Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving: A Comforting Classic
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without the rich aroma and delightful taste of homemade stuffing. This classic stuffing recipe combines crispy toasted bread with a medley of sautéed onions and celery, all infused with fresh herbs. It’s the perfect side dish to complement your turkey and other holiday favorites. Get ready to create a stuffing that will have your family and friends asking for seconds!
Why Make This Recipe
This stuffing recipe stands out because of its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The toasted bread absorbs the buttery broth while keeping a satisfying crunch, and the herbs add freshness that elevates the dish. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, making your own stuffing has never been easier. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more moments with your loved ones on Thanksgiving Day.
How to Make Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving
Follow this step-by-step guide to create a delicious stuffing that will surely impress:
Ingredients
- 1 pound bread (white bread, ciabatta, Italian, baguette, etc.)
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
- 1 large onion (about 3 and 1/2 cups chopped)
- 2 cups celery (1/4 inch dice)
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley (chopped, preferably Italian flat-leaf)
- 1/4 cup fresh sage (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped very fine)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (or 1 and 1/2 teaspoons table salt)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups high-quality chicken or turkey broth (plus 1/2 cup more if necessary)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon butter (softened, for greasing the pan)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F. Tear or cut the bread into bite-size pieces (about 1-2 inches), then spread them on a pan. Bake for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally until toasted but not brown.
- As the bread toasts, chop the onion and celery into the specified sizes. Set aside.
- Once the bread is toasted, preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, melt 1 cup butter over medium heat. Add the onions and celery, sauté until soft but not browned (about 7-10 minutes).
- In a bowl, combine the toasted bread, sautéed veggies, and herbs. Add 2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper; stir well.
- In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups broth and 2 eggs. Gradually pour this over the bread mixture, using your hands to blend without soaking the bread. Adjust with more broth if needed.
- Grease a 9×13 inch pan with softened butter. Transfer the stuffing and spread evenly.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-35 minutes until browned and crispy.
How to Serve Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving
Once baked, fluff the stuffing with a fork and serve it warm alongside your turkey. It pairs beautifully with gravy and cranberry sauce. For an appealing presentation, garnish with extra fresh herbs for a festive touch.
How to Store Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to preserve them longer, baked stuffing can be frozen. Make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating it in the oven until warmed through.
Tips to Make Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving
- Feel free to adjust the herbs according to your preferences; thyme can be substituted for dill or even oregano.
- Don’t rush the toasting of bread as it enhances the overall texture and flavor of the stuffing.
- If you’d like a bit of crunch, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added depth.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth.
- Added Protein: Include cooked sausage or bacon for a heartier stuffing.
- Dry Fruit: Consider adding cranberries or apples for a touch of sweetness.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare the stuffing the day before Thanksgiving?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffing ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just remember to bake it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Why do I need to toast the bread?
Toasting the bread helps it absorb the broth without becoming soggy, ensuring a well-textured stuffing.
3. What can I serve with stuffing besides turkey?
Stuffing can be a great complement to roasted chicken, duck, or any festive main dish. It also makes a hearty side for a vegetarian meal.
With this Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving, you’ll create a beloved tradition that’s sure to be a highlight of your holiday feast. Enjoy the flavors of home and the company of family around the table!
Thanksgiving Stuffing
Ingredients
Bread Preparation
- 1 pound bread (white bread, ciabatta, Italian, baguette, etc.) Bread should be torn or cut into bite-size pieces.
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks) For sautéing the vegetables and greasing the pan.
- 1 large onion About 3 and 1/2 cups chopped.
- 2 cups celery Cut into 1/4 inch dice.
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley (chopped) Preferably Italian flat-leaf.
- 1/4 cup fresh sage (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped very fine)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt Or 1 and 1/2 teaspoons table salt.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Base Mixture
- 2 cups high-quality chicken or turkey broth Plus 1/2 cup more if necessary.
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon butter (softened) For greasing the pan.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 250°F.
- Tear or cut the bread into bite-size pieces (about 1-2 inches), then spread them on a pan.
- Bake for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally until toasted but not brown.
- Chop the onion and celery into the specified sizes and set aside.
- Once the bread is toasted, preheat your oven to 350°F.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat.
- Add the onions and celery, sauté until soft but not browned (about 7-10 minutes).
- In a bowl, combine the toasted bread, sautéed veggies, and herbs. Add 2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper; stir well.
- In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of broth and 2 eggs. Gradually pour this over the bread mixture, using your hands to blend without soaking the bread. Adjust with more broth if needed.
- Grease a 9x13 inch pan with softened butter, transfer the stuffing and spread evenly.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-35 minutes until browned and crispy.
