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7-Ingredient Stuffing: Amazing Flavor, No Fuss

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Mark Williams

February 6, 2026

A close-up shot of a white baking dish filled with a delicious 7-ingredient stuffing recipe, garnished with fresh herbs.

Thanksgiving is *all* about gathering around the table, right? And for me, Mark Williams, nothing says “home” quite like a perfectly savory stuffing. But let’s be real, while we all dream of that amazing holiday spread, sometimes the reality of cooking can feel a little… overwhelming. I remember one Thanksgiving, totally swamped, I whipped up a stuffing with just a handful of ingredients, and guess what? It was the star of the show! That’s the beauty of these 7-Ingredient Stuffing Recipes (No Fuss). They prove you don’t need a million things or hours in the kitchen to create something truly delicious that everyone will love. My passion is showing how simple, high-quality ingredients can come together for incredible flavor, and this stuffing is proof. You guys looking for easy, stress-free holiday prep? I’ve got you covered!

Why You’ll Love These 7-Ingredient Stuffing Recipes (No Fuss)

Honestly, who needs fuss when you can have flavor? You’re going to adore this stuffing because:

  • Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Taste: We’re talking just seven main players, proving that simple can be sensational.
  • Super Quick to Throw Together: The prep is a breeze, leaving you more time to actually enjoy your guests (or sneak a little taste!).
  • Flavor Packed: Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you – this stuffing is bursting with savory goodness and aromatic herbs.
  • Perfect for Everyone: Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is your new best friend.

Gather Your Simple Ingredients for 7-Ingredient Stuffing Recipes

Alright, let’s get our ducks in a row – or should I say, our ingredients! For this super tasty and no-fuss stuffing, you really only need a few things. Trust me, the magic is in the quality and how we put it all together. Grab your apron, and let’s make sure you have these ready:

  • 1 loaf country bread (about 12 cups worth), cut into 1/4-1/2 inch cubes. The big secret here? Leave these cubes out overnight to dry out. It’s a game-changer for texture!
  • 1/4 cup butter, plus a little extra for greasing the dish.
  • 1 large shallot, minced. So much milder and sweeter than onion!
  • 2 stalks celery, minced. Gives it that classic stuffing crunch and flavor.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced. Because, well, garlic!
  • A generous mix of fresh herbs: chop up about 1/2 cup fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon fresh sage, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, 1 tablespoon fresh savory leaves, and 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves. Fresh is absolutely key here for that amazing aroma.
  • 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your No Fuss Stuffing

Alright, let’s get this stuffing party started! It’s seriously simple, but doing it right makes all the difference. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a fantastic stuffing on your table with zero stress. This is where those 7-Ingredient Stuffing Recipes (No Fuss) really shine, because it’s all about making good food easy! You can find even more delicious side dish recipes to complete your meal.

Preparing the Bread for the Best Stuffing Texture

First things first, grab those bread cubes you left out overnight. Drying them is absolutely NOT optional if you want stuffing that has some structure and isn’t just mush. Those slightly stale, dried-out cubes soak up the flavors so much better and give you that perfect texture. Toss them onto a baking sheet. If you’re feeling extra, a little drizzle of olive oil won’t hurt, then pop them in a hot oven (450°F or 230°C) for just a few minutes until they’re lightly golden and toasted. Set ’em aside – they’re ready for their starring role!

Close-up of a white baking dish filled with golden brown bread cubes for 7-Ingredient Stuffing.

Sautéing Aromatics for Flavorful 7-Ingredient Stuffing

Now, let’s build some flavor! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for the main baking later. While it’s heating, grab a large skillet and melt that 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Toss in your minced shallots and celery. Cook ’em down until they’re nice and soft and smell absolutely amazing, about 6 minutes should do it. Then, add your minced garlic, along with all those gorgeous chopped fresh herbs: parsley, sage, thyme, savory, and rosemary. Stir and cook for just another minute until everything is super fragrant. Season this mixture with a good pinch of kosher salt and some freshly ground black pepper.

Combining and Moistening the Stuffing Mixture

Okay, take those toasted bread cubes and put them into a big bowl. Now, add that aromatic veggie and herb mix right on top. Gently toss everything together so those beautiful flavors start to coat the bread. Then, it’s time for the broth! Pour in your 2 1/4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Season generously again with salt and pepper – stuffing can handle it! Give it all a gentle stir until all the bread cubes are looking deliciously moistened. Remember, we want it coated, not swimming! For tips on making this ahead, check out this great recipe.

A close-up of a 7-Ingredient Stuffing Recipe baked in a white casserole dish, topped with herbs and coarse salt.

Baking Your No Fuss Stuffing to Perfection

Get your 9×13 inch baking dish ready by buttering it up. Pour that stuffing mixture into the prepared dish. Now, cover it TIGHTLY with foil. This keeps the inside moist while it cooks. Pop it into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 45 minutes. After the 45 minutes are up, take off the foil. This is the magic step to get that lovely golden-brown, slightly crispy top. Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, uncovered, until it looks just perfect. Serve it hot, maybe with a little extra sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color!

