Are you ready to unlock the secret to the most mouthwatering, soul-warming stuffing recipe that has been passed down through generations? Grandma Johnson's legendary stuffing is more than just a side dish—it's a culinary hug that transforms your holiday table into a memories-filled feast. With its perfect balance of crispy edges, tender center, and aromatic herbs, this recipe isn't just cooking; it's creating a delicious piece of family history that will have everyone asking for seconds (and begging for the recipe)!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Take the loaf of bread and cut it into small, uniform cubes, approximately 1/2 inch in size. Spread the bread cubes on a large baking sheet and let them dry out at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure a better texture.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the sage, salt, and pepper to the sautéed vegetables, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Gently toss to ensure even distribution.
- Slowly pour the vegetable broth over the bread mixture, stirring carefully to moisten the bread without making it soggy. The bread should be damp but not saturated.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and loosely to allow for proper heat circulation.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to create a crispy, golden-brown top.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the texture to set.
Tips
- Bread Matters: Use day-old bread or let your cubes dry out for the best texture. Fresh bread can make your stuffing soggy.
- Don't Overwork the Mix: Gently toss ingredients to keep the stuffing light and fluffy, not dense and compact.
- Moisture is Key: Add broth gradually and stop when the bread is just moistened—you want damp, not drowning.
- For Extra Flavor: Consider adding some crispy bacon, dried cranberries, or chopped chestnuts for a personal twist.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the stuffing rest after baking to allow flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly.Pro Tip: This stuffing freezes beautifully! Make ahead and reheat for stress-free holiday cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
