When you think of Thanksgiving or holiday meals, one dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser is stuffing. It’s the perfect side to balance out your turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy. But if you’re looking for a stuffing recipe that’s a bit more elevated while still sticking to the classics, then Gwyneth Paltrow’s Classic Bread Stuffing is exactly what you need. This stuffing recipe is all about fresh, wholesome ingredients—think rich butter, hearty bread, fresh herbs, and just the right amount of seasoning. It’s simple but packed with flavor, making it a perfect addition to any holiday spread. Whether you’re hosting dinner or bringing a dish to share, this recipe will have everyone asking for the secret.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes Gwyneth Paltrow’s bread stuffing so special is how wonderfully balanced it is. It’s got a rich, buttery flavor that’s perfectly complemented by the earthy aroma of fresh herbs. The use of day-old bread gives it a nice, hearty texture that’s ideal for soaking up all the flavors from the broth and butter, without becoming soggy. Plus, it’s a pretty versatile recipe. You can tweak it based on what you have on hand—add nuts, dried fruit, or sausage for extra flavor, or keep it simple and fresh with just the basics. No matter how you make it, this stuffing will quickly become a holiday favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s a preview of the ingredients you’ll need for this savory stuffing recipe. The full list of ingredients is below!
- Day-old bread (preferably a hearty country loaf or French bread)
- Unsalted butter
- Onion (finely chopped)
- Celery (finely chopped)
- Fresh garlic (minced)
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, and sage)
- Chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- Salt and pepper
For the full list of ingredients and measurements, check below!
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by cutting your bread into cubes. If you haven’t already, make sure your bread is a little stale—day-old bread works best because it holds up better when it absorbs the broth. If your bread is fresh, you can toast the cubes in the oven for a few minutes until they’re slightly crisp. Set the bread cubes aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic, and sauté until the vegetables are soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. This step infuses the butter with all those delicious savory flavors, which will really make your stuffing pop. Add the fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, and sage) towards the end of sautéing to release their natural oils and fragrance.
Step 3: Combine the Bread and Veggies
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes with the sautéed veggies and fresh herbs. Toss everything together to evenly distribute the vegetables throughout the bread.
Step 4: Add the Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you’re keeping it vegetarian), a little at a time, until the bread is just moistened but not soggy. You want the stuffing to be moist enough to hold together but still have a bit of texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Bake the Stuffing
Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Then, uncover the dish and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. This extra time uncovered gives the stuffing that perfect crunchy topping while keeping the inside soft and flavorful.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once it’s out of the oven, give the stuffing a final stir and serve hot. You’ll have a golden, flavorful stuffing that’s the perfect side for any holiday meal or dinner party!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Day-old bread is key: Fresh bread might become too mushy, so it’s important to use day-old bread or toasted cubes to get that perfect stuffing texture.
- Don’t skip the herbs: Fresh herbs really make the stuffing shine. They add an earthy, aromatic flavor that dried herbs can’t quite match. If you’re in a pinch, you can use dried herbs, but fresh really takes this recipe to the next level.
- Add a little more flavor: If you want to jazz up the stuffing, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bacon, sausage, or even dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness. You can also throw in some roasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch.
- Keep it moist: If your stuffing seems too dry, add a little extra broth before baking. The stuffing should be moist but not soggy, so it’s a balancing act!
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegetarian: Easily make this stuffing vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Sausage Stuffing: For a heartier version, add cooked sausage (Italian sausage works great) to the mixture before baking.
- Gluten-Free: You can substitute the bread with a gluten-free loaf if needed. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up to the broth and baking process.
- Add Fruit: For a sweeter stuffing, try adding some dried fruit like cranberries, raisins, or chopped apples. This adds a lovely contrast to the savory flavors.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Classic Bread Stuffing is the perfect side dish for any Thanksgiving or holiday meal. Here are some great pairing ideas to complete your meal:
- Turkey: Naturally, this stuffing pairs wonderfully with a juicy roasted turkey. The savory flavors of the stuffing complement the turkey perfectly.
- Roast Chicken: If you’re not making turkey, roast chicken is a great alternative. The stuffing will pair beautifully with the crispy skin and tender meat of the chicken.
- Gravy: Serve with a generous drizzle of turkey or chicken gravy to add even more flavor and moisture to the stuffing.
- Cranberry Sauce: A bit of tart cranberry sauce on the side adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stuffing and other savory sides.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storing leftovers: Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It makes a great leftover meal the next day!
- Freezing: You can also freeze the stuffing for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Reheating: To reheat, add a little more broth to the stuffing before covering it with foil and reheating it in the oven. This helps keep it moist.
4 FAQs
- Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe? Yes, you can use any type of bread you prefer. A French baguette or sourdough can also work well for a different flavor profile.
- Can I make this stuffing ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffing the day before, store it in the fridge, and then bake it on the day of your meal. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.
- Is this stuffing gluten-free? No, the recipe uses regular bread. But you can easily make it gluten-free by swapping in a gluten-free bread option.
- Can I make this stuffing vegetarian? Yes, simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’re all set!
Conclusion
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Classic Bread Stuffing is everything you want in a stuffing—rich, buttery, and full of flavor. With fresh herbs, savory vegetables, and the perfect balance of moisture, it’s the ideal side dish for your holiday meal or any time you want to add a little extra comfort to your table. So, next time you’re cooking for the holidays, give this simple but delicious recipe a try. Your guests will be raving about it long after the meal is over!
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Gwyneth Paltrow’s Classic Bread Stuffing: A Simple, Flavorful Side Dish for Every Occasion
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Classic Bread Stuffing is a simple yet luxurious side dish made with day-old bread, fresh herbs, butter, and a flavorful broth. The perfect balance of crispy and soft, it complements any holiday or dinner spread and is easy to prepare in advance.
Ingredients
- 10 cups of day-old bread (preferably a hearty country loaf or French bread), cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread:
Cut bread into cubes. If the bread is fresh, toast the cubes in the oven for a few minutes until they are slightly crisp. Set aside. - Sauté the Vegetables:
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic, sautéing for 8-10 minutes until softened. Add the fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage) and cook for another 2 minutes to release their oils. - Combine Bread and Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and herbs. Toss until evenly distributed. - Add the Broth:
Slowly pour the chicken (or vegetable) broth over the bread mixture, a little at a time, until the bread is moistened but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper. - Bake the Stuffing:
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy. - Serve:
Once baked, stir the stuffing and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Day-old bread is key for the perfect stuffing texture. If using fresh bread, toast the cubes first.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs add an aromatic flavor, but you can use dried herbs in a pinch (use half the amount).
- Variations: Add sausage, mushrooms, or dried cranberries for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg