Perfect Thanksgiving Stuffing: 1 Comforting Recipe

Oh, Thanksgiving! Just thinking about it makes my heart feel all warm and fuzzy. It’s that one time of year when we all gather ’round, right? And what’s Thanksgiving without that perfect plate piled high? For me, the *real* star, the one thing everyone secretly waits for (besides maybe Grandma’s rolls!), is truly sensational stuffing. This isn’t just any old side dish; it’s pure comfort, a hug in a bowl. This classic recipe is my go-to because it’s just so darn reliable – moist on the inside, with that lovely little bit of crisp on top that we all love. It brings back so many wonderful memories of my own Grandma’s kitchen, filled with love and the most amazing aromas.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Stuffing Recipe

This stuffing recipe is a winner, trust me! It’s:

• Super easy to whip up, even if you’re a little flustered on Thanksgiving morning.
• Packed with all those cozy, familiar flavors we crave, like sage and thyme.
• The perfect holiday side dish that just makes everything feel complete.
• Reliably moist on the inside with that ever-so-slight crispness on top.

It’s seriously the kind of recipe that becomes a tradition itself!

Ingredients for Perfect Thanksgiving Dressing

For me, the best holiday meals start with the best ingredients, and this stuffing is no exception! You’ll want to grab some good quality day-old bread – it really makes a difference in the texture. Trust me, using bread that’s just a little stale means it’ll soak up all that delicious broth without turning into mush. And don’t skimp on the fresh herbs; they really bring this classic stuffing recipe to life.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 large)
• 1 1/2 cups chopped celery (about 3 stalks)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth

Tips for the Best Herbed Bread Stuffing

Alright, let’s talk stuffing secrets! My absolute biggest tip for an amazing herbed bread stuffing? It’s all about the bread, seriously. You really, really want to use day-old bread. Fresh bread just turns into gooey paste, and nobody wants that! So, buy your loaf a day ahead, or if you’re juggling a million things for Thanksgiving, make sure you’re on top of your meal planning and plan to toast your bread cubes yourself. Just spread them on a baking sheet and pop ’em in a low oven for about 10-15 minutes until they’re just lightly golden. This step gives your stuffing that yummy, slightly crisp texture on top and keeps the inside from getting mushy. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

SAVE IT

Another thing I learned the hard way (a little too much broth once, oops!) is to add the liquid gradually. You want your stuffing to be moist, definitely, but not swimming. Think of it like adding water to a cake mix – you want it perfectly combined, not soupy. My Grandma used to say, “It should feel like a damp sponge, not a wet rag.” So don’t just dump all that broth in at once; toss it gently and see how it’s looking. This recipe is pretty forgiving, but paying attention to the moisture level is key for that perfect savory stuffing.

How to Prepare This Classic Stuffing

Okay, folks, let’s get this delicious stuffing made! It’s really not complicated, and honestly, the steps are pretty straightforward. You just need to follow along, and soon you’ll have the most amazing Thanksgiving side dish. Remember, the big difference is whether it’s going inside the turkey or baking in its own dish – just a little tweak at the end!

Step 1: Toasting the Bread Cubes

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread your bread cubes out on a baking sheet. We want them lightly golden and a little dry, so pop ’em in for about 10 to 15 minutes. This little step is SO important forgetting that perfect texture – it keeps the stuffing from getting soggy later on.

Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics for Stuffing

While the bread is toasting, grab a big skillet and melt that butter over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and celery. Let them cook down until they’re nice and soft, about 8-10 minutes. Then add your minced garlic – just a minute more until you can really smell how good it is. Stir in your fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary, along with the salt and pepper. Oh, the aroma! If you need a refresher on how to chop onions like a pro, check out my little guide.

Step 3: Combining and Moistening the Stuffing

Now, put those toasted bread cubes into a big bowl. Pour in that amazing onion and celery mixture. Gradually add the chicken broth, tossing gently. You’re looking for it to be nice and moist, but remember – not soupy! We want it happy and hydrated, not drowning.

