Sauté Your Vegetables and Herbs

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and toss in diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper and cook until soft and fragrant—about 8-10 minutes. Then stir in your fresh herbs: sage, parsley, and rosemary. Cook just one more minute to really wake up those flavors.

Step 3: Combine and Moisten

Pour the cooked veggie and herb mixture over your bread cubes and toss well to coat every piece. Whisk together eggs with the remaining chicken or vegetable stock, then pour evenly over the bread. Gently fold the cubes into the liquid until everything is combined but not mushy. The eggs help everything bind while keeping the texture light.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Set

Butter or spray a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread the bread mixture evenly. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a thermometer reads 160°F inside. If the top starts browning too fast, tent it loosely with foil. It’ll come out perfectly fluffy and fragrant.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve found a few little tricks that always make this Herb Butter Stuffing Recipe sing. These have saved my stuffing from turning soggy or bland more times than I can count.

Use stale or toasted bread: Fresh bread can get mushy fast, so letting it dry out a bit keeps your stuffing delightfully textured.
Don’t skip the herbs: Fresh sage, parsley, and rosemary bring that unmistakable aroma and flavor—dried herbs can’t quite replace them.
Walk on the gentle side when folding: When adding your liquid mixture to the bread, fold instead of stirring vigorously to keep the cubes intact.
Patience with baking: Resist opening the oven too often, and tent with foil if browning happens early to ensure even cooking.

How to Serve Herb Butter Stuffing Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a handful of fresh chopped parsley or a little more chopped sage over the top just before serving. It adds a pop of color and hits your nose with that fresh-herb scent as soon as you sit down. Sometimes, I toss on a few toasted pecans or a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots if I’m feeling fancy that day.

Side Dishes

This stuffing pairs beautifully with classic roast chicken or turkey, mashed potatoes, and green beans almondine. For a festive spread, I also add roasted Brussels sprouts and cranberry sauce, balancing the buttery richness with brightness and tang.

Creative Ways to Present

One time, I baked this stuffing inside a hollowed-out pumpkin for a stunning centerpiece at Thanksgiving, and it was a showstopper. You can also bake individual portions in ramekins for personal servings, which makes for a fun, elegant touch when entertaining guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, I gently press a sheet of foil or parchment paper on top before sealing, which keeps moisture balanced and avoids drying out the edges.

Freezing

This Herb Butter Stuffing Recipe freezes wonderfully. After baking and cooling completely, I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When I thaw it overnight in the fridge, the texture stays close to fresh.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat leftover stuffing is in the oven at 350°F, loosely covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. For a crispy top, I remove the foil in the last 5 minutes. Microwave works too if you’re in a hurry, but you might lose some texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for this Herb Butter Stuffing Recipe?

While fresh herbs give the best aroma and flavor, you can substitute dried herbs if needed. Use about one-third of the amount of dried herbs since they are more concentrated. Keep in mind the flavor won't be quite as vibrant but will still be delicious.

What’s the best bread to use for stuffing?

I recommend using sturdy bread like sourdough, Italian, or a rustic country loaf. Stale or toasted bread is ideal because it absorbs the butter and broth without getting mushy. Avoid bread that’s too soft or fresh, as it can make the stuffing soggy.

Can I make this Herb Butter Stuffing Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, just take it out about an hour before baking and then bake as usual. It holds and reheats beautifully, making holiday prep easier.

Can I use this stuffing to stuff a turkey?

Yes, this recipe can be used to stuff a turkey. Just make sure the stuffing is fully cooled before stuffing the bird, and cook the turkey until the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety. Alternatively, bake the stuffing separately for a guaranteed moist texture.

Final Thoughts

This Herb Butter Stuffing Recipe is near and dear to my heart because it’s where tradition meets simplicity. I love how it fills the kitchen with those gorgeous herb and butter aromas and how effortless it is to nail every time. I hope you give it a whirl and make it part of your gatherings—it’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone back for seconds and memories around the table.