Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Thanksgiving stuffing is a classic side dish that brings warmth and comfort to your holiday table. This traditional Thanksgiving stuffing recipe is rich in buttery flavor and has crispy edges while maintaining a soft, tender center. Combining fresh herbs like parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme, with savory vegetables, this stuffing will surely be a favorite for your Thanksgiving feast. Whether you’re new to making stuffing or perfecting your family’s recipe, this step-by-step guide will help you create a memorable side dish.

Why This Thanksgiving Stuffing is a Must-Try

This Thanksgiving stuffing recipe stands out for its simplicity and incredible flavor. It’s made with just a few quality ingredients, making it the perfect addition to your holiday spread. The toasted bread, sautéed vegetables, and fresh herbs create a deliciously balanced texture, while the generous amount of butter ensures every bite is flavorful and satisfying. The crispy edges of the stuffing are irresistible, and the soft interior provides a comforting contrast, making this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for the Perfect Thanksgiving Stuffing

To make this traditional Thanksgiving stuffing, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Bread: White bread, ciabatta, or French bread are ideal for this recipe. Bread plays a significant role in the stuffing’s texture and flavor, so choose one with a soft, tender crust.
• Butter: The key to a rich, flavorful stuffing. A full cup of butter will coat the bread and vegetables, giving the stuffing its signature buttery taste.
• Onion: Adds a savory base flavor to the stuffing. Use a large onion or 2 small ones for approximately 3 ½ cups of chopped onion.
• Celery: Provides a mild, slightly peppery crunch that complements the bread and onions.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color, balancing the richness of the butter.
• Fresh Sage: A classic herb in stuffing, contributing a savory and slightly peppery flavor.
• Fresh Rosemary: Adds an earthy, aromatic flavor that pairs well with the other herbs.
• Fresh Thyme: Provides a subtle floral and earthy flavor that enhances the stuffing’s overall complexity.
• Chicken or Turkey Broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the stuffing. Use a high-quality broth for the best results.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat to balance the richness of the butter.
• Eggs: Bind the stuffing together and provide structure.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to adjust this traditional stuffing recipe for dietary preferences or ingredient availability, here are a few swaps you can make:

• Gluten-Free Bread: For a gluten-free stuffing, substitute the regular bread with gluten-free bread. This will still provide the same texture and flavor, just without the gluten.
• Dried Herbs: If fresh herbs are unavailable, use dried herbs. Substitute about 2 tablespoons of dried parsley, 2 teaspoons of dried sage, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme for the fresh herbs.
• Vegetable Broth: For a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken or turkey broth with vegetable broth.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Thanksgiving Stuffing

Follow these easy steps to create the perfect Thanksgiving stuffing:

1. Toast the Bread: Begin by tearing or cutting your loaf of bread into bite-sized pieces. Spread the pieces onto a baking sheet and bake at 250°F for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The bread should be crisp but not browned.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: While the bread is toasting, heat 1 cup of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery and sauté for 7–10 minutes, until soft but not browned.
3. Chop the Herbs: Finely chop the parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Add them to a large bowl with the toasted bread.
4. Combine the Bread and Veggies: Once the vegetables are cooked, add them to the bowl with the bread and herbs. Stir to combine and ensure the butter is evenly distributed.
5. Add the Broth and Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of chicken broth and 2 eggs. Slowly pour this mixture over the bread, stirring gently with your hands to moisten the bread. The bread should be moist but not soaked. If needed, add up to ½ cup more broth.
6. Transfer to a Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with softened butter and transfer the stuffing mixture into the dish. Spread it evenly and cover with foil.
7. Bake the Stuffing: Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 25–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Thanksgiving Stuffing

• Choose the Right Bread: The type of bread you use will significantly affect the stuffing’s flavor and texture. Opt for soft, tender bread for the best results.
• Don’t Skimp on Butter: The butter is crucial for achieving the rich, flavorful stuffing you crave. Don’t reduce the amount—trust the process!
• Moisture Balance: Be cautious with the broth. Too much liquid can make your stuffing soggy, while too little can leave it dry. Aim for a moist stuffing with no liquid pooling at the bottom of the bowl.
• Chop Herbs Small: To avoid large, chewy bits of rosemary or sage, chop the herbs finely before adding them to the stuffing.

Pairing Ideas and Variations for Thanksgiving Stuffing

This traditional Thanksgiving stuffing pairs beautifully with many classic holiday dishes:

• Serve with Roast Turkey: The rich, buttery stuffing complements the savory flavor of roast turkey.
• Side Dishes: Pair your stuffing with mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce for a complete Thanksgiving meal.
• Variations: For a slightly different flavor profile, add sautéed mushrooms or dried cranberries to the stuffing. You could also try a spicy version by incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Can You Make Thanksgiving Stuffing Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can make this stuffing ahead of time, which is a real time-saver on Thanksgiving Day. Here’s how:

• Overnight Stuffing: Prepare the stuffing up until the point of baking. Cover the unbaked stuffing tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
• Freezing: You can freeze the stuffing before or after baking. To freeze uncooked stuffing, place it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, remove it from the freezer and bake as usual, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time.

Leftover Thanksgiving Stuffing Ideas

If you have leftover stuffing, don’t throw it out! Here are some creative ways to use it:

• Stuffing Waffles: Add a bit of broth to moisten the stuffing, then crisp it up in a waffle iron. Serve with a fried egg and gravy for a delicious breakfast.
• Stuffing Hash: Crisp up leftover stuffing in a skillet and serve it with eggs for a savory breakfast.
• Stuffed Vegetables: Use leftover stuffing to stuff bell peppers or zucchini boats, then bake with cheese and gravy.

This Thanksgiving stuffing recipe is sure to be a hit on your holiday table. With its buttery, herby flavors and perfect texture, it’s the ultimate comfort food that will complement your Thanksgiving feast beautifully.

Conclusion

This traditional Thanksgiving stuffing recipe is the epitome of holiday comfort. Its buttery richness, perfectly toasted bread, and aromatic herbs make it an indispensable side dish for your Thanksgiving feast. Whether you’re preparing a big family dinner or a smaller gathering, this recipe delivers a stuffing that’s as crispy as it is tender, full of flavor, and sure to impress your guests. Don’t forget to make extra because leftovers can be just as delicious, whether crisped up for breakfast or repurposed in creative ways. This Thanksgiving stuffing will quickly become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

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