Sourdough Bread Stuffing (Easy Recipe) | Hello Little Home (2024)

Published · Updated by Ginnie · 2 Comments

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This easy Sourdough Stuffing is a delicious twist on the classic recipe!

You're going to love this veggie-packed stuffing ... it's loaded with flavor and has the BEST texture. A definite crowd pleaser that's the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast!

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Does your family tend to make the same dishes every holiday season? I'll never forget the year when my dad added apples to his traditional Bread Stuffing recipe, and my sister and I revolted (ha).

These days, I prefer to add a twist to classic recipes, even if it's a small one. I love tweaking my dad's recipe just a bit, and this year, I decided to change up the bread. And not to brag or anything, but this Sourdough Stuffing just might be the best stuffing ever!

You are going to love this flavor-packed stuffing, too! The sourdough bread adds such a great taste and texture to this easy dressing recipe ... trust me, the smell alone is going to bring everyone into the kitchen.

This recipe has all those old-fashioned flavors you love, plus loads of fresh veggies and fragrant herbs, and amazing, slightly chewy texture that so much better than anything from a box!

Keep reading to learn how to make this amazing recipe!

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, traditional ingredients you'll find in most stores. Here's what you'll need:

  • Sourdough Bread - You won't believe the flavor this tangy bread adds to your homemade stuffing, and it smells amazing, too. Look for it in the bakery section of your store, and choose an unsliced loaf (if possible) that isn't too tough or chewy for best results.
  • Veggies - This recipe uses a mix of fresh onion, celery, and mushrooms for those classic Thanksgiving vibes you love.
  • Fresh Herbs - Flat-leaf parsley, sage, and thyme are the perfect savory combo.
  • Butter - Both salted and unsalted will work for this recipe.
  • Broth - I used vegetable broth (I make my own from bouillon) to keep this recipe vegetarian, but other kinds will work fine.
  • Egg - The egg is what holds the stuffing together. You can leave it out if you prefer or if you're in a pinch. It just won't hold together quite as much.

Vegan Option

This recipe is already vegetarian (as long as you use vegetable broth to prepare it), and it's super easy to make vegan, too. Just leave out the egg and replace the butter with a nondairy alternative for a completely plant based recipe ... no one will even be able to tell the difference!

You'll Also Need

You'll need a large skillet to sauté the veggies (this 12-inch skillet is my go-to) and a couple baking sheets to dry the bread. To mix everything together, grab your largest bowl. And to bake the stuffing, you'll need a 13 x 9-inch baking dish (or similar size). My favorite ceramic baking dish (which you can see below) is perfect for this, because it looks good enough to bring it right to the table. It's great for lasagna and casseroles, too!

How to Make Sourdough Stuffing

This recipe takes a few steps, but it's simple to prepare. You'll find a detailed, printable recipe below, but here's a quick overview:

  1. Prepare the bread. Start by cutting the bread into cubes (about one-inch or so). Then you need to dry it. You can either leave it out overnight on a baking sheet, or you can dry it out in the oven like I usually.
  2. Sauté the onions and celery. These veggies are your base, and they're going to give the dressing so much flavor. Cook them in the butter until they're starting to get tender.
  3. Add the mushrooms. Then continue cooking the veggies until any liquid the mushrooms have released evaporates, and they start to brown.
  4. Mix in the fresh herbs. Once the veggies are done cooking, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the fresh herbs and season generously with salt and pepper.
  5. Stir everything together. Place the bread cubes, veggies, and egg in a large bowl. Add a little bit of broth at a time, mixing well after each addition. You want to add just enough broth so that the stuffing is moistened, but not soggy.
  6. Bake the stuffing. Transfer the stuffing to a large pan, then bake it until it's hot and lightly browned on top.

Easy, right? The main keys are to season the veggies well and to not to add to much broth ... no soggy stuffing here!

Variations

Once you've mastered the basic recipe, this Sourdough Bread Stuffing is easy to change up. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

  • Veggies - Feel free to simplify this recipe and leave out the mushrooms if you wish. I wouldn't skip the onions or celery though, because the give the stuffing its classic flavor. You could also add other veggies, like carrots or bell peppers if you really want to get creative.
  • Fruit - If you'd like to add a sweet-savory element to the recipe, you can add a chopped apple and sauté it with the veggies. Or stir in some dried cranberries when you add the herbs.
  • Herbs - Stuffing is a great way to use up those extra extra herbs you tend to have around the holidays. Fresh rosemary would be a delicious addition. You could also pare things down. I'd keep the parsley, but the sage and thyme are negotiable.
  • Rustic - Want to create a more rustic-looking stuffing? Instead of cutting the bread into cubes, tear it into (similarly-sized) pieces.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The dressing will keep for three to four days. Rewarm gently in your microwave.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Sourdough Bread Stuffing with all your holiday favorites ... it's perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and your family will ask for it year after year!

