This rustic stuffing recipe is all about simplicity and flexibility. Use it as a guideline—swap ingredients, adjust flavors, and make it your own. It’s impossible to mess up!

Ingredients

• Crusty bread (your favorite)

• Mirepoix (celery, carrot, onion)

• Fresh thyme

• Fresh sage

• Butter

• Stock or water

• Salt & pepper

• Heavy cream (optional)

Instructions for the Rustic Bread Stuffing

1. Cut the bread into large cubes.

2. Sauté the mirepoix (celery, carrot, onion) in butter or your preferred fat, then stir in the fresh thyme and sage.

3. Combine the sautéed mixture with the bread cubes.

4. Add stock or water, just enough to moisten the bread. For chunkier stuffing, use less liquid.

5. Top with a few slices of butter.

6. Bake at 375°F until the bread reaches your desired level of crispiness.

Notes from Chef Lauren

• Mix up the veggies: Swap the mirepoix for your favorites like squash, mushrooms, or leeks.

• Customize it: Add or leave out ingredients—Chef Lauren sometimes adds cream in the cracks for a little extra richness.

• Make it vegetarian: Use veggie stock and add seasonal extras like roasted apples or nuts.

Enjoy this simple homemade rustic bread stuffing!