Ham & Herb Turkey Stuffing Recipe: A Savory Holiday Classic

Sorry, Turkey…Stuffing’s the Main Event

If you think stuffing is just a sidekick to turkey, prepare for a flavor takeover! This Ham & Herb Turkey Stuffing recipe blends hearty cubes of white and whole wheat bread, golden-browned ham, and aromatic herbs that make your roast smell like the holidays came early. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or a cozy Sunday meal, this stuffing proves the real star of the show might just be the side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Ham & Herb Turkey Stuffing

• Classic meets comfort: The mix of white and whole wheat bread gives a hearty, rustic texture.
• Ham for the win: Crisped ham adds a smoky, savory kick to every bite.
• Flexible cooking: Bake it in your turkey or as a standalone casserole — both deliver irresistible results.
• Make-ahead friendly: Toast bread cubes and chop veggies a day ahead to save time.
• Perfect pairing: Serve it alongside our
  Cheesy Tater Round Beef and Broccoli Bake
  or
  Cranberry Walnut White Chocolate Bark – Easy Holiday Treat
  for a complete festive meal.

Ingredients for Ham & Herb Turkey Stuffing

• 3 cups cubed crustless day-old white bread
• 3 cups cubed crustless day-old whole wheat bread
• 1 ½ cups cubed fully cooked ham
• ½ cup butter or margarine
• 3 cups chopped onion
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 1 ½ teaspoons rubbed sage
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 to 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 (12–14 lb) turkey

How to Make Ham & Herb Turkey Stuffing

Toast the Bread

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Spread bread cubes evenly on a 9×13-inch pan. Toast for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Cook the Ham

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add cubed ham and cook for 5–10 minutes until caramelized. Remove with a slotted spoon and add to bread cubes.

Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same skillet, add onion, celery, sage, thyme, and pepper. Sauté for 8–10 minutes until tender and fragrant.

Combine the Mixture

Toss vegetables with bread and ham. Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring until evenly moistened but not soggy.

Stuff the Turkey

Loosely spoon stuffing into the turkey cavity just before roasting.

Roast the Turkey

Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 4 ½ to 5 hours, or until turkey reaches an internal temperature of 185°F (85°C). Tent with foil if browning too quickly.

Finish and Serve

Remove stuffing immediately after roasting and transfer to a serving dish.

Expert Tips for Perfect Turkey Stuffing

• Use day-old bread: Absorbs flavors better without getting mushy.
• Don’t overstuff: Leave room inside the turkey cavity for even heat circulation.
• Flavor boosters: Add apples, cranberries, or pecans for festive flair.
• Test doneness: Always use a meat thermometer for safety.

Variations & Creative Twists

• Cornbread stuffing: Replace half the bread cubes with cornbread for Southern flair.
• Sausage stuffing: Swap ham for browned breakfast sausage.
• Vegetarian stuffing: Skip ham and use vegetable broth.
• Stuffing muffins: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Ham & Herb Stuffing with:

• Pistachio Cranberry Sauce Recipe for a sweet-tart contrast.
• Easy No-Bake Peppermint Pie for a festive dessert.
• Light and Tangy Mini Baked Apple Pies to round out your fall feast.
• Turtle Cheese Pie or
  Inside Out Peppermint Pie for indulgent holiday pairings.

FAQs About Ham & Herb Turkey Stuffing

Can I prepare stuffing ahead of time? Yes, prep bread, ham, and veggies up to 24 hours in advance. Combine with broth before baking.

What if my stuffing is too dry? Add extra warm broth, mix gently, and bake covered for 10 minutes.

Can I freeze leftover stuffing? Absolutely! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat covered until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

This Ham & Herb Turkey Stuffing recipe captures everything we love about the holidays — savory aromas, buttery richness, and that irresistible crunch when you hit the golden edges. Whether nestled inside your turkey or baked as a standalone side, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that transforms your holiday table into a comfort-food celebration.

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Yield: 10–12 servings (about 10 cups of stuffing)

Ham & Herb Turkey Stuffing Recipe: A Savory Holiday Classic

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 5 hours

Crispy, savory, and perfectly seasoned, this Old-Fashioned Ham and Bread Stuffing adds a comforting, homemade touch to your holiday turkey. Made with both white and whole wheat bread cubes, diced ham, and classic herbs, it’s the kind of hearty side dish that deserves a spot next to your Classic Turkey Gravy Recipe or Easy Pistachio Cranberry Sauce.

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Ingredients

• 3 cups cubed, crustless day-old white bread
• 3 cups cubed, crustless day-old whole wheat bread
• 1 ½ cups cubed, fully cooked ham
• ½ cup butter or margarine
• 3 cups chopped onion
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 1 ½ teaspoons rubbed sage
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 to 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 (12–14 lb) turkey

Instructions

1. Toast the Bread: Arrange white and wheat bread cubes in a single layer in a 9x13-inch baking pan. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden and crisp. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
2. Cook the Ham: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add ham cubes and cook for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until edges are lightly crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer ham to the bread cubes.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add onion, celery, sage, thyme, and pepper. Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until vegetables are softened and aromatic. Combine with the bread and ham mixture.
4. Moisten the Stuffing: Pour enough chicken broth (start with 1 cup) to lightly moisten the mixture, stirring gently. Add more broth if needed for desired texture.
5. Stuff the Turkey: Spoon stuffing loosely into the turkey cavity right before roasting. Secure openings with skewers and tie drumsticks together.

Notes

Expert Tips:

• Use day-old bread for better texture—it absorbs flavors without getting mushy.
• Swap ham for cooked sausage for a heartier flavor.
• For extra richness, use homemade Turkey Stock instead of canned broth.
• Don’t overstuff your bird; loosely filling the cavity ensures even cooking and better texture.

Variations & Creative Tips:

• Cornbread Swap: Try substituting some of the white bread with cubes from this Homemade Cornbread Recipe for a Southern twist.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit ham and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• Flavor Boost: Add dried cranberries, chopped pecans, or sautéed apples for a festive touch.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 533Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 540mgCarbohydrates: 83gFiber: 11gSugar: 8gProtein: 23g

The Nutritional Information may not be accurate. This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

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