Thanksgiving Stuffing – Thanksgiving is a time when we come together with loved ones to express gratitude and enjoy meals. One dish that holds a place, in our hearts, is the Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe. It’s filled with the flavors of herbs, buttery goodness, and the comforting taste of bread. You simply must give it a try! The recipe includes ingredients such as sage, parsley, rosemary, and a mix of bread cubes that will surely tantalize your taste buds.
The first time I attempted this stuffing recipe it was an adventure into uncharted culinary territory. My kitchen was bustling with the chaos of Thanksgiving preparations and amidst all that commotion this stuffing emerged as a beacon of warmth and scrumptiousness. Even my husband, who tends to be skeptical about new recipes gave it his seal of approval. My child? Well, their smile smeared with bits of stuffing said it all. They couldn’t resist asking for seconds! It was truly a moment of triumph, for me as this became an instant family favorite.
What makes this Thanksgiving Stuffing truly stand out?
What makes this Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe truly stand out is its versatility and depth of flavor. You can have fun experimenting with types of bread – perhaps combining sourdough with Italian – which will create an array of textures and tastes to delight your palate. Chopped herbs such, as sage, parsley, and rosemary add an aroma to every bite elevating the dish from a regular stuffing to a gourmet delight. Moreover, its flexible portions make it suitable, for any occasion whether it’s a family dinner or a lavish Thanksgiving feast. This stuffing isn’t a side dish; it takes center stage on the holiday table and is bound to have everyone begging for your secret recipe.
What You Need To Make This Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe?
Bread Cubes: The key, to making this stuffing delicious lies in the bread cubes. Whether you choose a combination of sourdough and Italian for a nuanced flavor or a simple country loaf for a touch the bread sets the foundation. Make sure to use toasted cubes so that they soak up all the goodness without becoming mushy.
Butter: Unsalted butter is used to sauté the vegetables giving them a creamy backdrop that brings all the ingredients together. It’s the secret behind that comforting melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this stuffing irresistible.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh sage, parsley, and rosemary are not just herbs; they are what make this dish stand out. They bring a burst of freshness and an aromatic allure that takes this stuffing from being a side dish to becoming the star of your Thanksgiving table.
Onion and Celery: Onions and celery are the heroes in our stuffing recipe. They add depth of flavor. Provide a crunch that beautifully contrasts with the softness of the bread.
Garlic: Minced garlic cloves infuse warmth. Add a hint of spice to every bite of this stuffing creating a layer of complexity, with each mouthful.
Chicken or Vegetable Stock and Eggs: The Ingredients that Bring It Together; The broth adds moisture and a savory depth, to the stuffing while the eggs help bind everything ensuring that the stuffing maintains its shape with a soft interior.
Kosher Salt and Pepper: These timeless seasonings are the final touch enhancing and harmonizing the flavors to ensure that each bite is a sensation.
Fresh Herb Garnish: A sprinkle of herbs not only adds a burst of color but also provides a refreshing contrast, to the rich and savory flavors of the stuffing elevating each serving from just a dish to an artistic masterpiece.
Steps To Make Thanksgiving Stuffing:
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Step 1: For the bread preparation it’s best to use toasted bread cubes. You can toast the bread in an oven at 350°F until it becomes crouton-like or simply leave them out overnight.
Step 2: To set up your oven preheat it to 350°F. Get a baking dish that’s either 9×13 or larger and grease it with butter, olive oil, or nonstick spray. Put the bread cubes in a mixing bowl or directly, into the baking dish.
Step 3: Next, cook the vegetables. Melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic along, with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook them until they become soft and then mix in herbs and 1 cup of stock.
Step 4: Combine this vegetable mixture with the bread cubes by pouring it over them and tossing everything well. In a bowl whisk together the remaining stock and eggs then pour this mixture over the bread cubes well. Stir everything until it is nicely combined.
Step 5: Now you’re ready to bake! Place your dish in the oven for about 45 to 50 minutes at 350°F. If you notice that the stuffing is browning quickly on top cover it loosely with foil.
Tip:
Achieving the ideal moisture balance, in your stuffing begins with selecting the bread. The trick is to use bread that’s stale or well-toasted. If you have time cut the bread into cubes. Let it sit out overnight to naturally dry out. This helps the bread maintain its structure when soaked with the mixture of stock and eggs preventing it from getting too soggy. Alternatively, for an option toast the bread cubes in the oven until they are lightly crisped. This not only adds a texture but also allows the bread to absorb all the flavors from herbs, butter, and stock creating a stuffing that is moist, without being mushy. Remember that achieving a stuffing relies on having texture in the bread – this sets up a dish that is just as enjoyable to eat as it is to prepare.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Certainly! You have the option to prepare the stuffing a day before. Just make sure to reheat it before serving and it will still taste delicious.
Can I adjust the recipe quantity?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the recipe according to your needs. If you’re hosting a smaller gathering you can halve the recipe. If it’s a larger one you can double it. Just remember to choose a baking dish size accordingly.
Can this stuffing be used in a turkey?
Yes, indeed! This stuffing is suitable for filling a turkey. Just make sure that it reaches a temperature of 160°F, for safety purposes.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Ingredients
- 18 to 24 oz. bread cubes about 1.5 loaves or 12 to 14 c, preferably stale or toasted
- 1 c unsalted butter
- 3 c diced sweet onion about 2 large onions
- 2 c diced celery
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp. chopped fresh sage
- 3 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
- 3 tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 ½ c chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs beaten
- Fresh herb mix for garnish
Instructions
- If you're using fresh bread cut it into cubes. Toast them in the oven at 350°F until they become crispy. Alternatively you can leave the bread out overnight to let it become stale.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish measuring 9x13 inches using butter, olive oil or nonstick spray.
- In a skillet melt some butter. Add onions, celery and garlic along, with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook them until they become soft. Then mix in sage, parsley and rosemary before adding one cup of stock.
- Take a bowl. Place the bread cubes in it. Pour over the vegetable mixture along with stock from earlier. Give it a toss to ensure everything is well-mixed.
- In another bowl whisk together the remaining stock and eggs. Pour this mixture over the bread mixture while stirring everything together.
- Transfer everything into your baking dish. Bake for around 45 to 50 minutes until it turns brown on top. If you notice browning happening quickly simply cover it with foil.
- Before serving garnish it with some herbs, for that extra touch of flavor.
Notes
