Rye Bread Stuffing is a flavorful twist on the classic holiday stuffing, perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy dinner. With the bold flavor of rye bread, savory herbs, and vegetables, this stuffing offers a unique and hearty side dish that pairs well with roast turkey, chicken, or pork. The combination of earthy rye, aromatic herbs, and tender vegetables creates a mouthwatering dish that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Cooking Notes
• Variations
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Conclusion

Ingredients

• 1 loaf rye bread (about 10 cups), cubed and dried
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Rye Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the rye bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until dried out and lightly toasted. This step helps prevent the stuffing from becoming too soggy.
2. Let the bread cubes cool and then transfer them to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, celery, and grated carrot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add the minced garlic, thyme, sage, marjoram, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the herbs are fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Pour the cooked vegetables and herb mixture over the bread cubes in the mixing bowl. Stir until the bread is well coated with the vegetable mixture.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken or vegetable broth and the eggs. Pour this mixture over the bread cubes and gently mix until everything is evenly moistened.
3. Stir in the chopped parsley.

Step 4: Bake the Stuffing

1. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.

Step 5: Serve

1. Let the stuffing cool for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Serve as a side dish to roast turkey, chicken, or pork.

Cooking Notes

• Drying the Bread: Drying the bread beforehand is crucial for good stuffing texture. If you’re short on time, you can dry the bread overnight by leaving it out uncovered.
• Broth: Use chicken broth for a richer flavor, or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this stuffing.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor, but dried herbs work well too. If using dried herbs, reduce the quantity by about a third.

Variations

Sausage Rye Bread Stuffing

• Brown 1/2 pound of sausage in the skillet before adding the vegetables. This adds a delicious richness and makes the stuffing more hearty.

Apple and Pecan Rye Bread Stuffing

• Add 1 cup of diced apples and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to the bread mixture for a sweet and nutty variation that adds extra texture and flavor.

Mushroom Rye Bread Stuffing

• Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms along with the other vegetables to add an earthy depth to the stuffing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Stuffing Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the stuffing up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to bake. When baking, you may need to add a few extra minutes if the stuffing is cold from the refrigerator.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain its texture.

Can I Freeze Stuffing?

Yes, stuffing can be frozen. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in the oven.

Rye Bread Stuffing is a savory, aromatic side dish that brings a unique twist to traditional stuffing. The combination of rye bread, herbs, and tender vegetables creates a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for any holiday table. Whether you keep it simple or add ingredients like sausage, apples, or mushrooms, this stuffing is sure to impress your family and friends.

Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite of this flavorful Rye Bread Stuffing!