Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving

If you’re looking for a stuffing recipe that embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving, you’ve come to the right place! This Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving is not just a dish; it’s a warm hug for your taste buds. It’s easy to prepare and packed with buttery flavor and crispy edges that’ll make your heart sing. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, busy weeknights, or any occasion when you want to bring everyone together around the table. Just like grandma used to make, this stuffing is sure to become a beloved tradition in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of butter, herbs, and veggies creates a mouthwatering taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, this stuffing comes together quickly without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves stuffing! It’s a comforting side dish that pairs well with turkey or even as a standalone meal.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this stuffing in advance and bake it just before serving, giving you more time to enjoy your guests.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs—it’s all about enjoying good food together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This stuffing recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. 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

This stuffing recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Incorporate dried fruit: Diced apples or cranberries bring sweetness and a pop of color.
• Use different herbs: Experiment with thyme, oregano, or even dill for a unique twist on flavor.
• Swap the bread type: Try using cornbread or whole grain bread for different textures and tastes.

How to Make Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving

Step 1: Prepare 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. The goal here is not to brown the bread but to get it nice and toasty so it can absorb all that delicious broth later. Avoid letting your bread sit out overnight; we want crispy bread for that perfect texture in our stuffing!

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

While your bread is toasting, prep the veggies. Chop the onion until you have about 3 and 1/2 cups—this brings great flavor! Dice the celery into about a 1/4 inch size. We want these chunks substantial enough to stand out in the final dish.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Celery

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt your butter. Once melted, add in all the celery and onions. Sauté them for about 7-10 minutes until they are soft but not browned. This step allows all those flavors to mingle while ensuring our stuffing stays rich and buttery!

Step 4: Chop Your Herbs

While the veggies are cooking away, chop up all your herbs: parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Fresh herbs are key here—they elevate the dish from ordinary to extraordinary!

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Add all your toasted bread pieces into a large bowl along with the chopped herbs and sautéed onion mixture. Sprinkle with salt and pepper then stir everything together thoroughly until all those flavors are well distributed.

Step 6: Mix in Broth and Eggs

In another bowl or measuring cup, whisk together your chicken broth with two eggs. Slowly pour this mixture over the bread in increments while gently squeezing it with your hands. The goal is moist—not soaked—bread. Adjust with more broth as needed!

Step 7: Bake Your Stuffing

Grease a 9×13 inch pan with softened butter then spread the stuffing evenly across it. If you’d like, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight at this point! When you’re ready to bake, cover with foil first and bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes. Remove foil afterward and continue baking until it’s as brown as you’d like—25-35 minutes more should do it!

Step 8: Enjoy!

After baking until golden brown and crispy on top, let it cool slightly before serving. Store any leftovers in the fridge or freeze them for another cozy meal later on!

Enjoy creating memories around this delightful Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving—it’s sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions!

Pro Tips for Making Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving

Making stuffing can be a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you can elevate your dish to grandma-level perfection!

• Use Day-Old Bread: If you can, use bread that has dried out a bit. This helps absorb the broth better during cooking, giving you that perfect texture without turning mushy.

• Don’t Rush the Sautéing: Take your time when sautéing the onions and celery. This step enhances their flavors and adds depth to your stuffing, making it much more delicious.

• Mix Seasonings Thoroughly: Make sure to mix the herbs and seasonings uniformly throughout the bread mixture. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor!

• Adjust Liquid as Needed: Feel free to tweak the amount of broth based on your bread’s dryness. The right balance will keep your stuffing moist but not soggy.

• Bake Uncovered for Crispiness: For those irresistible crispy edges, bake the stuffing uncovered in the last stage of cooking. This will give you that golden-brown finish we all crave!

How to Serve Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving

Serving your Thanksgiving stuffing is an opportunity to showcase its deliciousness! Here are some ideas to present this classic dish beautifully at your holiday table.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or sage on top provides a lovely pop of color and freshness.
• Cranberry Sauce: Adding a small scoop of cranberry sauce on top or beside the stuffing gives a sweet contrast that enhances flavors.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or squash bring warmth and sweetness that complement the savory notes of the stuffing.

• Green Bean Casserole: This classic dish introduces creaminess and crunch, offering a wonderful textural contrast to your stuffing.

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a staple at any Thanksgiving table. Their richness pairs beautifully with the buttery stuffing.

• Gravy: A rich vegetarian gravy drizzled over both stuffing and other sides adds moisture and ties all the flavors together in a comforting way.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re not just preparing a meal; you’re creating heartwarming memories around the table this Thanksgiving! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Stuffing Recipe for Thanksgiving is perfect for meal prep! It can be made ahead of time, stored, and enjoyed later, making your holiday planning much easier.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffing to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cool the stuffing completely before freezing.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the stuffing in a greased baking dish and cover with foil.
• Bake for about 25-30 minutes until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes for crispy edges.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious stuffing recipe!

Can I use different types of bread in the Stuffing Recipe for Thanksgiving?

Absolutely! You can use white bread, ciabatta, Italian, or even baguette. Just ensure it’s a loaf that will toast well and absorb the flavors.

How can I make this Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving gluten-free?

You can easily substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread options. Just follow the same instructions, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free stuffing!

What herbs work best in this Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving?

Fresh herbs like parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme shine in this recipe. Feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

Can I prepare this stuffing without eggs?

Yes! If you’re looking to avoid eggs, you can substitute them with a mixture of flaxseed meal and water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) or use unsweetened applesauce.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this traditional Stuffing Recipe for Thanksgiving! It’s filled with comforting flavors that are sure to remind you of family gatherings. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying it solo, I truly believe it will bring warmth to your table. Happy cooking!