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

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 195kcal

Did you make this recipe?I love seeing what you're cooking! Leave a comment below, or tag @HelloLittleHome or #hellolittlehome on Instagram!

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.

Reply

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 secret to sourdough? ›

6. Just add water for softer sourdough. The secret to sourdough is simple: water. The more water you add to your dough will affect how open the crumb (bigger holes and softer texture) will be once it's baked.

What kind of flour do you use for sourdough bread? ›

The best flour blend for creating a new sourdough starter is 50% whole-meal flour (whole wheat or whole rye) and 50% bread flour or all-purpose flour. I recommend a 50/50 mix of whole wheat flour and bread flour.

How long do you let bread dry 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.

Should I leave bread out overnight for stuffing? ›

The longstanding tip to use old, stale bread for the perfect stuffing is actually a myth. Letting bread go stale doesn't actually dry it out. After sitting out on your counter, bread goes through the process of retrogradation. The starch molecules crystallize and make your bread appear dry and hard.

What makes sourdough taste better? ›

The key taste compounds include salt, which is directly added to the dough, as well as acetic and lactic acid, produced during fermentation. After these experiments, they applied a technique called “unified flavor quantitation,” which was previously developed by Hofmann's team, to the sourdough bread.

Why do you put baking soda in sourdough bread? ›

Baking soda or bicarbonate of soda can be used in sourdough bread to create a less sour loaf. Added after bulk fermentation, but before shaping, it can help to create a lighter, more fluffy loaf of sourdough.

What does egg do in sourdough bread? ›

I've since done a number of tests myself and adding a whole egg to a super strong dough with a little oil and honey has become my favourite! A pillowy soft loaf the will blow your mind and oven! Eggs in dough usually produces an extra open and delicate crumb and the bread comes with an extra rise.

Should I put egg in my stuffing? ›

The most important ingredient of stuffing may be the binder, which keeps all the other elements in place. For a fluffy texture, use eggs. Stock is the most-used binder. Less conventional possibilities include fruit juice (such as apple or orange) and alcohol (wine or liqueur).

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 stuffing better moist or dry? ›

Stuffing should be moist, not dry, because heat destroys bacteria more rapidly in a moist environment. Once the bird is stuffed, it should be placed immediately in an oven set no lower than 325°F. Check out the cooking chart for recommended cooking times for stuffed turkey of various sizes.

Is it cheaper to make your own sourdough bread? ›

Yes it's cheaper to make your own sourdough at home, as oppose to buying it from a bakery. When you consider that sourdough is literally just flour, water and salt (including the sourdough culture), then depending on the type of flour you use, you could bake a loaf for as little as $1.

What is the healthiest flour to make sourdough bread? ›

Compared to whole wheat flour, rye flour is said to be the most nutrient- and amylase-dense option for a sourdough starter. Overall, it has a lower gluten protein content than wheat flour, which means it produces slack, sticky, and dense doughs.

Can I use regular all-purpose flour for sourdough? ›

Yes, you can use all purpose flour to bake sourdough bread, but it will not always give you the best possible result. All purpose flour doesn't have the higher protein content that bread flour does and therefore will not develop as strong a gluten network or give you the best oven spring.

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

Giving your bread a quick bake in a 350ºF oven will starve it of its moisture—which is exactly what you're looking for. Cut your loaf into evenly sized cubes or slices (depending on what you're making), and toast them, dry, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Proceed with your recipe.

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.

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

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. The process could be as simple as leaving the starter out in the sun to dry, although I would suggest covering it with a net tent to keep the bugs away!

Can you dry sourdough? ›

There's not much to this process. Just smear some fresh sourdough starter in a thin layer over a piece of parchment paper and let dry. Once dry, the starter will easily separate from the paper and can be ground up into small pieces and placed in a plastic ziplock bag.

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