This Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing is a cozy mix of bread, herbs, and spices. It’s warm, fluffy, and packed with flavor—a must-have for your holiday feast!
You can’t resist the smell of it cooking. Plus, I love how you can eat it on its own or stuff it inside a turkey—double the goodness! 🦃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Day-old white bread works best for that perfect texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use whole wheat bread or even cornbread for a twist. Just make sure it’s somewhat stale to avoid a mushy stuffing!
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness to the stuffing. If you want a lighter version, you can use olive oil, but I find butter gives it that delicious comforting taste.
Onions and Celery: These veggies add great flavor. If you’re not a fan of celery, try using leeks or even bell peppers. They add a bit of sweetness as well!
Herbs: Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference. If you don’t have them, you can use dried, but reduce the amount by about a third since dried herbs are more concentrated. I love to add a bit of fresh thyme if I have it on hand!
Broth: For a vegetarian version, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. This will keep the stuffing flavorful and still satisfying.
How Do I Keep My Stuffing From Being Too Soggy?
The right texture is key for stuffing! To prevent sogginess, toast the bread cubes first. This gives them a nice crunch and helps them soak up just the right amount of broth.
- Spread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them!
- When mixing in the broth, start with 2.5 cups and gradually add more, stirring gently. You want all the bread to be coated without swimming in liquid.
- Remember, it’s easier to add more broth than to take it out if you add too much. Trust your gut!
<|vq_14004|>
Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 10 cups cubed day-old white bread (about 1-inch cubes)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 2 medium onions)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped celery (about 4 stalks)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (adjust as needed)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This stuffing recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and roughly 45 minutes to bake in the oven, for a total of about 1 hour. It’s a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving spread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Toast Bread:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating, spread the bread cubes out on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for 10-15 minutes until they are lightly browned and crisp. This will help your stuffing have the perfect texture!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the chopped onions and celery. Sauté them for about 8-10 minutes, or until they become soft. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it smells amazing!
3. Mix the Stuffing Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the cooked vegetables. Add the fresh parsley, dried sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Gently toss everything together to make sure all the bread gets coated with those fabulous flavors.
4. Combine Broth and Eggs:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Slowly pour this mixture over the bread mixture, stirring gently to ensure everything is mixed well. You want it moist but not soggy! If it seems dry, feel free to add a little more broth.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Now, transfer the stuffing mixture into a buttered 9×13 inch baking dish or any similar casserole dish. Spread it out evenly, so it cooks nicely.
6. Bake It Up:
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crispy. Yum!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, feel free to garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig if you’d like. Serve the stuffing warm and enjoy this delicious addition to your Thanksgiving feast!
Can I Use a Different Type of Bread?
Absolutely! While day-old white bread is traditional, you can use any bread you like. Whole wheat, sourdough, or even cornbread will add unique flavors. Just make sure the bread is a bit stale for the best texture!
How Can I Make This Stuffing Vegetarian?
To make this stuffing vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Everything else stays the same, and you’ll still have a delicious side dish for your Thanksgiving table!
Can I Prepare the Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the stuffing up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day before cooking. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature and then follow the baking instructions. You may need to add an extra few minutes to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffing?
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish, add a splash of broth to keep it moist, and cover with foil. Heat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.