Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be the same without a delicious stuffing, would it? For me, it’s the heart of the meal, bursting with flavors and memories. I remember gathering around the table as a kid, the aroma of herbs and freshly baked bread filling the air. This traditional Thanksgiving stuffing recipe is a true crowd-pleaser—simple yet packed with flavor. It’s that perfect blend of savory veggies, warm spices, and buttery goodness that makes it irresistible. Trust me, once you try this stuffing, it’ll become a staple at your Thanksgiving table for years to come!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 10 cups bread cubes (using stale bread works best for texture)
- 1 cup celery, chopped (adds a nice crunch)
- 1 cup onion, chopped (for a sweet, savory base)
- 1/2 cup butter (the key to richness)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon sage (for that classic Thanksgiving flavor)
- 1 teaspoon thyme (adds a lovely earthiness)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to bring out all the flavors)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for a little kick)
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Stuffing
Making this Thanksgiving stuffing is simpler than it sounds, and I promise it’ll fill your kitchen with the most amazing aromas! Here’s how you can whip it up in no time, so let’s dive right in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want your stuffing to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
- Sauté the veggies: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, toss in your chopped celery and onion. Sauté these until they’re soft and fragrant—about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll love the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen!
- Mix the ingredients: In a big bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed veggies, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix to ensure everything is well combined. You want every bite to be packed with flavor!
- Add the broth: Pour the chicken broth over the mixture. This is where the magic happens! Stir everything until the bread cubes are nice and moist but not soggy. If it feels a little dry, don’t hesitate to splash in a bit more broth.
- Transfer to baking dish: Grease a baking dish (9×13 works great) and transfer your stuffing mixture into it. Spread it out evenly—this helps it bake perfectly.
- Bake to perfection: Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top with a deliciously crispy layer. If you like it extra crispy, feel free to let it bake a bit longer!
And voila! You’ve got yourself a delicious Thanksgiving stuffing that’s ready to be devoured. Just wait until you see the smiles on everyone’s faces when they take that first bite!
Tips for Success
- Stale bread is best: Using stale bread gives your stuffing the perfect texture. If you don’t have stale bread, just leave fresh bread out for a few hours to dry it out.
- Customize with extras: Feel free to mix in cooked sausage, nuts, or dried fruits for added flavor and texture. Each addition brings a new twist!
- Don’t skimp on broth: If your mixture feels dry, add a bit more chicken broth. You want it moist, but not soggy—balance is key!
- Make ahead: You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and bake it fresh before serving.
- Cover for a while: If you prefer softer stuffing, cover it with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking, then uncover to crisp it up!
Variations on Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many delicious ways to mix up this classic stuffing recipe! Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Cranberry-Walnut Stuffing: Add dried cranberries and chopped walnuts for a sweet and nutty twist. The tartness of the cranberries pairs beautifully with the savory herbs!
- Mushroom Sage Stuffing: Sauté some mushrooms along with the celery and onion for an earthy flavor. The sage complements the mushrooms perfectly!
- Apple and Sausage Stuffing: Mix in diced apples and crumbled sausage for a hearty stuffing that’s sweet and savory. This combo is always a crowd-pleaser!
- Herbed Cornbread Stuffing: Swap out bread for cornbread for a Southern twist. The sweetness of cornbread adds a delightful flavor that pairs well with traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
- Vegetarian Mediterranean Stuffing: Incorporate olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair. It’s a refreshing change that still feels festive!
Feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients and make this stuffing your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover Thanksgiving stuffing can be a real treat, so let’s make sure you store it properly! Once it’s cooled, transfer any uneaten stuffing to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll be good for about 3-4 days, but trust me, it won’t last that long! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the stuffing in a greased baking dish, add a splash of broth to keep it moist, and cover it with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until it’s warmed through. You’ll have that comforting aroma filling your kitchen again—enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delightful Thanksgiving stuffing. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
This stuffing is a hearty companion to your Thanksgiving feast, bringing both flavor and comfort to the table!
FAQ Section
How do I know when my stuffing is done? You’ll want to look for a nice golden-brown top and a crispy texture. If it’s firm to the touch and no longer mushy in the center, it’s ready to enjoy!
Can I prepare the stuffing the night before? Absolutely! Just assemble everything and store it in the fridge. Bake it fresh before serving to bring back that wonderful aroma.
What can I substitute for chicken broth? If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works perfectly. It still gives that rich flavor without the meat!
Can I freeze leftover stuffing? Yes, you can! Just make sure it’s cooled completely, then store it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Is this stuffing gluten-free? To make this stuffing gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread cubes. It’s an easy swap that keeps the flavors intact!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This stuffing comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy Thanksgiving preparations.
- Classic Flavor: With traditional herbs and fresh veggies, it delivers that comforting taste everyone craves during the holidays.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite ingredients, making it unique to your family’s taste!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it a day before, and just bake it fresh before serving—talk about stress-free!
- Crowd-Pleaser: This stuffing has a way of bringing everyone together, creating delicious memories at the table!
Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes: 5 Irresistible Variations
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A traditional Thanksgiving stuffing recipe made with bread, vegetables, and herbs.
Ingredients
- 10 cups bread cubes
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon sage
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add celery and onion, sauté until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Pour chicken broth over the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Transfer stuffing to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Use stale bread for better texture.
- Feel free to add cooked sausage or nuts for extra flavor.
- Can be prepared a day ahead and baked before serving.
- 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: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: thanksgiving stuffing recipes
