This traditional Thanksgiving stuffing is a warm, cozy dish that’s full of flavor! Made with bread, onions, celery, and a mix of herbs, it’s the perfect sidekick for turkey.
When I make it, my kitchen smells amazing, and I can’t resist sneaking spoonfuls before dinner! Serve it warm, and watch everyone come back for seconds—it’s just that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Day-old bread: The best bread for stuffing is a sturdy one—think white, sourdough, or a mix. If you don’t have day-old, fresh bread works too. Just toast it lightly in the oven for a bit to dry it out.
Unsalted butter: I love using unsalted butter because it allows me to control the saltiness of the dish. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut oil or olive oil instead.
Onions and celery: These two create a wonderful base flavor. If you’re short on celery, you can use leeks, or just skip it. For a kick, add some diced bell pepper!
Herbs: Fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary make a huge difference. If fresh isn’t available, dried versions will work; just reduce the amounts since they’re more concentrated.
Dried fruit: Cranberries or raisins add a lovely sweetness. Instead, consider chopped apples or even a handful of chopped walnuts for some crunch!
How Do I Ensure My Stuffing Isn’t Soggy?
A common issue in stuffing is ending up with a soggy texture. To keep it light and fluffy, focus on two key steps: drying the bread and controlling the broth. Here’s how:
- Make sure your bread cubes are well-dried before mixing. If possible, let them sit out overnight or lightly toast them.
- When mixing in the broth, add it gradually. You want the bread moist but not swimming in liquid. You should be able to squeeze it and feel some resistance.
If you follow these steps, you’ll have a delicious stuffing that’s just the right texture! Enjoy your holiday meal!
Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base:
- 12 cups cubed day-old bread (white or a mix of white and sourdough)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
Vegetables:
- 2 cups onions, finely chopped (about 2 medium onions)
- 1 1/2 cups celery, finely chopped (about 4 stalks)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Binding:
- 2-3 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (for sweetness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, followed by 45-50 minutes of cooking time. You’ll spend time chopping veggies, sautéing them, and mixing everything together before placing it in the oven. While it bakes, you can prep other parts of your Thanksgiving meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Bread:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed day-old bread evenly on baking sheets. Let it dry out for a few hours to get slightly stale, or if your bread is fresh, lightly toast it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until it’s just starting to get golden. This helps prevent sogginess later.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onions and celery. Sauté for about 7-10 minutes until they are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant. This will infuse the filling with rich flavors!
3. Combining the Ingredients:
Remove the skillet from heat, then transfer the cooked vegetables to a large mixing bowl. Add the cubed bread into the bowl with the sautéed veggies.
4. Adding the Seasonings:
Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, sage, parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Toss everything together gently to evenly distribute the herbs and spices throughout the mixture.
5. Adding Sweetness:
If you’re using dried cranberries or raisins, it’s time to add them. Mix them in with the rest of the stuffing mixture for a lovely hint of sweetness.
6. Creating the Binding Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs with 2 cups of chicken broth. This egg mixture helps bind everything together. Pour the mixture over the bread and veggie combination.
7. Mixing it Up:
Using a large spoon or your hands, gently mix the stuffing until the bread is moistened but not overly soggy. If it seems a bit dry, gradually add more broth—just enough to reach your desired consistency!
8. Baking:
Transfer your stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This will help it steam and cook through.
9. Browning the Top:
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes. This step will get the top deliciously golden brown and slightly crispy, giving you that wonderful texture contrast!
10. Serving:
Once baked, feel free to garnish your stuffing with a sprig of fresh rosemary for a festive look. Serve it warm, and watch your family enjoy this classic dish!
This stuffing is a fantastic combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors, with a perfect balance of texture. Enjoy your Thanksgiving feast!
Can I Use Fresh Bread Instead of Day-Old Bread?
Yes, you can use fresh bread! If you do, just lightly toast the cubes in the oven for about 10-15 minutes to help dry them out. This prevents the stuffing from becoming too soggy.
How Can I Make This Stuffing Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. All the other ingredients remain the same, so you can enjoy a delicious meat-free stuffing!
Can I Make This Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Just follow the recipe up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it. On Thanksgiving day, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Should I Do with Leftover Stuffing?
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry to restore some moisture.
