Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and, of course, delicious food. While the turkey often steals the show, traditional stuffing is the heart and soul of the Thanksgiving feast. This recipe brings classic flavors to your table with a straightforward approach, ensuring that you can enjoy the holiday without being stuck in the kitchen for hours. Here's how to make a simple yet scrumptious Thanksgiving stuffing:
Ingredients
Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, let's go over the ingredients you'll need:
- 1 loaf of day-old white bread, cubed (or about 12 cups of bread cubes)
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 2 cups of chopped onions
- 1 cup of chopped celery
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons of dried sage
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried marjoram
- 2 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup of chopped parsley, 1 cup of chopped mushrooms, or sausage for added flavor
Preparation
The preparation of stuffing can be broken down into the following steps:
1. Preparing the Bread
Ensure your bread is at least one day old. If it’s fresh, dry it in a 275°F (135°C) oven for about 30-45 minutes until it is dry but not browned. You want the bread to be able to soak up the moisture from the other ingredients without becoming soggy.
2. Sauteing the Vegetables
Over medium heat, melt butter in a large skillet. Add onions, celery, and garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the herbs and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Mixing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes with the cooked vegetable mixture. Slowly pour in the broth while gently mixing to ensure the bread is evenly moistened. Add the beaten eggs, salt, and pepper, then mix until well combined. If you’re using optional ingredients like parsley, mushrooms, or sausage, add them now.
4. Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
Your Thanksgiving stuffing is now ready to be served, enhancing your holiday meal with its rich, comforting flavors. Here are some notes to keep in mind:
✅ Note: If you prefer a denser stuffing, consider adding an extra egg or reducing the amount of broth by 1/4 cup.
✅ Note: Be cautious when handling stuffing with raw eggs. Make sure to bake it thoroughly to avoid any risk of undercooked eggs.
As you gather around the table with your loved ones this Thanksgiving, let this stuffing be a testament to the simple joys of home-cooked meals. Its flavors, derived from traditional ingredients, tell a story of togetherness, warmth, and the comfort of shared meals. Remember, while recipes are essential, it's the memories and moments spent with family that truly enrich this holiday season.
Can I prepare stuffing in advance?
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Yes, you can prepare stuffing in advance. Make the stuffing up to the point of baking, then refrigerate it. On the day of serving, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if the stuffing is cold.
Is it possible to make stuffing gluten-free?
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Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread in place of traditional bread, and make sure any added sausage or broth is also gluten-free.
What can I do if my stuffing is too dry?
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If your stuffing comes out dry, gently stir in some additional broth, cover with foil, and return it to the oven for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired moisture level.
