Description
This Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe is a classic and savory side dish packed with aromatic herbs, nuts, dried cranberries, and sautéed vegetables. Made with day-old bread cubes soaked in seasoned chicken broth and enriched with eggs and butter, it bakes to golden perfection with a crispy top and moist interior, making it the ultimate addition to your holiday feast.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 cup cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Fruits & Nuts
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 cups cubed bread (day-old bread works best, crusts removed)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup chicken stock (optional, for extra moisture)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Finely chop the onion, celery, and mushrooms to ensure even cooking and blending of flavors.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until they are softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Mushrooms: Stir in the chopped mushrooms and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the mushrooms are browned and have released their moisture, creating a rich base for the stuffing.
- Mix in Flavorings: Add the dried cranberries, chopped nuts, fresh or dried sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and the flavors to meld.
- Cool Mixture: Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly to prevent cooking the eggs in the next steps.
- Prepare Bread Cubes: Remove crusts from day-old bread and cut into 1-inch cubes. If using fresh bread, toast lightly to dry it out, which helps absorb the liquid without becoming mushy.
- Combine Bread and Vegetables: In a large bowl, gently toss the cooled vegetable mixture with the bread cubes, ensuring even distribution.
- Mix Egg and Butter: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten eggs and melted butter to add richness and bind the stuffing.
- Combine Egg Mixture: Pour the egg and butter mixture over the bread and vegetable mixture and gently toss to coat all the bread evenly without breaking the cubes.
- Add Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while tossing gently until the bread is moistened but not soggy. Optionally, add chicken stock to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the stuffing.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or individual ramekins and transfer the stuffing mixture. For stuffing the turkey, fill its cavity loosely to allow even cooking.
- Bake Stuffing: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes until the stuffing turns golden brown, the top is crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) if cooked inside the turkey. For a crispier top, broil for the last few minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the stuffing rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle and make serving easier.
Notes
- Using day-old bread is ideal as it absorbs moisture without becoming mushy; if fresh bread is used, toast it lightly before cubing.
- Low sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness; adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Optional chicken stock can be added for extra moisture and flavor.
- Herbs can be adjusted based on availability or preference—dried versions work well if fresh are unavailable.
- If stuffing inside a turkey, ensure the stuffing reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Broiling at the end creates a crispy top but watch closely to prevent burning.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit chicken stock.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Thanksgiving stuffing, holiday side dishes, bread stuffing, savory stuffing, mushroom stuffing, cranberry stuffing, classic stuffing recipe
