No need for a box. With just some stale bread and a few spices and you can make your own Copycat Boxed Stuffing Mix From Scratch!
In honor of Turkey Day coming this week (um how did that happen?!) I have this goodie for you guys. Ahh the good ol' box stuffing mix made on the stove. You all know the classic red box I'm talking about. A staple in our house growing up. Stuffing made in minutes - what could be better? Well, how about a stuffing mix that can be made in advance so you can still have stuffing in just minutes- but from scratch?! Guys... I know. This Copycat Boxed Stuffing Mix From Scratch has just changed my stuffing world because it has all the same convenience with all of the homemade love.
Ingredients Needed:
- Stale bread - A simple white bread works best for this recipe. If it has something you wouldn't want in your stuffing (like nuts or seeds) then I wouldn't use it. We also love to use our Easy White Sandwich Bread!
- Dried herbs - parsley, sage, thyme, oregano.
- Dried minced onion - do you have a dehydrator? You can totally make your own as we do for our own onion soup mix!
- Dried celery flakes - This can be a hard one to find in your local grocery store, so we buy ours on Amazon.
Truth be told, I made this loaf of bread (but omitted the garlic and rosemary) just for this stuffing. Because really, homemade bread doesn't stay around in our house long enough to get stale.
Step-by-Step Instructions
It's almost as easy as opening a box!
Step 1: Cube stale bread
Step 2: Add herbs and seasonings and mix well.
Done!
Now you have the equivalent of two of those red boxes! Store it in an airtight container in the pantry for a week or in the freezer for up to 6 months!
To Make the Stuffing
It's just like making it from a box! Add broth or water, butter, and cook on the stove top and give it a nice fluff!
We love this with our Chicken Stock From Scratch, but you can also make it vegetarian by using Vegetable Stock From Scratch.
Make It A Meal!
Our favorite way to use this stuffing mix is in our Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing From Scratch (with our Homemade Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup). Or it makes a delicious side for some of our other favorites:
Fresh Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Chicken
15 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken
Leftover Turkey Pot Pie From Scratch
Or if it's going to round out your Thanksgiving table, keep that From Scratch train going with your own Copycat French's Fried Onions for our Fresh Green Bean Casserole From Scratch!
Happy Thanksgiving, friends! May your day be filled with lots of delicious food, loved ones, and hearts full of thanks. I'm sooo incredibly thankful for you all that come and read and share and ultimately encourage us to keep on keeping on with our Served From Scratch journey. Thank you! <3
Copycat Boxed Stuffing Mix From Scratch
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed day stale bread
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1/3 cup minced dried onion
- 1/3 cup dried celery flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
To Make the Stuffing from the mix
- 1 1/4 cup water or broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
- Spread out cubed bread evenly on a large baking sheet (or two if needed) and bake for approximately 10 minutes until dry.
- Meanwhile, in a large ziplock plastic bag, mix all the dried seasonings and shake.
- When cubed bread is done, add to ziplock bag and shake to combine well.
- Split mixture in half and store in an airtight container for up to 1 week in pantry or 6 months in the freezer. Each mixture is equivalent to 2 6 oz boxed stuffing mixes.
To Make Stuffing
- In a medium sauce pan, bring water and butter to a boil. Add one container of mix (about 3 cups) and stir well. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with fork and serve. Salt as needed / desired.
Can I use fresh onion?
I love making my own stuffing, and this herb blend is delicious and savory! Perfect for a holiday dinner.
Oh la la, this is actually vegan, depending upon the bread you use. I love it. I've never made my own stuffing and have got to give this a try. Thanks for sharing.
It totally is, Deborah! Great point!
That stuffing started off just like my mom's stuffing. But, then it looks very moist and well combined in that last photograph. I've always been a fan of the boxed stuffing - especailly when I'm in a hurry, so I've got to try this recipe! It looks delicious!
It's all the convenience but no box!
This looks way better than boxed stuffing!
How easy! I try to avoid the box stuff, but it's hard to beat the convenience when you are in a hurry. I love that you can make this ahead of time and store it right in your freezer until you are ready to use it. Thanks for sharing.
Wow is really a great job!!! You are a genius!! I need to try your idea immediately because this looks WONDERFUL! A good combination of ingredients and I'm ready to make this. Thanks.
Thank you!
This is a great idea. Love that you can freeze it for later. I get cravings for stuffing every once in a while.
Yes, I do too, Andrea! That's why I love this so much - I can have quick stuffing whenever I want without the guilt!
Oooh! This looks awesome! Love a homemade version of a classic.
Homemade is best!
Those spices are PERFECT! So often cooks don't flavor their stuffing enough, but yours looks brilliant!
thanks, Catherine!
Minced onion as in fresh or dried?
Oh thanks for asking, sorry it wasn’t more clear. Dried.