Close-up of a white baking dish filled with golden-brown 7-ingredient stuffing, garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips for Success with Your 7-Ingredient Stuffing

Okay, you’ve got the recipe, but here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up to make sure your stuffing is absolutely perfect every single time. First off, bread choice is a biggie! While country bread is my go-to, a good sourdough or even a hearty challah works beautifully too. Just make sure it’s on the drier side – that overnight air-dry really is your best friend for texture. And fresh herbs? Seriously, don’t skimp! Dried herbs just don’t have that vibrant punch. For more ideas on amazing Thanksgiving sides, check out my top Thanksgiving side dishes!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Stuffing

Now, about those ingredients – remember, the beauty of these 7-Ingredient Stuffing Recipes (No Fuss) is their simplicity! That said, if you can’t find something or want to tweak it just a bit, I’ve got you covered. That country bread is perfect because it’s sturdy, but if you only have day-old sourdough or a nice French baguette, go for it! Just make sure it’s sliced into cubes and left out to dry completely overnight. For the broth, low-sodium chicken broth is my usual pick for that classic savory flavor, but a good quality vegetable broth works wonderfully, especially if you want to keep it vegetarian.

Serving and Storing Your Delicious Stuffing

This stuffing is just begging to be served warm right out of the oven, ideally with a little extra chopped parsley sprinkled on top for that fresh pop of color. It’s fantastic alongside turkey, roast chicken, or even just on its own! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare at my house!), just pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for about 4-6 days. For reheating, just pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s warmed through. You can find more recipes to round out your meal.

Close-up of a white baking dish filled with golden-brown 7-ingredient stuffing, topped with fresh herbs.

Frequently Asked Questions about 7-Ingredient Stuffing Recipes

Got questions about making this super easy stuffing? I totally get it! Here are some things people often ask:

Can I use fresh bread instead of drying it out?

Oh, I know the temptation! But trust me on this one, drying out the bread overnight is *key*. Fresh bread will turn your stuffing into a soggy mess. You need those bread cubes to be a little sturdy so they can soak up all the yummy flavors without falling apart. It makes all the difference for that perfect stuffing texture!

What kind of broth is best for this stuffing?

I usually go for a low-sodium chicken broth because it gives that classic savory flavor that I love with stuffing. But if you want to keep it vegetarian or just don’t have chicken broth on hand, a good quality vegetable broth works just as beautifully! The main thing is to use a broth you enjoy – it’s a big flavor component.

Can this stuffing be made ahead?

Absolutely! That’s one of the best parts about these 7-Ingredient Stuffing Recipes (No Fuss). You can totally prepare the whole mix in your baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and keep it in the fridge for up to a day. Just bake it as usual when you’re ready, maybe adding a few extra minutes because it’ll be cold. It’s a lifesaver on busy Thanksgiving day!

How do I make the top extra crispy?

The recipe already has a step to uncover it for the last 15-20 minutes, which is usually enough to get a nice golden-brown top. But if you like it *extra* crispy, you can definitely broil it for a minute or two at the very end. Just watch it like a hawk because it can go from perfectly crisp to burnt really fast! For other great side ideas, check out my easy skillet corn recipe.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, of course! Cooking can be a little wild and wonderful. Based on the ingredients in these 7-Ingredient Stuffing Recipes (No Fuss), you’re looking at roughly 398 calories per serving. That includes about 12g of fat, 13g of protein, and 61g of carbohydrates. For more healthy meal ideas, check out my site!

Close-up of a white baking dish filled with golden brown 7-Ingredient Stuffing, garnished with fresh parsley.

7-Ingredient Stuffing Recipes (No Fuss)

This recipe offers a simple and delicious stuffing perfect for Thanksgiving or any meal. It uses minimal ingredients and straightforward steps for a stress-free cooking experience.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Drying Bread 14 hours
Total Time 15 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12 cups
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 398

Ingredients
  

For the Stuffing
  • 1 loaf Country bread about 12 cups, cut into 1/4-1/2 inch cubes and left out overnight to dry
  • 1/4 cup Butter plus more for the dish
  • 1 large Shallot minced
  • 2 stalks Celery minced
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup Fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh sage chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme leaves minced
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh savory leaves chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh rosemary leaves chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 to taste Black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 1/4 cups Chicken or vegetable broth low sodium

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Large Bowl
  • Foil

Method
 

  1. Cut the bread into 1/4-1/2 inch cubes. Leave the bread cubes out overnight to dry out. This step is crucial for the stuffing’s texture.
  2. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the dried bread cubes on a baking sheet. You can optionally drizzle a little oil over the bread. Bake for a few minutes until the bread is lightly golden. Set aside.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the 1/4 cup of butter. Add the minced shallots and celery. Cook until they are soft and fragrant, about 6 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, sage, thyme, savory, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
  5. Place the toasted bread cubes in a large bowl. Add the cooked vegetable and herb mixture. Toss gently to combine.
  6. Gently stir in the chicken or vegetable broth. Season generously with additional salt and pepper, and toss until all the bread is completely coated.
  7. Transfer the stuffing mixture to the buttered baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top of the stuffing is golden brown.
  8. Serve the stuffing hot, garnished with a fresh chop of parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 398kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 13gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 1381mgPotassium: 402mgFiber: 7gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 914IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 249mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Store any leftover stuffing in a covered container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 4-6 days.
If you are making this stuffing ahead, you can stop after covering the baking dish with foil and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it as instructed when you are ready. Alternatively, you can bake the stuffing completely ahead of time, let it cool, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Both methods yield similar results, so choose the one that best fits your cooking schedule.

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