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Classic Herb and Fennel Stuffing

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Photo by Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski

If your Thanksgiving isn’t Thanksgiving without a craggy-topped, herb-infused, crusty-bread-based stuffing, this one's for you. Better yet, make two: A dish of stuffing at each end of the table will help ease the traffic jam and maximize those primo corner scoops.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    8 servings

Ingredients

1 2-lb. loaf country-style bread, torn into 1"–1½" pieces
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium onions, finely chopped
1 fennel bulb, finely chopped
4 celery stalks, finely chopped
½ cup dry white wine
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 cup chopped parsley
2 Tbsp. chopped sage
1 Tbsp. chopped rosemary
1 Tbsp. chopped thyme
3 tsp. kosher salt
2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs
2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 250°. Arrange bread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, tossing occasionally, until dried out, about 1 hour. Let cool; transfer to a very large bowl. Increase oven temperature to 350°.

    Image may contain Food Food Presentation Adult Person Bread Plate and Brunch
    Photo by Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook onions, fennel, and celery, stirring often, until softened but not yet browned, 8–10 minutes. Add wine and cook, stirring, until almost completely evaporated, about 1 minute. Add butter and cook, stirring, until melted, about 3 minutes. Scrape vegetable mixture over bread in bowl and mix in parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.

    Step 3

    Whisk eggs and broth in a medium bowl to combine.

    This image may contain Finger Human Person Clothing and Apparel
    Photo by Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski

    Step 4

    Pour over bread mixture; fold gently until thoroughly coated.

    This image may contain Human Person and Food
    Photo by Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski

    Step 5

    Divide between two 8x8" baking dishes (you can also put it all in a 13x9" baking dish if you prefer) and pack stuffing down.

    Image may contain Food Food Presentation Person Baby Body Part Hand and Cooking
    Photo by Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski

    Step 6

    Cover with foil and bake until you can see some bubbles around the edges of the dishes, 30–35 minutes.

    Step 7

    Increase oven temperature to 425°. Uncover stuffing and bake until top is golden brown and crisp, 20–25 minutes. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.

    Step 8

    Do Ahead: Bread can be baked 2 days ahead; store airtight at room temperature. Stuffing can be assembled 1 day ahead; cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before baking.

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