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 tradition that brings back warm memories of holidays spent with loved ones. Each bite is packed with buttery goodness and a delightful crunch that makes it impossible to resist. Whether it’s a big family gathering or just a cozy dinner at home, this stuffing will elevate any meal and create moments worth savoring.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity and heartwarming flavor profile. It’s not just for Thanksgiving; you can whip it up on busy weeknights or serve it at gatherings throughout the year. Trust me when I say, once you try this stuffing, you’ll want to make it a staple on your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have delicious stuffing ready to go.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good stuffing, making it perfect for all ages.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and bake before serving—it’s a lifesaver during hectic holiday planning!
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh herbs and buttery bread creates a taste that will transport you straight to grandma’s kitchen.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or even as a base for other dishes, this stuffing adapts beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! This Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving uses simple, wholesome ingredients that combine beautifully to create unforgettable flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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

One of the best things about this stuffing recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch.
• Incorporate fruits: Dried cranberries or apples can add a touch of sweetness.
• Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread for an inclusive version everyone can enjoy.
• Spice it up: Add cooked sausage alternative or spices like cayenne for a kick!

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 an hour. Stir occasionally to ensure even toasting. This step is crucial because toasted bread absorbs broth better without turning into mush.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

While your bread is toasting, chop your onion and celery. You’ll need about 3 and 1/2 cups of onion and should chop the celery into 1/4 inch dice. Don’t skimp on the onion; its flavor adds depth to our stuffing!

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the chopped celery and onions. Sauté them for about 7-10 minutes until they soften but don’t brown. The butter here helps infuse rich flavor into our stuffing.

Step 4: Mix in the Herbs

Chop up all your herbs—parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme—and set them aside. Fresh herbs make all the difference in flavor!

Step 5: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, mix together the toasted bread pieces with all those fragrant herbs and sautéed vegetables. Don’t forget to sprinkle in the salt and pepper! This is where you want everything blended well so each bite has that heavenly taste.

Step 6: Moisten with Broth

In another bowl or measuring cup, whisk together chicken broth and eggs. Slowly pour this mixture over the bread while gently squeezing it with your hands so every piece gets moistened without being soaked.

Step 7: Bake It Up!

Grease a 9×13 inch pan with softened butter. Transfer your mixture into the pan and spread evenly. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until golden brown—about another 25-35 minutes.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Once baked to perfection, let it cool slightly before serving! Enjoy every flavorful bite of this classic Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving alongside your favorite main dishes.

With this recipe in hand, you’ll be creating delicious memories around the dinner table in no time!

Pro Tips for Making Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving

Creating the perfect stuffing can be a rewarding experience, and these tips will help ensure your dish is always a crowd-pleaser!

• Use Stale Bread: Fresh bread can become mushy during baking; stale bread absorbs broth better, giving you that desired texture without becoming soggy.

• Don’t Rush the Sautéing: Taking your time to sauté the onions and celery allows their flavors to develop fully. This step enhances the overall taste of your stuffing significantly.

• Adjust Liquid Gradually: Pouring in broth slowly helps you control the moisture level. You want everything soaked but not swimming in liquid, so take your time!

• Go Wild with Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs or add extra fresh herbs if you love that garden-fresh flavor. The more aromatic, the better your stuffing will taste.

• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the stuffing to sit for a few minutes after baking helps it set up nicely. This way, you’ll have beautiful slices instead of a crumbly mess when serving.

How to Serve Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving

Serving this delicious stuffing can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ways to present this classic dish that everyone will love.

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: Chopping some fresh parsley to sprinkle over the top adds a vibrant touch and a pop of color.
• Cranberry Sauce: A spoonful of cranberry sauce on top provides a sweet contrast that complements the savory flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and squash roasted until caramelized brings warmth and color to your table.

• Green Bean Almondine: Fresh green beans sautéed with almonds offer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that balances the softness of the stuffing.

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs harmoniously with stuffing, soaking up all those delicious drippings from your turkey.

• Gravy: Whipping up a rich turkey gravy adds an irresistible sauce option for drenching your stuffing and other sides!

Enjoy making this delightful Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving and sharing it with family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free holiday by preparing ahead of time. You can easily store leftovers or even freeze portions for later use!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Freezing

• Allow the stuffing to cool completely before freezing.
• Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen stuffing overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through, removing the foil during the last few minutes for a crispy top.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this stuffing recipe that may help you along your cooking journey.

Can I make this Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed or chia mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg), which will help bind the ingredients together.

How do I ensure my Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving isn’t too dry?

To prevent dryness, make sure your bread is not overly toasted before mixing in the broth. Add broth gradually until the mixture is moist but not soggy. Remember, it’s better to start with less and add more if needed!

What types of bread work best for this Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving?

You can use any bread you prefer! White bread, ciabatta, Italian bread, or baguette all work beautifully. Just ensure it’s fresh or lightly toasted to absorb all those delicious flavors.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe becomes a beloved part of your holiday traditions! With its buttery flavor and crispy edges, it’s bound to delight your family and friends. Enjoy making it as much as I do and savor every bite! Happy cooking!