I wasn’t always a stuffing person. That was, until I tried Gwyneth Paltrow’s classic bread stuffing recipe. It’s buttery, simple, and absolutely packed with flavor in that way only comfort food can be. There’s no fuss—just crusty bread, tender sautéed veggies, fresh herbs, and that rich, savory broth that pulls it all together into the coziest dish on the table.

This is the stuffing I now make every year, even if I’m just cooking a turkey breast and calling it a day. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll get it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re after a stuffing that tastes nostalgic but elevated, this is it. It’s homemade without being complicated. The flavor is classic—think onions, celery, garlic, and thyme—and the texture is that perfect middle ground between soft and golden crisp. It also makes the house smell exactly how you want your kitchen to smell around the holidays.

Ingredients

You’ll find the full list of ingredients with measurements below in the recipe card, but here’s what you’ll need to gather:

A loaf of crusty, day-old bread (like sourdough or French bread)
Butter
Onion and celery
Garlic
Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, sage)
Chicken or vegetable broth
Eggs (to bind it all together)

Chop and Toast the Bread

Start by cutting your bread into bite-sized cubes and either let them sit out overnight or toast them in the oven until they’re dry and just golden. You want them to hold up to the broth without turning soggy.

Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet, melt the butter and sauté the onions and celery until soft and fragrant. Toss in the garlic and fresh herbs right at the end and cook just until everything smells amazing.

Mix It All Together

In a big mixing bowl, combine your toasted bread cubes with the sautéed veggies. Pour in the broth and beaten eggs, then gently toss until the bread is fully coated and everything is evenly mixed.

Into the Pan It Goes

Transfer the stuffing to a buttered baking dish. Spread it out evenly, cover it with foil, and bake until warmed through. Then take off the foil for the last bit to let the top get that irresistible golden crust.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use day-old bread—it holds up much better than fresh. If you’re short on time, cube your bread and toast it in a 300°F oven for 15–20 minutes. Also, don’t skip the fresh herbs—they make a huge difference in the final flavor.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Want to make it a little heartier? Add cooked sausage or diced apples for extra depth. You can swap chicken broth for vegetable broth if you need it vegetarian, and feel free to use whatever bread you have on hand—whole wheat, sourdough, even a crusty baguette all work beautifully.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This stuffing pairs perfectly with turkey (of course), but it’s also a great match with roasted chicken or pork tenderloin. Add some green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts on the side, and you’ve got a full plate. It’s also amazing with a little gravy drizzled on top.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish covered with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until hot. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven helps bring back that crispy top.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything the day before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze stuffing?
You can! Wrap it tightly and freeze it either before or after baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

What’s the best bread for this stuffing?
Crusty sourdough or French bread is ideal. Avoid super soft sandwich bread—it doesn’t hold up as well.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just use your favorite gluten-free loaf—make sure it’s sturdy enough to cube and toast.

Conclusion

There’s something really comforting about a dish like this one. It’s not fussy, it’s familiar, and it tastes like the holidays in the best way. Whether you’re making the whole Thanksgiving spread or just want something cozy on a chilly night, this classic bread stuffing never disappoints. If it’s good enough for Gwyneth, it’s good enough for me—and I think you’ll agree.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Classic Bread Stuffing

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This classic bread stuffing is buttery, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with tender sautéed veggies, fresh herbs, and rich broth. It’s the perfect dish to serve alongside turkey, making it a Thanksgiving must-have.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Chop and Toast the Bread: Cut bread into cubes and either let them sit out overnight or toast them in the oven until golden and dry.
Sauté the Veggies: Melt butter in a skillet and sauté onions and celery until soft. Add garlic and fresh herbs, and cook until fragrant.
Mix It All Together: In a bowl, combine toasted bread cubes with sautéed veggies. Add broth and beaten eggs. Toss until evenly mixed.
Bake: Transfer the stuffing to a buttered baking dish. Cover with foil and bake until warmed through. Remove the foil to allow the top to crisp.