Rustic Sourdough Stuffing: Thanksgiving Goodness in Every Bite

Stuffing has always held a special place on my plate—Thanksgiving or not. Growing up, we didn’t make it from scratch; instead, the familiar aroma of boxed stuffing wafting from the kitchen signaled that dinner was almost ready. And honestly, I loved it. But as the years went by, and I started exploring the world of homemade cooking, my approach to Thanksgiving—and food in general—began to change.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve fallen in love with creating meals from scratch, especially for the holidays. There’s something magical about a real Thanksgiving feast made with fresh ingredients, care, and tradition. Among all the dishes, stuffing is one of the easiest to make yourself, and it delivers on flavor every single time. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of your favorite bread, you can create a stuffing that’s as comforting as it is delicious—and honestly, you almost can’t go wrong!

This sourdough stuffing recipe has become one of my favorites, offering a rustic, hearty twist on the classic dish. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or trying stuffing from scratch for the first time, this recipe is your new go-to. Let’s dive in!

Why Sourdough Bread Makes a Difference

Sourdough bread elevates stuffing with its tangy flavor and hearty texture, which absorbs flavors beautifully without turning mushy. Its chewy, rustic quality creates a perfect balance of softness and crispness in every bite.

That said, this recipe works well with other fresh bread too—like French loaves, ciabatta, or whole-grain bread. And no, you don’t have to bake it yourself! Grocery stores offer fantastic options, including pre-sliced sourdough or day-old loaves that are perfect for stuffing. Whether you choose sourdough or another favorite, sturdy bread is the key to this easy, crowd-pleasing dish.

Hints and Tips for Perfect Sourdough Stuffing

Stuffing vs. Dressing: While I call it "stuffing," this recipe is technically "dressing" since it’s baked in a dish rather than inside the turkey. Whatever you call it, it’s delicious!
Choose the Right Pan: A large skillet works well for cooking the aromatics, but if you’re worried about having enough space to toss the bread cubes, a stock pot is a great alternative. It makes mixing easier and minimizes mess.
Bread Tips: Day-old bread works best, but if your bread is fresh, you can dry it quickly in the oven. Just cut it into cubes and bake at 300°F for 15–20 minutes until firm.
Texture Preferences: The amount of broth you use determines the stuffing’s texture. Stick to 2 cups for a firmer, more structured dish, or add up to 1 extra cup for softer, more traditional stuffing.
Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the bread cubes and cook the aromatics a day in advance. Store the bread in an airtight container and refrigerate the cooked vegetables until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
Flavor Boost: Experiment with additions like cooked sausage, chopped apples, or dried cranberries for a unique twist that complements the sourdough’s tangy flavor.

How to Dry Out Bread for Perfect Stuffing

Drying out your bread is a crucial step for making stuffing that’s flavorful and not soggy. Stale or dried bread absorbs the broth and seasonings better, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Luckily, drying out bread is simple and can be done in two easy ways:

The Overnight Method: If you’re planning ahead, cut the bread into cubes and spread them out on a baking sheet. Cover with a clean kitchen towel. Leave them on the counter overnight to naturally dry out. This method works great if you have time to spare and want to reduce prep on the big day.
The Quick Oven Method: For a faster option, preheat your oven to 175°F (80°C). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they’re dry and slightly crisp.

Whether you go slow or speedy, dried bread is the foundation of a perfect stuffing, ready to soak up every drop of deliciousness you add to the mix!

Equipment

9 x 13 inch baking dish (glass or metal)
Large skillet or stock pot

Ingredients

1 loaf sourdough or fresh made bread
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups white onions diced
1 1/2 cups fresh celery diced
4 cloves minced garlic minced
2 Tbsp chopped rosemary
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground pepper
2 cups chicken stock (or feel free to use vegetable stock)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. Set aside.

Cook the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion, diced celery, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, poultry seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions and celery are soft and fragrant.

Combine with Bread: Remove the skillet from heat and add the dried sourdough bread cubes. Toss to coat the bread evenly in the onion and celery mixture.

Moisten the Stuffing: Pour in 2 cups of chicken stock and sprinkle fresh herbs over the bread. Mix until the bread is moistened but not mushy. For a softer texture, add an additional ½ to 1 cup of chicken stock as needed.

Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.

Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crisp top.

Serve: Let the stuffing cool for a few minutes, then serve warm. Enjoy this delicious, homemade classic!

A Recipe to Celebrate

Stuffing has always been a favorite of mine, from the boxed versions of my childhood to this hearty, homemade sourdough recipe I now proudly serve every Thanksgiving. It’s a dish that feels like a connection to tradition while embracing the joy of cooking from scratch.

What makes this stuffing so special is its simplicity. Whether you’re using store-bought sourdough or adding your own twists, it’s a recipe that anyone can master and everyone will love. Each bite is a reminder of the comfort and togetherness that holiday meals bring.

This Thanksgiving, let this sourdough stuffing be part of your celebration—a dish made with love, shared with joy, and remembered long after the table is cleared. Happy Thanksgiving!

Morgan with ModKitchn