Classic Bread Stuffing with Celery and Onion

There are classic holiday sides, and then there is this classic bread stuffing with celery and onion,  the one that actually tastes like comfort, warmth, and everything you want on your New Year or Christmas table.

Soft inside, lightly crisp on top, perfectly seasoned, and packed with celery and onion flavor, it’s the stuffing that makes the meal feel complete 😍

If you want a side that disappears first and gets the “can I have the recipe” texts, this is it.

📌 Quick Recipe Snapshot

For busy cooks who need the goods fast:

• Serves: 8 to 10
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
• Flavor Profile: Buttery, herbaceous, soft inside, lightly crisp outside traditional bread stuffing

This is the perfect recipe for holiday dinners, New Year celebrations, Thanksgiving redux, or any big feast where you want real stuffing, not boxed mix.

🛒 Ingredients (With Why They Matter)

Here’s what you need and exactly why each component makes this classic bread stuffing taste so good.

Staples

• 1 pound crusty bread, cubed (about 10 cups), Day-old or slightly stale bread is ideal. It soaks up flavor without becoming mushy.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – The base of all that rich flavor.
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped – Sweet and aromatic when cooked down.
• 3 stalks celery, diced – Fresh celery adds crunch and classic stuffing texture.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Optional but highly recommended for depth.
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth – Keeps the stuffing moist and savory. Vegetable broth works too if you want vegetarian.
• 2 large eggs – Bind everything together and give structure.
• Fresh herbs: parsley, sage, thyme (finely chopped) – The soul of classic stuffing flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins (but so good)

• Cooked sausage – For a heartier version.
• Chopped apples or dried cranberries, Sweet accents that play well with herbs.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts – For crunch.

💡 Tip: If your bread is super fresh, spread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes to dry it out. This helps the bread absorb liquid without turning to mush.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Classic Bread Stuffing with Celery and Onion

This is easier than it looks. You’re basically building flavor in layers so the final stuffing is rich, moist, and full of personality.

1) Prepare the Bread

If your bread isn’t stale, toast the cubes on a baking sheet at 300°F for 10–15 minutes until dry and slightly golden. Spread them out so they don’t steam themselves soggy.

Why this step matters: Dry bread soaks up broth without disintegrating. That means perfect texture later.

2) Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add the onion and celery and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and fragrant.

Add the garlic in the last minute so it doesn’t burn but releases its aroma.

💡 Cooking tip: If your celery feels limp or sad, this step brings it back to life.

3) Mix the Stuffing Base

In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the cooked onion, celery, and garlic. Add finely chopped fresh herbs: about 2 tablespoons parsley, 1 teaspoon sage, and 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh herbs make a noticeable difference).

Season with salt and pepper.

This is when the classic aroma kicks in, herby, buttery, savory goodness.

4) Add the Broth and Eggs

In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and eggs.

Pour this over the bread and veggie mixture. Gently toss everything together so the bread soaks up the liquid but doesn’t get soggy.

You want the mixture moist but not swimming.

5) Bake to Perfection

Transfer the stuffing mixture to a buttered baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.

Then remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes so the top gets lightly golden and slightly crisp.

💡 Oven tip: If you’re making the turkey at the same time, this stuffing can go in the oven while the bird rests, double duty!

6) Serve Hot

Once it’s out of the oven, fluff it lightly with a fork, taste for seasoning, and serve while warm.

A quick sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and brightness.

💡 Pro Tips for Ultra-Delicious Stuffing

Use Day-Old Bread

This isn’t a waste — stale bread is perfect for stuffing because it absorbs juices without falling apart.

Don’t Skip the Herbs

Fresh herbs make a huge difference. Sage and thyme are classic for a reason.

Balance Broth Carefully

Too much broth = mush. Too little = dry. You want the bread moist but not soupy.

Add Texture

Mix in toasted nuts, apples, or cranberries for texture and seasonal flavor, especially great for New Year feasts.

Make Ahead

You can prepare the mixture (unbaked) ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

 Variations (Holiday Worthy Ideas)

This base is flexible for holiday crowds:

• Sausage + Apple Stuffing: Brown 1 pound of sausage and add it in step 3 with chopped apples for sweet and savory layers.
• Herb-Heavy Stuffing: Add more sage and thyme plus a touch of rosemary for super aromatic depth.
• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and consider sauteed mushrooms for extra umami.

Each variation still keeps the classic base but brings personality to your table, especially great for Pinterest boards and holiday recipe swaps.

What Pairs Well With This Stuffing?

This classic bread stuffing pairs beautifully with:

• Roast turkey or chicken
• Glazed ham
• Mashed potatoes and gravy
• Cranberry sauce
• Green bean casserole or Brussels sprouts
• Dinner rolls or cornbread

For New Year celebrations, pair it with sides that have bright acidity or fruit notes (cranberry, citrus) to balance richness.

🍽 Serving Suggestions for Holiday & New Year Feasts

This classic bread stuffing works on any celebratory table:

• New Year Dinner: Bring warm, homey comfort after a night of festivities.
• Family Gatherings: Everyone will reach for second helpings.
• Potluck Meals: It travels well and lands as a favorite every time.
• Christmas Lunch: A nostalgic side that feels timeless.

Serve it alongside greens, gravy, roasted meats, and your favorite festive cocktails for a complete and crowd-pleasing spread.

✨ Why This Stuffing Is a Keeper

Here’s what makes this recipe stand out:

• Golden, crisp-topped, soft inside texture, the sweet spot everyone loves.
• Balanced savory flavor from celery, onion, herbs, and buttery broth.
• Flexible base you can customize for your crowd.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings like New Year celebrations or Christmas dinner, it’s nostalgic and crowd-pleasing.

It solves the “blah” stuffing problem and gives you something worth returning to every year.

📌 Pinterest & Sharing Tips

This recipe is a Pinterest dream for holiday recipe boards:

• Use a vertical, close-up photo showing the golden top and soft interior.
• Keywords that work naturally: holiday stuffing, classic bread stuffing recipe, New Year side dish, Thanksgiving favorite, easy stuffing recipe.
• Pin descriptions like Creamy, savory, classic bread stuffing for every holiday table help it reach the right audience.

Add your own photo after baking and link it back here, that’s how recipes get repinned and go viral on Pinterest.

If you want more holiday recipe inspiration or to follow my food boards, check out wellnesswarrior, lots of festive ideas waiting!

🙌 Final Thoughts

Whether it’s your first time making stuffing from scratch or you’re a seasoned holiday cook, this classic bread stuffing with celery and onion will earn its place on your table. It’s warm, nostalgic, rich in flavor, and comfort in every bite.

I love hearing how recipes turn out for you, drop a comment below or tag your photos when you make this. Let me know if you added sausage, nuts, apples, or kept it perfectly classic!

Warmest wishes for your holiday feast and Happy New Year! 🎉

Your friend in the kitchen.

Print