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Easy Boxed Stuffing Mix with Fresh Herbs: Perfect for Friendsgiving Dinner

boxed stuffing mix with fresh herbs - featured image

This quick and easy stuffing recipe elevates classic boxed mix with fresh herbs and sautéed veggies, delivering comforting flavor and homemade vibes in under 30 minutes. Perfect for Friendsgiving, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, it’s flexible for various diets and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (6 oz) classic stuffing mix (herb flavor recommended)
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
  • 1 cup finely chopped celery stalks
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • Optional: 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
  • Optional: 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • Optional: 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Finely dice the onion and celery, mince the garlic, and chop all fresh herbs.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add melted butter, then onion and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until onion is translucent and celery is soft. Add garlic in the last minute.
  3. If using mushrooms, sauté them with the veggies until they release their juices.
  4. Sprinkle parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary over the vegetables. Stir for 1-2 minutes to release fragrance.
  5. In a medium saucepan, bring broth to a gentle simmer (2-3 minutes). Add any remaining melted butter and stir.
  6. Pour stuffing mix into a large mixing bowl. Add sautéed veggies and herbs, tossing gently to combine.
  7. Pour hot broth and butter mixture over stuffing ingredients. Stir just until moistened (1-2 minutes). Fold in cranberries or nuts if using.
  8. Transfer mixture to a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until top is golden and crisp (optional).
  9. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and plant-based butter. Gluten-free stuffing mix can be substituted. Sautéing veggies is key for flavor; don’t overmix to keep bread cubes intact. Add-ins like mushrooms, cranberries, or nuts are optional. Taste veggies before mixing for salt adjustment. Bake for a crispy top or serve straight from the bowl for a softer texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffing, boxed mix, fresh herbs, Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, easy, quick, holiday, vegetarian, gluten-free option, comfort food