Okay, friends, let’s talk about Thanksgiving. And more specifically, we’re talking about stuffing. What’s a good Thanksgiving dinner recipe? Forget those sad, dry, flavorless boxes you see in the store. We’re going homemade, baby!Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe.isn’t just good, it’s the kind of good that makes everyone at the table groan with happiness. If you’re used to the simplicity of Stove Top, get ready to have your mind blown – because this is a must have. Just as easy, and a million times more delicious. I swear, the aroma alone is enough to get you in the holiday spirit!
What is Thanksgiving stuffing?
Alright, let’s break it down. Thanksgiving stuffing, sometimes called dressing (depending on where you’re from!), is basically a savory bread casserole. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food side dish for the holidays. It’s essentially a mix of bread, vegetables (celery and onion are classics!), herbs, spices, and broth, baked until golden and delicious. The idea is to create a flavorful, moist, and satisfying complement to the rest of your Thanksgiving feast. It’s essentially the best part of the meal, and a close relative to Bread Pudding, but decidedly savory!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What is this particular story about?Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe. is a game-changer.
- Flavor Bomb: First off, the flavor is incredible. We’re talking savory, herbaceous, slightly sweet from the veggies, and just overall comforting. The combination of sage, thyme, and rosemary makes it truly special.
- Surprisingly Simple: Don’t let the amazing flavor fool you – this recipe is shockingly easy to make. Seriously, if I can do it (and I’m no gourmet chef!), anyone can. You can even prep most of it ahead of time, which is a lifesaver on Thanksgiving Day.
- Budget-Friendly: You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already! No fancy, expensive stuff required. That’s a win in my book!
- Ultra-Versatile: You can customize this recipe to your heart’s content. Add sausage, cranberries, apples… the possibilities are endless! Plus, leftovers are amazing in sandwiches or as a topping for baked potatoes.
What I love most about this particular stuffing recipe is the texture. It’s perfectly moist (nobody likes dry stuffing!), with crispy edges and a soft, pillowy interior. It’s just… right. Plus, if you are looking for another fun Thanksgiving day recipe, try my sweet potato Casserole Recipe. I think you will love it!
How do I make Thanksgiving Stuffing?
Quick Overview
Basically, you’re going to sauté some veggies, mix them with bread, herbs, and broth, and then bake it all to golden-brown perfection. Don’t be intimidated – it’s way easier than it sounds. This method guarantees a moist and flavorful stuffing every single time, and it’s the same process my grandma used, so you *know* it has to be good!
Ingredients
For the Stuffing:
* 1 loaf of good quality bread (day-old is best!), cut into 1-inch cubes. I usually use a sourdough or French bread. Trust me, the quality of the bread matters! Don’t use that squishy white bread.
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
* 2 large yellow onions, chopped
* 4 celery stalks, chopped
* 1 tablespoon minced garlic
* 2 teaspoons dried sage
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best, so you can control the salt)
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* Optional: 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
Variations (Get creative!): Vari
* 1 pound cooked sausage, crumbled
* 1 cup dried cranberries
* 1 cup chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great!)
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I always use butter for this, but cooking spray works too. Make sure to get all the corners!
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and celery and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Then, add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t skip this step – it’s essential for building flavor!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a very large bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well combined. The bigger the bowl the better, trust me. It’s frustrating when you don’t have enough space to mix!
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
How do you pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture? Add the beaten eggs and parsley and mix until everything is evenly moistened. If your bread is soggy, don’t worry – it will absorb the liquid as it bakes.
Step 5: Add-Ins (Optional)
If you’re using any of the optional add-ins (sausage, cranberries, apples, nuts), gently fold them. Is there a way to put the stuffing Where do you get creative and make something your own?
Step 6: Bake
How do you spread the stuffing mixture into a baking dish? Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crisp. Is stuffing heated through? To test, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Cool and Rest
Let the stuffing cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it to set up a bit and makes it easier to slice.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve warm and enjoy! What are some good Thanksgiving recipes for stuffing?
What should I serve it with?
This Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe? is, of course, the perfect sidekick for your turkey! But it’s also fantastic with:
- Roasted Chicken or Pork: The savory herbs in the stuffing complement roasted meats perfectly.
- Gravy: Drizzle some gravy over the stuffing for extra flavor and moisture.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce is a great contrast to the richness of the stuffing.
- Mashed Potatoes: Because who doesn’t love mashed potatoes and stuffing together? It’s a classic combo for a reason!
In my family, we always have stuffing with a side of green bean casserole and a big dollop of cranberry sauce. It’s tradition!
What are some tips for perfecting your Thanksgiving stuffing?
What are some tips for making the best.?Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe. ever:
- Use Day-Old Bread: This is crucial! Fresh bread will be too soft and will result in a soggy stuffing. Day-old bread is drier and will absorb the broth better without becoming mushy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your baking dish is too small, the stuffing will steam instead of bake, resulting in a soggy mess. Use a 9×13 inch dish or divide the stuffing between two smaller dishes.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before baking, taste the stuffing mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might need to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry stuffing. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven when the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the stuffing a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered. Just add a little extra broth before baking to compensate for the bread absorbing the moisture.
I’ve learned all these tips the hard way, believe me! I once tried to use fresh bread and ended up with a gloppy mess. Don’t make the same mistake I did!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
Here’s how to store and reheat your leftover Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes.:
- Room Temperature: You can leave it at room temperature for up to 2 hours
- Refrigerator: Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze leftover stuffing in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave it, but it might dry out a bit. Add a splash of broth or gravy to keep it moist.
I usually make a huge batch of stuffing so I can enjoy leftovers for days! It’s just as good (if not better) the next day.
What are some frequently asked questions?
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my foolproof Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe! I promise, this recipe will be a hit at your Thanksgiving dinner. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, the smell of it baking is just heavenly! If you loved this stuffing recipe, be sure to check out my other Thanksgiving side dishes, like my Creamy Mashed Potatoes or my Sweet Potato Casserole. Happy Thanksgiving, friends! I can’t wait to hear how your stuffing turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think!
Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf day-old bread, cubed Can use any kind of bread
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add celery and onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in sage, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Add bread cubes and toss to coat. Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring until the bread is moistened.
- Transfer stuffing to a greased baking dish. Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.