This cozy Thanksgiving stuffing is a warm mix of bread, herbs, and spices. It’s perfect for soaking up all those tasty sauces during the big feast!
Honestly, who can resist! I always make extra just to nibble on. It’s like a big, flavorful hug for your taste buds! 🥰
Making this stuffing is simple—just combine your ingredients, bake, and enjoy! It pairs wonderfully with turkey and brings everyone together around the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Day-old bread is perfect for this recipe because it’s drier and absorbs flavors better. You can use white or sourdough, but any hearty bread works. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free bread or cornbread!
Butter: I use unsalted butter for better control over the salt level, but you can substitute with olive oil or a vegan butter if you’re dairy-free.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like sage and thyme give a wonderful earthy flavor. If they’re not available, use dried herbs—just use less since they’re more concentrated. Some people even add rosemary for extra flavor!
Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth adds depth to the stuffing. You can use low-sodium broth to keep it healthier, or even water in a pinch. No worries—seasoning can help to adjust the flavor!
How Do I Get My Stuffing Just Right with the Perfect Moisture Level?
Getting the moisture level right is crucial for delicious stuffing! You want it moist but not soggy. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by pouring about 2 ½ cups of broth over your bread mixture. Toss everything together gently. The bread should be damp but not swimming in broth.
- If it feels too dry, add more broth a little at a time. It’s easier to add more liquid than to take it away!
- Mix in the beaten eggs thoroughly—they help bind it all together and add moisture.
When baked, the stuffing should have a golden top and be tender inside. Enjoy your flavorful stuffing with turkey and all the sides!
Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffing:
- 12 cups cubed day-old bread (about 1 loaf of white or sourdough)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups celery, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried sage)
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 ½ to 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful stuffing takes about 20 minutes to prep and 50 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 10 minutes. This makes it a great addition to your Thanksgiving menu, allowing you time to focus on all your other dishes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Bread Cubes:
If you don’t have day-old bread, no worries! Just cube your bread and spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake it at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until it’s dry and slightly toasted. Once done, let it cool.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onions and celery, cooking them until they’re softened and translucent, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together for another 1-2 minutes until it all smells amazing. Then, remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Combine Bread and Vegetable Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together your cubed bread and the cooked vegetable mix. Make sure everything is well-distributed and evenly coated.
4. Add Broth and Eggs:
Now it’s time to moisten things up! Slowly pour about 2 ½ cups of chicken or vegetable broth over your bread mixture. Gently stir it together—you want the bread to be damp but not soaking wet. If it still feels dry, you can add more broth, little by little. Finally, mix in the beaten eggs until everything is combined.
5. Bake the Stuffing:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish or a suitable casserole dish. Cover the top with foil and bake for about 30 minutes.
6. Crisp the Top:
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for a nice golden brown top that’s crisp and inviting.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, garnish your stuffing with fresh rosemary if you like, and serve it warm alongside your Thanksgiving turkey and sides. Enjoy the cozy flavors and the warmth it brings to your holiday celebration!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Stuffing?
Absolutely! While white or sourdough bread is traditional, you can use any type of hearty bread, including whole grain or cornbread. Just ensure it’s stale enough to absorb the broth without becoming mushy.
Can I Prepare This Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing the day before, assemble it, and refrigerate it covered. Just be sure to add a little extra broth before baking it to keep it moist, as it may dry out in the fridge.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No problem! You can easily substitute dried herbs for fresh ones. Use about one-third of the amount when using dried herbs, as they are more concentrated. For example, use 1 teaspoon of dried sage instead of 1 tablespoon of fresh sage.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
