The Heartwarming Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Crafting the perfect Thanksgiving stuffing demands culinary creativity and a dash of nostalgia.

Home cooks have cherished this classic side dish for generations.

Warm bread cubes mingled with fragrant herbs create a comforting canvas of flavor.

Sage and thyme whisper memories of festive gatherings around the dinner table.

Crispy edges blending with soft, savory centers make every bite a delightful experience.

Simple ingredients come together to produce a dish that speaks directly to the heart.

We invite you to embrace this timeless recipe and make it your own special tradition.

Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing Ingredient List Essentials

• Bread: Day-old bread provides the classic base and absorbs all the delicious flavors of the stuffing.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and rich savory flavor to the stuffing mixture.
• Eggs: Help bind the stuffing ingredients together and create a cohesive texture.

• Onion, Celery: Create a flavorful foundation with their sweet and earthy characteristics.
• Herbs: Provide classic Thanksgiving seasonings and aromatic depth to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the stuffing.

• Butter: Adds richness, helps sauté vegetables, and creates a golden brown top when baking.

Step-by-Step Method for Thanksgiving Stuffing Perfection

Step 1: Toast Bread Cubes

Spread bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and place in the oven at 250F.

Bake for 45 minutes until the cubes are completely dry and crisp.

This process helps the bread absorb flavors without becoming soggy.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Dish

Bump up the oven temperature to 350F.

Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetable Base

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

• Chopped onions
• Diced celery

Cook the vegetables until they become soft and develop a light golden-brown color, which should take about 10 minutes.

The caramelization will enhance the overall flavor of the stuffing.

Step 4: Create Herb Mixture

Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a large mixing bowl with the toasted bread cubes.

• Dried sage
• Dried thyme
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Pour in chicken broth and gently mix all ingredients.

Step 5: Add Binding Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with additional chicken broth.

Pour this mixture over the bread and vegetable combination.

Stir carefully to ensure even distribution and help the stuffing hold together.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Dot the top with small pieces of butter to create a golden, crispy surface during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the oven.

Bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 40 minutes.

The stuffing should turn a beautiful golden brown with crispy edges.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes.

Serve warm alongside your main holiday dish and watch everyone’s faces light up with delight.

Classic Stuffing Tips for Flavorful, Moist Results

• Choose day-old bread or white sandwich bread for the best texture and absorption of flavors.
• Use fresh sage, thyme, and parsley to elevate the stuffing's aromatic profile and create a more vibrant taste.
• Add chicken broth gradually to prevent soggy stuffing; the mixture should be moist but not wet.
• Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based butter for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Remove foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to achieve a perfectly golden and crispy surface.

Unique Variations for Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing

• Gluten-Free Cornbread Stuffing: Replace traditional bread with crumbled gluten-free cornbread, using rice flour or almond flour for base. Perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Stuffing: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and add sautéed mushrooms like shiitake or cremini for rich, meaty texture without meat.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Stuffing: Substitute bread cubes with roasted cauliflower florets, maintaining herb and vegetable flavors while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Mediterranean Herb Stuffing: Incorporate Mediterranean herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary, and add pine nuts and dried cranberries for a unique flavor profile.

Best Ways to Serve Thanksgiving Stuffing at Dinner

• Holiday Feast Companion: Pair this classic stuffing with roasted turkey for the ultimate Thanksgiving plate. The herbs and rich butter complement the main dish perfectly.
• Leftover Magic: Transform extra stuffing into crispy breakfast patties by forming small cakes and pan-frying until golden. Top with a fried egg for a delicious morning treat.
• Side Dish Symphony: Serve alongside roasted green beans, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes to create a complete traditional holiday meal that celebrates comfort and flavor.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and add chopped mushrooms for extra depth, making this recipe adaptable for different dietary preferences.

How to Keep Thanksgiving Stuffing Fresh for Days

• Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring it stays fresh and safe to eat.
• Transfer stuffing to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 1 month to preserve flavor and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place stuffing in a baking dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with foil, warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Mix all ingredients except the final baking, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

• What type of bread works best for stuffing?

Day-old white bread or sourdough are excellent choices. Avoid very soft or pre-sliced sandwich bread. Stale or dried bread helps absorb flavors and maintains a better texture.

• Is it safe to stuff the turkey with this recipe?

No, it’s safer to bake stuffing separately. Cooking stuffing inside the turkey can lead to uneven cooking and potential bacterial growth. Baking outside ensures proper temperature and food safety.

The Magic Behind Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

• Bake with Nostalgic Comfort: Classic Thanksgiving stuffing brings warm memories of family gatherings and traditional holiday meals that everyone cherishes.
• Customize with Ease: Swap herbs, add sausage, or include chestnuts to personalize this versatile side dish according to your family's taste preferences.
• Master Culinary Skills: This recipe teaches fundamental cooking techniques like sautéing vegetables, drying bread cubes, and creating a perfect texture blend that impresses dinner guests.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Delivers a rich, savory experience that appeals to multiple generations, making it a guaranteed hit at potlucks, family dinners, and festive celebrations.

Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Hearty Thanksgiving Stuffing brings classic comfort to holiday tables with sage-infused bread cubes and savory herbs. Homemade warmth fills kitchens, inviting friends and family to gather around a delicious side dish you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb day-old white French bread, diced
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup unsalted butter

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 1/2 cups celery, diced
• 1 large Vidalia or yellow onion, diced
• 2/3 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh sage, minced
• 3 tablespoons rosemary, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the bread cubes by spreading them on a baking sheet and toasting in the oven at 250F for 45 minutes until completely dried and crisp.
2. Elevate the oven temperature to 350F and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté diced onions and celery until they become translucent and develop a light golden color, approximately 10 minutes.
4. Transfer the caramelized vegetables to a spacious mixing bowl containing the toasted bread cubes, then incorporate fresh herbs, salt, and black pepper, followed by pouring in chicken broth.
5. In a separate small bowl, thoroughly whisk eggs with remaining broth until well combined, then gently fold into the bread mixture, ensuring even distribution.
6. Carefully transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer and dotting the surface with small pieces of remaining butter.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 40 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve piping hot as a delectable side dish.

Notes

• Choose sturdy bread like sourdough or day-old white bread for the best texture and ability to absorb flavors without becoming mushy.
• Toast bread cubes low and slow to remove moisture, ensuring a crispy exterior that holds up during baking and prevents soggy stuffing.
• For vegetarian options, replace chicken broth with vegetable stock and swap butter with olive oil or plant-based butter alternatives.
• Add extra flavor complexity by incorporating fresh herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary, or experiment with chopped nuts like pecans or chestnuts for interesting textural contrast.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg