Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when the aroma of roasted turkey fills the air, but let’s be real—the star of the show is often the bread stuffing! My family’s holiday gatherings wouldn’t be complete without this delicious dish. I remember my grandmother’s kitchen bustling with laughter and the warm scent of sage and butter wafting through the house. Each bite of this stuffing brings a delightful crunch from the crispy edges and a comforting softness from the bread, perfectly soaked with savory broth. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a cherished tradition at your table, just like it has at mine!
Ingredients for Bread Stuffing
- 10 cups of bread cubes (day-old bread works best for texture)
- 1 cup of chopped onion (finely diced for even cooking)
- 1 cup of chopped celery (adds a nice crunch)
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (for sautéing and richness)
- 2 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon of dried sage (my favorite herb for stuffing!)
- 1 tablespoon of dried thyme (adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper (for a bit of warmth)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (helps bind everything together)
How to Prepare Bread Stuffing
Preheat the Oven
First things first, we need to preheat our oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that the stuffing cooks evenly and gets that beautiful golden-brown crust on top. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step—it makes a world of difference!
Sautéing the Vegetables
Now, let’s get cooking! In a large skillet, melt that delicious unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and bubbly, toss in the chopped onion and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re nice and softened. The smell will be absolutely heavenly! You want those veggies to bring out their flavors without browning, so keep an eye on them.
Combining the Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, combine your bread cubes with the sautéed onion and celery. This is where the magic happens! Pour in the chicken broth, and sprinkle in the dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well mixed. Finally, add in those beaten eggs to bind it all together. It should feel like a cozy, savory mixture, ready to be baked into perfection!
Baking the Stuffing
Now it’s time to transfer your delicious mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. You’ll want to check for doneness by sticking a fork in the middle; if it comes out clean, you’re all set! Let it cool slightly before serving, and get ready for the compliments to roll in!
Tips for Success
To make your bread stuffing truly shine, here are my top tips! First off, using day-old bread is key. It’s drier, making it perfect for soaking up all those delicious flavors without turning mushy. If you can, let your bread cubes sit out overnight to really dry out. Also, don’t hesitate to get creative with your herbs! I love adding a pinch of rosemary or parsley for an extra layer of flavor. Another great tip is to prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, it’ll be a breeze! This way, you can focus on the turkey and all the other yummy sides on the big day.
Variations on Bread Stuffing Recipes
One of the best things about bread stuffing is how versatile it can be! If you’re feeling adventurous, why not swap out the herbs? Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley can add a vibrant twist. Or, for a little sweetness, try adding dried cranberries or chopped apples—trust me, the flavor combination is delightful! You could also mix in some toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for an extra crunch and nuttiness that really elevates the dish. If you’re a fan of savory flavor, consider incorporating sausage or mushrooms into the mix. Each variation brings its own unique flair, making every Thanksgiving a new culinary adventure! So go ahead, customize it to your heart’s content and create a stuffing that’s uniquely yours!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your delicious bread stuffing, let it cool completely first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just scoop it into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and it’ll be good for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, simply place it in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You’ll love how it tastes just as good as the first time!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this delicious bread stuffing packs in about 250 calories, making it a satisfying side dish. You’ll also find approximately 10 grams of fat, with 4 grams being saturated fat. For those keeping an eye on sodium, it contains around 450 mg per serving. There’s about 6 grams of protein and 34 grams of carbohydrates to round it out, along with 2 grams of fiber. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose, so feel free to tweak it and make it your own while keeping an eye on nutrition!
FAQ About Bread Stuffing Recipes Thanksgiving
Can I make this stuffing a day in advance?
Absolutely! Making this stuffing a day in advance is a fantastic idea. Just prepare it as directed, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, you can pop it straight into the oven—no need to let it sit out! Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need a few extra minutes since it’s starting cold.
What type of bread is best for stuffing?
For the best results, I recommend using day-old bread, as it’s drier and absorbs flavors better. You can use a variety of breads—like sourdough, French, or even whole grain—to give your stuffing a unique twist. Just make sure whatever bread you choose is sturdy enough to hold up to the broth without becoming mushy.
How can I make this stuffing gluten-free?
Making this stuffing gluten-free is totally doable! Simply swap out traditional bread for your favorite gluten-free bread. There are many options available these days, from gluten-free sandwich bread to specialty artisan loaves. Just make sure to check the ingredients to ensure they meet your needs. The rest of the recipe stays the same, and you’ll still get that delicious stuffing flavor everyone loves!
Share Your Experience
I’d love to hear how your bread stuffing turns out! Did you add any special twists or personal touches? Maybe a different herb or a secret ingredient? Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts, questions, or even a favorite Thanksgiving memory. Let’s create a warm, cozy space where we can celebrate our love for delicious food together!
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Bread Stuffing Recipes Thanksgiving: 5 Ways to Delight Your Guests
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious bread stuffing recipe perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 10 cups of bread cubes
- 1 cup of chopped onion
- 1 cup of chopped celery
- 1/2 cup of unsalted 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
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the onion and celery, sauté until softened.
- In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, broth, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add the beaten eggs and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown on top.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for best results.
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs.
- Can be prepared a day in advance and reheated.
- 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: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: bread stuffing recipes thanksgiving
