Name: Best Make Ahead Stuffing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 slices bread (Challah, French, Italian, or plain white recommended); 1 cup chicken stock or broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian option), plus more if needed; 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) or neutral olive oil/canola oil; 1 large sweet onion (or 2 medium); 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 3 stalks celery; 1 cup chopped red peppers and/or mushrooms (optional); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 teaspoons ground poultry seasoning (or more to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste depending on broth saltiness); 8 ounces small can water chestnuts, drained and chopped; 2 hot dogs or cooked sausage of any kind, cut into 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) pieces (for smoky flavor); 1 apple, cored and chopped, skin on; 1/2 cup chopped parsley; 3 tablespoons extra butter or turkey drippings (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 38 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for the Best Make Ahead Stuffing Recipe to impress your guests and simplify your holiday prep, you’ve just found the ultimate winner. This stuffing strikes the perfect balance of crispy toasted bread, tender veggies, and cozy, savory seasonings that soak up every bit of flavor. It’s comforting, full of texture, and so easy to pull together in advance—which means more time for you to enjoy the celebration. Whether you’re serving a classic Thanksgiving dinner or just craving a flavorful side, this recipe will soon become your go-to favorite for making ahead without losing any of that homemade charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows a close-up of three piles of chopped ingredients on a bright red cutting board with a white marbled surface in the background. The top left pile consists of small, white chopped pieces with a smooth texture. To the right, there is a heap of light pink, cubed pieces with a firm texture. Below both piles, there is a cluster of finely chopped dark green leafy herbs. The colors are bright and fresh, with clear separation between each ingredient. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients make up this fantastic recipe, each playing an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the crispy bread cubes that form the base, to the rich butter and aromatic seasonings that bring warmth and depth, every component matters.

16 slices bread: Toasted until golden and crispy, this is the backbone of the stuffing’s texture.
1 cup chicken stock or broth: Adds moisture and savory depth; vegetable broth works great for a vegetarian twist.
1/2 cup butter: Provides a rich, silky base for sautéing the vegetables and infusing flavor.
1 large sweet onion: Adds natural sweetness and tender bite when sautéed.
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped: Brings aromatic punch and savory warmth.
3 stalks celery: Offers a crisp, slightly bitter contrast that brightens the dish.
1 cup chopped red peppers and/or mushrooms (optional): Introduce color variation and umami depth.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy herbiness that complements poultry seasonings.
2 teaspoons ground poultry seasoning: The signature flavor that makes stuffing unmistakably comforting.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat balance.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors—adjust according to your broth’s saltiness.
8 ounces water chestnuts, drained and chopped (optional): Delivers delightful crunch to balance softness.
2 hot dogs or cooked sausage, cut into pieces (optional): A smoky, savory boost for meat lovers.
1 apple, cored and chopped: Adds a sweet contrast and juicy freshness.
1/2 cup chopped parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes.
3 tablespoons extra butter or drippings from turkey: For drizzling on top and enriching the final bake.

How to Make Best Make Ahead Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cubes

Start by toasting your bread slices in a 300°F (149°C) oven for 20 to 30 minutes. You’re aiming for each slice to be crispy throughout without burning, which takes a bit of watching. Once toasted, tear or cut the bread into roughly ½ inch pieces. This ensures your stuffing will have fantastic texture, with irresistible crisp edges and tender centers.

Step 2: Chop and Sauté the Vegetables

While the bread is toasting, get your veggies ready. Chop celery, onions, garlic, and any extras like red peppers or mushrooms into small pieces using a food processor or knife. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your chopped vegetables along with the garlic and seasonings. Sauté everything together until the veggies soften and the liquid evaporates, about eight to ten minutes. This step builds tremendous flavor as the butter and aromatics mingle.

Step 3: Combine and Moisten the Stuffing

In a large bowl, toss together the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetable mixture, water chestnuts, sausage or hot dogs if you’re using them, and parsley. Pour in the broth a little at a time, allowing the bread to soak it up. The goal is a moist but not soggy mixture. Taste now and tweak with extra salt or poultry seasoning if it needs more punch. If you’re baking immediately, mix in the chopped apple for a touch of fresh sweetness.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a large casserole or baking dish. Spread the stuffing evenly in the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Then uncover, drizzle with turkey drippings or dot with butter for added richness, and bake another 10 to 15 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and slightly crisp. Before serving, sprinkle fresh herbs for a delightful finishing touch.

How to Serve Best Make Ahead Stuffing Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of a baked stuffing dish in a white bowl. The stuffing has several layers made up of golden-brown toasted bread cubes, some with sesame seeds, mixed with chopped light yellow onions, pieces of red bell pepper, and green herbs scattered throughout. There are small chunks of pink-colored ham and bits of pale green celery, giving the dish a textured and colorful look. The bread pieces have a slightly crispy and crunchy surface with soft interiors visible, while the vegetables add a fresh contrast to the warm tones of the bread. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme leaves adds a pop of green and a burst of fresh aroma. For an elegant touch, a few toasted pecans or walnuts on top will bring subtle crunch and nutty flavor. If you’re feeling extra festive, a light dusting of grated Parmesan can add a salty-savory note that’s hard to resist.

Side Dishes

This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots, and mashed potatoes to complete a classic holiday plate. For a vegetarian feast, serve alongside rich mushroom gravy and a crisp green salad to balance the hearty flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking this stuffing in small individual ramekins for personal servings that wow at the dinner table. Or layer it in a clear glass trifle dish alternating with sautéed mushrooms and herbs for a stunning visual effect. You could also stuff it loosely inside your roasted turkey for the traditional presentation, although baking it separately locks in more flavor and moisture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers or want to prepare your stuffing days ahead, store it covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Placing it in a large zipper-style bag can save space and keep moisture locked in. Leftover baked stuffing keeps well for 3 days and reheats beautifully.

Freezing

This Best Make Ahead Stuffing Recipe freezes wonderfully. Simply prepare and combine the unbaked mixture, then freeze in an airtight container or bag for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add a splash of broth if it seems dry, and bake as instructed. This is a game changer for holiday meal planning.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven. For the oven, cover the stuffing with foil and warm at 325°F (163°C) until heated through, typically 15 to 20 minutes. Adding a little broth or drippings before reheating helps restore moisture and keeps every bite satisfying.

FAQs

Can I make this stuffing completely vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock and omit the hot dogs or sausage. You can substitute with plant-based sausage or add more mushrooms for an umami boost.

What bread works best for the stuffing?

Challah is my favorite for its slight sweetness and tender crumb, but French bread, Italian bread, or plain white bread all work well. Avoid multigrain as it can affect texture and absorbency. Pre-toasted bread cubes from the store can also speed things up!

Can I add eggs to make the stuffing custardy?

Yes! Whisking in two eggs along with the broth before mixing with the bread cubes gives a lovely custardy texture inside while still allowing the edges to crisp up.

How far ahead can I prepare this stuffing?

You can assemble the unbaked stuffing up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freeze it for up to one month. Add any fresh ingredients like apples just before baking.

Is it better to bake stuffing in a dish or inside the turkey?

Baking stuffing separately in a casserole dish results in better texture with crispy edges and ensures even cooking. Stuffing inside the turkey cooks slower and can sometimes turn out soggy, so for the best flavor and safety, the casserole method is preferred.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about a classic stuffing made with care and the Best Make Ahead Stuffing Recipe makes it so easy to enjoy that magic anytime. You’ll love the way it frees up your kitchen while tasting like it was made from scratch moments before serving. Give it a try at your next holiday or family dinner—it might just become the standout dish everyone requests every year!