Ah, Thanksgiving! A time for family, friends, and, of course, incredible food. Growing up, I remember the delightful aroma of stuffing wafting through the house as my mom prepared our feast. It’s such a comforting dish, right? Stuffing has a special place on the holiday table, soaking up the flavors from the turkey and bringing everything together. It’s like the warm hug of the meal! This homemade stuffing recipe is not only delicious but also simple enough to whip up even on the busiest of Thanksgiving days. Trust me, your guests will be begging for seconds!
Ingredients for Homemade Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving
Gathering all the right ingredients is key to making the perfect stuffing! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed: Any bread will do, but I love using a nice crusty loaf for that perfect texture.
- 1 onion, chopped: This adds a lovely depth of flavor—don’t skimp on the onions!
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Celery gives a nice crunch and freshness to the stuffing.
- 4 cups chicken broth: This is what brings everything together, making it moist and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup butter: Because butter makes everything better! It adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon sage: A classic herb for stuffing that brings that cozy, holiday vibe.
- 1 teaspoon thyme: This herb adds a beautiful aromatic quality—so fragrant!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always essential for enhancing the flavors.
How to Prepare Homemade Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving
Preparing this homemade stuffing is easier than you might think! Let’s walk through the steps together:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for achieving that golden-brown topping!
- Next, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. As it melts, take a moment to enjoy that delicious buttery aroma filling your kitchen.
- Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5–7 minutes, or until they’re softened and fragrant. You want them tender but not browned, so keep an eye on them!
- While those are cooking, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your cubed bread, sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all together gently—this is where the magic starts to happen!
- Now, pour in the chicken broth and stir until the bread is nicely moistened but not soggy. You want a nice balance here!
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This helps it cook uniformly.
- Finally, pop it in your preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Wow, that smell will have everyone gathering around the kitchen!
And that’s it! Your homemade stuffing will be ready to elevate your Thanksgiving feast.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving
- Simple and straightforward: With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a delicious stuffing ready to go!
- Heavenly flavors: The combination of herbs, butter, and broth creates a mouthwatering dish that complements any holiday meal.
- Perfect for gatherings: This recipe yields about 8 servings, making it a great addition to your Thanksgiving table.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like sausage or nuts to make it your own!
- Comfort food: There’s just something so nostalgic about homemade stuffing that warms the heart and soul.
Tips for Success with Homemade Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving
To ensure your stuffing turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips I swear by! First, using stale bread is a game changer—it holds up better and gives a lovely texture. If your bread is fresh, simply let it sit out for a few hours to dry out. Don’t rush the sautéing of the onions and celery; this step builds the flavor foundation for your stuffing. And don’t be shy with the seasonings—taste as you go! If you want a little extra richness, consider adding some cooked sausage or even chopped nuts for crunch. Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference!
Nutritional Information
This homemade stuffing recipe serves about 8 people and is estimated to have around 250 calories per serving. Each serving contains approximately 12g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, 5g of protein, and 3g of sugar. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose to use. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s tackle some common questions about this homemade stuffing recipe! First off, can I make this stuffing ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance, just cover it and refrigerate. On Thanksgiving morning, pop it in the oven to bake. Another popular question is, can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth? Yes, if you want a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works beautifully! And what about adding extras? Feel free to mix in cooked sausage, nuts, or even dried fruits for a twist. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your stuffing!
Serving Suggestions
This homemade stuffing pairs beautifully with a classic roast turkey, of course! Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravy for that ultimate comfort food experience. Don’t forget some roasted vegetables or a tangy cranberry sauce to balance the flavors. It’s the perfect complement to your Thanksgiving spread!
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Home Made Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving: 5 Secrets to Perfection
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious homemade stuffing recipe perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and celery, and sauté until softened.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and herbs.
- Pour in chicken broth and mix until bread is moistened.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- You can use stale bread for better texture.
- Add cooked sausage for extra flavor.
- Adjust spices according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: homemade stuffing recipe, Thanksgiving stuffing, easy stuffing recipe
