Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving

If you’re looking for a stuffing recipe that feels like a warm hug from grandma, you’ve come to the right place! This Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving is more than just a side dish; it’s a cherished tradition that brings family and friends together. The buttery flavor, combined with the delightful crunch of crispy edges, makes every bite feel like home. Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or a cozy family gathering, this stuffing is bound to steal the show.

What makes this stuffing truly special is its simplicity and the love that goes into it. With fresh herbs, tender veggies, and your favorite bread, it’s easy to prepare yet incredibly satisfying. Trust me; once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it for every occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: This stuffing comes together quickly, making it perfect even for busy weeknights.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves a good stuffing! It’s a crowd-pleaser that complements any main dish.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can easily prepare it the night before and pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
• Delicious flavor: With fresh herbs and savory veggies, each bite bursts with mouthwatering goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Gather these goodies for a deliciously comforting dish:

• 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

The beauty of this stuffing recipe lies in its flexibility! Feel free to customize it according to your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Incorporate fruits: Dried cranberries or apples can bring a lovely sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• Spice it up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat!
• Swap the broth: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth for a vegetarian option.

How to Make Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving

Step 1: Toast the Bread

Begin by tearing or cutting your loaf of bread into bite-size pieces, about 1-2 inches. Spread these pieces onto a dry pan and bake at 250°F for about an hour. Stir occasionally until they’re nice and toasty but not browned. This step is crucial because toasted bread will absorb the broth better without getting mushy!

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

While your bread is toasting, chop up your onion and celery. You’ll want about 3 and 1/2 cups of chopped onion and diced celery in about a quarter-inch size. The onions add sweetness while the celery gives texture—both are essential for that classic stuffing flavor!

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Celery

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt your butter and add the chopped onions and celery. Sauté for about 7-10 minutes until soft but not browned. This step allows those veggies to soak up all that buttery goodness!

Step 4: Chop Your Herbs

While the veggies are cooking, chop your fresh herbs: parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. These aromatic herbs give your stuffing that traditional flavor we all adore.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine all the toasted bread pieces with the sautéed vegetables and chopped herbs. Sprinkle in kosher salt and black pepper before mixing everything together thoroughly—this ensures each piece of bread is coated with flavor.

Step 6: Add Broth Mixture

In another bowl or measuring cup, whisk together chicken broth and eggs. Gradually pour this mixture over your bread mixture while squeezing gently to moisten everything evenly. The goal here is moist but not soggy—there shouldn’t be any liquid pooling at the bottom.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with softened butter. Pour your stuffing mixture into the pan, spreading it out evenly. If you’re planning ahead, you can cover this tightly and refrigerate overnight at this point.

Step 8: Bake

Cover your stuffing with foil and bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes. Remove the foil afterward and continue baking for another 25-35 minutes until it’s beautifully brown and crispy on top—just how we like it!

Step 9: Enjoy!

Once it’s done baking, let it cool slightly before serving. Store any leftovers in the fridge; they can also be frozen if you need them longer!

Now gather around with loved ones and savor every bite of this unforgettable Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving!

Pro Tips for Making Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving

Making the perfect stuffing is all about the little details, and I’m here to help you nail it!

• Choose the right bread: Using a mix of breads like ciabatta and Italian adds texture and flavor. Different types will absorb the broth differently, giving your stuffing complexity.
• Don’t rush the toasting: Toasting your bread at a low temperature ensures it dries out without browning. This helps it soak up all that delicious broth later on!
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different! Always taste your mixture before baking and feel free to tweak the herbs and salt to suit your family’s preferences.
• Give it time to rest: If you can, let the stuffing sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to customize with nuts like pecans or walnuts, or dried fruits such as cranberries. These additions can provide extra flavor and texture.

How to Serve Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving

Serving your stuffing can be just as delightful as making it! A lovely presentation can make all the difference at your Thanksgiving table.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the dish’s freshness.
• Crispy fried onions: Adding a handful of crispy fried onions on top just before serving gives a wonderful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft stuffing.
• Sliced green onions: These add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color, making your dish visually appealing.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These caramelized sprouts provide a crisp, earthy flavor that complements the buttery stuffing perfectly.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a crowd favorite! The rich garlic flavor pairs wonderfully with stuffing, making for a comforting combination.
• Green Bean Casserole: This classic dish adds a creamy element with crunchy toppings, creating great texture alongside your stuffing.
• Cranberry Sauce: A sweet and tangy cranberry sauce offers a refreshing contrast that cuts through the richness of the stuffing.

Now, gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy this warm, aromatic Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving—it’s bound to become a cherished part of your holiday tradition!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving is perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Here’s how to store it and keep it fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffing to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label your container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• If you have extra stuffing, it can be frozen for later use.
• Pack the cooled stuffing into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• For best results, try to remove as much air as possible from the freezer bag.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen stuffing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place stuffing in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
• Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious stuffing recipe:

Can I make this Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon of seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) for binding.

How do I ensure my Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving doesn’t get too soggy?

Make sure your bread is well-toasted before mixing in the broth. This helps absorb moisture without becoming mushy.

What type of bread works best for this Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving?

A variety of breads like ciabatta, baguette, or Italian bread work wonderfully. Just ensure they’re sturdy and slightly stale for the best texture!

Can I add other ingredients to my stuffing?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or even sautéed mushrooms to customize your stuffing recipe to your taste.

How long can I keep leftovers from this Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving?

You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for 2-3 months. Just follow the storage tips provided above!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this traditional Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving as much as I do! It’s filled with comforting flavors that remind me of family gatherings and happy memories around the table. Whether you’re serving it at a big feast or enjoying it on a quiet evening, this stuffing will surely warm your heart and home. Happy cooking!