Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when family, friends, and food come together in perfect harmony. And let’s be honest, what’s a Thanksgiving feast without the *best stuffing recipes for Thanksgiving*? I mean, stuffing is like the cozy blanket of the meal, soaking up all those delightful flavors from the turkey and surrounding dishes. It adds that warm, comforting touch that makes the whole dinner feel complete. Trust me, this simple and delicious stuffing recipe is a must-have on your table! It’s not only easy to whip up, but it also brings that classic, homey taste that everyone craves during the holidays. Let’s dive into this scrumptious creation together!
Ingredients List
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed (about 10-12 cups of cubed bread, preferably day-old for the best texture)
- 1 cup of celery, chopped (about 2-3 stalks)
- 1 cup of onion, chopped (about 1 medium onion)
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 2 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 teaspoon of dried sage
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because a hot oven is key to getting that stuffing nice and golden brown. So, don’t skip this part—set it and forget it for now while you get your ingredients ready!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Now, grab a skillet and melt your butter over medium heat. Oh, the smell of butter melting is just heavenly! Once it’s melted, toss in the chopped onions and celery. Sauté these babies until they’re softened, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be translucent and fragrant, filling your kitchen with that cozy aroma that says, “Thanksgiving is coming!”
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, those beautiful sautéed vegetables, dried sage, thyme, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give it all a good mix! Make sure the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the bread. It’s all about making sure every bite is packed with flavor, right?
Step 4: Add Chicken Broth
Next up, pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture. This is where the magic happens! Make sure you stir everything together thoroughly. You want the bread to soak up that delicious broth, so take a moment to really get in there and mix. Don’t be shy!
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Now it’s time to transfer your stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands (if you like to get a bit messy) to spread it out evenly. This helps it bake uniformly, ensuring every spoonful is as good as the last.
Step 6: Baking Time
Pop that dish in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and crispy. Trust me, the smell wafting through your home will have everyone eagerly waiting at the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—ready in just an hour!
- Simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- Classic, traditional flavor that brings back all those warm holiday memories.
- Versatile recipe—feel free to add in your favorite ingredients like nuts or dried fruits!
- Perfect as a side dish or stuffed in your turkey for extra moisture.
- Great for leftovers—makes a delicious addition to sandwiches or served with your next meal.
- Family-friendly, so even the picky eaters will love it!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to make this stuffing, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure it turns out absolutely perfect! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can elevate your dish from good to spectacular.
- Use Day-Old Bread: If you can, use day-old bread or even stale bread. It’ll soak up the broth better without turning mushy. If you’re in a pinch, just toast the fresh bread cubes in the oven for a few minutes to dry them out a bit.
- Go Heavy on the Seasoning: Don’t be shy with the herbs and spices! Feel free to adjust the sage and thyme to your liking. If you love a little kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Mix Gently: When combining the ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can break down the bread too much. You want fluffy stuffing, not a dense brick.
- Test for Moisture: Before baking, make sure the mixture is moist but not soggy. You can always add a little more broth if it seems dry, but too much will lead to a mushy outcome. Aim for that perfect balance!
- Add Extras: Get creative! Toss in some cooked sausage, apples, dried cranberries, or even nuts for a delightful crunch. Just remember to balance the flavors so nothing overpowers the stuffing.
- Let It Rest: Once it comes out of the oven, let your stuffing rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to firm up a bit and makes for easier serving.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the best stuffing ever! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for a serving of this delicious stuffing. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Remember, this is just an estimate, but it gives you a nice overview of what to expect. Perfect for enjoying without too much guilt on Thanksgiving Day!
FAQ Section
Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
You absolutely can! If you want to save some time on Thanksgiving Day, feel free to prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance. Just combine all the ingredients, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven! It may take a few extra minutes to cook if it’s cold from the fridge, so keep an eye on it.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works perfectly! It’ll add a nice depth of flavor without the meat. You can also use homemade broth or even water in a pinch, but I highly recommend sticking with broth for that extra oomph!
Can I add meat to this stuffing?
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this incredible stuffing ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to create a Thanksgiving feast that will have everyone raving. Trust me, the right pairings can elevate your meal to a whole new level!
- Roast Turkey: Of course, you can’t go wrong with a perfectly roasted turkey! The savory flavors of the stuffing complement the juicy turkey beautifully.
- Gravy: Drizzle some rich gravy over the stuffing for an extra layer of flavor. It adds moisture and that comforting touch we all love.
- Green Bean Casserole: This classic side dish with its creamy mushroom sauce and crispy onions is a fantastic contrast to the hearty stuffing.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce adds a refreshing pop that cuts through the richness of both the turkey and stuffing.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a must-have! They pair perfectly with the stuffing, especially when you mix a little stuffing into your potatoes for a delightful bite.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: The sweetness of the sweet potatoes offers a lovely balance to the savory notes of the stuffing, making for a well-rounded plate.
- Brussels Sprouts: Roasted or sautéed Brussels sprouts bring a nice crunch and earthy flavor that complements the stuffing’s softness.
- Stuffed Acorn Squash: For a beautiful presentation, serve your stuffing alongside some stuffed acorn squash filled with your favorite veggies and nuts.
With these serving suggestions, your Thanksgiving table will not only look stunning, but it will also be bursting with flavor, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied and happy. Enjoy the festivities, and happy feasting!
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Best Stuffing Recipes for Thanksgiving That Wow Every Guest
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious stuffing recipe perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 cup of celery, chopped
- 1 cup of onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of sage
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté until softened.
- In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the chicken broth over the mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- You can add cooked sausage for extra flavor.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Stuff the turkey for added moisture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: best stuffing recipes for thanksgiving











