# Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of bread (such as white, whole wheat, or sourdough), cut into cubes and dried out (about 10 cups of bread cubes)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2-3 celery stalks, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 teaspoons dried herbs (such as sage, thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2-3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Optional add-ins: cooked sausage, diced apples, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or mushrooms
### Instructions:
1. **Prepare Bread Cubes**: If using fresh bread, cut it into cubes and spread them out on a baking sheet. Let the bread cubes dry out at room temperature for a few hours or toast them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until slightly crispy.
2. **Saute Vegetables**: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. **Season**: Stir in the dried herbs, salt, and pepper, adjusting the seasonings to taste. Feel free to add additional herbs or spices for extra flavor.
4. **Combine Bread and Vegetables**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables, tossing to combine evenly. If using any optional add-ins like cooked sausage, diced apples, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts, add them to the bowl as well.
5. **Moisten**: Gradually pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the bread mixture, stirring gently to moisten the bread evenly. The amount of broth needed may vary depending on the desired texture of the stuffing. You want the bread cubes to be moistened but not overly soggy.
6. **Bake**: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish or casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the stuffing is heated through and golden brown on top.
7. **Serve**: Once the stuffing is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or additional herbs if desired.
8. **Enjoy**: Serve the stuffing hot as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite main course. Enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade stuffing!
### Tips:
- Feel free to customize the stuffing recipe based on your preferences. You can add different herbs, spices, or mix-ins to suit your taste.
- If you prefer a crispy top, uncover the stuffing during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to allow it to brown.
- Leftover stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
- You can also use the stuffing to stuff poultry like turkey or chicken before roasting, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
With this easy stuffing recipe, you can enjoy a classic holiday side dish that's sure to please your family and friends!