12 cups day-old bread, cubed (such as sourdough or French bread)
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
1 large onion, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 teaspoons dried sage
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 to 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Optional Add-Ins
1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for a hint of sweetness)
Instructions
Prepare the Bread
Cube the Bread: Cut the day-old bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them on a baking sheet.
Dry the Bread: Leave the bread out for a few hours or bake at 250°F (120°C) for 20-30 minutes to dry out.
Cook the Vegetables
Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
Mix with Bread: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, chopped parsley, dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Add Broth: Pour in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and mix gently. Add more broth as needed until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
Bake the Stuffing
Transfer to Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stuffing to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cover with Foil: Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep it moist during baking.
Bake: Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Serve
Garnish and Enjoy: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.