Ina Garten’s Bread Pudding Stuffing is a savory version of classic bread pudding, made with toasted bread cubes soaked in a seasoned custard mixture of eggs, broth, onions, celery, herbs, and butter. The result is a golden-baked, soft, and flavorful stuffing that pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and gravy. It’s a dish that blends the best of two comfort food worlds — bread pudding and classic dressing.
1 large loaf of French or sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups yellow onions, diced
1 ½ cups celery, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
4 large eggs
3 cups chicken stock or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for about 10–15 minutes until lightly golden and dry. Set aside to cool.
In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and celery, cooking for 8–10 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic, thyme, sage, parsley, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute to release the aroma.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, chicken stock, and heavy cream until fully combined. Add the sautéed vegetable mixture and stir to incorporate.
Place toasted bread cubes in a large bowl and pour the custard mixture over them. Gently toss to coat, ensuring all pieces absorb the liquid. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes so the bread softens slightly.
Grease a large baking dish with butter. Pour the soaked bread mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center.
Let the stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving warm alongside roasted meats or gravy.