1Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Toast on a large baking sheet, stirring several times, until golden brown, 5 to 10 minutes
- One pound bread cubes
2Step 2
- Turn into a large bowl. Heat in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the foam subsides:
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup unsalted butter
3Step 3
- Add and cook, stirring, until tender, about 5 minutes:
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 1 cup finely chopped celery
4Step 4
- Remove from the heat and stir in:
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup minced parsley
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage or 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon grated or ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
5Step 5
- Add to the bread cubes and toss until well combined
- Stir in, a little at a time, until the stuffing is lightly moist but not packed together:
- 1/3 to 1 cup chicken stock or broth, or as needed
6Step 6
- Adjust the seasonings. If you desire a firm dressing and are baking in a dish, stir in:
- 2 large eggs, well beaten
- browned sausage
- cooked button mushrooms
- Bake separately in a dish. Stuffing is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.