SAVE IT

Step 4: Baking Your Holiday Side Dish

If you’re stuffing the turkey, do it loosely right before it goes into the oven. If you’re baking it separately, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and transfer the stuffing there. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s heated through and that top layer is getting just a little bit crispy. If it’s stuffed inside the turkey, just make sure the turkey is cooked through and the stuffing reaches a safe internal temp of 165°F.

SAVE IT

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Stuffing

When it comes to making stuffing, I really believe in using what you’ve got! This recipe is super flexible. For the bread, while I love a good sourdough or challah, honestly, any sturdy, day-old bread works like a charm. Even those leftover crusts from a baguette are perfect! If you’re keeping it vegetarian, just swap out the chicken broth for a good quality vegetable broth. The flavor will still be amazing! And don’t stress if you’re missing a herb – usually, a little extra sage or thyme can easily fill in. It’s all about making that perfect holiday side dish with simple, honest ingredients.

Serving Suggestions for Your Savory Stuffing

This savory stuffing is honestly the perfect partner for all your Thanksgiving favorites. Besides being a star player on its own, it pairs beautifully with a juicy roasted turkey, of course. But don’t stop there! It’s also amazing alongside honey-glazed ham, a tender pot roast, or even a nice baked chicken dinner. Think of it as the cozy blanket that ties your whole holiday meal together. I love serving it with cranberry sauce and a side of mashed potatoes – pure bliss!

SAVE IT

Frequently Asked Questions about Stuffing

Got stuffing questions? I’ve got answers! It can feel a little tricky sometimes, but I promise you, there’s nothing to worry about. Here are some of the things people ask me most often!

Can I make stuffing ahead of time?

Oh, absolutely! This classic stuffing recipe is a lifesaver for make-ahead. You can prepare the entire thing (just before baking) and store it in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, just pop it in the oven until heated through!

What is the difference between stuffing and dressing?

Honestly, most of us use the terms interchangeably, and that’s totally fine! Traditionally, folks call it “stuffing” if it’s cooked inside the turkey, and “dressing” if it’s baked in a separate dish. Either way, it’s going to be delicious comfort food!

How do I get crispy stuffing?

For that coveted crispy topping, make sure you bake it uncovered for the last 10 minutes. If you’re feeling brave, a quick minute or two under the broiler (watching it like a hawk!) can give it an extra crunch. Just don’t walk away!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Now, I know we’re not looking at this for a diet plan, but it’s good to have a general idea, right? So, here’s a rough estimate for one serving of this amazing Thanksgiving dressing. Keep in mind that using different types of bread or broth might change these numbers a bit, but it gives you a ballpark!

• Calories: Approx. 350
• Fat: Approx. 20g
• Protein: Approx. 7g
• Carbohydrates: Approx. 35g
• Sodium: Approx. 600mg

Share Your Holiday Side Dish Creations!

I just love to see what you all create in your kitchens! If you make this classic stuffing recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Did you add anything extra? I’m always curious to hear your variations! And if you snap a pic, tag me on social media – seeing your holiday side dish success stories makes my day!

Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing

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A traditional herbed bread stuffing recipe for your holiday table, offering moist interior with a slightly crisp top.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 30 min
• Total Time: 50 min
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 1 pound day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 large)
• 1 1/2 cups chopped celery (about 3 stalks)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you are stuffing the turkey, do this just before roasting. If baking separately, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
4. Stir in the fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper.
5. In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the onion and celery mixture.
6. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, tossing gently to moisten the bread evenly. You want the stuffing to be moist but not soggy.
7. Transfer the stuffing to the prepared baking dish or stuff loosely into the cavity of your turkey.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes if baking separately, or until heated through and the top is slightly crisp. If stuffing the turkey, bake until the turkey is cooked through and the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Notes

• For a richer flavor, you can use homemade bread or a mix of different types of bread.
• If you prefer a crispier topping, you can bake the stuffing uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
• This recipe is a great base; feel free to add other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, pecans, or dried cranberries.
• Consider using a high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/8th of recipe
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 50mg