There’s something magical about family gatherings during Thanksgiving, isn’t there? The aroma of roasted turkey wafting through the air, the laughter echoing around the table, and of course, my homemade stuffing recipe that has become an essential part of our feast. It’s not just any stuffing; it’s a heartfelt blend of flavors that brings back warm memories of my grandmother’s kitchen. Every year, I look forward to sharing this treasured *home made stuffing recipe thanksgiving* with my loved ones, knowing it will be the star of the meal. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a must-have on our table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to love this *home made stuffing recipe thanksgiving* for so many reasons! First off, it comes together in just about 50 minutes, making it a breeze to whip up even on the busiest holiday. The combination of savory herbs, buttery bread, and tender vegetables creates a flavor explosion that brings everyone to the table. Plus, it’s the perfect side dish to complement your turkey or ham, soaking up all those delicious juices. And let’s be honest, stuffing is often the unsung hero of Thanksgiving meals. Everyone will be asking for seconds, and you’ll feel like a culinary rockstar!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delicious homemade stuffing! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed (day-old works best for texture)
- 1 cup celery, chopped (adds that lovely crunch)
- 1 cup onion, chopped (for sweetness and depth of flavor)
- 1/2 cup butter (this is where the richness comes from!)
- 2 cups chicken broth (for moisture and savory goodness)
- 1 tablespoon sage (a must for that classic stuffing flavor)
- 1 tablespoon thyme (adds an earthy note that’s irresistible)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to enhance all those lovely flavors)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (for just a hint of warmth)
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go, and you’ll be well on your way to stuffing perfection!
How to Prepare Instructions
Getting your homemade stuffing ready is super simple, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro in no time! Let’s break it down step by step.
Preheat and Sauté
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want your stuffing to bake evenly and come out beautifully golden. While that’s warming up, grab a skillet and melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat. Once it’s sizzling, toss in your chopped celery and onion. Sauté these guys for about 5–7 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Oh, the smell already! It’s the perfect start!
Combine and Mix
Now, let’s get mixing! In a large bowl, combine your cubed bread, the sautéed celery and onion, along with the sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Make sure to mix it all together well—this is where the magic happens! You want those herbs to coat every bite of bread, so give it a good toss. Then, pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and mix until everything is nicely moistened. No dry bits allowed!
Bake to Perfection
Transfer your stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for a lovely golden-brown top. When it’s done, the edges will be crisp, and it should feel firm yet moist—just the way we like it! Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and watch everyone dive in!
Tips for Success
Want to take your homemade stuffing to the next level? Here are my top tips! First, using day-old bread is key—it soaks up the broth beautifully and gives the stuffing that perfect texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some cooked sausage for a hearty twist that everyone will love! And here’s a little secret: you can prepare this stuffing a day ahead. Just mix it up, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. Then, bake it right before serving for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste. Trust me, these little tweaks will make your stuffing unforgettable!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s in this delicious homemade stuffing? Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (about 1 cup). You’ll find around 250 calories, with 10 grams of fat, including 5 grams of saturated fat. For those counting carbs, you’re looking at approximately 35 grams, along with 2 grams of sugar and 2 grams of fiber. It also packs about 5 grams of protein and contains 500 milligrams of sodium. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But rest assured, this stuffing is a flavor-packed addition to your Thanksgiving feast!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this *home made stuffing recipe thanksgiving*? You’re not alone! Here are some common ones I hear:
Can I use different types of bread? Absolutely! While I love using white or whole wheat bread, you can experiment with sourdough or cornbread for a unique twist.
Is this stuffing gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread and ensure your broth is compliant.
Can I add more vegetables? Yes! Feel free to throw in some diced carrots or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have chicken broth? No problem! Vegetable broth works just as well, keeping it flavorful and perfect for a vegetarian option.
Can I prepare this stuffing in advance? Definitely! Mix it up the night before and bake it just before serving for ultimate convenience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your homemade stuffing is super easy! First, let it cool completely, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. For reheating, pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist and delicious!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this delicious homemade stuffing ready, let’s talk about what to serve it with! It pairs perfectly with a beautifully roasted turkey, soaking up all those savory juices. I also love it alongside glazed ham for a sweet and salty contrast. Don’t forget about cranberry sauce—it adds a lovely tartness that balances the richness of the stuffing. For a complete Thanksgiving spread, serve your stuffing with creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravy, and maybe some roasted Brussels sprouts for a pop of color and crunch. Trust me, your table will be a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
Print
Home Made Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving: 5 Secrets Revealed
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious homemade stuffing recipe perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add celery and onion, sauté until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in chicken broth and mix until well combined.
- Transfer stuffing to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better texture.
- Add cooked sausage for extra flavor.
- Can be made a day ahead and baked before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: homemade stuffing recipe, Thanksgiving stuffing, bread stuffing
