Thanksgiving isn’t just about the turkey; it’s all about the stuffing! This delicious and savory Thanksgiving stuffing recipe is the perfect complement to your festive meal. I remember my grandma stirring up her famous stuffing in the kitchen, the aroma of herbs and freshly baked bread wafting through the house as we gathered around the table. It was a family tradition that brought us all together, and I can still hear the laughter and stories shared over that cherished dish. This recipe is super easy to whip up and will have your guests raving about how flavorful and comforting it is. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a staple at every holiday gathering!
Ingredients List
- 1 loaf of crusty sourdough bread, cubed (about 10-12 cups of cubes for extra texture)
- 1 cup of celery, finely chopped (for that refreshing crunch)
- 1 cup of onion, chopped (yellow onion works best for sweetness)
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (melted, to give that rich flavor)
- 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon of dried sage (a must for that classic Thanksgiving taste)
- 1 tablespoon of dried thyme (adds a beautiful earthy note)
- 1 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper (for a little kick)
- 1 cup of chopped walnuts (optional, for added crunch and nutty flavor)
- 1 cup of dried cranberries (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes
Now, let’s get cooking! Making this Thanksgiving stuffing is a breeze, and I promise the end result will have everyone asking for seconds. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a dish that’s bursting with flavor and warmth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial, so don’t skip this step!
- In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. The smell of melting butter is just heavenly!
- Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet. Cook them for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and fragrant. This step makes your kitchen smell like Thanksgiving!
- While that’s cooking, grab a large bowl and combine the cubed sourdough bread, sautéed vegetables, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so those flavors can mingle.
- Now, pour the low-sodium chicken broth over the bread mixture. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is well combined. If you’re adding walnuts and dried cranberries, fold them in gently at this point.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This will help it cook perfectly!
- Finally, pop it in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. You’re looking for that beautiful golden brown top that says “I’m ready to be devoured!”
Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. And trust me, the anticipation will be worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have this stuffing ready in no time, leaving you more moments to enjoy with your family.
- Flavorful and savory: The combination of herbs, sautéed veggies, and crusty bread creates a delightful harmony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings: This stuffing recipe is a crowd-pleaser, making it a must-have side dish for your holiday feast.
- Versatile with optional ingredients: Feel free to get creative! You can easily swap in your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or additional herbs to make it truly your own.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Thanksgiving stuffing turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my go-to tips to avoid any common pitfalls and elevate your dish:
- Stale bread is your friend: Using slightly stale bread gives your stuffing the best texture. If your bread is fresh, just leave it out overnight to dry out a bit or toast the cubes lightly before mixing them in.
- Don’t skimp on the broth: If your stuffing feels too dry, it won’t have that comforting, delicious flavor. Add a little more broth than you think you need—just enough to moisten the bread without making it soggy!
- Season generously: Taste as you go! Adjust the herbs, salt, and pepper to your liking. Everyone’s palate is different, so don’t hesitate to give it a little extra love.
- Let it rest: After baking, let your stuffing sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up a bit, making it easier to scoop and serve without falling apart.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to swap in other herbs like rosemary or parsley, or even add in some sautéed mushrooms or apples for a unique twist. The stuffing is your canvas—get creative!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your family and friends this Thanksgiving! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Remember, nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving (1 cup) of this delightful stuffing:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
This stuffing is not only delicious but also a comforting addition to your holiday feast! Enjoy every flavorful bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Just follow the recipe up to the point of baking, then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven. It might need a few extra minutes of baking time, so keep an eye on it to get that golden top!
What other ingredients can I add?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can customize your stuffing to suit your taste. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor, diced apples or pears for a hint of sweetness, or even cooked sausage for a heartier dish. Fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary can brighten things up too. Get creative and make it your own!
How do I store leftovers?
To store any leftovers, let the stuffing cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It should last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this scrumptious Thanksgiving stuffing ready to wow your guests, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! The right pairings can elevate your holiday feast even further. Here are some of my favorite options:
- Roast Turkey: The classic choice! A beautifully roasted turkey is a must, and the stuffing complements it perfectly, soaking up all those delicious drippings.
- Green Bean Casserole: This creamy, crunchy side dish adds a lovely texture contrast and a hint of freshness to your plate.
- Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy mashed potatoes with a drizzle of gravy are a comforting addition that balances out the savory stuffing.
- Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of tart cranberry sauce brightens the flavors and adds a touch of sweetness to the meal.
- Stuffed Acorn Squash: For a beautiful and seasonal touch, serve stuffed acorn squash filled with quinoa, nuts, and cranberries alongside your stuffing.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts bring a nutty flavor and a pop of color to the table.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery rolls are perfect for mopping up gravy and stuffing. Who can resist?
Mix and match these sides to create a festive spread that your family will remember for years to come. Happy feasting!
Print
Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes: 5 Reasons They’ll Amaze You
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and savory Thanksgiving stuffing recipe that complements your festive meal.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 cup of celery, chopped
- 1 cup of onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of dried sage
- 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup of dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking until softened.
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, sautéed vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture and stir to combine.
- If using, fold in walnuts and cranberries.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth.
- Feel free to add other herbs or ingredients to suit 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: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: thanksgiving stuffing recipes, holiday stuffing, savory stuffing, side dish recipes
