Semi-Homemade Herbaceous Stuffing Recipe

Introduction

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy stuffing recipe that combines the convenience of store-bought mixes with the fresh flavors of sautéed vegetables and herbs, this semi-homemade stuffing is a perfect choice. It’s flavorful, comforting, and ideal for holiday meals or family dinners.

A large rectangular metal baking dish filled with a single layer of golden brown stuffing made of small, toasted bread cubes mixed with bits of celery and carrots in a moist, crumbly texture spread evenly across the pan. In the center, a small cluster of green fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs sits on top for decoration. The dish rests on a white marbled texture, with a white jar of seasoning and extra thyme sprigs nearby, and a white cloth with gray stripes partially visible at the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 stalks celery, diced
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme, chopped fine
  • 6 ounces stovetop sage stuffing mix (1 box)
  • 12 ounces herb-seasoned classic stuffing mix (Pepperidge Farms, blue package)
  • 4 cups chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Step 2: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and chopped fresh herbs.
  3. Step 3: Cook the mixture for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine both stuffing mixes, the cooked vegetable and herb mixture, and the chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Step 5: Pour the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • Add cooked sausage or diced apples for extra flavor and texture.
  • Use dried herbs if fresh are unavailable, but reduce quantity by half as dried herbs are more concentrated.
  • Let the stuffing sit for 5 minutes after baking before serving to help it set.

Storage

Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze the stuffing for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with a mixture of stuffing bread cubes, diced celery, and chopped onions. The bread cubes are golden brown and some pieces have a crunchy texture, while the celery adds a fresh, light green color scattered throughout. On top, there is a small sprig of fresh green herb for garnish. To the right of the bowl, a glass container with a wooden spoon and some powder inside, along with a wooden pepper grinder, are placed. A folded striped cloth is at the bottom left corner beside the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffing in the baking dish and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs are a great substitute. Use about half the amount called for since dried herbs have a stronger flavor. Rosemary, sage, and thyme blends are commonly found in dried form at most grocery stores.

Print
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Semi-Homemade Herbaceous Stuffing Recipe


  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x

Description

A flavorful semi-homemade stuffing recipe that combines classic boxed stuffing mixes with fresh vegetables and herbs for a moist, savory side dish perfect for holiday meals or comforting dinners.


Ingredients

Scale

Produce

  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, sage, & thyme, chopped finely

Dairy

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter

Pantry

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 6 ounces stovetop sage stuffing mix (1 box)
  • 12 ounces herb-seasoned classic stuffing mix (Pepperidge Farms, blue package)
  • 4 cups chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it with butter or spraying with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Sauté Vegetables and Herbs: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and chopped fresh herbs. Cook this mixture for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the stovetop sage stuffing mix, the herb-seasoned classic stuffing mix, the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture, and the chicken broth. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure that the broth evenly moistens the stuffing mix.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the combined stuffing mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the stuffing to heat through.
  5. Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking the stuffing uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, until the top turns golden brown and slightly crisp, creating a delightful texture contrast.

Notes

  • You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian option if using vegetarian stuffing mixes.
  • Fresh herbs can be adjusted based on your preference or what you have on hand.
  • Make sure to fully cover with foil during the first part of baking to retain moisture.
  • This stuffing is best served warm and can be made a few hours ahead and reheated.
  • To add more flavor, consider adding cooked sausage or mushrooms during the sauté step.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: stuffing, holiday stuffing, semi-homemade stuffing, Thanksgiving side dish, savory stuffing, boxed stuffing recipe

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