Let’s talk about Thanksgiving. What’s the star of the show? The stuffing! What is the best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe? I grew up with the one that fills my kitchen with incredible aromas every day. What is the one that my family demands year after year? Is it savory, it’s slightly sweet, and it has that incredible crispy top that makes it so moist? Everybody fights over something. If you’re tired of dry, bland stuffing that tastes like cardboard, prepare to be amazed. What are some of the best boxed stuffing mixes? Is it possible to make a different stuffing recipe?
What is Thanksgiving stuffing recipe?
Think of Thanksgiving stuffing as a savory bread pudding that’s meant to be the perfect sidekick to your turkey. What’s your favorite way to eat a What is essentially a mixture of bread, vegetables, herbs, and broth, all baked together until golden brown. Brown and delicious. What is the name of a turkey? While some prefer to cook it inside the bird, I personally bake mine in a separate dish for my family. Is it possible to cook even when it’s hot? My version is packed with flavor from sauteed onions, celery, and fragrant herbs like sage and pepper. What is the right balance of moisture and flavor in a Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe? How do you make sure your product is not too dry or too soggy? Is this recipe a Thanksgiving staple?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
I know there are a million Thanksgiving stuffing recipes out there, but trust me on this one! This is the one you’ll be making for years to come. What I love about this is how flavorful and versatile it is.Flavor:The combination of savory herbs, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans creates an unforgettable flavor. What is taste explosion? What is the perfect complement to the rich flavors of the turkey? Why does the aroma make your mouth water?Simplicity:What are some of the best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes? What are some of the most difficult ingredients to find? I’ve streamlined the process to make it as stress-free as possible, especially on a busy day. What is Thanksgiving Day?Cost-All the ingredients are relatively inexpensive and readily available. How do I adapt a recipe to use what I already have on hand?Versatility:What is the best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe? Add sausage, mushrooms, or different types of nuts. Can you make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth? Is there a blank canvas for culinary creativity? I’ve even tried gluten-free bread for friends with dietary restrictions, and it worked. Compare Aunt Carol’s stuffing, which takes 3 days to prepare and costs a fortune – this is the best recipe.
How do I make turkey stuffing?
Quick Overview
What are some of the best Thanksgiving Stuffing recipes? First, you’ll sauté the vegetables and herbs to build a flavorful base. What is the best way to toss bread cubes with the sautéed mixture and broth? Is it necessary to bake it all together until golden brown and crispy? What is the process of baking? It takes about an hour. This method is special because it ensures that the bread is evenly coated with flavor. Is stuffing moist throughout? Do not be intimidated, this is easier than it looks!
Ingredients
For the Stuffing:
• 1 loaf (about 1 pound) of day-old crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes. I usually use French baguette or sourdough. Why is day-old bread so good for stuffing?
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 4 cups chicken broth, plus more if needed. I prefer low-sodium broth so I can control the salt level.
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How do you follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Make sure to grease the entire dish to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for easy cleanup!
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
How do you melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat? Add the onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Sautéing the vegetables first releases their flavor and adds depth to the stuffing.
Step 3: Add Herbs & Spices
Stir in the thyme and rosemary and cook for another minute until fragrant. What are some of the best herbs for Thanksgiving? What are some good dried herbs to use in this recipe?
Step 4: Combine Bread and Veggies
In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sauteed vegetables, cranberries, and pecans. Mix well. Toss everything together until evenly distributed. Make sure the bread is well coated with the vegetable mixture.
Step 5: Add Broth
How do you add the chicken broth to the bread mixture? Should bread be moist but not soggy? If the bread is too dry, add a little more broth, 1/4 cup at time. Where do you get the perfect moisture level? I sometimes find I need a bit more depending on the bread I use.
Step 6: Season to Taste
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with seasoning! What is the recipe for stuffing cranberries?
Step 7: Bake
Transfer the stuffing to a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sides are crispy. The foil prevents the stuffing from drying out during the first part of baking. The uncovered baking time allows the top to get nice and crispy, which is everyone’s favorite part!
Step 8: Let It Rest
Let stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving. What are some of the best ways to make stuffing?
Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve hot and enjoy! What is the best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe? What are some crowd pleasers?
What is the best way to serve it?
This Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is a Thanksgiving essential, but it also pairs well with other Thanksgiving recipes.What is the best way to serve RoastOf course, the classic combination! What are some of the best stuffings for turkey? What a match made in Thanksgiving heaven!With Gravy:Drizzle some homemade gravy over the stuffing for an extra layer of flavor. My family loves a generous serving of gravy on their stuffing. I can’t get enough of it.What is Cranberry Sauce?What’s a good contrast to the cranberry stuffing? Is it the perfect balance of flavors?With Mashed Potatoes: Another Thanksgiving staple that pairs well with stuffing. The creamy mashed potatoes complement the texture of the stuffing.
In my family, we always have a side of green bean casserole and Sweet Potato casserole alongside the stuffing. It’s the ultimate Thanksgiving spread! Last year, I tried serving it with roasted Brussels sprouts, and it was a surprisingly delicious combination.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Here are some expert tips to help you make the best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe ever:
Bread Prep: Use day-old bread for the best texture. This will prevent the stuffing from becoming soggy. If you only have fresh bread, you can dry it out in the oven at a low temperature (200°F) for about an hour.
Vegetable Sautéing: Don’t rush the sautéing process. Cooking the onions and celery until they are softened is crucial for developing the flavor base of the stuffing. I always add a pinch of salt to the vegetables while they’re sautéing to help them release their moisture.
Herb Usage: Feel free to use fresh herbs if you prefer. Just remember that fresh herbs are more potent than dried herbs, so you’ll need to use about three times as much. I usually add the fresh herbs towards the end of the sautéing process to preserve their flavor.
Broth Addition: Add the broth gradually, a quarter cup at a time, until the bread is moist but not soggy. The amount of broth you need will depend on the type of bread you use. If you accidentally add too much broth, you can try squeezing out the excess liquid or adding more bread cubes.
Flavor Customization: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors. Add sausage, mushrooms, apples, or different types of nuts. You can also use different types of broth, such as vegetable broth or chicken broth with herbs.
Crispy Top: For an extra crispy top, you can broil the stuffing for a minute or two at the end of baking. Just be sure to watch it carefully to prevent burning!
Ingredient Swaps: I once ran out of pecans and used walnuts instead, and it was still delicious! You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here are some tips for storing and reheating your Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe:
Room Temperature: You can leave the stuffing at room temperature for up to two hours. After that, it should be refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cool the stuffing completely before refrigerating it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to two months.
Reheating: To reheat the stuffing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffing in a baking dish and add a little bit of broth to moisten it. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the stuffing in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to store the stuffing, it’s best to add the glaze just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy during storage. I learned this the hard way after making a batch of stuffing ahead of time and finding the glaze had completely dissolved by the time I reheated it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a tradition. It’s the taste of home, the smell of Thanksgiving, and the memory of family gatherings. I truly believe that this recipe is worth trying because it’s simple, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. It’s a recipe that you’ll make year after year, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other Thanksgiving recipes, such as my classic roasted turkey and my creamy mashed potatoes. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to share your own variations of this Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe!
Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 cup Celery, chopped
- 1 cup Onion, chopped
- 0.5 cup Dried cranberries
- 6 cups Bread cubes
- 1 tsp Sage
- 0.5 tsp Thyme
- 1 cup Chicken broth
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the celery and onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cranberries, bread cubes, sage, and thyme.
- Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring until the stuffing is moist.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-45 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown.
