Thanksgiving is all about tradition, and for me, that means the heavenly aroma of homemade stuffing wafting through the house. I can still remember my grandmother’s kitchen, bustling with family, laughter, and her secret stuffing Thanksgiving recipes that always stole the show. There’s just something magical about that warm, savory blend of flavors and textures, isn’t there? It’s the perfect complement to turkey, a side dish that everyone looks forward to digging into. Trust me, once you try this classic stuffing recipe, it’ll become a cherished part of your holiday gatherings, just like it is in my family!
Ingredients List
To make my favorite stuffing for Thanksgiving, you’ll need some simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed (about 10-12 cups of bread cubes)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Using day-old bread is a little trick I love—it creates the best texture for your stuffing! Fresh bread can get too mushy, so trust me on this one!
How to Prepare Stuffing Thanksgiving Recipes
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delicious stuffing! The process is straightforward, and I promise it’ll fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and warm by the time we’re ready to bake. While that’s heating up, grab a skillet and melt your butter over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and celery, and sauté until they’re soft and fragrant—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the onion starts to look translucent and the whole kitchen smells divine!
Next, in a large bowl, combine your cubed bread, sautéed veggies, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix to ensure everything is well distributed. Then, pour in the chicken broth and stir until the bread has absorbed the liquid. This step is key for that perfect moist texture! Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Finally, pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes until it’s golden brown on top. You’ll want to keep an eye on it in the last few minutes—trust me, the smell will have everyone eagerly waiting!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking until soft and fragrant (about 5-7 minutes).
- In a large bowl, mix the cubed bread, sautéed onion and celery, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, mixing until the bread is well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Don’t worry if you’re unsure about the veggies being soft—just give them a little poke with a fork. If they’re tender and fragrant, you’re good to go!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to Thanksgiving stuffing, it’s not just about the flavors; knowing what’s in your dish can be helpful too! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sugar: 2g
These values are estimates, so if you make any tweaks to the ingredients, they’ll vary a bit. But this classic stuffing is a delightful and hearty side that fits perfectly into your holiday feast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a classic Thanksgiving stuffing that everyone will rave about!
- Super easy to prepare, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Rich, savory flavors from fresh herbs and sautéed veggies that complement your turkey beautifully.
- Vegetarian-friendly, so all your guests can enjoy this delicious side dish.
- Uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Can be made ahead of time, giving you more freedom on the big day!
- Golden brown and crispy on top, with a moist, flavorful interior—absolutely irresistible!
Tips for Success
To ensure your stuffing turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, definitely use day-old bread; it soaks up all the broth without getting mushy, which is key for that ideal texture. If you can, dry the bread cubes in the oven for a few minutes before mixing them—this really enhances the crunch factor! Also, don’t hesitate to adjust the herbs to suit your taste; a little extra sage or thyme can elevate the flavors even more. Lastly, let the stuffing sit for a few minutes after baking—it helps the flavors meld together beautifully!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this delightful stuffing, the options are endless, and it pairs beautifully with all the classic Thanksgiving fare! I love serving it alongside a juicy roasted turkey, letting those savory flavors soak into the meat. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a scoop of cranberry sauce on top for a sweet and tangy contrast—it’s a match made in heaven! Don’t forget about the green bean casserole or buttery mashed potatoes, either; they harmonize perfectly with the stuffing. And for a fun twist, serve it inside hollowed-out squash or alongside a festive salad for a colorful presentation. Yum!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After your Thanksgiving feast, storing leftovers properly is key to enjoying that delicious stuffing again! Place any uneaten stuffing in an airtight container and refrigerate it within two hours of baking. It should keep well for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), spread the stuffing in a baking dish, and cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick snack—just add a splash of broth to keep it moist. Enjoy every last bite!
Print
Stuffing Thanksgiving Recipes: 7 Secrets for Irresistible Flavor
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic stuffing recipe perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and celery. Cook until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, cooked vegetables, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth and mix well.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better texture.
- Adjust herbs to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: stuffing thanksgiving recipes
