My Onion and Sage Stuffing is the perfect blend of traditional flavors with a modern twist. This classic sage stuffing combines fresh herbs, buttery bread cubes, and finely diced onions for a comforting and impressive side dish. Ideal for a Thanksgiving dinner or any special occasion, this easy recipe is perfect for weeknights but also special enough for a big day or holiday feast. Iโm sure youโll love this dishโitโs a true crowd-pleaser and the ideal addition to any meal.

I have a real soft spot for classic side dishes, and this Onion and Sage Stuffing holds a special place in my heart. Itโs a go-to recipe that brings together the comforting flavors of fresh sage, buttery bread cubes, and sweet onions. For me, this onion stuffing recipe is the ultimate blend of simplicity and tasteโitโs easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but fancy enough to impress at a holiday feast. Iโve made this so many times for family dinners and festive occasions, and it always gets rave reviews. Itโs a dish that feels like home and never fails to make a big day even more memorable.
Looking for more stuffing recipes? Try my classic sausage stuffing, croissant stuffing, stuffing-stuffed chicken breasts, sourdough stuffing, and chorizo cornbread stuffing.
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๐ Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Classic Comfort with Fresh Herbs: This Onion and Sage Stuffing combines simple, wholesome ingredients like fresh sage and buttery bread cubes to create a dish thatโs both comforting and flavorful. Itโs a classic side that enhances any meal with its rich, savory taste.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps and ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and quick to make. Itโs perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, allowing you to enjoy a delicious stuffing without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile and Impressive: Whether youโre serving it for a Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas meal, or a cozy family gathering, this stuffing adds a touch of sophistication to any big day. Its golden brown top and fragrant herbs make it a standout side dish that will impress your guests. It's the perfect side dish!
๐ฅ Ingredients
- White Sandwich Bread โ This forms the base of the stuffing, providing a tender, comforting texture that absorbs the flavorful butter and vegetable mixture. Use next day-old bread or slightly stale bread for the best results, as it holds up better and helps create a nice, cohesive stuffing.
- Butter โ Melted butter adds rich, creamy flavor and helps to crisp up the top of the stuffing as it bakes. Itโs essential for sautรฉing the onions and celery, and for making sure the breadcrumbs are well-coated and flavorful.
- White Onions โ Finely diced white onions bring a sweet, aromatic flavor that forms the backbone of the stuffing. They cook down to a soft, golden state, adding depth and a savory sweetness to the dish.
- Celery โ Celery adds a crisp, slightly peppery crunch and a subtle earthiness that complements the onions and sage. Itโs finely diced to blend seamlessly into the stuffing.
- Garlic โ Garlic provides a robust, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the stuffing. Itโs finely diced and sautรฉed to release its natural sweetness and depth.
- Fresh Sage โ Fresh sage is a key ingredient, bringing an earthy, slightly peppery taste thatโs essential for classic sage stuffing. Itโs finely diced to infuse the stuffing with its aromatic flavor.
- Fresh Thyme โ Fresh thyme adds a hint of lemony, herbal brightness that complements the sage and enhances the stuffingโs overall flavor profile. Itโs finely diced to mix thoroughly into the bread mixture.
See recipe card for quantities.
๐ช Step by Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180ยฐC (350ยฐF).
Prepare the Bread Crumbs: Place 9 ounces of white sandwich bread in a food processor and blitz into coarse breadcrumbs. You may need to do this in batches. Set aside.
Cook the Vegetables: In a large frying pan over medium heat, melt 5 tablespoons of butter. Add 2 finely diced large white onions and 1 finely diced large rib of celery. Gently sweat them down until soft and just starting to turn light golden, about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Add Garlic and Herbs: Add 2 finely diced large cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons of finely diced fresh sage, and 1 teaspoon of finely diced fresh thyme to the pan. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Combine Stock and Breadcrumbs: Stir in โ cup of vegetable stock into the pan. Then, add the prepared breadcrumbs, ยผ teaspoon of salt, and ยผ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix until the breadcrumbs are fully coated in the butter and stock mixture.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray a 25cm x 17cm (10" x 7") baking dish with oil to prevent sticking. Pour the breadcrumb mixture into the dish and use a wooden spoon to gently press down and level off the top.
Bake the Stuffing: Liberally drizzle the top of the bread stuffing with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is crisp and deep golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bread stuffing to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to portion out. Enjoy!
๐ฉ๐ผโ๐ณ Tips & Notes
- Use Day-Old Bread โ For the best texture in your stuffing, use bread that is 1-2 days old. Stale or day-old bread absorbs the liquid better and helps achieve a perfect consistency. Fresh bread may become too mushy.
- Melt Butter First โ Melt the butter before adding it to the pan with the chopped onion and celery. This ensures that the fat is evenly distributed and helps the vegetables cook more evenly.
- Cook the Vegetables Thoroughly โ Allow the onions and celery to sweat down slowly over medium heat until theyโre soft and slightly caramelized. This step is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor in the stuffing.
- Adjust Seasonings โ Taste the stuffing mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning if needed. The flavors can be adjusted by adding more salt, pepper, or fresh herbs to suit your taste.
