This buttery Thanksgiving stuffing is a warm, cozy dish that everyone will love. Made with fresh bread, savory herbs, and a touch of butter, it’s a true holiday treat!
I like to add some diced apple for a sweet surprise. Trust me, it makes the stuffing extra special! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, so you’ll have more time for family fun.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Day-old Bread: Use rustic white bread or sourdough for great texture. Can’t find day-old? Fresh bread is fine; just toast it a bit longer to dry it out. Whole grain or gluten-free bread can also work depending on your dietary needs.
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness, but if you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute with olive oil or coconut oil. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like sage and thyme provide great flavor. If fresh isn’t available, dried herbs work well too, just use about one-third of the dried herb amounts. I love adding a touch of rosemary for an extra layer of flavor!
Broth: Chicken broth is traditional but feel free to use vegetable broth if you’re keeping it meat-free. Homemade broth can enhance flavor, but store-bought works great too when you’re short on time.
How Do I Make Sure My Stuffing Isn’t Soggy?
Getting the right moisture level in your stuffing is key! To avoid sogginess, start by toasting the bread cubes. Here’s how:
- Spread the bread evenly on a baking sheet and toast for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until they’re slightly golden.
- When mixing the broth, add it gradually, tossing after each addition. This helps you gauge the moisture better.
- A good rule of thumb is to stop adding broth when the bread is just moistened, ensuring it absorbs the liquid without becoming mushy.
Remember, a crispy top is the ultimate goal, so don’t skip the final uncovered baking step!
Buttery Thanksgiving Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 10 cups day-old bread cubes (preferably a rustic white bread or sourdough)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (or 2 tsp dried sage)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2-3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth), warmed
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and 45 minutes for cooking, so in total, plan for about 1 hour. It’s super simple, and soon you’ll have a delicious stuffing ready to impress your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the stuffing.
2. Toast the Bread
Spread out those bread cubes on a baking sheet. Pop them into the oven for about 10-15 minutes until they’re a little golden and dry. This is an important step to help prevent soggy stuffing!
3. Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in your chopped onion, celery, and garlic, cooking them until soft and aromatic—this should take about 7-10 minutes.
4. Add the Herbs
Next, stir in the chopped herbs: parsley, sage, and thyme. This will bring out wonderful fragrances, making your kitchen smell like Thanksgiving!
5. Combine Everything
Place your toasted bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot vegetable and herb butter mixture over the bread and toss gently until everything is nicely combined.
6. Season the Mixture
Add salt, pepper, and if you like, the optional poultry seasoning. Mix well, making sure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
7. Add the Broth
Now, slowly pour in the warm broth, bit by bit, tossing the mixture gently each time. You want the bread to be moistened but not swimming in liquid—about 2 to 3 cups should do!
8. Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the stuffing evenly in your prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s well distributed for even cooking.
9. Bake the Stuffing
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for another 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown, crispy top!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, if you’d like, garnish with some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm alongside your Thanksgiving feast and enjoy the rich, buttery goodness of your homemade stuffing!
This recipe will bring warmth and classic flavor to your holiday table! Happy Thanksgiving!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Bread for This Stuffing?
Absolutely! Just ensure the gluten-free bread you choose is sturdy enough to hold up when mixed with the broth. Toasting the bread cubes will help maintain a good texture, too.
How Can I Make This Stuffing Vegan?
You can easily make this stuffing vegan by substituting the unsalted butter with vegan butter or olive oil and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It’ll still be delicious and full of flavor!
Can I Prepare This Stuffing the Day Before?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance! Just follow the recipe up to the point of transferring it to the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. The next day, you can bake it straight from the fridge; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
What Are Some Good Add-Ins for This Stuffing?
Feel free to get creative! You can add diced apples or pears for a sweet element, chopped nuts for some crunch, or even dried cranberries for a touch of tartness. Just keep the total volume similar to ensure the texture remains consistent.
