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homemade stuffing with celery and mushrooms in a glass baking dish

Make Ahead Stuffing (Dressing)

If there’s one dish that absolutely has to be on my holiday table, it’s stuffing. Or… dressing, depending on what you call it! Either way, this classic, buttery, herb-packed side dish is total comfort food — and the best part? You can make it ahead of time, so you’re not juggling one more thing on the big day.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 12 cups dry bread cubes store-bought or homemade — see notes
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 cups mushrooms chopped (optional, or sub shredded carrots)
  • 1 cup celery diced
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 cup chicken or turkey stock or broth
  • 2 eggs lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. Prep the bread: If using fresh bread, follow the drying instructions below. If using pre-dried cubes, you’re already ahead of the game!
  2. To make homemade bread cubes: Cut your bread (about 1½ loaves) into ¾-inch cubes. You can use French bread, country bread, sourdough — whatever you like best. Spread the cubes out on a large baking sheet. Bake at 300°F for 30–40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the cubes are dry and lightly golden. Let them cool completely before using. Shortcut: If you’re planning ahead, you can also just leave the cubes out on a baking tray overnight to air dry!
  3. Sauté the veggies: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onion, mushrooms, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, until everything is soft and smells amazing.
  4. In a big mixing bowl, add the sautéed veggies to the dried bread cubes. Pour in the chicken stock, beaten eggs, herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until all the bread is evenly moistened — you want it soft but not soggy.
  5. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  6. Make ahead: Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight (up to 24 hours).
  7. When you’re ready to serve, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy.
  8. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Then grab a fork and dig in!

Nutrition

Calories: 232kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 8gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 206mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 282IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 89mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Homemade bread cubes make such a difference in texture and flavor — they hold up beautifully and give your stuffing that perfect mix of crispy and soft bites.
Here’s how to do it:
  1. Cut your bread (about 1½ loaves) into ¾-inch cubes. You can use French bread, sandwich bread, sourdough — whatever you like best.
  2. Spread the cubes out on a large baking sheet.
  3. Bake at 300°F for 30–40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the cubes are dry and lightly golden.
  4. Let them cool completely before using.
Shortcut: If you’re planning ahead, you can also just leave the cubes out on a baking tray overnight to air dry!
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