Ah, the aroma of *homemade Thanksgiving stuffing* wafting through the house—it’s a smell that instantly transports me back to my childhood. Every year, my family gathers around the table, and the stuffing is always the star of the show! It’s that perfect blend of soft, buttery bread, savory herbs, and sautéed vegetables that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity; it’s made with just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, which takes a load off on that busy Thanksgiving day! Trust me, once you try this stuffing, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought ever again. It’s the kind of dish that turns a regular meal into a cherished memory!

Ingredients List

• 1 loaf of day-old bread, cubed (This gives the best texture and absorbs the flavors beautifully!)
• 1 cup celery, finely chopped (For that lovely crunch and fresh flavor.)
• 1 cup onion, chopped (Adds sweetness and depth to the stuffing.)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (Melted, because butter makes everything better!)
• 2 cups chicken broth (Or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option—just make sure it’s rich and flavorful.)
• 1 tablespoon dried sage (A classic herb that screams Thanksgiving!)
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme (It pairs perfectly with the sage for a warm, earthy flavor.)
• 1 teaspoon salt (To enhance all those yummy flavors.)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (For a little kick, but feel free to adjust to your taste.)

How to Prepare *Homemade Thanksgiving Stuffing*

Step 1 – Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want your stuffing to bake evenly and turn that gorgeous golden brown color that makes it so irresistible. Trust me, the smell that fills your kitchen while it’s baking is half the joy!

Step 2 – Sauté the Vegetables

Next, let’s get those vegetables cooking! In a skillet over medium heat, melt your ½ cup of unsalted butter. Once it’s all bubbly and fragrant, toss in the chopped celery and onion. Cook them until they’re nice and soft, about 5-7 minutes. This step really brings out the sweetness in the onions and the crunch in the celery, creating that perfect base for your stuffing!

Step 3 – Combine Ingredients

Now, grab a large mixing bowl and combine those lovely bread cubes with your sautéed veggies, 1 tablespoon of dried sage, 1 tablespoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Give it a good toss to make sure everything is evenly distributed. You want each bite to be packed with flavor!

Step 4 – Add Broth

Here comes the magic—pour in 2 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you’re keeping it vegetarian) over the mixture. Stir it gently until everything is well combined. The broth is what adds that moist, tender texture to the stuffing, so make sure all those bread cubes are soaking it up!

Step 5 – Transfer and Bake

Finally, transfer your stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. You’ll know it’s ready when you can’t resist sneaking a spoonful straight from the dish—just be careful, it’s hot!

Tips for Success

To really elevate your *homemade Thanksgiving stuffing*, here are some of my best tips! First off, using stale bread is key—day-old or even two-day-old bread works wonders for texture. It holds up better when mixed with broth, giving you that ideal chewy yet soft bite. Don’t hesitate to adjust the herbs to fit your family’s tastes; if you love a certain flavor, add a bit more! You can also experiment by throwing in some chopped apples or nuts for a delightful twist. And here’s a little secret: you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance! Just mix everything together, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. Then, bake it fresh on Thanksgiving Day. This not only saves time but lets those flavors meld beautifully overnight. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for each serving of this delicious *homemade Thanksgiving stuffing*. Keep in mind that actual values may vary based on specific brands and ingredients used. But, just to give you an idea:

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: Approximately 250
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 5g

This stuffing is a flavorful addition to your holiday feast, providing a nice balance of carbs and fats, with a hint of protein. Enjoy every bite without the guilt!

FAQ Section

Can I make *homemade Thanksgiving stuffing* a day in advance?

Absolutely! Making your *homemade Thanksgiving stuffing* a day in advance is not only possible, but it’s also a great way to save time on the big day. Just prepare the stuffing as directed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven. This helps ensure even cooking. Then just bake it as usual, and you’ll have a delicious stuffing that’s ready to impress your guests!

What type of bread works best for stuffing?

When it comes to the best bread for stuffing, I recommend using day-old bread—think a crusty sourdough or hearty whole wheat. These types hold up beautifully when mixed with broth and won’t get mushy. You can also use French bread or even brioche for a sweeter touch. Just avoid soft sandwich bread, as it can turn gummy. If you want to mix it up, you can even combine different bread types for a fun texture and flavor experience!

Can I add other ingredients to the stuffing?

Oh, you bet! One of the best things about *homemade Thanksgiving stuffing* is how versatile it is. You can mix in some diced apples or cranberries for a pop of sweetness, or throw in some chopped nuts for added crunch. If you like it a bit spicy, consider adding some cooked sausage or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. The sky’s the limit! Just remember to balance the flavors so that each bite is a delightful surprise.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s super simple to whip up, even for beginners!
• Made with wholesome, everyday ingredients you probably already have.
• The aroma while baking is pure nostalgia—it’ll have everyone gathering in the kitchen!
• Offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that complement any holiday meal.
• Perfect for making ahead of time, which means less stress on Thanksgiving Day!
• It’s a classic recipe that brings warmth and comfort to your holiday table.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Leftover *homemade Thanksgiving stuffing* can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just let it cool completely before sealing it up to keep that delicious flavor intact. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can easily reheat it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the stuffing in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, just be sure to add a splash of broth to keep it moist. No one likes dry stuffing, right? Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first round!

Homemade Thanksgiving Stuffing: 5 Secrets to Comforting Flavor

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A classic homemade Thanksgiving stuffing recipe that enhances your holiday meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 loaf of bread, cubed
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon sage
• 1 tablespoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add chopped celery and onion, cook until soft.
4. In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, cooked vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour chicken broth over the mixture, stir to combine.
6. Transfer stuffing to a greased baking dish.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until golden brown.

Notes

• Use stale bread for better texture.
• Adjust herbs to your preference.
• Stuffing can be made a day in advance.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: homemade thanksgiving stuffing