Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe: A Flavorful Feast for Your Table
Thanksgiving is incomplete without a delicious, savory stuffing. This recipe is designed to be both incredibly flavorful and easy to follow, even for novice cooks. Get ready to impress your guests with this crowd-pleasing side dish!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables, adding richness and depth of flavor.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Provides a base sweetness and texture.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Adds a subtle crunch and herbaceous note.
- 1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced: Earthy flavor enhances the overall savory profile. You can substitute with other mushrooms like shiitake or button mushrooms.
- 1 teaspoon dried sage: Classic Thanksgiving flavor, adding an aromatic complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Complements the sage and adds a touch of warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Enhances the savory notes and adds a subtle spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and brings out the best in the ingredients.
- 1 loaf (16 ounces) of crusty bread, cubed: The foundation of your stuffing; day-old bread works best.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Keeps the stuffing moist and flavorful. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds a burst of freshness and vibrancy to the stuffing.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and brown slightly, about 5-7 more minutes.
- Stir in the sage, thyme, pepper, and salt. Cook for another minute to allow the herbs to bloom.
Assembling the Stuffing:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked vegetables with the cubed bread.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring gently until the bread is moistened but not soggy.
- Stir in the parsley and nuts (if using).
Baking the Stuffing:
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. Check occasionally and stir to ensure even cooking.
Tips for the Perfect Stuffing:
- Bread Choice: Day-old bread is ideal as it absorbs the broth better without becoming mushy.
- Broth Options: Experiment with different types of broth – turkey broth, vegetable broth, or even a combination.
- Herbs and Spices: Feel free to customize the herbs and spices to your liking. Consider adding a pinch of rosemary or a dash of nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing mixture ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your stuffing hot alongside your Thanksgiving turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
This Thanksgiving stuffing recipe is guaranteed to be a hit! Enjoy creating this flavorful dish and sharing it with loved ones this Thanksgiving. Happy cooking!
