5 Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes to Wow Your Guests

Classic Herb Stuffing

The aroma of stuffing baking in the oven is synonymous with Thanksgiving. Classic Herb Stuffing is a timeless choice that never fails to evoke nostalgia. Here's how you can make it:

• 1 loaf of day-old bread, cut into cubes
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups diced onion
• 2 cups diced celery
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 3-4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 beaten eggs (optional for binding)

Steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bread Preparation: Place bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly toasted. Allow to cool.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery, cooking until they are softened, about 5-8 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the toasted bread with the sautéed vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper. Add broth gradually, mixing until the stuffing is moist but not soggy. If using, add eggs for more structure.
5. Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes to achieve a crispy top.

Apple and Sausage Stuffing

Introduce a sweet and savory twist to your Thanksgiving meal with Apple and Sausage Stuffing. The combination of tart apples and sausage adds layers of flavor:

• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 4 large apples, peeled and diced
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 loaf of bread, cubed and lightly toasted
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Cook Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the sausage, breaking it apart until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
2. Sauté Apples and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more butter or oil if needed. Sauté apples, onion, and celery until the apples are soft, about 7 minutes.
3. Mix Ingredients: Combine the cooked sausage, apple mixture, bread, herbs, and broth in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Chestnut and Mushroom Stuffing

For a sophisticated and earthy stuffing, the Chestnut and Mushroom Stuffing is unparalleled:

• 1 pound fresh chestnuts, shelled and peeled
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced celery
• 2 cups mixed mushrooms (like shiitake, oyster, and cremini), sliced
• 1 loaf of crusty bread, cubed and toasted
• 1/2 cup fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 4-5 cups turkey or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Prepare Chestnuts: Cut an "X" in the flat side of each chestnut, boil for 20 minutes, then peel off the shell and skin.
2. Sauté Mushrooms: Heat a large skillet, add olive oil, and sauté mushrooms until they release their moisture and brown.
3. Combine: In a bowl, mix the toasted bread, chestnuts, cooked vegetables, herbs, and enough broth to moisten the stuffing.
4. Bake: Place into a baking dish, cover, and bake at 375°F for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.

🍰 Note: Chestnuts should be peeled before roasting to ensure a smoother texture in your stuffing.

Cornbread and Pepper Stuffing

Cornbread and Pepper Stuffing adds a southern flair with its robust flavors and textures:

• 1 pan of cornbread (about 4 cups when crumbled)
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (mix of colors)
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 3-4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Steps:

1. Crumble Cornbread: Prepare cornbread as directed, cool, and then crumble.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, sauté bell peppers, celery, onion, and green onions until tender.
3. Combine: Mix the cornbread, sautéed vegetables, tomatoes, and spices in a large bowl. Add broth to achieve the desired consistency.
4. Bake: Pour into a baking dish, bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for 15 more minutes.

Vegan Wild Rice Stuffing

For guests who prefer plant-based options, Vegan Wild Rice Stuffing is both delicious and inclusive:

• 1 1/2 cups uncooked wild rice
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup diced butternut squash
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced celery
• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning (make sure it's vegan)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Cook Rice: Boil wild rice in broth until tender, about 40-45 minutes. Drain if necessary.
2. Roast Squash: Toss squash with oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F until soft, about 20 minutes.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, cook onions and celery with olive oil until translucent.
4. Mix: Combine cooked rice, roasted squash, cranberries, pecans, sautéed vegetables, and seasoning. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Bake: Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes to meld flavors.

To Conclude

Thanksgiving stuffing isn't just a side dish; it's a centerpiece of flavors and memories. Each of the recipes discussed offers a unique take on the classic, from the traditional herb stuffing to the vegan wild rice version. These dishes can adapt to various dietary preferences while maintaining the essence of what makes Thanksgiving special - coming together over a delicious, homemade meal. By integrating these stuffing recipes into your holiday feast, you're not just filling plates but also creating lasting memories with your loved ones.

Can I prepare stuffing the day before?

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Yes, you can assemble your stuffing the day before and refrigerate it. Just make sure to adjust the baking time as it will be cold when you put it in the oven.

What’s the best bread to use for stuffing?

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Day-old white or French bread works well because of its absorbent texture. However, you can experiment with different types like cornbread for a different flavor profile.

How can I make my stuffing less dry?

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Ensure you’re adding enough broth, but also cover the stuffing for most of the baking time to retain moisture. If it comes out dry, you can sprinkle additional broth on top and cover it again for a few more minutes.