Ah, Thanksgiving! The air is crisp, the leaves are turning to brilliant shades of red and gold, and there’s a cozy vibe that can only mean one thing: it’s time to gather around the table with loved ones and indulge in all the deliciousness that the season has to offer. For me, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without the warm, savory embrace of the Best Thanksgiving Stuffing. It’s a dish that holds so many cherished memories, from childhood dinners where my grandmother would whip up her famous stuffing, to now, where I’ve added my own little spins to make it uniquely mine.

Every bite is a symphony of flavor—think buttery bread, fragrant herbs, and a depth of richness that will make your taste buds dance. Whether it’s tucked inside a golden-brown turkey or served as a standout side dish, this stuffing is the heart of my Thanksgiving feast. Now, let’s dive into the recipe that I know you’ll love just as much!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and straightforward—perfect for cooks of all skill levels!
• Comforting flavors that evoke the warmth of family traditions.
• Customizable to fit your taste—add your favorite ingredients!
• Perfect make-ahead option, saving you time on the big day.

Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients. I like to keep things fresh and simple, so here’s what you’ll need:

• 10 cups of cubed day-old bread (preferably sourdough or French bread)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), divided
• 2 cups chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
• 2 teaspoons dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 cup cooked sausage or bacon for extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps and you’ll have stuffing that’ll make everyone ask for seconds.

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C), so it’s nice and hot when we’re ready to bake.
2. Prep your bread: If your bread isn’t already stale, cut it into cubes and leave it out for a few hours to dry. You want them to be nice and firm, absorbing just the right amount of broth without drowning.
3. Cook the veggies: In a large skillet, melt ½ cup (1 stick) of butter over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion and celery, and cook until softened—about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic, sage, thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Ah, can you smell that? Delicious!
4. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, the sautéed vegetable mixture, and any optional sausage or bacon you might like to add. Gently toss until everything is evenly distributed.
5. Add liquid gold: Pour in the broth slowly, mixing gently. You want the bread to be moist but not soggy—add more broth if needed. The texture should be soft and pillowy! Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bind it together: Add the beaten eggs and mix well. The eggs help to bind everything together and give it that lovely, custardy texture.
7. Transfer to a baking dish: Grease a large baking dish with the remaining butter and pour in your stuffing mixture. Spread it evenly. Melt any leftover butter and drizzle it over the top for that beautiful golden crust.
8. Bake to perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be enough to make your mouth water!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve got the basic stuffing down, let’s have a little fun with it! Here are some tips and variations you can try to make this stuffing uniquely yours:

• Spice it up: Add some heat with diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Fruit & Nuts: Throw in some dried cranberries or apricots for sweetness, and add walnuts or pecans for crunch.
• Herb Swap: If you’re not fond of a particular herb, feel free to swap it out for others like dill or tarragon.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread and broth to accommodate dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes time to serve, I love to heap this stuffing onto a plate alongside roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and a generous ladle of gravy. Just imagine it—a forkful of tender stuffing paired with a slice of juicy turkey and a drizzle of gravy. You can also serve stuffing as a standalone dish, with a fresh salad on the side and a glass of apple cider to complement the flavors. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep that Thanksgiving goodness going:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
• Freeze: You can freeze stuffing for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Reheat: Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating it in the oven. Cover with foil to avoid drying out, and add a little broth if necessary.

Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the baking step a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When it’s time to bake, it might need an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven if it’s cold, but it’ll be so worth it!

What can I use instead of bread?

If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, you can use rice, quinoa, or even cornbread as a base! They all work beautifully to soak up the flavors and create a delightful texture.

Is it possible to serve stuffing outside the turkey?

Definitely! While stuffing your turkey is traditional, you can bake your stuffing in a separate dish. This actually allows for more crispy edges, which is a delightful treat!

Can I change the herbs and spices?

Of course! This recipe is super flexible. Feel free to use whatever herbs you love—thyme, oregano, basil, or even some Italian seasoning. The stuffing is all about your personal touch.

Conclusion

There you have it, my dear friend! Your journey to the Best Thanksgiving Stuffing is complete, and I can already imagine the smiles and contented sighs around your table. I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it brings me and becomes a comforting part of your holiday traditions.

Be sure to let me know how it turns out for you or if you put your own twist on it. Happy cooking and happy Thanksgiving!

Ultimate Thanksgiving Stuffing Best Recipes to Impress

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• Author: mery
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Discover the ultimate Thanksgiving stuffing with our best recipes to impress your guests Elevate your feast with these delicious stuffing techniques

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

10 cups of cubed day-old bread (preferably sourdough or French bread)

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), divided

2 cups chopped onion

1 cup chopped celery

4 cloves of garlic, minced

2 teaspoons dried sage

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: 1 cup cooked sausage or bacon

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

If bread isn’t stale, cut it into cubes and leave it to dry.

Melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat and cook chopped onion and celery until softened. Add garlic and herbs, cooking until fragrant.

Combine cubed bread, sautéed vegetables, and optional sausage or bacon.

Pour in broth slowly while mixing gently. Season with salt and pepper.

Mix in beaten eggs.

Transfer to a greased baking dish, drizzle with melted butter.

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 220 calories
• Sugar: 1 gram
• Fat: 12 grams
• Saturated Fat: 12 grams
• Carbohydrates: 24 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 6 grams

Keywords: Thanksgiving, stuffing, recipe, holiday, side dish