Crisp-Top Sourdough Stuffing

Slice bread into 1 1/2-in.-thick slices and tear into irregular 1- to 2-in. pieces. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet and leave to dry at room temperature until needed (up to 2 days). For the best stuffing, the bread should be very dry.

Preheat oven to 350°. Melt butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Pour out 2 tbsp. butter and set aside.

Add onion, celery, herbs, and 1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper to hot pan. Cook until onions are translucent and celery is tender-crisp, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.

Add torn bread and broth to vegetables and mix in until bread is soaked. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Generously coat a 9- by 13-in. glass baking pan with 1 tsp. reserved melted butter. Pour stuffing into pan and drizzle with remaining melted butter.

Cover with foil; bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake until starting to brown on top, about 30 minutes more.

Make ahead: Up to 2 days, chilled. Reheat at 350°, covered, until hot (about 30 minutes). Remove foil and cook 10 more minutes for a crunchy top layer.

VARIATIONS

Crisp-Top Sourdough Stuffing with Sausage and Greens: Add 8 oz. sautéed crumbled Italian ­sausage and 1 lb. briefly sautéed fresh spinach leaves to stuffing before baking.

Scandinavian Stuffing: Replace sourdough with a 1-lb. loaf of crusty rye bread, then add 1 cup chopped fresh dill and 8 oz. diced smoked pork chops to stuffing before baking. Top with 2 tbsp. fresh dill sprigs before serving.