Get ready to transform your holiday meal with the most mouthwatering, flavor-packed stuffing that will have your guests begging for seconds! This classic American recipe is more than just a side dish – it's a culinary tradition that brings warmth, comfort, and pure deliciousness to your table. Imagine perfectly seasoned bread cubes, aromatic herbs, and tender vegetables baked to golden perfection – this is the stuffing that will become the star of your Thanksgiving feast!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf bread, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Cut the loaf of bread into small, uniform cubes, approximately 1/2 inch in size. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and let them dry out at room temperature for about 1 hour, or use day-old bread for better texture.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, sautéing until the vegetables become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add sage and thyme to the skillet, stirring to distribute the herbs evenly with the vegetables. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to release the herbs' aromatic oils.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes with the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture. Gently toss to ensure even distribution.
- Gradually pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture, stirring carefully to moisten the bread without making it soggy. The bread should be damp but not soaked.
- Season the stuffing with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the top to become golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the stuffing to set.
Tips
- Use day-old bread or slightly stale bread cubes for the best texture. Fresh bread can become too soggy, while slightly dry bread absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Take your time when sautéing vegetables – letting them become soft and translucent releases their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the stuffing.
- Be careful not to oversaturate the bread with chicken broth. Add it gradually and mix gently to achieve the perfect moisture level.
- For extra flavor, consider adding some crispy bacon bits or chopped herbs like fresh parsley to the mix.
- If you prefer a crispier top, remove the foil a bit earlier and let the stuffing brown to your desired level of golden crunchiness.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile – feel free to customize with additional herbs or ingredients like dried cranberries or chopped nuts for a unique twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
