Pepperidge Farm Stuffing Sage

This savory Pepperidge Farm stuffing with sage brings the classic holiday flavor you crave without hours of preparation. The combination of herb-seasoned cubes with fresh vegetables creates that perfect balance of soft centers and crispy edges that makes stuffing everyone's favorite side dish.

I discovered this timesaver recipe when hosting my first Thanksgiving and panicking about timing all the dishes. Now it's requested at every family gathering, even by my mother-in-law who insists nothing beats homemade.

Ingredients

• Pepperidge Farm Sage and Onion Cubed Stuffing: Provides the perfect seasoned base and saves you from drying your own bread
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create those irresistible crispy edges
• Diced onion and celery: Create the classic aromatic foundation for traditional stuffing flavor
• Mushrooms: Add a meaty texture and earthy depth that elevates the entire dish
• Chicken broth: Moistens the stuffing; quality broth makes a huge difference in final flavor
• Fresh Italian parsley: Brightens the dish with color and fresh herb flavor
• Poultry seasoning: Reinforces the classic Thanksgiving flavor profile

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and thoroughly butter a 13x9 baking dish. The butter creates a delicious crust on the bottom and prevents sticking, ensuring perfect serving portions.

Sauté The Aromatics:

Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until foaming subsides. Add the diced onion, celery, and mushrooms, cooking for about 8 minutes until vegetables soften and begin to caramelize slightly. This develops the foundational flavors of your stuffing.

Combine Everything:

Bring chicken stock to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, remove from heat and immediately add the Pepperidge Farm stuffing cubes, your sautéed vegetables, poultry seasoning, and fresh parsley. Stir thoroughly but gently to combine all ingredients without crushing the bread cubes too much.

Bake To Perfection:

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Dot the surface with the remaining tablespoon of butter, which will create beautiful browned spots during baking. Bake uncovered for at least 30 minutes for moist stuffing or up to 1 hour for a crispier texture.

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The fresh parsley might seem like a small addition, but it's one ingredient I never skip. One Thanksgiving I forgot it and immediately noticed the dish lacked that brightness that cuts through the richness. My grandmother always said stuffing needs something green to "wake up the flavors."

Make It Your Own

This classic stuffing recipe serves as a wonderful base for creative additions. Try mixing in cooked sausage, dried cranberries, chopped apples, or toasted pecans for different flavor profiles. Each addition creates a new dimension while maintaining the comforting base we all love. My family particularly enjoys the sausage and apple combination, which brings a sweet and savory contrast to the table.

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Texture Control

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability to texture preferences. For softer, more moist stuffing, cover the baking dish with foil during baking and remove it during the final 10 minutes for some surface browning. For the ultimate crispy top with a tender middle, leave it uncovered the entire time and extend baking to the full hour. I personally prefer the contrast of textures, with crispy edges and a softer center.

Holiday Planning Strategy

Stuffing is one dish that actually benefits from being made ahead. Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to bake, add about 15 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold. This advance preparation has saved my sanity during multiple holiday meals when oven space becomes precious real estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture, cover it in the pan, and refrigerate for up to one day. Add extra baking time if it’s not at room temperature.

→ How can I make the stuffing crispier?

Bake the stuffing uncovered for at least one hour to achieve a crispy texture.

→ Can I use dried mushrooms?

Yes, you can use dried but reconstituted mushrooms to enhance the flavor.

→ What broth works best for this recipe?

Chicken broth is recommended, and you can make your own using Better Than Bouillon for richer flavor.

→ How do I prevent the stuffing from drying out?

For moist stuffing, cover it while baking or during holding to retain moisture.