Imagine a side dish so irresistible that it becomes the star of your dinner table. Our Rustic Herb Skillet Stuffing is not just another boring side – it's a flavor-packed, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside culinary masterpiece that will have your guests begging for seconds. With a perfect blend of fresh herbs, toasted rustic bread, and a golden-brown crust, this stuffing transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience that celebrates classic American comfort food.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of rustic bread, cubed
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the cubed rustic bread on a large baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and crisp, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning.
- In a large cast-iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery, sautéing until the vegetables become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the garlic's aromatic flavors.
- Sprinkle fresh thyme and rosemary into the skillet, stirring to distribute the herbs evenly throughout the vegetable mixture.
- Transfer the toasted bread cubes into the skillet, gently tossing to combine with the herb and vegetable mixture.
- Slowly pour the vegetable broth over the bread, ensuring even moisture distribution. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and gently mix to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to create a crispy top.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. The stuffing should be golden brown on top with a moist, flavorful interior.
Tips
- Bread Selection Matters: Choose a day-old rustic bread for the best texture. Fresh bread can become too soggy, while slightly stale bread absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Toast Bread Carefully: When toasting bread cubes, stir frequently to ensure even golden browning and prevent burning.
- Fresh Herbs Are Key: Use fresh thyme and rosemary if possible. The aromatic oils make a significant difference in flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Moisture Control: Add vegetable broth gradually to prevent the stuffing from becoming too wet. The goal is a moist but not soggy texture.
- Cast-Iron Skillet Advantage: If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, use an oven-safe pan. The skillet helps create a crispy bottom and even heat distribution.
- Let It Rest: Allow the stuffing to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
