This buttery Thanksgiving stuffing is the star of the holiday table! It’s made with soft bread, rich butter, and tasty spices that warm your heart.
Let’s face it, who doesn’t love a scoop (or two) of stuffing next to the turkey? I always make extra because it disappears faster than dessert! 😄
I enjoy adding diced apples or cranberries for a sweet twist. It’s super easy to prepare, and it fills your kitchen with a cozy aroma that makes everyone hungry!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: For this recipe, I love using French bread for its texture, but you can use any bread, like sourdough or even whole wheat, for a heartier flavor. Just make sure it’s a bit stale—fresh bread can get too soggy.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best here, allowing you to control the saltiness. If you’re looking for a lower fat option, try using olive oil instead, but you won’t get that rich buttery flavor. Grass-fed butter also adds a nice, creamy taste!
Onion & Celery: These are classic base flavors for stuffing. If you’re not an onion fan, you could substitute with leeks or shallots. Green onions can work too, giving it a milder taste.
Herbs: Fresh herbs really enhance the flavor. If you don’t have fresh sage or thyme, using dried is perfectly fine; just use less since dried herbs are more concentrated. Dried rosemary can also add a lovely touch.
Chicken Broth: For a vegetarian option, replace it with vegetable broth. Homemade broth can make a big difference in taste, but store-bought works in a pinch too!
How Do I Ensure My Stuffing is Perfectly Moist?
Getting the right moisture level in your stuffing is key to success! Too little broth makes it dry, while too much can turn it into soup. Here are some tips:
- Start with 2 1/2 cups of broth and mix it in gradually. You want the bread to soak up the moisture but not drown in it.
- Look for a wet but not soggy texture. The bread should hold its shape without falling apart.
- If you’re unsure, you can bake a small spoonful in the oven to test the texture before baking the whole dish.
Using these guidelines will help you create stuffing that’s just the right balance of crispy on top and moist inside. Enjoy preparing for Thanksgiving!
Buttery Thanksgiving Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 loaf (about 1 pound) French bread or white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups yellow onion, finely chopped (about 2 medium onions)
- 1 1/2 cups celery, finely chopped (about 3 stalks)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried sage)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (as needed)
- 2 large eggs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare and bake. You’ll spend around 30 minutes prepping the bread and veggies, followed by 30 minutes of baking covered, and an additional 15-20 minutes uncovered to get that perfect crispy top.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread Cubes:
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the bread cubes out on a large baking sheet. Bake them for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until they are dried out but not browned. Once done, take them out and let them cool.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, cooking until they’re soft and translucent, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes with the cooked vegetable mixture (including the butter). Add in the chopped fresh parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything gently until mixed well.
4. Add Broth and Eggs:
Gently beat the eggs and add them to the bowl. Pour in the chicken broth, starting with 2 1/2 cups and adding more if needed. Stir gently as you go. You want the mixture to be moist but not soggy; aim for a texture where the bread holds together but feels moist.
5. Bake the Stuffing:
Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stuffing mixture into a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Make sure to cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
6. Finish Baking:
Bake the stuffing covered for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is crisp and golden brown.
7. Serve:
Once baked, garnish with fresh thyme or sage leaves if you’d like. Serve warm alongside your Thanksgiving turkey and gravy, and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Dig into your deliciously warm and buttery Thanksgiving stuffing—crispy on top and soft inside. It’s a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast!
Can I Use a Different Type of Bread?
Absolutely! While French bread gives a great texture, you can use any bread you prefer, such as sourdough, whole wheat, or even cornbread for a different flavor profile. Just be sure it’s slightly stale to avoid sogginess.
Can I Prepare This Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance! Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before putting it in the oven.
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffing?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing. To reheat, add a splash of broth for moisture and warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Stuffing Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add extra veggies like mushrooms or carrots for more depth of flavor.
