Alright, Thanksgiving is my FAVORITE! And honestly, the star of the show for me has always been the stuffing. So many people think stuffing is complicated, but trust me, it doesn’t have to be! My go-to 7-Ingredient Stuffing recipe (no fuss!) is seriously a lifesaver when I’m juggling a million things in the kitchen. I remember one year, I completely forgot about making stuffing until, like, two hours before dinner. I was panicking, but this recipe came to the rescue. It’s so incredibly simple, uses ingredients I always have on hand, and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up something so delicious!
Why You’ll Love These 7-Ingredient Stuffing Recipes (No Fuss)
Seriously, this stuffing is a game-changer! It’s:
- Super Quick: You can whip it up in no time, perfect for those busy holiday prep days.
- Unbelievably Simple: With only seven main ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginners can nail it.
- Packed with Flavor: Don’t let the simple list fool you – those herbs and seasonings make it taste amazing!
- Truly Fuss-Free: We’re talking minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. No complicated techniques here!
These 7-Ingredient Stuffing recipes are a dream come true for anyone who wants amazing flavor without the stress!
Gather Your Simple Ingredients for 7-Ingredient Stuffing
Okay, so the beauty of this 7-Ingredient Stuffing recipe is just that – it’s simple! You probably have most of this stuff already in your pantry and fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 loaf Country bread (about 12 cups), cut into 1/4-1/2 inch cubes. This is the star! Make sure you leave it out overnight to dry out really well. It makes all the difference for that perfect texture.
- 1/4 cup Butter, plus a little extra to grease your dish. We’re not using a ton, but it’s important for flavor and getting things nice and golden.
- 1 large Shallot, minced. Shallots are milder than onions but give such a lovely, sweet base.
- 2 stalks Celery, minced. This adds that classic stuffing crunch and freshness.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced. Because, well, garlic makes everything better, right?
- A generous handful of Fresh Herbs: This is where the magic really happens! We’re talking chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh sage, minced fresh thyme leaves, minced fresh savory leaves, and chopped fresh rosemary leaves. It’s a symphony of flavor!
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
- 2 1/4 cups Chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium is great so you control the saltiness). This is what brings it all together and makes it moist.
See? Totally manageable. These are the building blocks for the most delicious, no-fuss stuffing you’ve ever made.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your 7-Ingredient Stuffing
Alright, let’s get this amazing 7-Ingredient Stuffing into the oven! It’s really not complicated at all. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have the best stuffing ever. I’ve included a link to a make-ahead version too, just in case you like planning ahead!
Preparing the Bread for Your Stuffing
First things first, we gotta get that bread ready. Remember how we left it out overnight? That’s key! Now, go ahead and cut those cubes into about 1/4 to 1/2 inch pieces if you haven’t already. Then, toast them up! Spread them on a baking sheet, maybe give ’em a tiny drizzle of oil, and pop them in a 450ºF (230ºC) oven for just a few minutes until they’re golden brown. We want them dried out and a little crisp, not burnt!
Sautéing the Aromatics
Now, grab a big skillet. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) so it’s ready when we are. Melt about 1/4 cup of butter in that skillet over medium heat. Toss in your minced shallots and celery. Let them soften up and get nice and fragrant, maybe about 6 minutes. We’re not trying to brown them, just get them tender.
Next, stir in all that minced garlic and your chopped fresh herbs – parsley, sage, thyme, savory, and rosemary. Cook for just another minute until you can really smell those amazing herbs. Mmm, heaven! For more tips on planning out your holiday meals, check out this guide on how to create a meal plan.
Combining and Seasoning the Stuffing Mixture
Okay, time to bring it all together! Dump those toasted bread cubes into a big bowl. Add the lovely sautéed veggie and herb mixture on top. Give it a good toss so everything gets mixed around. Now, gently stir in the chicken or vegetable broth. You want it to be moist but not soggy, you know? Season it generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste it! Does it need more salt? More pepper? Adjust it until it tastes just right to you. This is your chance to make it perfect!
Baking Your Delicious Stuffing
Butter up a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour your stuffing mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly. Cover that dish *tightly* with foil. Pop it into the preheated 350ºF (175ºC) oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes. We’re covering it so the inside gets all steamy and cooked through. After 45 minutes, take off the foil! Let it bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, uncovered, until the top is beautifully golden brown and toasty. That’s the best part!
Once it’s done, give it a lovely garnish of fresh parsley and serve it up hot.
Tips for Perfect 7-Ingredient Stuffing
Okay, folks, listen up! Making my 7-Ingredient Stuffing (No Fuss!) is pretty darn easy, but a few little tricks make it absolutely *perfect* every single time. I’ve learned these over the years, and they really do make a difference. For more ideas on whipping up amazing holiday food fast, you gotta check out these quick hacks – they’re lifesavers!
- Don’t Skip the Stale Bread Step! Seriously, leaving the bread out to dry overnight is NON-NEGOTIABLE. It’s what gives you that slightly chewy, slightly crisp texture, not a mushy mess.
- Fresh Herbs are Your Best Friend: Yes, you *could* use dried herbs, but fresh ones bring such a vibrant, amazing flavor. It’s worth the tiny bit of extra effort. I love using a mix like this; it makes the stuffing smell incredible while it bakes.
- Taste and Season: This is SO important. Taste the mixture before you add the broth and after. Bread soaks up salt like a sponge, so don’t be afraid to season it well. Your taste buds will thank you!
- Don’t Over-Mix: Once you add the broth, just gently toss everything together. Over-mixing can make the bread turn to mush. We want cubes, people!
