Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing

Making this stuffing is super easy! Just sauté your veggies, mix them with bread, and bake. It’s a simple way to add that special touch to your holiday meal.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Bread: I prefer using sourdough for its tangy flavor, but white bread works too! If you’re gluten-free, try gluten-free bread or cornbread for a twist.

Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness. If you’re lactose intolerant, substitute with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.

Onion and Celery: These veggies create the base flavor. If you’re not a fan, swap with leeks or shallots for onion and bell peppers for celery.

Herbs: Fresh herbs add great aroma, but don’t worry if you don’t have them on hand! Dried herbs work in a pinch; just reduce the amounts to avoid overpowering the dish.

Broth: I love using chicken broth for richness, but vegetable broth offers a nice, lighter flavor. Homemade or store-bought both work well!

How Do I Ensure Moist and Flavorful Stuffing?

Getting that perfect moisture in your stuffing can be tricky! Here’s my best tip: don’t skip the broth step!

• Start with 2 cups of broth, adding more if needed until your stuffing is moist but not soggy. You want it to hold together without turning into mush.
• Mix gently to avoid breaking the bread too much. A light hand here ensures fluffy stuffing.

Letting it rest after baking helps the flavors meld together, making each bite even more delicious!

Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Stuffing:

• 1 loaf (about 1 pound) of white or sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 cups yellow onion, finely chopped (about 2 medium onions)
• 1 1/2 cups celery, finely chopped (about 4 stalks)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried sage)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 to 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth (adjust as needed)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Optional: Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This stuffing recipe takes about 50 minutes in total: around 15-20 minutes for preparation and 30-40 minutes for baking. It’s a perfect side dish that can be made ahead of time and is sure to impress your guests!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preparing the Bread:

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the bread cubes evenly on a large baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the bread cubes are dry and slightly toasted. This will help create a nice, crispy texture. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool.

2. Sautéing the Veggies:

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and celery. Sauté everything together until the vegetables are softened, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until it becomes fragrant.

3. Adding the Herbs:

Stir in the fresh parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to sauté for another minute to release all those wonderful herb aromas. Now, remove the skillet from heat.

4. Combining Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes and your sautéed vegetable-herb mixture. Toss them together gently so that everything is evenly distributed.

5. Mixing in the Liquids:

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of broth and the beaten eggs. Pour this mixture over the bread and vegetables, gently tossing everything to combine. If the mixture seems too dry, add more broth until it’s moist but not soggy.

6. Baking the Stuffing:

Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.

7. The Finishing Touch:

Once baked, remove the stuffing from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. If you’d like, garnish it with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for a lovely presentation!

Enjoy this classic, aromatic stuffing as the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving turkey! It’s a dish that brings everyone together and warms hearts during the holiday season.

Can I Use Gluten-Free Bread for This Stuffing?

Absolutely! You can substitute any gluten-free bread for the white or sourdough bread. Just make sure to check that it’s sturdy enough to hold the moisture from the broth without turning mushy.

How Can I Make This Stuffing Ahead of Time?

You can prepare the stuffing up to a day ahead! Just follow the instructions up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate. On the day you plan to serve it, add a little extra broth if necessary, and bake as directed.

What Should I Do If My Stuffing Is Too Dry?

If you find your stuffing is a bit dry after baking, no worries! Just sprinkle a little warm broth over it while it’s in the dish and toss gently to moisten, then pop it back into the oven for a few minutes to warm through.

Can I Add Other Ingredients or Variations?

Definitely! Feel free to add in cooked sausage, chopped apples, dried cranberries, or nuts for extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful of how these additions might impact the overall moisture level and adjust the broth accordingly.