Description
A savory and flavorful Garlic Butter Stuffing made with garlic-infused butter, Parmesan, fresh vegetables, and seasoned bread cubes, baked to golden perfection. Optional additions of chicken or sausage make it a hearty side or main dish, perfect for holiday meals or comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Garlic Butter Bread Cubes
- 16 ounces French Bread Loaf or Garlic Bread
- 3 tablespoons Butter (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 12 tablespoons Butter
- 2 cups Sliced Mushrooms
- 2 cups Chopped Celery
- 2 cups Chopped Yellow Onion
- 1/3 cup Dried Parsley
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dried Basil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Liquids and Binding Agents
- 1 1/2–2 cups Reduced-Sodium Chicken Broth or Chicken Stock
- 2 Large Eggs
Optional Proteins
- 2 cups Diced Chicken Breast
- 12–14 oz Sliced Sausage
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375℉ to prepare for baking the bread cubes.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Bread Mix: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Cut or tear the bread into 1/2-inch cubes, then toss them thoroughly in the garlic butter mixture to coat evenly. Spread the coated bread cubes in a large baking pan.
- Bake Bread Cubes: Bake the bread cubes at 375℉ for about 15 minutes until they are slightly toasted. Remove from oven and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Sauté Vegetables: While bread cooks, melt 12 tablespoons butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and sliced mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender and fragrant, about 6-7 minutes.
- Reduce Oven Temperature and Prepare Dish: After the bread cubes are done, lower the oven temperature to 350℉. Lightly grease a 13″x9″ or 3.5-4 quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the large bowl with the baked bread cubes, add the sautéed vegetables and all dried seasonings including parsley, basil, garlic powder, oregano, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1 cup of chicken broth. Pour this mixture into the bread and vegetable mix, gently folding to combine. Slowly add more chicken broth as needed up to 2 cups total, until the bread is moist but not swimming in liquid.
- Assemble Stuffing: Transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake Stuffing: Bake covered at 350℉ for 40 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is crispy and golden brown.
- Optional – Cook Chicken: For a chicken variation, cook diced chicken breast in a skillet over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink, seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir cooked chicken into stuffing before baking as described in step 7.
- Optional – Cook Sausage: For a sausage variation, cook sliced sausage in a skillet over medium heat for 7-8 minutes until browned. Mix cooked sausage into the stuffing before baking as in step 7.
Notes
- Use day-old bread if possible for better texture and absorption.
- Adjust the amount of chicken broth to ensure the stuffing is moist but not soggy.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Leftover stuffing can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs like sage or thyme for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Garlic butter stuffing, baked stuffing, savory stuffing, holiday side dish, bread stuffing recipe, chicken stuffing, sausage stuffing
