why make this recipe
Stuffing is a classic dish that brings comfort and warmth to any Thanksgiving feast. This traditional Stuffing Recipe is loved for its rich flavors and delightful texture. Made with crispy toasted bread, fresh herbs, and plenty of butter, it complements turkey perfectly. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making your holiday cooking a breeze!
how to make Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving
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, ideally 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
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups high-quality chicken/turkey broth (plus 1/2 cup more if necessary)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon butter (softened, for greasing pan)
Directions:
Begin by tearing or cutting your loaf of bread into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches. Spread them onto a dry pan and bake at 250°F for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally to ensure they don’t brown. You want the bread to be toasted but not brown so it can absorb the broth well.
While the bread is toasting, chop the onion into small pieces. You will need about 3 and 1/2 cups chopped onions. Chop the celery into a 1/4 inch dice, making sure the pieces are substantial enough for good bites. You can use the leaves for extra flavor.
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a large skillet, add 2 sticks (1 cup) of butter over medium heat. When melted, add the chopped celery and onions. Sauté for about 7-10 minutes until soft but not browned. The butter will soak into the bread later, so don’t worry about using a lot.
Chop your herbs: 1/3 cup parsley, 1/4 cup sage, and 1 tablespoon each of rosemary and thyme.
In a large bowl, combine all the toasted bread pieces and the chopped herbs. Add the sautéed onion and celery mixture.
Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper over the mixture. Stir well to ensure that butter is evenly distributed. Feel free to taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
In another bowl, mix 2 cups of high-quality chicken broth with the 2 eggs. Slowly pour this liquid over the bread mixture in increments. Use your hands to squeeze and moisten the bread gently, ensuring everything combines well without soaking too much. You should have a moist mixture without any liquid pooling at the bottom.
Grease a 9×13 inch pan with about 1 tablespoon of softened butter. Pour the stuffing into the pan and spread it evenly.
You can cover the stuffing tightly and refrigerate it overnight at this point if you like.
Cover the stuffing with foil and bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 25-35 minutes until the top is as brown and crispy as you prefer.
Store any leftovers in the fridge, and baked leftovers can also be frozen successfully.
how to serve Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving
Serve your delicious stuffing alongside the roast turkey and other sides for a complete Thanksgiving meal. Offering gravy on the side is a great touch, allowing guests to pour it over their servings for extra flavor.
how to store Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving
Keep any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze the baked stuffing for future meals. Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly or place it in a freezer-safe container.
tips to make Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving
- Use a variety of bread to enhance the flavor and texture. A mix of white and artisanal breads works beautifully.
- If you want a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make sure your butter is adequately melted before adding in the veggies to help them cook evenly.
variation
You can add cooked sausage, mushrooms, or dried cranberries to the stuffing for added richness and flavor. Some recipes also include nuts or dried fruit for a twist.
FAQs
Can I make stuffing in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffing a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just bake it before serving.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
How do I know when the stuffing is done baking?
The stuffing should be golden brown on top and heated throughout. A food thermometer should read 165°F when it’s done.
Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A classic and comforting stuffing recipe made with crispy toasted bread, fresh herbs, and butter, perfect for Thanksgiving.
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, ideally 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
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups high-quality chicken/turkey broth (plus 1/2 cup more if necessary)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon butter (softened, for greasing pan)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F. Tear or cut the bread into bite-sized pieces and spread onto a dry pan. Bake for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to avoid browning.
- Chop the onion and celery into small and diced pieces.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 sticks of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and onions, and sauté for about 7-10 minutes until soft.
- Chop the herbs and combine them with the toasted bread pieces in a large bowl.
- Add the sautéed onion and celery mixture to the bowl along with the salt and pepper. Mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of chicken broth and the eggs, then slowly pour over the bread mixture, mixing gently.
- Grease a 9×13 inch pan with softened butter, spread the stuffing mixture evenly in the pan.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 25-35 minutes until crispy.
- Let cool and store leftovers in an airtight container.
Notes
This stuffing can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Adjust the seasoning as needed for personal taste.