Copycat Bon Appétit Stuffing Recipe

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Every year, as I go on my holiday cooking marathon, I find a sense of calm in the familiarity of this recipe’s uncomplicated elegance. It stands as a testament to the beauty of simplicity in a season often marked by excess. The harmonious blend of classic herbs with day-old bread, cooked to perfection, somehow encapsulates the warmth and love of the holiday season in every bite. In this article, I’m excited to explore the allure of the Bon Appétit stuffing recipe, which has become as indispensable to my Thanksgiving spread as the turkey itself.

How to make Bon Appétit Stuffing

Bon Appétit Stuffing is a popular recipe featured by Bon Appétit, a well-known food media company. The recipe typically includes a savory mix of ingredients, with the base being cubed bread, vegetables, and seasonings. This stuffing is often made with ingredients such as onions, celery, garlic, and herbs and may feature additional flavors like sausage, mushrooms, or even fruits like apples, depending on the version.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of day-old white bread, preferably a quality loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish
• 2 1/2 cups chopped yellow onions
• 1 1/2 cups 1/4-inch sliced celery
• 1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
• 2 1/2 cups (or more) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 large eggs

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 250°-275°F (120°-135°C). Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake, tossing occasionally, until dry, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Let cool; transfer to a large bowl.

Step 2: Melt 3/4 cup butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and celery; cook, stirring often, until softened and just beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Add to the bowl with bread; stir in herbs, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper.

Step 3: Drizzle 2 1/2 cups broth over the mixture. Toss gently, ensuring the bread is evenly moistened. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then, if needed, add more broth until the mixture is moist but not soggy. Whisk 2 eggs in a small bowl; fold into the bread mixture.

Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 13x9x2” baking dish. Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared dish, cover with foil, and bake until a thermometer inserted into the center of the stuffing reads 160°F, about 40 minutes.

Step 5: If you prefer a crispy top, remove the foil after 40 minutes of baking, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C), and continue baking until the top begins to brown, about 20-25 minutes more.

Tips for Perfecting Your Stuffing:

• Bread Quality Matters: The quality of bread you use can significantly impact your stuffing’s texture and taste. A sturdy, high-quality loaf that’s a day or two old works best.
• Season to Taste: While the recipe provides a guideline for salt and pepper, always adjust according to personal preference and dietary needs.
• Moistness is Key: The amount of broth needed can vary depending on the bread’s dryness and personal preference for stuffing moistness. Start with the recommended amount and adjust as needed.
• Herb Freshness: Using fresh herbs as recommended significantly enhances the stuffing’s flavor profile, giving it a depth and freshness that dried herbs cannot match.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing 1 day ahead. Just keep it refrigerated, and then bake it on the day of serving, adding a bit more broth if it feels too dry.

What to serve with

Bon Appétit stuffing is a flavorful and traditional side dish often associated with holiday feasts such as Thanksgiving. It typically accompanies a number of classic entrees and sides that complete the meal.

Entrees:

1. Roast Turkey: The most traditional choice, a golden, juicy roast turkey, is the centerpiece of any Thanksgiving meal. The herbs and bread in the Bon Appétit stuffing perfectly complement the turkey’s savory flavors.

2. Baked Ham: For those who prefer pork over poultry, a glazed baked ham pairs beautifully with stuffing. The sweetness of the glaze contrasts well with the savory herbs in the stuffing.

3. Roast Chicken: As a smaller alternative to turkey, a roast chicken can be just as delightful and is suitable for smaller gatherings.

4. Vegetarian or Vegan Roasts: There are numerous plant-based roasts made from ingredients like seitan, tofu, or a blend of grains and legumes that can provide a meat-free centerpiece for those who do not consume meat.

Sides:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes go hand-in-hand with stuffing and often share the plate at Thanksgiving.

2. Sweet Potato Casserole: Offering a hint of sweetness, a well-prepared sweet potato casserole can balance the savory profile of your Bon Appétit stuffing.

3. Green Bean Casserole: This creamy casserole with its crispy fried onion topping offers a textural contrast to the softness of the stuffing.

4. Cranberry Sauce: With its tangy and sweet flavor profile, cranberry sauce provides a bright contrast to the rich and hearty stuffing.

