Homemade Bread Cubes for Stuffing
Making homemade bread cubes for stuffing is not only super easy to do but it also makes your stuffing taste SO MUCH better!
How to Make Bread Cubes for Stuffing
You can use any type of bread or cornbread, but the most absorbent dried bread cubes (for making stuffing) come from bread that has a small hole structure and a fluffy texture. I’ve used everything from white bread, wheat bread, rustic loaves, French bread, and cornbread. You can use whatever bread you have on hand or your favorite type of bread–your choice. Take note that sourdough bread cubes can make stuffing quite tangy.
- Using a serrated knife, cut the bread into ½-inch strips.
- Cut the strips crosswise into ½-inch cubes.
Air-Dried Method:
- Place the bread on a baking sheet(s). Drizzle with a touch of olive oil then season with a pinch of sea salt, freshly cracked pepper, garlic powder, sage, and thyme; toss to coat evenly. Side Note: You don’t have to use oil or seasonings–I do it to add more flavor to the bread cubes and the final stuffing.
- Cover loosely with cheesecloth and let it sit in a warm place for 1-2 days or until stale.
- Use with your favorite stuffing recipe.
Oven-Dried Method:
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
- Place the bread on a baking sheet(s). Drizzle with a touch of olive oil then season with a pinch of sea salt, freshly cracked pepper, garlic powder, sage, and thyme; toss to coat evenly. Side Note: You don’t have to use oil or seasonings–I do it to add more flavor to the bread cubes.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, turning trays & tossing bread cubes halfway through cooking time until they are completely dried. Side Note: Denser bread may take more time to dry.
- Use with your favorite stuffing recipe.
Need some stuffing recipes for Thanksgiving this year? Here are a few of our favorites:
- Stuffing with Turkey Italian Sausage, Mushrooms, and Water Chestnuts
- Stuffing with Sausage and Cornbread
- Stuffing with Mushrooms, Sausage, and Bacon
I look forward to your stuffing recipe!
I’ve never drizzled my bread with olive oil before drying — want to give that a try. I’ve been using whole wheat bread the last few years, but a nice rustic white bread like this is wonderful. Super post — thanks.
I have never dried by bread for stuffing but it makes sense. I will have to try it this year.
Pam absolutely love these bread cubes for stuffing !!
I’ve been baking a lot of bread lately, so this is perfect for using up the extras!
Since I am gluten free, I make my own bread cubes using gluten free bread and your recipe. In addition, I throw them in the blender for bread crumbs for fried chicken. Thank you so much for your site, it’s a great idea. The stuffing comes out amazing too, preseasoned as your recipe calls for. BTW, my bread cubes, double bagged in a freezer bag and stored in a cool dark place, last a year.
Lindy,
I’m so glad this recipe can work for you with your gluten-free bread. Great tip about using double-bagged freezer bags for storage. Thanks for taking the time to let me know.
-Pam
Can I make this ahead of time and put in the freezer till thanksgiving?
Mikayla,
I’ve never tried freezing them but my friend does all the time. She says that bread cubes can be frozen for at least 2 months in doubled securely sealed freezer bags. I hope this helps!
-Pam