Follow these little tips, and you’ll have the most delicious, no-fuss stuffing that’ll disappear fast!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
So, while this 7-ingredient stuffing recipe is pretty foolproof, let’s chat for a sec about the ingredients. Sometimes you might not have exactly what’s listed, or you might want to tweak things, and that’s totally fine!
- The Bread: Country bread is my favorite because it’s sturdy, but honestly, a good French baguette or even a hearty sourdough will work. Just make sure it’s good and stale – that’s the real secret! Avoid really soft, squishy sandwich bread; it’ll just turn to mush.
- Broth: Chicken broth is classic and adds a great depth of flavor. But veggie broth works like a charm if you want to keep it vegetarian or need a lighter option. Just use low-sodium so you can control the saltiness yourself.
- Herbs: I love having a mix of fresh herbs here; it’s what makes this stuffing sing! If you can’t find one, don’t stress too much. Sage and thyme are probably the most important for that traditional stuffing flavor. You could use dried herbs in a pinch, but you’ll need much less – maybe 1/3 of the amount of fresh.
The goal is always a really flavorful, satisfying stuffing, even with just a few simple swaps!
Make-Ahead and Storage for Your Stuffing
Okay, you are going to LOVE how easy this 7-Ingredient Stuffing is to prep ahead! Honestly, it’s a total lifesaver, especially on busy Thanksgiving day. You can totally get this whole thing (minus the final bake) ready the day before. Just make sure you’ve got everything mixed and poured into your buttered 9×13 dish, then cover it *super* tightly with foil. Pop it in the fridge! It’ll be good for a whole day like that. For more awesome make-ahead ideas, definitely check out these meal prep ideas – they’re lifesavers!
When it’s time to bake, just take it straight from the fridge, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the covered baking time. I usually do about 50 minutes covered, then uncover it to get that lovely golden top, maybe another 20-25 minutes. It comes out just as delicious!
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for about 4-6 days. Reheat them in the oven (my preferred way!) at around 350°F until nice and warm all the way through. You can also pop them in the microwave, but the oven really helps keep that nice texture.
Frequently Asked Questions about 7-Ingredient Stuffing
Got questions about whipping up this easy 7-Ingredient Stuffing recipe? I’ve got answers! It’s always good to know the little details to make sure your stuffing turns out amazing. For more tips on planning your holiday meals, check out this guide on how to create your meal plan!
Can I use a different type of bread for this stuffing?
Absolutely! While country bread is my go-to, a good sturdy baguette or even sourdough works great. Just make sure it’s stale! Softer bread will get mushy, so aim for something with a good crust.
How do I make this stuffing vegetarian?
Easy peasy! Just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. That’s pretty much it! The rest of the ingredients are already vegetarian-friendly, and you’ll still get a super flavorful stuffing.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients?
Sure! Feel free to toss in some chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a handful of dried cranberries or toasted pecans for extra flavor and texture. Just remember, adding a lot more might change the moisture balance a bit, so you might need a splash more broth.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just so you know, giving estimated nutritional info is tricky because everyone uses slightly different ingredients! But based on what I used, this 7-Ingredient Stuffing recipe comes out to about 398 calories per serving. You’re looking at roughly 13g of protein, 61g of carbs, and 12g of fat. Remember, these are just ballpark figures – your exact numbers might change depending on the bread and broth you pick! For more tips on planning your meals, check out this guide on how to start a low-carb diet plan.
Share Your Thoughts!
Did you try this super simple 7-Ingredient Stuffing? I’d LOVE to hear what you thought! Drop a comment below to share your experience, any fun additions you made, or how it went over at your dinner table. Rating the recipe helps other home cooks, too! You can also find more ways to connect on my contact page.

7-Ingredient Stuffing
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the bread into 1/4-1/2 inch cubes and leave out overnight to dry out. Preheat the oven to 450ºF (230ºC). Place the dried bread cubes on a baking sheet and drizzle with a little oil. Bake for a few minutes until golden brown. Set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and butter a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter. Add the minced shallots and celery and cook until soft and fragrant, about 6 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, sage, thyme, savory, and rosemary. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the toasted bread cubes in a large bowl. Add the cooked vegetable and herb mixture. Toss to combine. Gently stir in the chicken or vegetable broth. Season generously with salt and pepper and toss until completely coated.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the buttered baking dish and cover tightly with foil. Bake until cooked through, about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake until the bread is golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes more.
- Serve with a fresh chop of parsley for garnish.
Nutrition
Notes
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James Richardson – Certified Budget Nutrition Economist
My expertise in affordable low-carb eating was born from necessity during graduate school, when ramen noodles threatened to derail both my metabolism and my economics dissertation. Later, feeding a family of five on a teacher’s salary while my wife completed nursing school taught me that eating well doesn’t require a trust fund.
With my MBA in consumer behavior analytics, I treat grocery budgets like investment portfolios. My breakthrough “Dollar-Per-Day Keto” challenge proved sustainable low-carb eating could be achieved for under $30 weekly per person through strategic bulk purchasing and what I call “ingredient arbitrage” – buying versatile basics when they’re cheapest.
I’ve developed over 200 budget-optimized recipes with real-time pricing calculations that adjust based on regional grocery data. Unlike lifestyle bloggers who assume unlimited budgets, my meal plans work with food stamp restrictions, dollar store ingredients, and the reality that consistent access to “right” foods often determines dietary success.
My background as a budget coordinator for a regional food bank taught me how economic constraints intersect with nutritional needs. When I’m not playing competitive chess or collecting vintage calculators, I’m proving that nutrition becomes a luxury only when you approach it backwards – optimize for value instead of convenience, and eating well becomes the most economical choice.