5. Gravy is essential for adding moisture and deep, meaty flavors to both the turkey and the stuffing.

6. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, and butternut squash, offers a colorful and nutritious side dish that complements the stuffing well.

7. Dinner Rolls or Cornbread: Freshly baked dinner rolls or cornbread provide a nice bread option for rinsing the plate of gravy and other residual flavors.

Salads:

1. Green Salad: A light, green salad with a crisp vinaigrette can cut through the richness of stuffing and other heavy dishes.

2. Roasted Beet Salad: Beets paired with goat cheese and a balsamic reduction create an earthy counterpoint to the stuffing’s savory nature.

Desserts:

1. Pumpkin Pie: The quintessential dessert following a meal with stuffing would be pumpkin pie, resonating with harvest and holiday themes.

2. Pecan Pie: Another traditional choice, pecan pie’s sweetness and nuttiness offer a lovely closing note to the meal.

3. Apple pie or tart is a great fruit-based dessert that pairs wonderfully with the spices often found in stuffing.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating Bon Appétit stuffing and finding yourself short on some ingredients can be a common predicament, especially during the busy holiday season. Thankfully, there are many substitutions you can make that will keep your stuffing delicious and satisfying.

Bread

Original Ingredient: Dry, day-old bread cubes are typically used for their ability to absorb flavors.

Substitutes:

• Cornbread: Offers a sweeter flavor and crumbly texture.
• Brioche: Adds a rich, buttery taste.
• Gluten-Free Bread: This makes your stuffing accessible to those with dietary restrictions without significantly altering flavor or texture.

Broth

Original Ingredient: Chicken or vegetable broth is used to moisten stuffing.

Substitutes:

• Water: In a pinch, water can be used, though you might want to increase seasonings to compensate for lost flavor.
• Bouillon Cubes + Water: Can mimic the flavor of broth.
• Wine: White wine can add depth and a bit of acidity, making the dish more complex.

Onions and Celery

Original Ingredient: These vegetables add crunch and flavor to the stuffing.

Substitutes:

• Fennel: Offers a slightly sweet, anise-like flavor.
• Leeks: Provide a milder, more refined taste.
• Bell Peppers: Add sweetness and color without overpowering the dish.

Butter

Original Ingredient: Used for sautéing and adding richness.

Substitutes:

• Olive Oil: A healthier option that still allows for sautéing of vegetables.
• Margarine: Offers a similar flavor and texture, suitable for those avoiding dairy.
• Ghee: Clarified butter, which is lactose-free and has a richer flavor.

Herbs and Spices

Original Ingredient: Sage, thyme, and rosemary are classic stuffing herbs.

Substitutes:

• Poultry Seasoning: A blend that typically includes most of the classic stuffing herbs.
• Dried Herbs: If the recipe calls for fresh, you can use dried versions; just remember the 1:3 ratio (1 part dried equals 3 parts fresh).
• Italian Seasoning: An easy substitute that includes many herbs commonly found in stuffing.

Eggs

Original Ingredient: Eggs are used as a binder.

Substitutes:

• Flaxseed or Chia Seed “Egg”: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit until thickened.
• Applesauce or Mashed Banana: Can work as a binder in a pinch and add moisture, though it may slightly alter the flavor profile.
• Yogurt or Buttermilk: Adds moisture and acts as a binder with a slight tang.

Sausage or Meat

Original Ingredient: Often added for flavor and substance.

Substitutes:

• Vegetarian Sausage: Many brands offer products that closely mimic the taste and texture of meat.
• Mushrooms: Chopped and sautéed, they add umami and a meaty texture.
• Lentils: Cooked lentils can provide substance and protein.

Nuts and Dried Fruits

Original Ingredient: For added texture and sweetness.

Substitutes:

• Different Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, almonds, etc., can be used interchangeably based on what’s available.
• Various Dried Fruits: Cranberries, raisins, apricots, or cherries; choose based on your preferred flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the key to serving sides with Bon Appétit stuffing, or any stuffing, is to balance textures and flavors. The richness of the stuffing can be offset with bright, crisp salads, or you can lean into comfort by pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes and roast meats. 

More Stuffing Recipes:

• Turkey Stuffing Recipe
• Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
• Pepperidge Farm Turkey Stuffing Recipe
• Pepperidge Farm Sausage Stuffing Recipe
• Sausage Stuffing for Thanksgiving