Thanksgiving is such a beautiful time, isn’t it? It’s all about gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing stories, and indulging in delicious food. And let me tell you, the side dishes are just as important as the turkey! I mean, who can resist a warm, savory stuffing that practically sings with flavor? That’s why I’m thrilled to share my favorite recipe for make ahead stuffing for Thanksgiving. This stuffing is not only easy to prepare, but it also allows you to enjoy the holiday hustle without the last-minute cooking frenzy. Trust me, making it ahead of time gives you more moments to cherish with family instead of being stuck in the kitchen. So, let’s dive into this delightful dish that will make your Thanksgiving feast unforgettable!
Ingredients for Make Ahead Stuffing Thanksgiving
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this scrumptious stuffing! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
Feel free to mix and match herbs or even try different types of bread! My go-to is a hearty sourdough for that extra flavor. Just make sure everything is fresh and ready to go, and you’ll be well on your way to stuffing perfection!
How to Prepare Make Ahead Stuffing Thanksgiving
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get down to the exciting part—preparing this delicious stuffing! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dish in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for getting that perfect golden-brown crust on your stuffing!
Sauté Vegetables
Next, grab a skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s nice and bubbly, toss in your chopped onion and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re soft and fragrant. Oh man, the smell of sautéed onions is heavenly! You’ll know it’s time to move on when the veggies are translucent and tender.
Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your sautéed veggies with the cubed bread and chopped parsley. It’s such a colorful mix! Now, pour the vegetable broth over everything and gently stir until it’s all well combined. Make sure the bread cubes are soaked through but not mushy—just the right amount of moisture is what we’re aiming for here.
Transfer and Bake
Time to transfer your stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and then pop it in the oven! Bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and the edges are crispy. Keep an eye on it, and you’ll know it’s done when the top is perfectly browned and a little crunchy. Trust me, you’ll be tempted to dive right in!
Tips for Success with Make Ahead Stuffing Thanksgiving
To ensure your make ahead stuffing turns out absolutely perfect, here are some tips I swear by! First, let your bread cubes sit out overnight to dry a bit. This helps them absorb the broth without getting too soggy—nobody wants mushy stuffing! If you’re short on time, you can also toast the bread cubes in the oven for a few minutes to achieve that same effect.
Also, don’t hesitate to taste your mixture before baking! Adjust the seasoning as needed; maybe you want a bit more sage or a pinch of salt. And remember, you can prepare it a day ahead and let it chill in the fridge—just take it out to bring to room temperature before baking. Oh, and keep an eye on it in the oven; every oven is different, so check for that beautiful golden color! You’re going to love how it all comes together!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary quite a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The information provided here is an estimate and not exact. Each serving of this make ahead stuffing is approximately 250 calories, with 12g of fat and 5g of protein. For more precise details, always check the labels of your ingredients. Enjoy this delicious side dish while keeping an eye on your dietary needs!
FAQ About Make Ahead Stuffing Thanksgiving
Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend preparing this stuffing a day in advance. Just follow the recipe, and once you’ve mixed everything together, cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully overnight. On Thanksgiving Day, simply let it come to room temperature before baking. This little trick saves you time and stress while ensuring your stuffing is packed with flavor!
What type of bread works best?
When it comes to bread for stuffing, I love using a nice crusty sourdough or a hearty whole grain loaf. They add a wonderful texture and flavor. You can also use French bread or even cornbread if you’re feeling adventurous! Just make sure the bread is a bit stale or dried out for the best results, so it absorbs the broth without getting soggy.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftover stuffing—though I doubt you will—store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for about 3-4 days. To reheat, just pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can add a splash of broth to keep it moist if needed. Enjoy those leftovers—they’re just as delicious the next day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a make-ahead recipe, giving you more time to enjoy the holiday with loved ones.
- Every bite is packed with savory flavors from fresh herbs and sautéed veggies.
- Simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
- Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—just the way stuffing should be!
- Versatile and easy to customize—experiment with different breads and herbs!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your make ahead stuffing, the possibilities are endless! It pairs beautifully with traditional Thanksgiving favorites like roast turkey or glazed ham, soaking up all those delicious juices. A rich gravy drizzled over the stuffing elevates it to a whole new level of comfort! You might also want to serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes and a vibrant green bean casserole for a classic spread. And let’s not forget a side of cranberry sauce for that perfect tart contrast. Your Thanksgiving table will be a feast for the senses!
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Make Ahead Stuffing Thanksgiving for Cozy Family Moments
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple recipe for make-ahead stuffing, perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and celery until soft.
- Add sage, thyme, salt, and pepper; stir well.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and parsley.
- Pour vegetable broth over the mixture and mix until well combined.
- Transfer stuffing to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Can be prepared a day in advance.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- Adjust herbs to your taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: make ahead stuffing thanksgiving
