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Rustic Bread Stuffing with pepper and Fresh Thyme

This rustic bread stuffing with pepper and fresh thyme is a wonderful alternative to traditional meat-based versions. By using a crusty country-style loaf toasted with garlic and olive oil, the dish gains a superior texture that holds up beautifully against the savoury vegetable base. The addition of green pepper offers a subtle sweetness and brightness that perfectly complements the earthy notes of the fresh herbs and rich poultry stock.

Suitable for those looking for a dairy-free side dish when prepared with a plant-based butter, this versatile recipe fits seamlessly into a Sunday roast or a festive Christmas menu. The components can be prepared a day in advance, making it a stress-free option for hosting. Serve this golden, crunchy stuffing alongside roast turkey or chicken for a truly comforting homemade meal.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Rustic Bread Stuffing with pepper and Fresh Thyme

  • 1 (1-pound) loaf crusty country-style white bread

  • 60ml olive oil

  • 4 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

  • 1 large garlic clove, minced

  • 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter

  • 350g finely chopped onion

  • 150g thinly sliced celery

  • 100g finely chopped green pepper

  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley

  • 1 3/4 cups low-salt chicken broth or turkey stock, heated

How to make Rustic Bread Stuffing with pepper and Fresh Thyme

Preheat oven to 191°C. Using long serrated knife, cut bottom crust and short ends off bread; discard. Cut remaining bread with crust into 1-inch cubes (about 2400ml loosely packed). Place cubes in large bowl. Add oil, thyme, and garlic; toss to coat. Spread cubes out on large rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until golden and slightly crunchy, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Return cubes to same large bowl.

Melt butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, and pepper. sauté until vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes; add parsley. DO AHEAD Bread cubes and vegetable mixture can be made 1 day ahead. Cover separately. Store bread at room temperature. Chill vegetable mixture.

Preheat oven to 191°C. Butter 11x7x2-inch glass baking dish. Stir vegetable mixture into bread cubes. Gradually add hot broth, tossing to coat evenly. Season stuffing to taste with salt and pepper and transfer to prepared dish. Cover dish with buttered foil, buttered side down. Bake stuffing until heated through, about 25 minutes. Uncover and bake until top is brown, about 25 minutes longer, and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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