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.