I served this recipe as part of a holiday feast, alongsideSour Cream Mashed Potatoes,Onion Gravy,Cranberry Relish,Wild Rice Salad, and Pomegranate Brussels Sprouts. Yum!

Of course, you can't skip the main course! Try serving this side dish alongside a special holiday entrée, likeMushroom Wellington,Vegetable Pie,Mushroom Strudel, Vegetable Wellington, orRoasted Vegetable Tart.

Related Recipes

Looking for more sourdough recipes? You'll love my Sourdough Croutons and Sourdough Grilled Cheese, too! If it's holiday side dishes you're searching for, check out these recipes next:

  • Old Fashioned Bread Stuffing - My Dad's recipe is a total classic that's super easy to customize!
  • Mushroom Stuffing - The ultimate stuffing for mushroom lovers.
  • Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes - My Mom's recipe ... so delish!
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes - If you're a garlic lover, these creamy potatoes are for you.
  • Roasted Vegetables - Roast a medley or a single veggie. So easy!
  • Cranberry Orange Sauce - A holiday classic that super simple to prepare.
  • Homemade Cranberry Sauce - The most easiest, most basic recipe that's perfect for picky eaters!
  • Broccoli Rice Casserole - This cozy casserole is made from scratch and very tasty.
  • Roasted Cauliflower Gratin - What could be better than cheesy baked cauliflower?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Still have questions? Check out these commonly asked questions or leave a note in the comments.

How do you cut sourdough bread for stuffing?

To cut sourdough bread into cubes for stuffing, start by cutting your loaf into slices about one-inch thick (or smaller if you prefer). Then, stack the slices and cut them into one-inch wide strips. Finally, slice the strips cross-wise into one-inch cubes.

Do you remove crust for stuffing?

You do not need to remove the crust for stuffing, unless you prefer a more uniform look. The crust can add a great texture though, so I'd recommend leaving them on.

Do you need to dry bread for stuffing?

Yes, you need to dry bread for stuffing. Dried bread provides structure to your stuffing and keeps it from getting soggy.

How wet should stuffing be before baking?

Stuffing should never be wet. You want to add just enough broth so that it's starting to stick together. For best results, add a little broth at a time, and mix well after each addition. If you prefer a "looser" stuffing add less broth, or for stuffing that sticks together, add a little more (and possibly an extra egg).

What is the difference between dressing and stuffing?

Stuffing and dressing are essentially the same thing, and what you call it probably depends on where you're from (the term dressing is commonly used in the South). Read more about the history of stuffing.

Sourdough Bread Stuffing (Easy Recipe) | Hello Little Home (10)

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5 from 15 votes

Sourdough Stuffing

This Sourdough Bread Stuffing is a delicious twist on the classic recipe!

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time55 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 12 people

Calories: 195kcal

Author: Ginnie

Ingredients

  • nonstick cooking spray
  • 1 (22-ounce) loaf sourdough bread, cubed
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cups diced celery (about 6 stalks)
  • 2 cups diced onion (about 1 large onion)
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, chopped (about 3 cups)
  • ½ cup chopped flat leaf parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 to 3 cups vegetable broth
  • kosher salt
  • pepper

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet

  • Large Frying Pan

  • 9 x 13-inch baking dish

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray (or lightly oil).

  • Divide cubed bread between two large baking sheets. Bake bread for 10 minutes. Flip, then cook for another 5 to 10 minutes or until edges are crunchy. Set aside.

  • While bread cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and celery; season with salt and pepper. Cook until starting to turn translucent, about 7 to 10 minutes.

  • Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until any liquid is evaporated and mushrooms are starting to brown (about 10 to 15 minutes).

  • Remove from heat. Stir in parsley, sage, and thyme, then season generously to taste with additional salt and pepper.

  • Place dried bread cubes in a large bowl. Top with veggies and egg.

  • Add broth, a little at a time, stirring well after each addition. Add just enough broth so stuffing is moistened, but not soggy.

  • Transfer stuffing to baking dish, then bake until hot and lightly browned on top (about 35 to 40 minutes).

  • Serve hot. Enjoy!

Notes

If you're cooking something else at a lower or higher temperature, it's fine to cook the stuffing at the same temp. Just keep an eye on it, and remember to adjust the cooking time up or down, as needed.

To prep this recipe ahead of time: cook the veggies and toast the bread, then refrigerate the veggies and store the bread in separate airtight containers until ready to use. On the big day, mix the veggies and bread together, along with the egg and broth. Bake according to directions above, keeping in mind that it may take a little longer since the veggies are cold.

Check out info before this recipe for lots of tips, tricks, and ideas, such as recipe variations.

Sourdough Bread Stuffing (Easy Recipe) | Hello Little Home (12)Sourdough Bread Stuffing (Easy Recipe) | Hello Little Home (13)

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About Ginnie

Ginnie is the writer, photographer, and chief content creator behind Hello Little Home. She loves trying new things (whether that’s creating delicious vegetarian recipes, exploring a new city, trying a fun DIY project, or sharing a pretty makeup look), and she hopes to inspire you to do the same! Read more about Ginnie here.

