Classic Herb and Fennel Stuffing

A traditional stuffing made with country-style bread, aromatic fennel, and fresh herbs including parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. This savory side dish features a perfect blend of vegetables and herbs, finished with a golden-brown crispy top.

8 servings
2 hr 25 min

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf country-style bread
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 medium onions
  • 1 bulb fennel
  • 4 stalks celery
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup parsley
  • 2 Tbsp sage
  • 1 Tbsp rosemary
  • 1 Tbsp thyme
  • 3 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • cups low-sodium chicken broth

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 250°F. 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°F.

    60 min

  2. 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.

    15 min

  3. 3.

    Whisk eggs and broth in a medium bowl to combine. Pour over bread mixture; fold gently until thoroughly coated. Divide between two 8x8" baking dishes (you can also put it all in a 13x9" baking dish if you prefer) and pack stuffing down. Cover with foil and bake until you can see some bubbles around the edges of the dishes, 30-35 minutes.

    35 min

  4. 4.

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

    35 min

  5. 5.

    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.