Easy Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
This easy stuffing recipe is a classic, comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals or anytime you crave a flavorful bread stuffing. Featuring sautéed onions, celery, and a blend of herbs combined with crispy bread cubes and chicken broth, it’s baked to golden perfection with a tender, moist interior. Simple to make and highly customizable with fresh or dried herbs, this stuffing is sure to be a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 small yellow onions, diced
- 4 ribs celery, diced
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 ½ teaspoons poultry seasoning or ½ teaspoon ground sage
- Black pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (any combination of sage, thyme, or rosemary) or 1 teaspoon dry herbs
Other Ingredients
- ⅔ cup butter
- 12 cups dry bread cubes (approximately 13–16 slices of fresh bread, dried)
- 2 to 4 cups chicken broth (amount varies based on bread type; see notes)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your stuffing mixture is prepared.
- Sauté Vegetables and Herbs: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onions, celery, poultry seasoning, and rosemary if using. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the bread cubes with the cooled onion and celery mixture, chopped parsley, and any additional fresh herbs you desire.
- Add Broth and Season: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth over the bread mixture and toss gently. Gradually add the remaining broth a little at a time, tossing gently until the bread cubes are moist but not soggy. It’s important not to over-soak. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a baking dish. You may dot the top with extra butter if desired. Cover the dish with foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake: Bake covered for 35 minutes in the preheated oven. After 35 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to create a crisp top layer.
Notes
- Herbs: Use a total of 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs. If using rosemary, cook it with the onion and celery mixture. For dried herbs, use 1 teaspoon total.
- Bread: Approximately 13-16 slices of fresh bread are needed to make 12 cups of cubes. Bread should be dried before use by leaving out for 2-3 days or baking at 300°F for 10 minutes until dry. Using purchased dried bread cubes requires 12 cups, and if they’re seasoned, reduce added salt accordingly.
- Broth: Add broth gradually for best texture. Homemade dried bread may only require 2-3 cups, while store-bought dried cubes may need 3-4 cups. Allow absorption time between additions.
- Oven Temperature Adjustment: If baking at 325°F instead of 350°F, increase baking time by 20 minutes.
- To Stuff Turkey: Cool the stuffing completely in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes before stuffing. Stuff turkey just before cooking and do not prepare stuffing inside the turkey ahead of time.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the stuffing as described but do not bake. Cover and refrigerate up to 48 hours. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and add 10-15 minutes to the baking time as needed.
Keywords: stuffing, bread stuffing, holiday stuffing, Thanksgiving side dish, savory bread casserole, classic stuffing, easy stuffing recipe
Find it online: https://cheframi.com/easy-classic-thanksgiving-stuffing-recipe/
