Traditional Stuffing Recipe: A Thanksgiving Classic
Thanksgiving wouldn't be the same without a warm, savory bowl of stuffing. This traditional stuffing recipe is perfect for your holiday gathering, offering a classic taste that everyone will love. It's easy to follow, uses readily available ingredients, and is easily adaptable to your personal preferences. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings of delicious stuffing. Adjust quantities as needed depending on your guest count.
- 1 loaf (16 ounces) of crusty bread: Day-old bread is ideal, but you can use fresh bread as well. Just be sure to let it dry out slightly before using. Cubing the bread evenly is key for even cooking.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter: Real butter makes all the difference in flavor. Don't skimp on this ingredient!
- 1 large onion, chopped: Yellow onion is traditional, but you can experiment with other types for a unique flavor twist.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Celery adds a wonderful aromatic crunch.
- 2 carrots, chopped: Adds sweetness and color.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic boosts the savory flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon dried sage: Sage is a classic stuffing herb. Don't be afraid to add more if you love sage!
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme adds depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Rosemary complements the other herbs beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to your taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is best.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Use low sodium broth to control salt content. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley: Parsley adds freshness and vibrancy. (Optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare the Bread: Cube the bread into approximately 1-inch pieces. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and let them dry out slightly in a low oven (around 200°F) for about 15-20 minutes. This prevents a soggy stuffing. Alternatively, you can let the bread sit out uncovered overnight.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, sage, thyme, and rosemary and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, salt, and pepper. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring gently to evenly moisten the bread. Don't overmix; you want some texture.
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Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through and the stuffing is golden brown. For extra crispiness, remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
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Garnish and Serve: Stir in the fresh parsley (if using) before serving. Serve the stuffing hot alongside your Thanksgiving turkey and other favorite dishes.
Tips and Variations:
- Add protein: Consider adding cooked sausage, ground meat, or even leftover cooked chicken or turkey for extra heartiness.
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and flavor.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like marjoram or oregano.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the stuffing ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Enjoy this timeless Thanksgiving tradition! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Happy Thanksgiving!
