This Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing is a warm and cozy dish that brings everyone together. Made with bread cubes, savory herbs, and a hint of broth, it’s full of flavor!
Who can resist a scoop of this classic stuffing? I always save some extra to snack on later. It’s basically the best leftover surprise! 😊
I love making this stuffing because it’s simple and fills the house with a wonderful smell. Plus, it pairs perfectly with turkey and gravy for the ultimate Thanksgiving feast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Day-old bread is key for ideal texture. I love using a mix of white and sourdough for flavor. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free bread cubes or cornbread for a different twist!
Butter: Unsalted butter adds rich flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, use olive oil or vegan butter instead. This still gives great texture and taste!
Celery and Onion: These aromatics are essential for depth of flavor. You can swap them with leeks or shallots if you prefer a milder taste.
Herbs: Fresh herbs are super important! If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried herbs work fine. Just use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Broth: Chicken or turkey broth adds richness. Vegetarian broth is a fantastic substitute if you want a meat-free stuffing. Just keep it flavorful!
How Do You Make Sure Your Stuffing Is Moist and Flavorful?
Getting the right moisture level in stuffing can be tricky but here’s how to ensure it’s just right:
- Cook the vegetables until they’re soft; this releases moisture and adds flavor.
- Start with less broth, adding gradually while mixing. You want the bread to be moist but not soggy!
- If the stuffing looks too dry after mixing, don’t hesitate to add more broth! The right consistency is key for a moist stuffing.
And remember to let it bake until the top is golden; that adds a lovely crunchy texture contrast! Enjoy your beautiful Thanksgiving feast!
How to Make Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 cups day-old bread cubes (white or a mix of white and sourdough)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried sage)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2-3 cups chicken or turkey broth (more as needed)
- 2 large eggs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 1 hour to bake. It’s a simple process that brings wonderful aromas to your kitchen, making it perfect for a cozy Thanksgiving gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Bread:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your day-old bread cubes and place them on a large baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until they’re dried out and lightly toasted. This step ensures your stuffing has the perfect texture. Once done, set them aside to cool.
2. Cook Vegetables and Herbs:
Next, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped celery and onion and cook them together until they soften, roughly 8-10 minutes. After that, stir in the minced garlic, sage, thyme, and parsley, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until everything smells amazing. You can remove the skillet from heat once fragrant!
3. Combine Stuffing Base:
Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine your toasted bread cubes with the cooked vegetable mixture. This is where the flavors come together! Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Mix it well so every piece of bread gets some seasoning.
4. Add Eggs and Broth:
In a separate bowl, beat the two large eggs. Add the beaten eggs to the bread mixture and gently mix. Gradually pour in the chicken or turkey broth, starting with 2 cups and continuing to mix. Keep an eye on the moisture level—the mixture should be moist but not soggy. If it seems dry, feel free to add more broth until you get it just right.
5. Bake the Stuffing:
Transfer your stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. To keep it moist while baking, cover the dish with foil. Place it in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. After that, take off the foil and let it bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is beautifully golden and slightly crisp.
6. Serve:
Once baked, remove the stuffing from the oven and let it cool slightly. You can garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if you’d like! Serve this warm alongside your Thanksgiving turkey and enjoy the delicious flavors with family and friends around the table.
This recipe yields a classic, moist, and flavorful stuffing perfect for the holidays! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Fresh Bread Instead of Day-Old Bread for Stuffing?
While fresh bread can be used, it’s best to use day-old bread as it helps absorb the broth without becoming too soggy. If you only have fresh bread, consider toasting it in the oven for a bit to dry it out before using it in the recipe.
How Can I Make This Stuffing Vegetarian?
Making this stuffing vegetarian is easy! Simply substitute the chicken or turkey broth with vegetable broth. You can also add extra veggies or herbs of your choice to enhance the flavor if you like!
Can I Prepare Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing mixture and refrigerate it a day in advance. Just ensure to bake it on the day you plan to serve it. Remember, you might need to add a little extra broth if it seems dry after refrigeration!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Stuffing?
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish, add a splash of broth to moisten it, and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
