Description
Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
This classic Thanksgiving stuffing brings nostalgia and warmth to your holiday table. Inspired by grandma’s traditional recipe, it boasts the perfect balance of buttery flavor, savory herbs, and those irresistible crispy edges. The combination of parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme evokes the comforts of home, making every bite memorable. If you’re looking to capture the flavors of tradition with an easy, mouthwatering side dish, this stuffing is the one!
1 lb bread (white, ciabatta, Italian, etc.)
1 cup butter
1 large onion, chopped
2 cups celery, diced
1/3 cup parsley
1/4 cup sage
1 tbsp rosemary
1 tbsp thyme
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 cups broth + 1/2 cup extra
2 large eggs
Directions:
1. Toast bread at 250°F for 1 hr.
2. Sauté onion & celery in butter.
3. Mix with toasted bread, herbs, salt & pepper.
4. Add broth-egg mixture, squeeze to moisten.
5. Bake at 350°F for 1 hr.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Kcal: 322 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Dry the Bread: Preheat oven to 250°F. Cut 1 lb of bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread in a single layer on baking sheets. Bake for 1 hour, stirring halfway, until completely dried and crisp. Let cool.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 cup of butter. Add the chopped onion and diced celery. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until soft and translucent. Remove from heat.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In an extra-large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed onion/celery mixture (including all the butter), 1/3 cup parsley, 1/4 cup sage, 1 tbsp rosemary, 1 tbsp thyme, 2 tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Toss gently.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk 2 cups of broth with 2 large eggs. Pour over the bread mixture. Using your hands, gently squeeze and fold the mixture for 2-3 minutes until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy.
5. Bake: Transfer stuffing to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of broth evenly over the top. Cover tightly with foil. Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake 20 more minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stuffing hot from the oven. It pairs perfectly with roasted turkey and gravy. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with extra fresh chopped parsley. Leftovers make a fantastic next-day breakfast, reheated in a skillet until crispy and served with a fried egg on top.
How-to Summary
Dry bread cubes. Sauté onions and celery in butter. Mix with bread, herbs, salt, and pepper. Combine broth and eggs, then mix into bread until moistened. Bake covered for 40 minutes, then uncovered for 20 minutes until golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stuffing ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the stuffing up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since it will be cold.
What type of broth is best? Chicken broth is classic for rich flavor, but vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version. For deeper taste, use a low-sodium broth to control saltiness.
Can I cook the stuffing inside the turkey? For food safety, it’s recommended to bake stuffing separately. Cooking it inside the bird can lead to uneven cooking and requires the turkey to cook much longer, often drying out the meat.
My stuffing turned out dry. How can I fix it? Ensure you are using enough broth and squeezing the mixture thoroughly. Before serving, you can gently fold in a few extra tablespoons of warm broth to refresh it.
Can I use different herbs? Absolutely. While the listed blend is traditional, you can use 2-3 tablespoons of a pre-mixed poultry seasoning. Fresh herbs are always preferable to dried for the best flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using fresh, soft bread: This creates a mushy, soggy texture. Always dry or toast the bread cubes first.
- Over-mixing: After adding the broth, fold gently. Aggressive stirring will break the bread down into a paste.
- Insufficient seasoning: Taste the mixture before baking. The raw egg is safe to taste in small amounts. Adjust salt and herbs as needed.
- Skipping the eggs: The eggs are crucial for binding the stuffing and giving it a cohesive, tender texture.
Conclusion
This classic Thanksgiving stuffing recipe delivers the nostalgic flavors and textures that define the holiday. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a side dish that is perfectly moist on the inside with delightfully crispy edges. It’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that honors tradition while being straightforward enough for any home cook to master. Enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings to your table.