Thanksgiving is such a magical time, isn’t it? It’s all about gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing stories, and indulging in delicious food. One of my absolute favorite traditions is making this savory bread stuffing recipe. It brings that warm, comforting aroma that fills your home and makes your mouth water! Trust me, there’s nothing quite like it. This stuffing is the perfect side dish to complement your Thanksgiving feast, making it a must-have on your holiday table. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up, and the flavors will have everyone going back for seconds. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Ingredients List
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 cup of celery, chopped
- 1 cup of onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 2 teaspoons of dried sage
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
How to Prepare Bread Stuffing Recipes Thanksgiving
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because a hot oven ensures that your stuffing gets that nice golden brown color and crispy texture on top. So, don’t skip this step—trust me, it makes a difference!
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Now, grab a skillet and melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. The smell of melting butter is just heavenly! Once it’s melted, toss in your chopped celery and onion. Sauté these fragrant veggies for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to become soft and translucent—this step really builds that savory flavor that makes your stuffing irresistible!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your cubed bread, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix it all up until the bread is well-coated with the spices. Then, pour the sautéed vegetable mixture right over the bread. This is where the magic happens! Give it a good toss so everything is evenly mixed. The aroma will be amazing already!
Step 4: Add Broth and Bake
Next, it’s time to pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth. This is key to keeping your stuffing moist and flavorful. Mix everything well to ensure the bread absorbs all that delicious broth. Now, transfer the stuffing into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and then pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until it’s beautifully golden brown on top. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells incredible and you see that lovely crispy surface. Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation that lets you spend more time with family and less time in the kitchen.
- A savory flavor that perfectly complements your Thanksgiving turkey and all the fixings.
- Versatile for different diets—easily adaptable for vegetarians with just a swap of the broth!
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, making it super convenient.
- Can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy a stress-free holiday.
- The delightful aroma filling your home while it bakes is truly unbeatable!
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for your recipe.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your bread stuffing turns out absolutely perfect every time! Trust me; these little tricks can make a big difference.
- Seasoning Check: Before you bake, taste the mixture! If it needs a little more salt or pepper, don’t hesitate to adjust it. The bread will soak up some of the flavors, so make sure it’s well-seasoned.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to get creative! You can add cooked sausage, nuts, or dried fruits like cranberries for a twist. If you want to keep it vegetarian, just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth—it’s just as delicious!
- Broth Amount: Depending on how dry your bread is, you might need a bit more broth. Start with the 2 cups, but if it looks a little too dry, add another splash to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Herb Variations: If you love herbs, try adding fresh herbs instead of dried ones. Just remember, you’ll need about three times the amount of fresh herbs, so go ahead and sprinkle in that fresh parsley or rosemary!
- Bake Time Tip: Keep an eye on your stuffing as it bakes. Ovens can vary, so check it a few minutes early to ensure it doesn’t get too brown. You want that perfect golden top!
With these tips, you’re on your way to making stuffing that your family will rave about for years to come. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this savory bread stuffing, it’s always good to know what you’re putting on your plate! Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown based on a serving size of 1 cup. Keep in mind, these values are estimates to help you stay aware of what’s in your delicious dish.
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
This comforting stuffing is not only delicious but also a great complement to a balanced meal. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making this stuffing ahead of time is a fantastic way to ease the holiday stress. You can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance—just follow all the steps up to the baking point. Then, store it in a covered dish in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake it just before your meal. This way, you can enjoy the delicious aroma wafting through your home while you spend quality time with your family!
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you want to make this stuffing vegetarian, no worries at all! Just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. It works beautifully and still gives you that rich flavor. You can also use mushroom broth for an extra earthy taste, or even a homemade broth if you have some on hand. Trust me, it’s just as delicious!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let the stuffing cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and it can last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for that fresh-baked taste!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious bread stuffing is super simple, and I want to make sure it stays just as tasty as when it was fresh out of the oven! Once your stuffing has completely cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help keep it moist and flavorful. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days without any worries.
If you have more leftover stuffing than you can eat in that time, you can freeze it for later! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It should keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. It’s the perfect way to have a taste of Thanksgiving any time you want!
For reheating, simply pop it back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You might want to add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth before reheating to keep it moist—nobody likes dry stuffing! Keep an eye on it, and soon enough, your kitchen will be filled with that wonderful aroma again. Enjoy every bite!
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Bread Stuffing Recipes Thanksgiving for a Heartwarming Feast
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory bread 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 teaspoons of dried sage
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add celery and onion, sauté until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the sautéed mixture over the bread.
- Add chicken broth and mix well.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- You can add cooked sausage for extra flavor.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Prepare the stuffing a day ahead and bake before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: bread stuffing recipes thanksgiving
