Perfect Homemade Stuffing

Perfect Homemade Stuffing is a classic and comforting side dish made with bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, flavorful herbs, and rich broth. This traditional stuffing is moist on the inside with a golden, crispy top. It’s the ideal companion for Thanksgiving turkey, holiday dinners, or any meal that calls for a delicious and savory side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic flavor with fresh herbs and vegetables
• Moist, fluffy interior with a crispy golden top
• Easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients
• Perfect for holiday dinners and special occasions
• Can be made ahead and reheated

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 loaf (16 ounces) bread, cubed (French, sourdough, or white bread)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (more as needed)
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Directions

Prepare the Bread Cubes

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toast the Bread:
   • Spread bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet.
   • Toast in the oven for 10-15 minutes until dry and slightly golden.
   • Alternatively, leave the bread out overnight to dry.

Sauté the Vegetables

1. Cook the Veggies:
   • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Add chopped onion and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
   • Stir in minced garlic, thyme, sage, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Mix the Stuffing

1. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables.
2. Add Broth and Eggs:
   • Pour in chicken broth and stir until bread is evenly moistened.
   • Mix in beaten eggs to help bind the stuffing.

Bake the Stuffing

1. Transfer to Baking Dish:
   • Spread the stuffing mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Bake:
   • Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
3. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Sausage Stuffing: Add 1 pound of cooked and crumbled sausage to the stuffing mixture.
• Apple and Cranberry Stuffing: Mix in 1 cup of diced apples and 1/2 cup dried cranberries for a sweet and savory twist.
• Cornbread Stuffing: Replace half of the bread cubes with cornbread for a Southern-inspired dish.
• Mushroom Stuffing: Add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Stuffing: Use gluten-free bread and ensure the broth is gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze stuffing in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, adding a bit of broth if needed to keep it moist.

FAQs

1. What type of bread is best for stuffing?

Sturdy bread like French bread, sourdough, or a white country loaf works well. Avoid overly soft bread as it can become mushy.

2. Can I make stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the stuffing and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. How do I keep my stuffing from getting soggy?

Toast the bread well and add broth gradually, mixing until the bread is moist but not overly wet.

4. Can I use store-bought bread cubes?

Yes, pre-packaged stuffing cubes work well and save time.

5. Should I bake stuffing covered or uncovered?

Bake covered for the first 30 minutes to keep it moist, then uncovered to crisp up the top.

6. Can I make this stuffing in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.

7. What herbs are best for stuffing?

Fresh thyme, sage, and parsley add classic stuffing flavor, but you can also use rosemary or marjoram.

8. Can I add eggs to stuffing?

Yes, eggs help bind the stuffing and give it a richer texture.

9. How do I keep stuffing warm before serving?

Cover with foil and keep in a warm oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve.

10. Can I stuff this stuffing inside a turkey?

Yes, but ensure the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

Conclusion

Perfect Homemade Stuffing is a must-have side dish for any holiday meal. With its rich, savory flavors and blend of tender bread cubes and aromatic herbs, this stuffing brings warmth and comfort to your table. Whether you keep it traditional or add your own twist, this easy-to-make stuffing is sure to become a favorite part of your holiday menu. Enjoy this delicious, crowd-pleasing dish with your family and friends!

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