Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving

If you’re looking for the perfect stuffing recipe for Thanksgiving, you’ve come to the right place! This Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings warmth and comfort to your holiday table. It’s easy to make, but it tastes like it took hours of love and care. There’s something so heartwarming about that buttery goodness with crispy edges, making it a cherished part of family gatherings or even busy weeknights when you want something special.

This stuffing has all the traditional flavors that remind us of home: fresh herbs, sautéed onions, and celery, all tossed with toasted bread for an unforgettable side dish. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving or any other occasion, this recipe will make your loved ones feel right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip this up without fuss.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves a good stuffing! This recipe is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prep this dish the night before and pop it in the oven when you’re ready—perfect for busy holidays!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh herbs and buttery bread creates an irresistible taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is a breeze! You’ll find these are simple, wholesome components that come together beautifully to create this classic stuffing.

For the Stuffing

• 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)
• 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

This stuffing recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to get creative with your favorite ingredients or dietary preferences.

• Add Some Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.
• Incorporate Fruits: Dried cranberries or apples can add a touch of sweetness that complements the savory flavors.
• Herb Swap: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or dill based on what you have on hand.
• Vegetable Boost: Mix in sautéed mushrooms or carrots for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.

How to Make Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving

Step 1: Toast the Bread

Begin by tearing or cutting your loaf of bread into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches. Spread these pieces onto a dry pan and bake at 250°F for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. You don’t want to brown the bread; just get it nice and toasty. This step is crucial because toasted bread absorbs broth better than stale bread would.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

While your bread is toasting, chop your onion until you have about 3 and 1/2 cups. Chop the celery into a 1/4 inch dice. It’s important to have substantial pieces so they hold their texture in the stuffing. Remember—onion brings great flavor!

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Celery

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 sticks of butter. Once melted, toss in all your celery and onions. Sauté them for about 7-10 minutes until soft but not browned. This step releases their natural sweetness which is essential for that comforting flavor we’re after.

Step 4: Chop Your Herbs

While those veggies are cooking away, chop up all your herbs: parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Fresh herbs are what elevate this stuffing from good to unforgettable!

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once the bread is toasted, place all those crispy pieces into a large bowl along with the chopped herbs and sautéed onion-celery mixture. Sprinkle in kosher salt and black pepper before stirring everything together gently—make sure those buttery bits are evenly distributed!

Step 6: Add Broth & Eggs

In another bowl or measuring cup, whisk together 2 cups of broth with the eggs. Slowly pour this mixture over the bread blend incrementally while gently squeezing to moisten each piece. The aim is moist but not soggy; there should be no liquid pooling at the bottom.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Grease a 9×13 inch pan with about 1 tablespoon softened butter before pouring in your stuffing mixture. Spread it out evenly across the pan. If you’d like, you can cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight at this point—perfect for prepping ahead!

Step 8: Bake Away!

Cover your prepared stuffing with foil again and bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-35 minutes until golden brown on top—this gives you those crispy edges we all love!

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!

Once baked perfectly golden brown, let it sit for a few minutes before serving—or enjoy straight from the oven! And don’t worry if there are leftovers; they store beautifully in the fridge or can be frozen for another day.

Now go ahead—enjoy making this delightful Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving! Your family will thank you!

Pro Tips for Making Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving

Making the perfect stuffing is all about the details, and these tips will help you achieve a delicious result every time!

• Use Stale Bread: If you can, use bread that’s a day or two old. Stale bread absorbs broth better and helps create that perfect texture.
• Don’t Rush the Sautéing: Give your onions and celery enough time to soften properly. This step adds a depth of flavor that makes your stuffing truly special.
• Taste as You Go: Don’t be shy! Sampling your mixture before baking allows you to adjust seasoning to your personal preference, ensuring it’s just right.
• Cover for Moisture, Uncover for Crispiness: Start by covering your stuffing with foil while baking to keep it moist, then uncover it for the last part of baking to develop those irresistible crispy edges.
• Make Ahead: Preparing your stuffing in advance can save time on Thanksgiving Day. Just assemble it the night before and pop it in the oven when you’re ready!

How to Serve Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving

Serving this delightful stuffing is about more than just putting it on the table; it’s about creating an inviting experience that complements your Thanksgiving feast.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or sage on top right before serving adds a burst of color and freshness.
• Cranberry Sauce: A small dollop of cranberry sauce alongside each serving provides a sweet contrast that balances the savory flavor of the stuffing.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These caramelized little gems add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with stuffing.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic are always a crowd-pleaser and make a comforting addition to any Thanksgiving plate.
• Green Bean Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans with slivered almonds give a nice crunch, balancing out the richness of the stuffing.
• Pumpkin Soup: Start off your meal with a warm bowl of pumpkin soup; its creamy texture and hint of spice complement the flavors in your stuffing perfectly.

Embrace these suggestions and let your Thanksgiving table shine with warmth and deliciousness! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This stuffing recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to deepen and making your holiday cooking a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure to allow the stuffing to cool completely before sealing it in the container.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled stuffing in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• Label your container with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen stuffing in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious stuffing recipe.

Can I use different types of bread for this Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving?

Absolutely! You can use any bread you prefer, such as sourdough, whole wheat, or gluten-free varieties. Just ensure that it’s sturdy enough to hold up when mixed with the broth.

How do I make this Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving vegetarian-friendly?

Simply substitute chicken or turkey broth with vegetable broth, and you’re good to go! This will still provide great flavor while keeping it vegetarian.

Can I prepare this Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. This makes holiday meal prep much easier!

What herbs work best in this Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving?

The classic combination includes parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. You can also experiment with other herbs like oregano or marjoram if desired!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this traditional stuffing recipe as much as I do! It’s a comforting dish that brings back memories of family gatherings and heartfelt moments around the table. Your loved ones will appreciate all the care you put into it, and I’m sure they’ll be coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Happy cooking, and may your Thanksgiving be filled with warmth, joy, and delicious flavors!