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2 Comments

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Paula@SweetPea

2 years ago

This looks delicious and I can't wait to try it.

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Author

Ginnie

2 years ago

Reply to Paula@SweetPea

Thanks, Paula! I hope you are doing well. Happy Thanksgiving!

Reply

Sourdough Bread Stuffing (Easy Recipe) | Hello Little Home (2024)

FAQs

How do you dry sourdough for stuffing? ›

Start by cutting the bread of your choice into half-inch cubes. Spread the cubed bread on top of two cooling racks set in two half-sheet pans. Heat your oven to the lowest setting (typically 150°–200°F) and bake for 45 minutes to an hour, or until completely dry.

What is the best bread to use for stuffing? ›

Sourdough, Italian, and white bread are standard choices for stuffing; however, journeying beyond your comfort zone can produce excellent results.

Is it cheaper to make sourdough at home? ›

Some bakeries allow for the rising time needed to make true sourdough bread. Because of the time it takes, prices will be significantly higher than homemade. Most grocery store bakeries claim to make sourdough, but often include more ingredients than just flour, water and salt.

Is sourdough bread good for your stomach? ›

Sourdough bread may be easier to digest than white bread for some people. According to some studies, sourdough bread acts as a prebiotic, which means that the fiber in the bread helps feed the “good” bacteria in your intestines. These bacteria are important for maintaining a stable, healthy digestive system.

How far in advance should you dry bread for stuffing? ›

If you don't want to take up space in the oven, you can always leave the bread out on the counter to dry. A day or two before you assemble your stuffing, cut the bread into cubes. Then, lay the cubes onto sheet pans and let them dry out at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours.

Is it better to make stuffing with fresh or dry bread? ›

The bread is one of the most important ingredients in the stuffing. This is the base; it's what gives the stuffing structure, and it plays a big role in determining the texture. While you can use almost any bread — cornbread, bagels, or even frozen waffles — to make stuffing, it needs to be dried or “staled” first.

What is the fastest way to dry bread for stuffing? ›

This Thanksgiving, skip the waiting and planning that staling demands, and pop open your oven instead. We start by cubing our bread—for traditional recipes, we favor a simple white sandwich-style loaf—then toast it in the oven at a low 275°F for about 45 minutes, tossing it every now and then to help it dry evenly.

Is grocery store sourdough real sourdough? ›

While purists will tell you it should be made from just flour, water, salt and a “starter” that is in turn made from flour, water and the above-mentioned naturally occuring yeasts, Which? has found that most supermarket sourdoughs are adulterated with anything from yoghurt and vinegar to – and this is the real killer – ...

How long does homemade sourdough bread last on the counter? ›

I'll share my tips on the best way to store sourdough and a plan on the best way to eat it too. Sourdough bread will keep well for up to 3-5 days at a moderate room temperature of 18-20°C or 64-68°F. The warmer and more humid the conditions become, the more chance the sourdough has of spoiling.

Is store bought sourdough bread as healthy as homemade? ›

Whether you buy sourdough from the store or make your own, it has a pretty impressive nutrition profile. Most sourdough isn't made with whole-grain flour, but if you make it at home you can use whole-wheat flour for your bread.

Is it OK to eat sourdough bread everyday? ›

Is it healthy to eat sourdough everyday? You could eat sourdough every day, but it isn't necessarily healthy to do so. A healthy diet is characterized by balance and moderation. Whether or not it is healthy for you to consume sourdough every day depends on the rest of your diet.

Can diabetics eat sourdough bread? ›

People with diabetes can eat sourdough bread or any other bread that fits into their dietary plan. That said, because sourdough has a lower glycemic index than other bread varieties, it can be a particularly good choice if you're watching your blood sugar levels.

What bacteria is in sourdough? ›

From these early studies, more than 50 species of lactic acid bacteria (mostly Lactobacillus spp.) and more than 20 species of yeast (mostly Saccharomyces spp. and Candida spp.) were known to be living in sourdough starters.

What is the best way to dry bread for stuffing? ›

Here's how to do it: Keeping the bread in a single layer and baking it low and slow is the best way to go. Cut the bread into 3/4-inch cubes and put them in an even layer on a sheet pan. Bake at 300°F for 40 minutes, giving them a stir every 10 minutes or so.

How long to air dry bread for stuffing? ›

Hearty white bread will take 45-60 minutes. A more dense corn bread takes 50-60 minutes. You can dry your bread up to two days in advance! Once cooled, store your bread cubes in a zipper-lock bag and keep them on your counter.

How do you convert a wet sourdough starter to dry? ›

I like to use a simple room fan to dehydrate my starter. I set it to the lowest power setting and point the fan so it is blowing over the top of the starter. It normally takes about 24 hours to dry.

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