This Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing is warm, cozy, and packed with flavor! Made with bread, herbs, onions, and celery, it’s just what you need to complete your holiday feast.
You can’t go wrong with this dish! It’s like a hug on your plate. I usually load up on extra stuffing because let’s be real—who can resist seconds when it’s this good? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Cubes: Use white or sourdough for the best texture. If you don’t have stale bread, toasting fresh bread works great too! You can also use cornbread or gluten-free bread if you prefer.
Butter: I love using unsalted butter, but you can also use olive oil for a lighter option or to make it dairy-free.
Onions and Celery: These are the base flavors. If you’re in a pinch, shallots or leeks can be a tasty swap for onions, and bell peppers can replace celery. Adding mushrooms can add depth, too!
Herbs: Fresh herbs add amazing flavor! If you don’t have fresh, dried herbs work just fine. Adjust the amounts since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Broth: Chicken broth is traditional, but vegetable broth works well for vegetarians. You can also use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
How Do I Make Sure My Stuffing Is Perfectly Moist?
Getting the right moisture in your stuffing is key! Follow these tips to avoid dry stuffing:
- When toasting bread, ensure it’s dry without being overly crisp. This helps it soak up the broth.
- Start by adding 2 1/2 cups of broth, tossing until the bread is evenly moistened. If it feels dry, add more broth, but do it gradually.
- A great tip is to let the mix sit for a few minutes. This allows the bread to absorb the broth thoroughly.
Avoid soaking the bread too much—it should feel moist but not soggy. Trust me; it’s all about balance for a delicious traditional stuffing!
Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffing:
- 10 cups bread cubes (preferably white or sourdough, slightly stale or toasted)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups celery, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 teaspoon fresh, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (optional, helps bind the stuffing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 40 minutes of baking. In total, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour to get this delicious stuffing on your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Toast the Bread:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 15 minutes or until they are dry and lightly golden. This step helps the bread soak up all those lovely flavors later. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
While the bread is toasting, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, and sauté them until they’re soft—this should take about 8-10 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell wonderful at this point!
3. Add the Seasonings:
Next, stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook this mixture for another 1-2 minutes to let all those delightful aromas fill the air.
4. Mix Everything Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture. Toss gently to mix them well.
5. Pour in the Broth:
Now, gradually pour in 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth, tossing the mixture until the bread cubes are moist but not soggy. If it still feels dry, add a bit more broth as needed.
6. Add the Eggs (Optional):
If you choose to use eggs, now’s the time! Stir in the beaten eggs to help bind everything together for a perfect texture.
7. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the stuffing mixture into a buttered baking dish and spread it out evenly. This will make for lovely, crispy edges once baked!
8. Bake It:
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy. The aroma will be irresistible!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the stuffing from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This classic stuffing is a perfect companion to your turkey and all your festive sides. Enjoy your Thanksgiving feast!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Stuffing?
Absolutely! While white or sourdough bread works best, feel free to experiment with other breads like cornbread, whole wheat, or even gluten-free options. Just aim for something that can hold up to the moisture without becoming too mushy.
How Can I Make This Stuffing Vegetarian?
To make this stuffing vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also leave out the eggs if you’d like, but they do help bind the stuffing together nicely.
Can I Prepare the Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffing the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just combine all the ingredients without baking, cover tightly, and bake it the next day. You may want to add a splash of broth before baking if it seems a bit dry.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Stuffing?
Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If it feels dry, add a little broth to moisten it!
