Perfect Homemade Stuffing

Perfect Homemade Stuffing: A Thanksgiving Essential

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of homemade stuffing wafting through the kitchen. This perfect blend of bread, vegetables, herbs, and spices has a way of transforming ordinary meals into cherished memories. While stuffing is a staple in many Thanksgiving feasts, its versatility makes it a perfect choice for any gathering. Whether you serve it as a side dish for Sunday dinners or pile it high on your holiday table, this recipe has earned a special place in my heart.

Why Make This Recipe

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets this homemade stuffing apart is its delightful balance of textures and flavors. Crafted meticulously from day-old bread, sautéed vegetables, and aromatic herbs, it’s a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and budget-friendly. Each bite brings together the crunch of nuts, the sweetness of dried fruit, and a hint of warmth from the spices. It’s a celebration of flavors that everyone at your table will love!

“This stuffing was the highlight of our Thanksgiving dinner! The blend of herbs and sausage added such depth of flavor. I can’t wait to make it again!” – A happy reader

How to Make Perfect Homemade Stuffing

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Preparing this perfect homemade stuffing is as simple as it is gratifying! You’ll start by prepping your ingredients and then layer each component with care. The result? A deliciously moist stuffing with a golden-brown crust that no one can resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather Your Ingredients

To create this delicious stuffing, here’s everything you’ll need:

• 12 cups day-old bread (sourdough or French bread, cubed)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried sage
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 to 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled (or omit for a vegetarian version)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

As a quick note, feel free to customize your choice of bread or nuts based on personal preferences!

Step-by-Step Directions

Cooking Steps

1. Prepare the Bread: Begin by spreading your cubed bread on a baking sheet. Let it dry out for a few hours or toast it lightly in the oven for a crispier texture.

2. Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon. Add the crumbled sausage, nuts, and dried fruit.

4. Moisten the Mixture: Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring gently until everything is evenly moistened. You want a consistency that isn’t too soggy but nicely coated.

5. Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the stuffing into a greased baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown.

6. Serve: Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the delightful flavors!

Serving Suggestions

Best Way to Serve

This perfect homemade stuffing pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a savory vegetable medley. Consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravy for a true feast.

You can also sprinkle it with fresh herbs or serve it in a hollowed-out pumpkin for a festive touch!

How to Store

Best Way to Store Perfect Homemade Stuffing

If you have leftovers (and that’s a big “if” when it tastes this good!), let the stuffing cool completely before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffing for up to 2 months. Just remember to reheat it thoroughly before serving—safe food handling is essential!

Expert Advice

Pro Chef Tips

• Bread Choice: Opt for artisan bread like sourdough or French. The denser the bread, the better it absorbs the flavors.
• Customization: Don’t be afraid to add your favorite ingredients, like chopped apples or fresh herbs, to give it a personal twist.
• Broth Variations: Using homemade broth can elevate the flavors even further, enhancing the overall dish.

Creative Twists

Flavor Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun twists on the classic recipe:

• Mediterranean Style: Swap out nuts for olives and add feta cheese for a savory kick.
• Southwestern Flair: Incorporate jalapeños, corn, and black beans for a zesty version.
• Herbs Galore: Try a mixture of fresh and dried herbs for depth of flavor.

FAQs

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this stuffing?
Preparation takes about 15-20 minutes, and baking adds another 50 minutes. It’s perfect for getting prepped while your turkey cooks!

Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in the fridge and reheat it prior to serving.

What can I substitute for the sausage?
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or extra veggies.

With this recipe, not only will you impress your family and friends, but you’ll also create a comforting dish that’s sure to become a staple at your gatherings. Happy cooking!

Perfect Homemade Stuffing

---

• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian (optional)

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This perfect blend of bread, vegetables, herbs, and spices transforms ordinary meals into cherished memories. A Thanksgiving essential.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 cups day-old bread (sourdough or French bread, cubed)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried sage
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 to 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled (or omit for a vegetarian version)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Spread your cubed bread on a baking sheet and let it dry out for a few hours or toast it lightly in the oven.
2. Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine dried bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon. Add the crumbled sausage, nuts, and dried fruit.
4. Moisten the Mixture: Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring gently until everything is evenly moistened.
5. Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the stuffing into a greased baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve: Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving and enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to customize your choice of bread or nuts based on personal preferences. Can be made a day in advance and reheated.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: stuffing, Thanksgiving, holiday recipe, side dish, comfort food