- Use a Wooden Spoon โ When mixing the breadcrumbs and vegetable mixture, use a wooden spoon to gently fold everything together. This helps prevent breaking up the breadcrumbs too much and keeps the stuffing texture light.
- Let It Rest โ Allow the stuffing to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to serve and portion out.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time โ Baking times can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your stuffing. Check for a golden brown, crispy top, and adjust the baking time as needed. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
๐ Substitutions & Variations
Different Bread โ If you want to switch things up, you can use whole wheat bread or sourdough instead of white sandwich bread. Whole wheat bread will add a nutty, slightly earthy flavor, while sourdough gives a tangy depth. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale or toasted to help it hold up in the stuffing.
Different Herbs โ For a variation in flavor, try using dried sage or rosemary instead of fresh sage. Dried sage will offer a more concentrated flavor, while rosemary adds a piney, aromatic touch. Adjust the quantities, as dried herbs are more potent than fresh.
Chicken or Beef Broth โ If you donโt have vegetable stock on hand, chicken or beef broth can be used as a substitute. Chicken broth will add a bit more richness, while beef broth will give a deeper, more robust flavor. Keep in mind that these options will alter the overall taste of the stuffing slightly.
Plant-Based Butter โ To make the recipe vegan or dairy-free, substitute regular butter with plant-based butter. This option will still provide the richness and help crisp up the stuffing, without compromising the flavor.
Additional Mix-ins โ Consider adding sautรฉed mushrooms, diced apples, or even crumbled sausage meat for extra flavor and texture. Mushrooms add an umami depth, apples bring a touch of sweetness, and sausage meat adds a hearty, savory element. Adjust the seasoning as needed to complement these additions.

๐ด Serving Suggestions
Wine Pairing โ A medium-bodied Chardonnay with a touch of oak complements the rich, savory flavors of onion and sage stuffing. For a lighter option, a bright Pinot Noir or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc provides a refreshing contrast and enhances the herbaceous notes.
Cranberry Sauce โ A tangy cranberry sauce is the perfect complement to this stuffing. Its bright, tart flavor contrasts beautifully with the rich, savory notes of the stuffing, adding a refreshing burst to each bite. Serve a dollop of cranberry sauce alongside the stuffing for a balanced and festive touch.
Gravy โ Pouring a generous ladle of gravy over the stuffing adds extra richness and moisture. A savory, well-seasoned gravy enhances the flavors and ties the dish together, making it even more comforting. Opt for a classic turkey gravy or a homemade gravy for the best results.
Roasted Turkey โ This stuffing pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, making it an ideal choice for a holiday meal. The savory, herb-infused stuffing complements the tender, juicy turkey, creating a classic and satisfying combination. Serve the stuffing alongside slices of roasted turkey for a traditional and hearty feast.
๐ญ Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! While white sandwich bread is the traditional choice, you can use other types of bread like whole wheat, sourdough, or even stale French bread. Just ensure the bread is slightly stale or toasted, as this helps the stuffing hold its shape and absorb the flavors better. Day-old or stale bread works best to achieve the right texture.
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day or two in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate. On the day of serving, allow the stuffing to come to room temperature before baking it as directed. This makes it easy to prepare ahead of time and frees you up to focus on other dishes for your big day.
For a classic pairing, a medium-bodied Chardonnay with a touch of oak complements the savory and rich flavors of the stuffing. If you prefer a lighter option, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a bright Pinot Noir works well. These wines enhance the herbal notes and provide a refreshing contrast to the comforting stuffing.
๐ฅฃ Storage & Reheating
Storage: Keeps for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Ensure the stuffing is completely cooled before refrigerating to maintain the best texture.
Freezing: Place the cooled stuffing in an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Thaw: To use, thaw the stuffing in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a covered baking dish at 180ยฐC (350ยฐF) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You may want to add a splash of vegetable stock or water to keep it moist during reheating.
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๐ฅ Pairing Recommendations
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๐ Recipe
Delicious Classic Onion and Sage Stuffing Recipe
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Ingredients
- 9 ounces White Sandwich Bread preferably 1-2 days old
- 5 tablespoons Butter diced into cubes
- 2 large White Onions finely diced
- 1 large rib of Celery finely diced
- 2 large cloves of Garlic finely diced
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Sage finely diced
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme finely diced
- ยผ teaspoon Salt
- ยผ teaspoon Black Pepper
- โ cup Vegetable Stock
- Oil Spray as needed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350ยฐF.
- Prepare the breadcrumbs: Place the bread in a food processor and blitz into coarse breadcrumbs. You may need to do this in batches.
- Cook the onions and celery: Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions and celery and gently sweat them down until soft and just starting to turn light golden, about 15 minutes.
- Add garlic and herbs: Add the garlic, sage, and thyme, and continue frying for another 1-2 minutes.
- Mix in stock and breadcrumbs: Stir in the vegetable stock, then add the breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper, and mix until fully coated in the butter and stock.
- Prepare the baking dish: Spray the baking dish with oil, then pour in the breadcrumb mixture. Use a wooden spoon to gently press down and level off the top.
- Bake the stuffing: Liberally spray the top with oil and bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until crisp and deep golden on top.
- Rest and serve: Let the stuffing rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
๐ก๏ธ Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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