Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving

If you’re looking for the perfect Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving, you’ve come to the right place! This recipe is a cherished family favorite that never fails to impress during holiday gatherings. With its buttery flavor and crispy edges, it captures that nostalgic taste of grandma’s kitchen. Whether you’re preparing for a festive feast or just a cozy family dinner, this stuffing will surely bring smiles and satisfaction to your table.

What makes this stuffing special is how simple and wholesome it is. You can whip it up quickly, making it an ideal addition to busy weeknights or special occasions. Everyone loves the combination of flavors, and you can feel proud knowing it’s made from scratch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, you’ll have this stuffing ready in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike adore this comforting side dish, making it a hit for any gathering.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the stuffing ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with loved ones on the big day.
• Deliciously flavorful: The combination of fresh herbs and sautéed veggies creates an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.
• Versatile pairing: This stuffing complements a variety of main dishes, making it suitable for any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this delightful stuffing, we’re using simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Gather these fresh components to create a dish everyone will love!

For the Stuffing

• 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; I like 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)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Incorporate dried fruit: Dried cranberries or raisins give a sweet contrast that’s simply delicious.
• Include different veggies: Carrots or mushrooms can enhance the flavor profile while adding extra nutrients.
• Swap the herbs: Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs like thyme or oregano for a unique twist.

How to Make Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving

Step 1: Toast the Bread

Begin by tearing or cutting your loaf of bread into bite-sized pieces about 1-2 inches. Spread these pieces onto a dry pan and bake at 250 F for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. You don’t want to brown the bread; just get it nice and toasty! This step is crucial as toasted bread absorbs the broth better without becoming mushy.

Step 2: Prep Your Veggies

While your bread is toasting, chop up your onion until you have about 3 and 1/2 cups. Use two small onions if needed. Next, chop your celery into a 1/4 inch dice. It’s important not to skimp on the onion as it brings big flavor! The celery should be substantial enough for texture in your stuffing.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Celery

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 sticks of butter (that’s one cup!) before adding all your chopped celery and onions. Sauté them until they’re soft but not browned—about 7-10 minutes. This step allows those vegetables to release their flavors into the butter.

Step 4: Add Herbs

While those are cooking away, chop all your herbs: parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Once done sautéing, mix these fresh herbs into your bowl with toasted bread along with the sautéed onion mixture.

Step 5: Season It Up

Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of kosher salt (or about 1 and 1/2 teaspoons if using table salt) alongside 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Give everything a good stir ensuring that buttery goodness is evenly distributed throughout.

Step 6: Mix in Broth & Eggs

In another bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together 2 cups of high-quality chicken broth with those two eggs. Slowly pour this mixture over the bread while using your hands to squeeze and moisten everything together gently. Aim for moist but not soggy—there shouldn’t be liquid pooling at the bottom!

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Grease a 9×13 inch pan with softened butter before pouring in your stuffing mix and spreading it out evenly. If you’d like, cover tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight—perfect for prepping ahead!

Step 8: Bake It Up!

Cover the stuffing with foil again and bake at 350 degrees F for about 40 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-35 minutes until you achieve desired browning on top—crispy edges are key!

Step 9: Enjoy!

Once baked, let cool slightly before serving alongside your favorite main dishes. And don’t forget—leftovers store well in the fridge or even freeze beautifully!

With this Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving in hand, you’ll create warm memories around the dinner table that everyone will cherish!

Pro Tips for Making Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving

Creating the perfect stuffing is all about attention to detail and a few helpful tricks! Here are some pro tips to ensure your Thanksgiving stuffing is a crowd-pleaser.

• Choose the Right Bread: Opt for stale or toasted bread like ciabatta or baguette, as they absorb the broth better without becoming mushy. Fresh bread can lead to a soggy stuffing, which we definitely want to avoid!

• Don’t Rush the Sauté: Take your time when sautéing the onions and celery. Cooking them slowly allows their natural flavors to develop and enhances the overall taste of your stuffing. You want them soft but not browned for the best results.

• Taste as You Go: Seasoning is key! After mixing in the salt and pepper, give your stuffing a taste. Adjust the seasoning to suit your preference; it’s much easier to add salt than take it away!

• Use Quality Broth: The flavor of your broth makes a big difference in the final dish. A high-quality chicken or turkey broth will infuse your stuffing with rich flavor and elevate its deliciousness.

• Let It Sit Before Baking: If you have time, let your stuffing sit for about 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and enhances the overall taste of each bite.

How to Serve Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving

Presentation is everything when it comes to serving your stuffing on Thanksgiving! Here are some creative ideas for how to showcase this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or sage on top just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens up the dish.
• Cranberry Relish: A dollop of homemade cranberry relish adds a sweet-tart contrast that pairs wonderfully with savory stuffing.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and squash bring warmth and color to your table while complementing the savory notes of the stuffing.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs perfectly with stuffing, creating a comforting duo that’s hard to resist!
• Green Bean Casserole: This traditional side offers a crunchy topping and creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the buttery goodness of your stuffing.
• Gravy: Don’t forget a rich turkey gravy! Drizzling some over your stuffing adds moisture and brings all those flavors together in one delicious bite.

Now you’re ready to impress your guests with this classic Stuffing Recipe! Enjoy every flavorful bite and create lasting memories around the dinner table this Thanksgiving.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Here’s how to store and reheat your stuffing.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If you’re planning to eat it later, try to avoid adding extra broth before storing, as it can get soggy.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the stuffing cool completely.
• Place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy reference!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen stuffing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
• Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes until heated through. If it’s a bit dry, you can add a splash of broth before covering.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious stuffing recipe!

Can I make this Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dressing a day in advance. Just follow the recipe up until baking, store it in the fridge, and bake when you’re ready to serve.

What is the best way to ensure my Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving is not dry?

Make sure your bread is perfectly toasted—not too dry but crisp enough to absorb moisture. You can also adjust the amount of broth added during preparation based on your preference for moisture.

Can I use different herbs in my stuffing?

Absolutely! While this recipe features parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme, feel free to experiment with other herbs like dill or tarragon for a unique twist.

Is there a vegetarian option for this stuffing?

Yes! Simply substitute chicken or turkey broth with vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients remain unchanged.

How do I keep my stuffing crispy?

To achieve that lovely crispy texture on top, bake uncovered during the final 25-35 minutes. This will give you those irresistible edges that everyone loves!

Final Thoughts

This Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving holds a special place at our table because it’s filled with love and nostalgia—it brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy moments. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do! It’s easy to prepare and absolutely delightful when shared with loved ones. Don’t hesitate to try it out; I’m sure you’ll find it’s just what you’ve been looking for this holiday season!