New England Stuffing, also known as “Yankee Stuffing,” is a bread side dish that consistently earns a place on the holiday table. Celery, onions, and a classic mix of herbs and spices keep it simple and traditional. Serve with Vegan Turkey Roast and Cranberry Sauce for a complete holiday spread.
Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe
With so many rich and elaborate recipes competing for attention on Thanksgiving, this one brings comfort in the most familiar way. It’s the side everyone reaches for, knowing it balances out everything else on the plate.
It’s also easy to put together, which is especially useful during busy holiday prep. The bread bakes up soft in the middle with crisp edges around the sides, and the herbs give it the unmistakable flavor of the season.
What Makes This Stuffing Different
Many traditional New England recipes call for poultry seasoning, which is a premade blend of herbs and spices. Here, the same flavors are built with individual herbs and spices. It keeps the recipe traditional while giving more control.
You may also notice there are no eggs or other binders here. This is because it’s not necessary. Toasted bread cubes absorb the broth and hold their shape as the stuffing bakes, so the structure takes care of itself. The inside stays tender, the edges crisp, and nothing extra is needed.
Ingredients for New England Stuffing
- White Bread – Italian or French bread works best for this recipe.
- Yellow Onion and Celery – The classic pairing that gives stuffing its savory taste.
- Simple Seasonings – Kosher salt and ground black pepper.
- Dried Herbs – Sage, oregano, and thyme for a strong aromatic foundation.
- Ginger – Just a pinch adds subtle warmth that blends smoothly with the herbs.
- Chicken-Style Broth – I use vegan chicken broth. Vegetable broth also works, but may need a touch more seasoning.
- Fresh Herbs – Parsley, thyme, and rosemary for brightness and balance.
Why use both fresh thyme and dried thyme? Can I use just one or the other?
- Dried thyme holds its flavor during baking, while fresh thyme adds another layer that tastes brighter and more aromatic. Using both builds a fuller flavor than relying on only one.
- If you prefer to use only dried herbs, the stuffing will still work, but the flavor may be more one-dimensional. If you go with only fresh, you’ll get a lighter flavor that may not carry through the baking as well. The balance of both is what makes this version stand out, but the recipe is flexible depending on what you have available.
How to Make New England Stuffing
STEP 1: Prep. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
STEP 2: Toast the Bread. Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden and dry. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
STEP 3: Cook the Vegetables. Set a medium skillet over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons butter. When the butter is melted, add onion and celery. Cook 5-6 minutes, until softened. Stir in salt, pepper, sage, oregano, ginger, dried thyme, parsley, fresh thyme, and rosemary. Cook, stirring frequently, for 1-2 minutes.
STEP 4: Build the Stuffing Base. Add the vegetable mixture to the toasted bread. Pour in broth gradually, tossing gently, until the bread is evenly moistened.
STEP 5: Prepare to Bake. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and drizzle evenly over the top.
STEP 6: Bake and Serve. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown with crisp edges. Serve warm.
Can I Make This Stuffing Ahead of Time?
- Yes. Prepare the stuffing through Step 5, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to one day. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or heat individual portions in the microwave. Add a splash of broth before reheating if the stuffing seems dry, and it will taste just as good as when it came out of the oven.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Save this recipe to Pinterest! ⤵️ 📌
Tried this recipe? Leave a ⭐ Star Rating ⭐️ and share your thoughts in the comments below. Thanks for being part of our home cooking community!
Follow This Wife Cooks on Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Shop | YouTube
New England Stuffing Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 cups Italian or French bread cut into 1-inch cubes
- 5 tablespoons butter divided
- 3/4 cup yellow onion chopped
- 1 cup celery chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 1/2 cups chicken-style broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden and dry. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Set a medium skillet over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons butter. When the butter is melted, add onion and celery. Cook 5-6 minutes, until softened. Stir in salt, pepper, sage, oregano, ginger, dried thyme, parsley, fresh thyme, and rosemary. Cook, stirring frequently, for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the vegetable mixture to the toasted bread. Pour in broth gradually, tossing gently, until the bread is evenly moistened.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and drizzle evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown with crisp edges. Serve warm.
Leave a Reply