Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing

Introduction

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. A traditional holiday meal just wouldn’t be complete without the perfect stuffing. This recipe offers a timeless and flavorful twist on classic Thanksgiving stuffing. With its irresistible combination of herbs, vegetables, and bread, this dish will definitely be the star of your holiday table. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large feast, this recipe promises to deliver great taste and fond memories.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Here is everything you’ll need to create this hearty and authentic Thanksgiving stuffing recipe.

– White bread, cubed and dried
– Unsalted butter
– Large yellow onions, diced
– Celery stalks, diced
– Chicken broth
– Eggs
– Poultry seasoning
– Fresh parsley, finely chopped
– Fresh rosemary, finely chopped
– Fresh thyme, finely chopped
– Fresh sage, finely chopped
– Salt
– Black pepper

Prep Time

Preparing this recipe does take a little time, but all the effort is worth it. Begin by drying out your bread to achieve the perfect texture. Dice your vegetables and fresh herbs to ensure they’re ready to blend seamlessly with the rich, aromatic flavors. By investing some time into preparation, you set up the dish for the best possible results.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

This stuffing recipe has a reasonable cook time that will perfectly complement the rest of your Thanksgiving dishes. After mixing everything together, the stuffing bakes in the oven to golden perfection, spreading delightful aromas throughout your home.

– Cook Time: Approximately 50 minutes
– Total Time: About 1 hour and 20 minutes (includes prep time)
– Yield: Serves around 8 to 10 people

This traditional Thanksgiving stuffing will delight your guests with its delightful balance of textures and flavors. It’s a warm, comforting side dish that embodies everything Thanksgiving stands for: togetherness, tradition, and, above all, deliciousness.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prep the bread

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Cut the bread into 1/2-inch cubes and spread them out on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the bread is toasted and slightly dry. Stir halfway through for even toasting.

Step 2: Sauté the aromatics

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until everything is softened and fragrant, around 10 minutes.

Step 3: Add the seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic, parsley, thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring to combine everything thoroughly.

Step 4: Combine bread and aromatics

Place the dried bread cubes into a very large mixing bowl. Pour the vegetable and herb mixture over the bread, tossing gently to mix and coat the bread evenly.

Step 5: Add the liquid components

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and chicken broth. Slowly pour this mixture over the bread while tossing gently to combine. Make sure all the bread cubes are well moistened but not overly soggy.

Step 6: Arrange the stuffing in a baking dish

Transfer the stuffing mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish (or another sufficiently sized pan). Lightly press the stuffing with the back of a spoon or spatula to pack it in slightly, but avoid compressing it too much.

Step 7: Bake the stuffing

Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.

Step 8: Remove and serve

Take the stuffing out of the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows it to set and absorb any remaining liquid.

Notes

Note 1: Bread

Drier bread works best for stuffing. If your bread isn’t dry enough, you can leave it out overnight or toast it in the oven as instructed.

Note 2: Seasoning blend

Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary to fit your flavor preferences. Fresh herbs give the best flavor, but dried herbs can also be used as substitutes.

Note 3: Broth

Homemade chicken or turkey broth adds extra depth of flavor, but store-bought works perfectly well. For vegetarian stuffing, you can use vegetable broth instead.

Note 4: Adjusting moisture

If the stuffing mixture feels too dry before baking, you can gradually add more broth, 1/4 cup at a time, until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Note 5: Make-ahead option

The stuffing can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Cover tightly and bake on the day of serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if necessary.

Note 6: Double-check pan size

Depending on the amount of bread and add-ins, you may need to divide the stuffing between two pans to ensure even baking.

Note 7: Add-ins

Consider customizing your stuffing with add-ins like cooked sausage, chopped apples, dried cranberries, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Cook Techniques

How to Dry Out Bread

To achieve the desired texture for stuffing, it’s important to start with dried bread. Slice the bread into cubes and spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Leave them out at room temperature for a day or two, or speed up the process by placing them in a low-temperature oven (around 250°F) for about 20-30 minutes, tossing occasionally until dry.

How to Sauté Vegetables

Sauté onions, celery, and carrots in butter over medium heat until softened. Stir constantly to avoid burning and ensure even cooking. The vegetables should become fragrant and tender.

Properly Mixing the Ingredients

When combining the bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables and liquid, use a large mixing bowl. Make sure you gently fold the mixture, ensuring all the bread is coated without breaking it into mushy pieces.

Baking the Stuffing

For a crispy top, place the stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover with foil for most of the baking time to retain moisture, and remove the foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to create a golden, crispy top layer.

Adjusting Liquid Levels

The amount of broth added will depend on personal texture preference. For a softer stuffing, increase the broth slightly. Make sure to pour the liquid gradually, mixing between additions to avoid oversaturating.

Making Ahead

Stuffing can be prepared the day before. Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate. Allow it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

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FAQ

Can I use pre-dried bread cubes from the store?

Yes, store-bought pre-dried bread cubes work well and save time. However, ensure they are plain and unsalted for best results.

What type of bread is best for stuffing?

A hearty, slightly dense bread like French bread, sourdough, or even challah works best. Avoid using overly soft or flimsy types of bread.

Do I need to peel the carrots?

Peeling carrots is optional but recommended for achieving a smoother texture and flavor. Washing thoroughly is sufficient if you choose to keep the skin.

How can I add extra flavor to the stuffing?

Incorporating fresh herbs like parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme increases flavor. You can also add cooked, crumbled sausage or sautéed mushrooms.

What if my stuffing is too dry?

Gradually pour some warm broth over the stuffing if it feels too dry after baking. Toss gently and return it to the oven briefly.

Can I freeze leftover stuffing?

Yes, leftover stuffing can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to maintain texture.

Is it safe to stuff the turkey with this recipe?

While it is possible, baking stuffing in a separate dish is recommended to ensure even cooking and better texture, as stuffing within the bird can sometimes remain undercooked.

Conclusion

This traditional Thanksgiving stuffing recipe is a classic dish loved by all for its timeless flavor and comforting taste. It perfectly combines herbs, vegetables, and bread to create a warm and satisfying side dish that complements any holiday spread. Make this stuffing to bring the essence of tradition and gratitude to your table, leaving your guests eagerly awaiting every bite.

More Recipes Suggestions and Combination

Classic Mashed Potatoes

A creamy and buttery classic that pairs beautifully with the Thanksgiving stuffing for the ultimate comfort food pairing.

Roasted Turkey

The centerpiece of any Thanksgiving feast; the moist and flavorful turkey enhances the savory notes of the stuffing.

Green Bean Casserole

A vegetable side dish with rich creaminess and a crispy topping that complements the stuffing’s herby texture.

Cranberry Sauce

The tartness of cranberry sauce is the perfect counterbalance to the richness of the stuffing.

Sweet Potato Casserole

A sweet, nutty dish that works harmoniously alongside the savory flavors of the stuffing.

Fresh Dinner Rolls

Soft and fluffy rolls ideal for sopping up extra stuffing and gravy.

Butternut Squash Soup

A creamy and slightly sweet starter, ideal for setting the stage for a delicious Thanksgiving meal.

Pumpkin Pie

A classic dessert option that beautifully concludes the feast and pairs well with the traditional stuffing flavors.