This basic stuffing recipe checks all the boxes: fresh bread, tender celery and onions, and all the herbs and butter.

Betty Gold

and

Real Simple Editors

Updated on August 13, 2022

Hands On Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

1 hrs 30 mins

Servings:

Yield:

10 to 12 serves -

Think of this stuffing as your blank canvas, the perfect understated accompaniment to your Thanksgiving meal. Onions, celery, and sage build the classic foundation, while white wine adds brightness and a clean finish. We used good old white sandwich bread because we love the way it holds its shape, but this recipe works equally well with whatever type of bread you prefer. Try it with seeded rye for texture or torn challah for a bit of sweetness. If you can remember amidst the holiday chaos, save some of those lovely celery leaves for garnish.

Ingredients

1 loaf white sandwich bread, cut into ½-inch pieces (10–12 cups)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided, plus more for baking dish
5 stalks celery, thinly sliced, plus celery leaves for serving
2 large yellow onions, finely chopped
Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/3 cup chopped fresh sage leaves
3 tablespoons chopped fresh flatleaf parsley
3 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
3 large eggs

Directions

Spread bread on 2 rimmed baking sheets in an even layer and set aside, uncovered at room temperature, overnight. (Alternately, toast bread in the oven until dry and just barely starting to turn golden, 25–30 minutes. Let cool.)
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a 9x13 or other 3-quart baking dish.
Melt half of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add celery and onions and cook, stirring often, until softened, 6–8 minutes; season with 1 teaspoon of salt and several grinds of pepper. Add wine and cook, stirring often, until almost evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add sage and parsley and cook until liquid is evaporated, about 1 minute more.
Transfer vegetable mixture to your largest (we mean really big) bowl. In a separate medium bowl, whisk broth and eggs together. Add bread to vegetables and pour egg mixture over; use your hands to toss gently to combine.
Transfer mixture to a prepared baking dish and dot with remaining butter. Cover with foil and bake until warmed through and slightly puffed 25–30 minutes. Increase oven to 425°F. Uncover stuffing and continue to bake until golden brown on top, 20–25 minutes more (for more color, pop under the broiler until toasted, 1–2 minutes). Top with celery leaves before serving.

Grace Elkus