Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing

Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing is the perfect side dish for any holiday feast. With a buttery and savory base, fresh herbs, and tender vegetables, this stuffing is baked until golden and crispy. The combination of soft bread, sautéed onions, celery, and aromatic herbs makes it a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving dinner. Whether served alongside turkey or enjoyed on its own, this stuffing will be the star of your holiday meal!

INGREDIENTS

• Unsalted butter: 1 cup, for a rich, buttery base in the stuffing.
• Day-old white French bread (diced): 1 lb, to give structure and absorb the flavorful broth.
• Celery (diced): 1 ½ cups, for a crisp, slightly sweet flavor.
• Vidalia or yellow onion (diced): 1 large, for a sweet and savory base flavor.
• Parsley (finely chopped): ⅔ cup, for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• Fresh sage (minced): ¼ cup, for an earthy, aromatic taste.
• Rosemary (minced): 3 tbsp, to add a piney fragrance and flavor.
• Fresh thyme (minced): 2 tbsp, for a savory and slightly floral note.
• Salt: 1 tsp, to season the stuffing.
• Pepper: 1 tsp, for a touch of heat and flavor.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: 2 ½ cups, to add moisture and flavor without overpowering the stuffing.
• Large eggs: 2, to bind the stuffing and help it set while baking.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 250°F. Arrange the bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes to dry out.

Step 2:

Increase the oven temperature to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 3:

Melt ¾ cup butter in a skillet. Sauté the onion and celery until soft and slightly browned, about 10 minutes.

Step 4:

Add the sautéed vegetables to the bread in a large bowl. Stir in herbs, salt, pepper, and 1 ¼ cups of chicken broth.

Step 5:

Whisk eggs with the remaining chicken broth in a small bowl, then add to the bread mixture. Stir to combine.

Step 6:

Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and dot with remaining butter.

Step 7:

Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 40 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Step 8:

Serve warm and enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve the stuffing warm as a side dish with your holiday roast or turkey.
• If preparing ahead, assemble the stuffing and refrigerate it before baking. Bake it the day of your meal for a fresh, warm side.

Helpful Notes

• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• If you prefer a crispier stuffing, leave the foil off for the last 20 minutes of baking.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Ina Garten suggests using a mix of white bread and cornbread for added texture and flavor in stuffing.

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