Ina Garten Make-Ahead Stuffing Recipe

Ina Garten’s Make-Ahead Stuffing is the perfect solution for holiday cooking without the stress. This classic dish combines buttery bread cubes, aromatic herbs, sautéed onions, and celery — all baked to golden perfection. The best part? You can prepare it in advance, refrigerate it, and simply bake it on the day of serving. It’s flavorful, fluffy, and exactly what you need for Thanksgiving or any family feast.

What is Ina Garten’s Make-Ahead Stuffing?

Ina Garten’s Make-Ahead Stuffing is a savory, herbed bread-based dish prepared with vegetables, broth, eggs, and butter. It’s similar to traditional stuffing but designed for convenience — you assemble it ahead of time and bake just before serving. The stuffing comes out moist in the center with a crisp top, giving that perfect homemade comfort in every bite.

Other Ina Garten Thanksgiving Recipes

• Ina Garten Thanksgiving Turkey
• Ina Garten Thanksgiving Dressing
• Ina Garten Bread Pudding Stuffing
• Ina Garten Cornbread Stuffing

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Make-Ahead Stuffing

• Time-saving recipe – Prepares ahead to reduce holiday stress.
• Rich and flavorful – Packed with herbs, butter, and savory vegetables.
• Perfect texture – Crispy top with a soft, custard-like inside.
• Feeds a crowd – Ideal for family dinners or festive gatherings.
• Customizable – Easy to add sausage, nuts, or fruits for variety.
• Guaranteed success – Foolproof and full of Ina’s signature flavors.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Make-Ahead Stuffing

• 1 large loaf of French bread or sourdough, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus more for greasing)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups yellow onions, chopped
• 1 ½ cups celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon chopped sage
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Make-Ahead Stuffing

Step 1 – Prepare the bread cubes

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread cubes on a large baking sheet and toast for 10–15 minutes, or until slightly golden and dry. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2 – Cook the vegetables

In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and celery, and sauté for about 10 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, thyme, sage, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to release the aroma.

Step 3 – Mix the wet ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, cream, and beaten eggs until smooth.

Step 4 – Combine all ingredients

Place toasted bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the sautéed vegetable mixture over them, then add the stock mixture. Toss gently until the bread is evenly coated and slightly moist.

Step 5 – Transfer to a baking dish

Grease a large casserole dish with butter and pour the stuffing mixture into it. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 6 – Refrigerate (make-ahead step)

At this stage, you can refrigerate the stuffing for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully and saves time on the day of serving.

Step 7 – Bake before serving

When ready to serve, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the foil and bake for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.

Step 8 – Rest and serve

Let the stuffing sit for 10 minutes before serving warm with turkey, gravy, or roasted vegetables.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Make-Ahead Stuffing

• Roast turkey – The ultimate Thanksgiving pairing.
• Herb-roasted chicken – Complements the savory, buttery flavors.
• Beef tenderloin – Balances richness with a hearty side.
• Cranberry sauce – Adds a sweet and tangy contrast.
• Homemade gravy – Perfect for drizzling over the baked stuffing.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Make-Ahead Stuffing

• Use day-old bread – Drier bread absorbs flavor better without turning mushy.
• Let the mixture rest – Soaking overnight enhances flavor depth.
• Don’t over-soak – The bread should be moist, not soggy.
• Cover during baking – Keeps the stuffing moist inside, then uncover to crisp.
• Adjust seasoning – Taste the mixture before baking and tweak salt or herbs.
• Bake fresh before serving – Ensures a crisp, golden crust.
• Add sausage or apples – For a sweet and savory twist.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Make-Ahead Stuffing

• Sausage stuffing – Add cooked Italian sausage for richness.
• Apple and cranberry – For a sweet-tart holiday flavor.
• Mushroom stuffing – Adds earthy depth and moisture.
• Nutty crunch – Add toasted pecans or walnuts for texture.
• Cheesy version – Stir in shredded Gruyère or Parmesan.
• Vegetarian option – Use vegetable broth and add extra herbs.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Make-Ahead Stuffing

• Refrigerator – Keep unbaked stuffing covered for up to 24 hours.
• After baking – Store leftovers for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer – Freeze baked stuffing for up to 2 months.
• Thawing tip – Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Make-Ahead Stuffing

• Oven method – Reheat covered with foil at 325°F (160°C) for 20–25 minutes.
• Microwave method – Warm individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
• From frozen – Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 40–45 minutes until fully heated.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 290
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg

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FAQs

How far in advance can I make Ina Garten’s stuffing before baking?

You can prepare Ina Garten’s stuffing up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble the bread, vegetables, and custard mixture in a baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it uncovered until hot and golden on top.

Should I bake Ina Garten’s Make-Ahead Stuffing covered or uncovered?

For the best texture, bake the stuffing covered for the first 30 minutes to retain moisture, then uncover for the remaining 15–20 minutes. This ensures a soft interior with a crisp, golden crust on top.

How do I keep make-ahead stuffing from drying out?

To keep stuffing moist, add a little extra broth or melted butter before baking if it looks dry. Cover it with foil during reheating or the first half of baking to lock in moisture, then uncover toward the end to brown the surface.

Can I freeze Ina Garten’s Make-Ahead Stuffing?

Yes, stuffing can be frozen either baked or unbaked. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until heated through and slightly crisp on top.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Make-Ahead Stuffing is the ultimate side dish for stress-free entertaining. With its blend of buttery bread, herbs, and vegetables, it delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. The make-ahead feature makes it perfect for busy holiday cooking, giving you more time to focus on family and celebration. This is one recipe that proves you don’t have to compromise flavor for convenience.