The holidays in a jar.

All the flavor, none of the fuss.

If there’s one dish that instantly tastes like the holidays, it’s stuffing. Warm, savory, herb-packed, and nostalgic—stuffing is comfort food at its finest. But instead of relying on a boxed mix filled with preservatives, today we’re making a whole-food, homemade Stuffing Mix that keeps every bit of that classic flavor while staying beautifully simple.

Welcome to Day 14 of our 25 Days of Simple Christmas countdown! Today we’re creating a pantry-friendly Stuffing Mix you can keep on hand for quick weeknight meals, holiday dinners, or as a base for hearty soups and casseroles all winter long.

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A Loving Family Memory

Stuffing is one of those foods that instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, she’d wake up before dawn to start cooking, wearing her old faded apron and humming along to Bing Crosby.

I remember standing beside her on a step stool, tearing day-old bread into pieces while she added herbs “by feel,” trusting her senses more than a recipe ever could. The smell of sage and onions filled the entire house, drifting into every corner like a holiday announcement: It’s time.

When we finally sat down to the meal, her stuffing was always the first dish to disappear. Soft, herby, and full of love—it tasted like tradition.

Now, even though my holidays look a little different, the moment I mix sage, thyme, and toasted bread together, I feel her with me. It’s amazing how food can bring people back.

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Why Stuffing Mix Belongs in Your Pantry

1. Quick holiday side dish

Throw it together in minutes during the busy season.

2. Whole-food ingredients

No preservatives, no mystery powders—just bread, herbs, and simple spices.

3. Perfect for meal prep

Use it as a base for casseroles, soups, pork chops, or roasted chicken.

4. Fantastic for gifting

A jar of stuffing mix with a cute tag feels like gifting a little jar of nostalgia.

5. Makes holidays stress-free

One less thing to prep on the busiest cooking days of the year.

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Homemade Stuffing Mix (Whole-Food Version)

Dry Mix Ingredients:

• 6 cups cubed, dried bread (sourdough, whole wheat, or your favorite)
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon dried sage
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
• 1 teaspoon dried celery seed
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

To Prepare the Mix:
Spread cubed bread on a baking sheet and dry in the oven at 250°F for 30–45 minutes, until crisp. Cool fully.
Combine with herbs and spices and store in an airtight jar for up to 3 months.

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To Make Classic Stuffing:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat 3 tablespoons butter or ghee in a skillet.
3. Add 1 cup chopped onion and 1 cup chopped celery; sauté until soft.
4. In a large bowl, combine:
   • 1 jar Homemade Stuffing Mix
   • sautéed vegetables
   • 2–2 ½ cups broth (start with 2; add more if you prefer softer stuffing)
5. Toss gently until the bread absorbs the liquid.
6. Spread into a baking dish and bake 25–30 minutes, until golden and crisp on top.

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Ways We Love to Use This Mix

Traditional holiday stuffing

A classic crowd-pleaser for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy dinner.

Stuffed chicken or pork chops

Add flavor and simplicity to your protein.

Soups & casseroles

Use leftover stuffing as a base for comforting winter meals.

Holiday gifting

Pair the jar with a handwritten recipe card—simple, thoughtful, and delicious.

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Every time I open a jar of this mix, I’m reminded that the heart of the holidays isn’t in the big, elaborate dishes—it’s in the simple foods passed down from generation to generation, connecting us to the people we love.

Day 14 is complete! Tomorrow, we move to Day 15 — Cranberry Sauce: bright, tangy, and better-than-store-bought magic.